A high-end housebuilder has invested in a pair of JCB rotating telescopic handlers to enhance efficiency on its luxury developments.
At the heart of successful housebuilding is a well-managed smooth-running site. Poor organisation, tasks running over schedule or build errors can have massive time and cost implications. They cause projects to run over budget and be completed late or to sub-par standards.
With a wealth of experience, high-end property developer Black Gold Developments understands the challenges faced. It is acutely aware that by investing in the best equipment on the market you can ensure reliability, maximise productivity and efficiency on-site.
Fleet focus
With a focus on engineering innovation, two of Black Gold's current projects - in Jersey and Sandbanks, Dorset - involve the implementation of a series of geothermal walls. To support its growing operations and to help deliver these complex geothermal applications, the company has invested in a fleet of JCB equipment including: a 533-105 Loadall, 85Z-2 and 35Z-1 compact excavators, a 3T-1 site dumper, CT260-120 roller and 21-metre 555-210R rotating telehandler. That successful 555-210R rotating telehandler purchase was swiftly followed by the addition of a second 26-metre 555-260R model.
Black Gold Developments Executive Chairman, Julian Jones said: "Following on from a successful development at the end of 2022, and with another project requiring large scale groundworks on the horizon, we decided to invest heavily in the fleet we have today. The JCB rotating telehandlers are instrumental in the distribution of materials during our implementation of a series of geothermal wells which we are installing on our Jersey and Sandbanks sites this year.
Since 2022, we have bought seven JCB machines and are in the process of buying two JCB generators to use during the geothermal applications too. We use our JCB excavators, dumpers and rollers to carry out the groundworks phase on each development then rely on our JCB Loadall and our two JCB rotating telehandlers to provide distribution and logistical support to all trades which follow on. Good logistics can save weeks on a build programme.
A shared ethos
Black Gold Developments is passionate about designing and building quality homes that leave a legacy. By using innovative technologies, the firm creates bespoke prestige developments with a low-carbon footprints.
These commitments to innovation, sustainability and striving for excellence are shared by the team here at JCB - and were in fact a leading driver in Black Gold Development's decision to put their continued trust in us with this latest investment.
Julian Jones continues: "We identify with JCB and their commitment to research and development, build quality and reliability. We wanted a fleet that reflected our company's core values and supported British engineering and JCB certainly fits the bill for us.
"I believe that in this business it is so vital to find individuals and companies which share a common goal and ethos. If this forms the core of a relationship, then working together becomes harmonious and fulfilling. Having seen JCB's VIP centre and experienced the environment and the commitment to its staff, research and development, professionalism and core values, I believe we have developed an important working partnership."
High spec visibility
Black Gold Developments employs two of JCB's rotating telescopic handler models - the 21-metre 555-210R and 26-metre variant; the 555-260R. Two machines purpose-built for the modern construction site with the hallmarks of simplicity, safety, efficiency, versatility, and productivity.
Both have been designed to meet and exceed the changing requirements of contractors and across the world - offering a genuinely cross-effective and versatile replacement for smaller fixed and mobile cranes, with rapid set-up, ease of use and the ability to carry out a wide range of technical lifting operations.
They truly offer a three-machines-in-one-solution - capable of traditional telehandler, mobile crane and man platform applications. As such, it is perfect for a raft of typical housebuilding tasks.
Powered by JCB's proven Dieselmax engines, the rotating telescopic handler range shares a high degree of parts commonality with JCB's world leading rigid chassis Loadall telehandler models. Powered by an EU Stage V emissions engine, it features Auto Engine Idle and Auto Engine Stop to further reduce fuel use and exhaust emissions.
The 555-210R & 555-260R have a lower chassis mounted engine layout, providing easy, safe access for ground-level servicing. With 500-hour intervals and a best-in-class SAE serviceability rating, the machines deliver maximum uptime and enhanced productivity.
Key features of the machines include:
- Simplicity, ease of use and familiarity with JCB Loadall range
- 5.5 tonne maximum lift capacity
- 20.5 and 25.5m maximum working heights
- Industry-leading automated set-up times
- All-round visbility and access, improving site safety
- Winches and aerial work platforms among a growing range of options
Logistics legends
Black Gold’s latest development is a duo of super homes on the prestigious Brudenell Road in the affluent Sandbanks area of Poole, Dorset. Here both rotating telehandlers are being used for the development stage to move loads during the main shell construction. The 555-260R has been particularly versatile moving 2-tonne packs of blocks to within arm’s length of bricklaying contractors on the four-storey build. This has saved the cost and hassle of relying on local Hiab contractors. Scaffolders, roofers and fabricators have all benefitted so far from having the machines at their disposal - reducing time and labour costs compared to moving and lifting materials by hand.
Julian Jones concludes: “For our geothermal applications, the rotating telehandlers truly come into their own. Throughout the process – including the rigging up, logistics, deliveries, drill pipe handling and rig down phases - we are able to increase efficiency and safety on site utilising a well-positioned 555-210R which can service all areas of the drill floor required. The rotating telehandlers can move our 6-metre, 1200 kg around site with ease - allowing us to capitalise on space and ensure safe working areas for operatives. Their addition has been a genuine game-changer.”
Telescopic timesaver
As Black Gold Developments testifies, good logistics can save weeks on a build project. And with a fleet of JCB machines enhancing its efficiency, this developer will continue to set the gold standard for luxury living across the South of England.