Exsel Plant and Tool Hire increases Kubota mini fleet 
(04/04/2008)
When Roger Pearce set up his one-man plant hire business in April 2004, customers were offered a single piece of equipment; a Kubota mini excavator. Three years on, Exsel Plant & Tool Hire has taken delivery of its 15th Kubota, a 2.8 tonne KX61-3, the latest model in its growing mini fleet.
Starting with £5,000 in his pocket, Roger Pearce has built up the Bishops Waltham, Southampton, company into a highly successful hire operation. In addition to Kubota minis it offers dumpers as well as a wide range of tools. The go-ahead plant hirer has ploughed all the profits back into the business, spending over £300,000 on plant and tools without the need of external finance.
At 2.8 tonne the KX61-3 becomes the largest machine in his all-Kubota mini fleet, which up to now consisted of a mix of 800kg K008-3 and 1.5 tonne KX36-3 models. The KX61-3 has a 4270 mm long arm fitted as standard to provide a maximum digging force of 14.7 kN (1500 kgf). The digging force of the bucket is 21.5 kN (2190 kgf).
It has advanced hydraulic systems to improve its response and reduce energy wastage and can outperform larger and more costly competitive machines. It features an ergonomically designed control lever layout for smoother operation with reduced driver fatigue.
It was supplied by Kubota dealer Grant Plant (Maidenhead) Ltd., equipped with 12", 18" and 24" diameter standard buckets plus a 48" diameter grading bucket.
Roger Pearce outlined the reasons for sticking with Kubota and not mixing and matching his mini fleet, despite checking out other makes. "They are reliable machines - I have had no warranty claims at all in three years - they are ruggedly built to withstand an often tough working environment; are easy to operate; and have modern styling with good clean lines, which customers like."
He said that the unique Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' security system was an added bonus. "It has saved me from having machines stolen while they were out on hire a couple of times."
The KX61-3 was delivered by Grant Plant to a site in Maidenhead where BSP Project Developments Ltd, which is building 12 luxury apartments, immediately put it to work.
Said Grant Plant's Andy Grant: "Roger Pearce is a hard worker who has built up a profitable business after starting out on his own. We are pleased that together with Kubota we have helped contribute to his well-earned success."
Related categories: Construction Equipment Rental Earthmoving and Hauling General Construction Landscaping
