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Utility machines fuel further growth at McHale Plant Sales

A rise in demand for what Komatsu calls ‘Utility Machines’ is being reported by their distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales.

Machines sheltering under that generic description include the micro-mini-midi size diggers and compact-size wheeled excavators popular amongst utility services providers and plant hire renters for whom the ‘short-hire, call-and-collect rental and DIY markets are paramount’.

Amongst Komatsu’s extensive portfolio, units classified within the segment are their PC 09, PC 16, PC 26, PC 33, PC 55 and PC 80 units.

Major deals that have raised their share of this important market sector include what McHale Plant Sales director, Denis McGrath calls “multiple unit deliveries to customers such as Kilkenny’s Total Highway Maintenance, Limerick’s Treaty Plant Hire, and Ballina-based plant rental specialist, Davy Tool Hire”.

Explaining their surge in sales, McGrath said “in addition to a naturally arising growth in demand, the trend towards ‘contracting out’ by local authorities; gas, electricity and alternative energy suppliers, and by major computer, communications and broadcast services providers has increased purchasing and rental activity”.

“Another explanation can be found in an increasing tendency on the part of ‘big plant users’ to include compact-size diggers in their inventory, there to perform minor ‘project finishing’ and final surface dressing, landscaping, rectification, and small-scale ‘second-thoughts’ applications,” he added.

Looking ahead, McGrath forecasts a ‘continuance’ of demand at the entry level. “Echoing Komatsu’s own determination to build a bigger presence in the sector, helped by further upgrading, increases in specifications, and competitive pricing, we in McHale Plant Sales are placing even greater focus on this important segment, encouraged by feedback from the market generally, and the guidance of some of our committed customers,” McGrath said.

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