UK renter takes dlivery of JCB platinum loader

The Platinum Edition JCB backhoe loader. (Photo: JCB)

K-Plant Hire, a UK-based rental company and groundworks contractor, has become one of the first company’s to take delivery of the Platinum Edition JCB backhoe loader.

The loader is a special edition model that JCB has launched to mark the 70th anniversary of its first delivery.

K-Plant said it will deploy the loader, which has been delivered by TC Harrison JCB, in its operator training business in Sheffield. Here it will be used to develop the skills of young plant operators in training.

The JCB Platinum Edition model features servo excavator controls, powerslide, air conditioning and bi-directional auxiliary flow hydraulics.

In the cab there is an embroidered graphic in the carpet and upgraded seat material with 70th anniversary branding, along with a steering wheel centre cap featuring the 70th logo.

JCB said the specifications of the machine means it offers operators a “simple to use unit” in an era where the UK faces a skills shortage with fewer young operators entering the industry.

Mark Kay, owner, K-Plant Hire, said described the machine as a versatile unit that can carry out a number of jobs on site; “They have plenty of power, they’re comfortable, the durability is excellent. It’s simply a great all-round machine so we feel it is really important that operators entering the industry develop the skills to operate them, including the servo controls, and can truly maximise their potential.

“We were delighted to secure one of these limited-edition models as it stands out from the crowd and gives us something rare and different in the fleet. The machine definitely looks the part when training and gives us a high specification machine that is perfect to get the youngsters trained up on.”