Leicester builder buys plant hire company

Leicester building contractor Iain Ralston was so impressed with the company he hired his Kubota mini excavators from, that he went out and bought it.

The owner of Ralston Properties has acquired former family-run Hi-Gear Services Ltd, which has been trading in the city since 1966.

Said Mr Ralston: “As a customer of Hi-Gear, over the years I have hired most of their equipment. When the opportunity came along recently to buy the business I considered it was an excellent way of diversifying my operations.”

Within weeks of taking over he has extended its all-Kubota mini excavator fleet with a new 2.7 tonne KX61-3.

The compact machine, supplied by local Kubota dealer, BTE Plant Sales, of Markfield, joins three 1.5 tonne KX36-3 machines and two 990kg U10-3 zero tail swing models.

The KX61-3 sets significant new standards in quality, performance, operator safety, reliability and comfort, outperforming all other mini excavators in its weight category.

It has a 4270 mm long arm fitted as standard to provide a maximum digging force of 14.7 kN (1500 kgf). The digging force of the bucket is 21.5 kN (2190 kgf). It has a minimum travelling speed of 2.8 km/h, with a maximum of 4.4 km/h.

Powered by the reliable Kubota V1505-EBH engine, providing economical and environmentally clean power, it is so fuel efficient that a full tank gives 10 hours of continuous work.

Mr Ralston said it was already in demand by customers, particularly for foundation work.

“As the owner of a hire company it’s a big advantage that I have also been a user of the equipment we stock. I know from my own first-hand experience that Kubota machines are a cracking bit of kit, which operators find easy and comfortable to use.”

Hi-Gear Services operates at the smaller end of the plant hire business, also stocking mini dumpers, skid steer loaders and a 75 drum road roller.

Its customers include small building contractors, local industrial businesses, hospitals and private householders.

As the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, Kubota provides the widest range of machines available from a single manufacturer, with models spanning the weight range from 850kg to 7.5 tonnes.

Kubota mini excavators have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and excellent resale values and their versatility makes them ideal for many different applications and end-users, from construction to landscaping and for plant hire companies to owner operators.

They are supported by a nationwide network of specialist appointed dealers across the UK and Ireland, together with Kubota’s own dedicated sales, parts and service teams.

Further details about the market-leading Kubota mini excavators range can be obtained from Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN. Tel: 01844 214500 Fax: 01844 216685. Email: enquiry@kubota.co.uk Web: www.kubota.co.uk

Building contractor Iain Ralston has acquired Leicester tool & plant hirer, Hi-Gear Services Ltd, which has recently upgraded its Kubota fleet of mini excavators with the very latest –3 series machines.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF:

Kubota (UK) Ltd –
Construction Equipment,
Dormer Road,
Thame,
Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN.
Tel: 01844 214500.
Fax: 01844 216685.
Email: richardh@kubota.co.uk
Contact: Richard Harrison,
Sales & Marketing Manager.

ISSUED BY:

Bird & Moore Ltd, Advertising,
Marketing and Public Relations,
The Old Vicarage,
26 Church Street, Uttoxeter,
Staffordshire, ST14 8AA.
Tel: 01889 565111.
Fax: 01889 565700.
Email: birdandmoore@btinternet.com
Contact: Neil Moore,
Managing Director