Major Midlands plant hirer takes the first of JCB’s new hybrid articulated booms.
To stay at the top for generations, you have to continually reinvent yourself. Just as the iconic Swedish popstars ABBA have embraced technology to capture a whole new audience many decades on, their namesake – ABBA Plant Hire - has led the way for over 40 years by always being first to market with the latest plant and equipment innovations.
ABBA Plant Hire has been an early adopter of many of JCB’s pioneering products over a partnership which began in 1984. This continued commitment to stay ahead of the curve has contributed to its enduring success and seen ABBA Plant hire become the first to buy new JCB A45EH hybrid-drive articulated booms in the UK.
The company has since built a fleet of over 300 JCB models, becoming one of the largest independent plant hirers in the Midlands, offering an extensive range of operated and non-operated plant and additional services such as pond creation and excavation, crushing, screening, demolition, and muck shift.
Take a chance
ABBA’s existing JCB fleet comprises Loadall telescopic handlers, scissor lifts, backhoe loaders, micro, mini and midi excavators, X Series tracked excavators, skid steer loaders and Fastrac models.
Now they are the first UK plant hirer to invest in a fleet of the new A45EH hybrid drive articulated booms. Supplied by dealer TC Harrison JCB, the ten new models join ABBA’s impressive line-up of equipment working on major contracts across the East Midlands.
The sheer volume of JCB yellow in ABBA’s yard highlights the company’s level of trust in the quality of the machinery.
Nick Howe | Plant Hire Manager
Lifting the spirits
JCB has constantly pushed the boundaries in and central to this is an obsession with innovation and the new A45EH booms are no exception.
“The new JCB A45EH models mark a significant step forward. Being a hybrid boom, it gives dual utilisation, enabling indoor and outdoor operation, bringing great flexibility for hirers like ourselves and our customers.
“It is fantastic that JCB has successfully integrated access equipment into its already superb product range, and we hope it continues to develop new additions so we can expand our powered access offering with further JCB models.”
The A45EH uses a 14.8kW three-cylinder diesel engine and a 7.5kWa generator to power the machine’s eight 6V batteries. The engine is mounted on a swing-out tray, making it easier to service and maintain when required. A 40-litre fuel tank provides more than enough fuel for a full week of operation, making the machine an ideal low emission platform for more remote locations. The battery can also be plugged into a mains supply when available.
The machine has four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering as standard. The wheels are driven by four AC motors and these motors recover energy through regenerative braking, to prolong battery performance. As drive is provided to each individual wheel, the machine is capable of climbing up to 40% gradients. An oscillating axle ensures that maximum traction is maintained on rough ground when the boom is stowed. However, the axle is locked, to ensure machine stability, when the machine enters boom raise mode. Foam-filled, non-marking tyres are standard.
An early outing for one of the new booms saw it lifting the festive spirits with an appearance at the stunning Lincoln Cathedral shortly before Christmas 2024.
Creating a Legacy
ABBA Plant Hire Ltd is part of the JMH Group of construction-related companies, which also includes: John Martin-Hoyes Limited, Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, JMH Directional Drilling Ltd, APH Cranes and Powered Access, and Trucklinc – a specialist provider of HGV Tractor Units.
Established in 1979 by John Martin-Hoyes, the company has maintained a strong relationship with JCB since purchasing its first machine, an 814 Power Slide, in 1984. Today, ABBA’s fleet includes more than 300 JCB machines, ranging from Loadall telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders to X Series tracked excavators and powered access equipment.
While the technology may enable new levels of performance, the principles of quality and innovation remain the same. And with the addition of the brand new JCB A45EH hybrid booms alongside its existing JCB catalogue, ABBA looks set to deliver new records and hit the high notes for years to come.