Yanmar SV26 unlocks Peterborough’s green potential

With green space in abundance, JC Garden Maintenance & Tree Care is thriving in Peterborough. The company recently added a Yanmar SV26 mini excavator to its fleet, transforming founder Jacob Crowson’s approach to landscaping and tree surgery.

Peterborough ranks among the UK’s greenest cities – with award-winning parks, nature reserves, and a council vision to become the UK’s Environment Capital. It’s also where JC Garden Maintenance is making its mark: improving gardens, clearing sites, and managing tree work across both domestic and commercial properties.

“I enjoy being out there, getting stuck in,” says Jacob. “It means I stay close to the work, keep standards high, and build real trust with the people I’m working for.”

Since launching the business in 2016, Jacob has deliberately stayed local – focusing on a 40-mile radius to improve access, streamline logistics, and grow a strong base of repeat customers. But with bigger jobs on the rise, it became clear he needed a machine that could keep pace. The solution? A Yanmar SV26 mini excavator, supplied by trusted local dealer Ben Burgess.

Real results on the ground

Since May, the SV26 has proved its worth on everything from tree surgery to foundation excavation. One standout project took Jacob to a luxury domestic property, where a new playground and outdoor gym were planned. With the excavator’s thumb grab in hand, trunk removal, root clearing and ground prep could be handled single-handedly – saving hours of manual labour.

“We cleared the whole area in about a day and a half,” Jacob explains. “What would’ve needed a small crew before is now a one-man job – with time to spare.”

That efficiency is paying off. Larger project scopes are welcomed rather than feared, and Jacob is winning contracts more confidently. “It means I can offer the same personal service, but on a grander scale,” he observes.

Rooted in the outdoors

It’s this kind of hands-on work that Jacob enjoys most. Long before starting the business, he trained in horticulture and spent time learning the ropes with landscapers and tree surgeons across the East of England; always happiest when outdoors and actively involved. “I’ve always preferred being outside – it keeps me focused,” he shares.

That practical, grounded approach has helped him earn a strong local reputation – from domestic gardens to naturalised commercial plots, each job delivered with care, attention, and a clear connection to the spaces he helps shape.

Comfort and control in the cab

As a sole trader often working long hours on site, operator comfort was a key consideration – and the SV26 didn’t disappoint. “The cabin space was a big plus,” says Jacob. “Some of the other machines I looked at felt really cramped, but the SV26 has loads of legroom, a proper suspension seat, and everything is where it should be.”

The ergonomic cab offers a commanding view of the jobsite, with smooth, responsive controls that make delicate operations – like root removal or tight-access digging – much easier. A 3.3” digital display provides real-time updates on fuel, engine temperature, service intervals and diagnostics – all at a glance.

Maintenance made simple

Managing his own business means Jacob is also responsible for keeping his equipment in top condition. Thanks to generous engine compartments, removable floor panels and accessible covers, daily checks are quick and straightforward. “Under the bonnet, everything is really easy to get to,” he says. “Filters, belts – all accessible from ground level. It’s built to be serviced, not worked around.”

For anything beyond routine checks, Jacob can turn to Ben Burgess – part of Yanmar’s UK dealer network since 2020. With decades of experience in equipment sales, servicing and support, and an expanded East Midlands territory that has included Peterborough since 2021, the dealership offers reliable local access to parts and technical expertise.

Looking ahead

With the SV26 now firmly part of his setup, Jacob is already planning the next upgrade. A Yanmar YB351 5-Tine Hydraulic Grab, which rotates 360 degrees, is top of the list – ideal for loading materials and moving waste even more efficiently.

Beyond attachments, he’s preparing for seasonal commercial contracts and larger domestic schemes – all while keeping his business model personal and focused. “It’s allowed me to scale up without losing that hands-on approach. I can take on more, without sacrificing quality or connection.”