by Harry Hunter | Wed 09 Sep 2026
Champion Hire acquire 100th Kubota U27-4
Champion Hire has taken delivery of its 100th Kubota U27-4 mini excavator, as the plant hire company continues to invest in its fleet and infrastructure.
Founded with a single outlet in Sheffield in 1968, Champion Hire now operates a network of depots along the M1-A1 corridor. The company recently completed a management buy-out led by Adam Langham and Kevin O’Connor, with the change of ownership supporting further investment across the business.
Champion Hire has worked with Kubota supplying dealer BTE Plant Sales since 2001, when it purchased its first mini excavator, a Kubota K008. This was followed by its first KX36 in 2003 and KX61-3 in 2005.
“Kubota was our choice for mini excavators due to its superior reputation with our customer base, who regard it as one of the most reliable in the field,” said director Adam Langham.
The 2.6-tonne U27-4 is a zero-tailswing excavator powered by a 15.6kW (21.6hp) diesel engine. With a maximum reach of 4.74m and digging depth of up to 2.82m, the machine is suited to a range of compact plant applications. Its size also allows customers to tow it to site behind a light commercial vehicle. Champion Hire’s management team includes founder member and managing director Keith White, finance director Kevin O’Connor and director of operations Adam Langham. Between them, they have more than 100 years of service with the company, while all of Champion Hire’s depot managers have been with the business for at least 20 years, with some exceeding 30 years. The company operates similarly structured depots, with trade counters supported by plant engineers, transport and sales teams. BTE provides warranty support for the Kubota mini excavators, while Champion Hire has its own service team to maintain the machines.
Langham has overseen more than £1m of investment during the past year, covering additional plant for the hire fleet and improvements to transport infrastructure. Champion Hire had grown to nine depots by 2008, before reducing its network to five outlets following the financial crisis. The subsequent restructuring allowed the business to focus on operational efficiencies, with turnover now back to a similar level to 2008 and profitability having increased.
“BTE are proud to have reached the milestone of supplying Champion with their 100th U27-4, a fantastic achievement that reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership,” said Dean Burgwin, sales director at BTE.
Subscribe to Earthmovers magazine NOW - 3 issues for just £3 - CLICK HERE