by Richard Cosgrove | Tue 04 Nov 2025
M O’Brien Group freshens up with £4.5m Kobelco deal
To keep delivering quality for customers, M O’Brien Group has taken delivery of £4.5m worth of new Kobelco machinery from equipment supplier Molson Equipment.
The 32 new units have been purchased as part of the construction service provider’s fleet renewal programme, which will also see their legacy equipment sold off at auction. A strategic investment, it reinforces the business’s commitment to giving customers the highest level of service through collaboration and rigorous quality systems.
With a reputation for efficiency and innovative technologies, the Kobelco excavators will be used nationwide across the group’s plant hire and construction businesses. This includes civil engineering, demolition, aggregates, highways and crushing and screening projects.
Several SK210LC-11E models are entering the fleet. These medium-sized excavators have EU Stage V compliant engines with 127 kW/2,000 min-1 of power. A bucket capacity of 0.45m3 , a lift capacity of 11,820kg and maximum digging force of 143 kN (or 157 kN on power boost mode), they can handle heavy loads efficiently. Some of M O’Brien’s models have been fitted with long reach attachments to complete a wider range of tasks.
All of their Kobelco machines are equipped with Hill Engineering hydraulic couplers and Strickland Manufacturing buckets, ensuring complete reliability in demanding conditions. X-Watch safety solutions have also been installed on selected models to add an extra layer of protection alongside Kobelco's camera and display systems.
Nick Fitzpatrick, Managing Director for M O’Brien, said, “Delivery quality work safely is central to our reputation. After all, our motto is ‘taking safety forward’. This fleet replacement programme and the ongoing servicing support from Molson will help us continue this mission while also boosting our efficiency and on-site performance.
“The Kobelco models are both powerful and fuel efficient. This will help us get jobs done on time and on budget while meeting our emissions goals. Being able to purchase all the equipment from one source has made a lot of sense to us as a business.”
Stuart Butler, Sales Director for Molson Equipment, said, “The M O’Brien team works on some of the UK’s biggest projects and has a hugely varied business. The Kobelco range had machines to meet all their spec requirements while being consistently fuel efficient and powerful. Adding these new models to their fleet will help the business work safely and sustainably while saving costs. It’s also great to support a leading construction company in delivering more for their customers.”
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