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Phillip Gollins adds Kubota excavator to rental fleet

Aylesbury-based builder Phillip Gollins has added a Kubota U145 crawler excavator to his expanding plant hire fleet, which now numbers more than 100 machines. While Mr Gollins has operated as a general builder and construction specialist for more than 30 years, he also runs a successful plant hire business, albeit with a slightly different approach to many of his competitors.

Rather than operating multiple depots and marketing the hire operation as a standalone business, much of the company's work comes through cross-hire to other plant hire firms. The fleet includes around 60 excavators ranging from 1-13 tonnes, alongside site dumpers, telehandlers, compressors and a selection of mobile crushing equipment. All machinery is supplied on a self-drive basis, with a significant proportion working on longer-term contracts, particularly within the utilities sector. The latest addition, a Kubota U145, is typical of this approach. Weighing 14.6 tonnes, the machine has replaced an older competitor model on an extended contract with Southern Utilities in Hertfordshire. The utility company operates a crushing and storage facility, where up to 15 road teams deliver excavated soils, concrete and asphalt from sites across the region. The Kubota initially works with an Allu hydraulic riddling bucket, separating loose soils from larger material. The operator then switches to a conventional bucket to feed the larger waste into a mobile crusher, producing reusable fill material that can be loaded onto trucks and returned to site.

Supplied by local Kubota dealer Shellplant, the U145 is the largest model in the manufacturer's excavator range. Developed in cooperation with Sumitomo Construction Machinery, the short-tailswing machine is powered by a 78.5kW (106.7hp) Stage V diesel engine. Available with or without a dozer blade, and with a choice of monoboom or two-piece articulating (TAB) main boom, the U145 is designed to deliver performance within relatively compact dimensions. Mr Gollins has specified the monoboom configuration with a dozer blade, which is used to level material on the stockpile and provide additional stability when loading the crusher. The operator has three working modes available, with six levels within Auto mode to tailor performance to the task. Power Save Control automatically adjusts hydraulic pump flow when the machine is idle, while Spool Stroke Control regulates hydraulic pressure to further optimise fuel consumption.

The majority of the company's excavator fleet now comprises Kubota machines, supplied by Shellplant. The relationship with the dealer was a key factor in the decision to add the U145.

"It's a brilliant brand and the back-up from Shellplant is excellent," said Mr Gollins. "The residuals are always good with a Kubota and everyone loves the machines, they are no trouble."

Initial impressions of the U145 have been positive. Mr Gollins particularly highlights the cab door, which folds back within the machine's swing radius to help prevent damage, along with the audible tracking warning and proportional auxiliary thumb controls on the hydraulic levers, all fitted as standard. While he would like to see an AdBlue gauge included as standard, he is impressed with the cab space and the smooth operation of the hydraulics.

"Shellplant is a first-class company. They are a pleasure to deal with, and their knowledge and customer service always come first," Gollins added. "Also, the new machine is carrying the Kubota badge, so it fits in with the rest of our fleet."

The reduced-tailswing design is also consistent with the company's approach to fleet specification, helping to minimise the risk of impact damage when working on site. "We are zero swing with all of our machines now, apart from the KX085-5," said Mr Gollins. With machinery working across the country, as far afield as Southampton, the hire operation continues to grow alongside the building business. Mr Gollins has further expansion in mind. "Yes, we are definitely looking to expand," he said. "Phil has further confirmed his commitment to the Kubota brand through this latest acquisition from Shellplant, introducing the first Kubota 14.5-tonne excavator into his fleet," said Julian Payne, Partner at Shellplant.