Leading hirer Arnold Plant has celebrated the 30th anniversary of its first JCB mini excavator purchase by investing in a new 19C-1E electric model.
Supplied by Gunn JCB, the new electric mini excavator is being used on local council cemetery projects where its ultra-quiet operation and zero emissions at point of use make it the ideal solution for this sensitive application.
The Stockport-based hire firm has a long history of adopting JCB product innovations, having bought JCB equipment since the early 1980s. Then in 1989 it became the first to take a fleet delivery of the first ever 1.5-tonne mini excavators, the JCB 801. Recently Arnold Plant Hire was able to repurchase serial number 001 which it loans to JCB and is currently on display at the JCB Compact Products factory in Cheadle, Staffordshire.
Arnold Plant Managing Director, Philip Oldham, said: “We’ve always embraced new products from JCB. Our founder Robin Arnold purchased ten of JCB’s first 801 mini excavators and we’ve followed this tradition by investing in one of the first electric mini excavators too.
“We wanted to offer our client base something different and we are committed to investing in and supporting new technology within our industry. The government has its own targets for zero emissions, so we want to play our part by offering products that help to achieve these goals. We have already converted our vehicle fleet to electric and this new JCB model is a great addition.
“The machine is performing well and early operator feedback is positive. It is highly productive and perfect for work in a cemetery environment as its near silent and fume-free operation means it can even continue to work during burial services on site. We also see great potential for the JCB 19C-1E in night-time and indoor applications going forward.”
Now in full production, global sales of the JCB 19C-1E are off to a flying start. The revolutionary machine is a staggering five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and can be fully charged in under two hours. The model is expected to be a big hit with companies working inside buildings and in emissions and noise-sensitive inner-city areas. Fully charged, the 19C-1E can put in a typical full day’s shift for a mini excavator.
Arnold Plant Hire is part of the Westgate Holdings Limited group of companies. It hires plant and machinery to the construction and general industry including foundries, recycling and manufacturing on long and short-term hires. The company runs over 600 machines, 90% of which are JCB including 13-20 tonne excavators, 9-20 tonne wheeled loading shovels, Loadall telescopic handlers, Teletruks, site dumpers and 3CX backhoe loaders.
