The six-machine order from Rocket Rentals marks one of the first orders of the new model – which is the smallest Loadall telescopic handler model ever produced by JCB . The Dursley-based firm has already taken delivery of two machines, with a further four to follow. Each is specified with air-conditioning and licensed for road use.
One has gone straight out on hire to Devizes–based construction firm Gaiger Bros Ltd, where it is working on a school renovation project in Warminster for a three-month period. Thanks to its width of just 1.56m, the JCB’s ability to travel through a narrow pass way at the entrance to the site makes it the only individual machine could perform this specific project.
Without it, the Rocket Rentals customer would have been forced to hire a high-masted forklift for handling the materials in their compound on a nearby sports field, and a compact dumper to take them through the pass way to the point of construction. The customer is delighted to save on the rental of a second machine and has also highlighted health and safety benefits - as the palletised loads carried by the 515-40 eradicate the manual handling of bricks that would have been necessary with the dumper option.
Further to this narrow width, the 515-40 model is just 1.8m high, 2.97m long and weighs less than 3.5 tonnes. Delivering powerful performance despite these compact dimensions the machine will bring the benefits of JCB’s market-leading Loadall range to previously inaccessible construction applications.
Rocket Rentals MD, Simon Tomblin said: “From first sight of the new 515-40 we recognised the great opportunities it presented – opening up niche markets and allowing us to offer something different from the competition. It is so compact and low that you can now do jobs not previously possible without losing the lift and reach capabilities that make telehandlers so popular in plant hire.
“Versatility is the key for us and this machine can handle general construction duties as well as appealing to the waste and recycling industry – giving us a good route into a potentially lucrative sector. With this in mind we have specified one of the machines with solid puncture resistant tyres. Another great feature is the compatibility with skid steer attachments such as sweepers, augers, buckets and forks - again creating up a significant number of possible hire applications.”
“This is another great machine from JCB to add to its extensive range of telehandlers. We chose JCB because it’s a great brand that is widely accepted on site and the machines are extremely reliable. It is these qualities which make JCB the best for materials handling.”
Founded in 2003, Rocket Rentals boasts a fleet of nearly 300 machines comprising 1-20 tonne excavators, dumpers, telehandlers and compaction equipment. Of this extensive lineup there are over 40 JCB Loadall telescopic handlers and an increasing percentage of JCB JS tracked excavators, including three new JS130 models.
At the heart of the JCB 515-40 is an innovative, patented chassis design. To achieve the lowest possible working height, JCB has challenged conventional design concepts to develop this unique, off-set, single-spine chassis with the machine’s cab then occupying the resulting space.
It features 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering and a hydrostatic transmission, designed for efficient manoeuvrability in the restricted spaces and difficult ground conditions often found on construction sites. Powered by a 50hp Deutz engine, the JCB model can handle a 1500kg payload at a 4-metre lift height. For added versatility it can be specified with a compact Loadall or skid steer Quickhitch, opening up a vast range of compatible attachments.
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