Magnificent seven JCBs for highways hire firm
A Somerset-based construction firm has ordered a further three new JCB 3CX Compact models after the outstanding performance of its first four models.
Connor Construction (Southwest) Ltd, which specialises in the hire of plant and labour to the UK and global highways industry, initially ordered four of the brand new JCB backhoe loaders from dealer Holt JCB in Summer 2016. The company was so impressed by the performance of the new 3CX Compact models, that is has now added a further three to its fleet.
Connor Construction (Southwest) Ltd’s Director and Founder, Ian Webb said: “We selected JCB because in our mind they truly are the only machine for the job when it comes to road maintenance work. In particular, the new 3CX Compact appealed because of the quality of the backhoe operation, an impressive turning circle and versatility of the machine. They perform far better than any competitive equipment we have used to date.
“These latest models are the best we have driven. The turning circle is even tighter and the inclusion of excavator controls is excellent – our experienced drivers are finding them really easy to use. We genuinely believe the JCB 3CX Compact is the only machine on the market suitable for the demands of the highways industry.”
The brand new JCB 3CX Compact is the perfect machine for road resurfacing and repair contractors, designed to work in the confines of congested urban construction projects.
It is powered by a low emission Tier 4 Final/Stage IIIB JCB Diesel by Kohler engine, delivering 74hp (55kW). This highly efficient engine meets both US and European emissions standards without the need for a costly diesel particulate filter (DPF) or any exhaust after-treatment or exhaust fluid.
The engine drives through a three-speed hydrostatic transmission to all four wheels, for maximum traction in difficult site conditions. The hydrostatic transmission offers a 40km/h top speed for travel between sites. The transmission also features a creep mode, allowing the operator to run at high engine rpm to power high-flow attachments such as road planers, with maximum travel speeds of just 3.5km/h.
An exceptional turning circle of 5.8m braked to the outside of the wheels (6.7m unbraked) makes the machine highly manoeuvrable and easy to operate in tight urban site conditions and capable of turning within a single carriageway. Excavator-style controls are standard in the 3CX Compact, reducing operator effort and increasing controllability.
Connor Construction (Southwest) Ltd was founded by Ian Webb in 2008, building on over 25 year’s experience in the highways sector and now operates across the UK and internationally with projects both in Europe and as far as the Falkland Isles.
The company has grown significantly, now employing over 100 people. It offers a large fleet of class-leading equipment including pavers, chippers, rollers and low loaders, which can be hired with or without operators along with tanker sprayer services.
All hire equipment is supported and managed by the team at its Head Office in Frome, Somerset. In addition, the company provides skilled operatives to compliment a customer’s existing gang, a full hand-lay gang, a complete machine-lay or chipping crew, site supervision or any other combination of proven, high-calibre personnel.
All employees are fully CSCS compliant and hold EPIC cards for their plant. Connor Construction (Southwest) Ltd works with the MPQPC and its staff are qualified to the highest standards, including: NPORS, NVQ2, NVQ 3, Sector Scheme 12 and Streetworks.