Savage Plant rasies Union Jack on new fleet of Kubota U30-3

One of the UK's most patriotic plant hire firms has applied its distinctive Union Jack livery to four Kubota U30-3 Zero Tail Swing Mini Excavators after adding them to its fleet.

Birmingham-based Savage Plant Hire, whose eye-catching equipment is a familiar site across the Midlands, has bought the 3.3 tonne machines in a deal which represents its biggest investment in Kubotas to date.

The move marks a change of direction for Savage, which has traditionally filled its yard exclusively with machines manufactured by JCB. The company's joint owner, Paul Savage, said that the firm has rung the changes in its fleet of minis because the reliability of the Kubota U30-3 is unrivalled and their excellent resale value will help Savage to enjoy a healthy return on investment.

Kubota is the UK, European and world-leading manufacturer of Mini Excavators and the U30-3 is one of eight zero tail swing machines in its range, which is in itself the largest selection available from a single manufacturer. A key feature is its width of 1.55m, which, together with zero tail swing, will allow Savage's customers to access and carry out excavating and trenching work in the tightest of surroundings.

Sitting between the existing 2.5 tonne U25-3 and 3.5 tonne U35-3 models, the U30-3 generates 26.0kN of maximum digging force at the bucket and has a maximum reach of 5.060mm at ground level, with a maximum digging depth of 3,060mm.

It also comes complete with Kubota's unique key-based 'ANTI-THEFT' system which is approved by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. This accreditation is recognised by insurers, so that in addition to providing increased machine security, this should help achieve a worthwhile insurance saving.

Savage Plant's decision to buy the U30-3s follows a trial period when the company purchased three Kubota minis in order to win the business of a local authority customer which had specified Kubotas for a grave-digging contract three years ago.

Paul Savage said: "We'd always used JCBs and I wouldn't really have considered Kubota but for the fact that the client specifically wanted them. Over time the machines proved to be everything expected of them and we were pleasantly surprised. You hear lots of claims from manufacturers about their machines, and they're not always borne out. But the Kubotas did everything we were told they would do, and more, and we were very impressed."

The defining moment came when it was time to sell the machines. Savage prides itself on providing up-to-date plant and is therefore committed to disposing of its existing equipment at the three year mark. When it took the Kubotas to market, the firm was delighted with how well they held their price.

"A large percentage of our machines are operated by the people who hire them, so consequently they do get worked hard," added Paul. "Despite this, we never had one problem or breakdown with the Kubotas and what's more, after three years they showed very little wear and tear.

"Other than routine servicing they needed very little maintenance and as a result the running costs were very low. So although buying more Kubotas is a break with tradition for us, there is no doubt in our mind that we have made the right choice."

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