New additions to Jones Bros fleet earn recognition and enhance project delivery12th Apr 2025

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is not fazed by West Scotland’s rugged landscape as it continues to advance a peat restoration project with the addition of new high-spec machinery.

It’s a move that has caught the attention of industry publication Awesome Earthmovers, which was eager to head to Lochgilphead in Argyll, Scotland to delve deeper into the eye-catching work being undertaken at the Craig Murrail 275kV substation scheme.

Determined to secure the very best results, Jones Bros has welcomed to site two DEVELON DX160LC-7 excavators, which are perfectly suited to manoeuvre across soft, uneven ground due to them being 1.5 metres longer and half a metre wider than standard spec models.

Talking to Awesome Earthmovers, Jones Bros operator Graham Whaite said: “I’ve been using the machine for two weeks now and I’m very impressed.”

Boasting four work and power modes that maximise fuel efficiency, the ability to manage energy consumption is enhanced by a settable engine shut off feature that allows the user to adjust the idle time.

The duo form part of a recent order of six, joining the company’s 400-strong fleet, and offer a 180-degree range of motion, which makes it easier to target difficult-to-reach areas.

Jones Bros foreman Mark Roberts said: “The machines are very fuel efficient, and our operators absolutely love how they handle and perform.

“On this machine, we’ve got the tilt attachment to it, which enables us to build bunds while sitting in one place and not having to move.”

The Ruthin-headquartered firm’s investment means that it now owns the UK’s first Topcon GX-90 touchscreen control display, which allows operators to instantly monitor the machine’s status and optimise time.

The DX160LC-7 is also playing a role in maintaining Jones Bros’ high health and safety standards thanks to its Fine Swing function that minimises the movement of a lifted object, ultimately reducing the risk of something falling and causing harm.

Mark added: “Speaking to the two operators we’ve got on site, they absolutely love the machine. They love the technology on it, they love the tilt bucket on it, and they just keep saying how easy they are to use, and how easy they are to operate.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

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.