by Richard Cosgrove | Fri 05 Jun 2026
JJ Sugrue takes first machines from Tobin Plant
Established plant hire and contracting business JJ Sugrue is the first customer to take two Hyundai mini excavators from recently appointed Hyundai compact dealer Tobin Plant. The Suffolk company is no stranger to the Hyundai brand, with more than 40 of the machines in its extensive fleet of equipment. The latest additions are one of the first HX10A Z micro excavators in the UK and a 3.8-tonne HX35A Z.
With a fleet of excavators from 1-25 tonnes, Sugrue has added more than 50 machines to its fleet over the last 12 months, in response to increased demand from customers in various industry sectors. The nearby Sizewell C power station project has naturally led to an increased workload, but the company is also seeing growth in other areas.
“We’re still busy with housing, while highways and water work are still good,” said Tim Sugrue, General Manager.
This continued expansion has led to the construction of extensive new purpose-built head office buildings, close to the A12 in Stratford St Andrew. Initially an owner operator business, started by Jerry Sugrue in 2006, the company has grown to more than 200 machines and a staff in excess of 80 people.
The two new Hyundais will fulfil different roles within the fleet, with the larger HX35A Z proving a popular choice with housebuilding customers in particular. While a smaller 2.5-tonne machine is towable behind a van or pick-up, the HX35AZ is a much more powerful proposition.
“The 3.5-tonne mini is a very good hire machine, there is a big difference in performance from the 2.5-tonne model,” said Mr Sugrue. “It’s a much better machine for longer jobs.”
The HX35A Z is powered by an 18.5kW (25.2hp) Stage V diesel engine. A zero-tail swing design, the compact machine boasts a full-size ROPS/TOPS cab, with plenty of space for operators. Boom, arm and dozer blade safety valves are standard, along with two-way auxiliary hydraulics and a float function for the four-way blade.
The recently launched HX10A Z also boasts a zero-tail design, with a retractable undercarriage permitting access through a 730mm doorway. This extends to 1,110mm to provide stability when digging and lifting. Powered by a 7.6kW (10.35hp) diesel engine, the compact machine runs twin 10.4litre/min hydraulic pumps, to deliver class-leading bucket and arm breakout forces.
“It is more of a weekend machine, but we will also use the HX10A Z on our jobs, particularly where access is important,” said Mr Sugrue. “We have had to lift the machine into jobs to gain access.”
The company has worked with Tobin Plant in the past and was pleased to see the collaboration between business owner Simon Tobin and Hyundai develop.
“It’s really good to see Simon getting the Hyundai compact equipment dealership,” said Mr Sugrue. “We’ve known him for a long time and we can be sure that we will get the back-up that we need.”
“I’m delighted to be able to reconnect with a leading plant company like Sugrue,” said Simon Tobin.
“We are introducing a much stronger Hyundai brand to plant businesses and contractors throughout East Anglia, with a full line of compact excavators and a growing range of compact construction equipment. We have increasing stock and extensive back-up available throughout our territory and companies like Sugrue can be assured that one call and we will get the job done.”
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