Ashbrook invests £10 million in fleet

UK-based rental company Ashbrook has spent more than £10 million renewing and enhancing the safety of its fleet with the purchase of 500 new JCB machines.

The order includes 220 site dumpers and 250 Loadall telescopic handlers ranging from 4 to 20m, as well as a number of JCB 926 and 930 rough-terrain forklifts, 3CX backhoe loaders, Teletruks and wheeled loading shovels.

The family-run rental company’s Commercial Director Mike Ashbrook said, “Following ongoing expansion since 2016, we have set about ensuring that our fleet is one of the safest and most modern in the country.

“The site dumpers in particular – many of which feature JCB’s SiTESAFE cab and forward-facing camera system – mark a huge step forward in on-site safety. They provide significant visibility gains and operator feedback confirms this to be a massive safety improvement over previous audio warning systems.”

Ashbrook worked closely with its local JCB dealers – Gunn JCB for construction equipment and J D Bownes for agricultural machines – to specify the new additions to its fleet.

Ashbrook said, “Gunn JCB supports us with a service contract across the dealer network which complements our own field service team to maximise response times. Working together we also ensure all machines are serviced at the recommended intervals to ensure superb productivity and reliability.”

He added, “We also maximise the LiveLink telematics system to aid preventative maintenance and detect any potential issues in advance.

Regarding the forward-tipping dumpers, they are compliant with the latest safety legislation, including ISO 5006:2017, and the 6 to 9 tonne models feature JCB’s SiTESAFE cab. This ROPS/FOPS Level II cab has a reinforced frame and impact protective front screen.

The 6 to 9 tonne machines are equipped with a front camera to increase visibility, along with a sequenced drive-inhibit system to ensure that operators are correctly seated and secure before driving.

Ashbrook has been in the industry for 25 years and, following a recent acquisition programme, it now has depots in Bangor and Warrington, alongside its original headquarters in Congleton, Cheshire. The company offers coverage across the UK through rehire partners.