Jones Bros reduces fuel consumption with key investment in its plant1st Aug 2023

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has made another significant investment in both the environment and its fleet with the procurement of five new key items of plant which will help considerably reduce fuel consumption.

The Ruthin-headquartered firm has purchased a trio of excavators, with two hybrid HB365LC-11s and one PC700LC-11 arriving in the 370-strong machine group, as well as a pair of D85PXi-18 bulldozers.

With a couple of HB365s already in operation on projects in Flintshire and Shropshire, there is existing evidence the new equipment is more sustainable.

Since January 2023, comparisons between the PC360 and HB365 excavators, using real time telematics data, has shown a fuel saving in actual working hours of around 19 per cent, which equates to more than six litres per 60 minutes.

Mark Bester, group plant and fleet manager, said: “It’s proof of our commitment to reducing energy consumption and fuel usage that Jones Bros continues to invest in the latest machinery from the recent additions to telehandlers and dumpers.

“Providing new items of plant not only helps us do the necessary work to an even higher standard, but in many cases, it also allows us to reduce our carbon emissions.”

The pair of newly purchased hybrid excavators – two of four in the company – are in operation at Benbrack Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, and Gwynedd’s Blaenau Ffestiniog Quarry.

The new PC700 – the biggest machine in the fleet – is active at Kings Cliffe landfill site, prior to making the move down south to work on the £167 million Havant Thicket Reservoir.

Both D85s are also scheduled to head to the flagship scheme in Hampshire, with one currently deployed alongside the PC700 in Peterborough.

Mark continued: “The PC700 is an excavator befitting of a flagship scheme and it is a key piece of plant for bulk earthworks, while the HB365s have an electric slew action, making them ideal fuel savers when crushing and moving aggregate.

“The D85s have intelligent GPS systems, which helps cutting and trimming to the exact design, which increases efficiency and reduces fuel burn by increasing productivity and accuracy of works.”

Investment in one of the UK’s largest single fleets has also paid dividends when it comes to winning work, which was highlighted perfectly by Sandy Knowe Wind Farm phase two.

Jones Bros stepped in when the previously appointed contractor went into administration, successfully helping to deliver the 10-turbine scheme in Upper Nithsdale, Scotland.

Mark added: “This type of development would be difficult to say yes to without the ability to utilise our own machinery.

“The financial outlay can’t be overestimated when opportunities like Sandy Knowe arise, and we relish the chance to tackle plenty more challenges in the future.”

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.