BYLOR, the civil engineering joint venture helping construct EDF’s Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station in Somerset, has deployed one of JCB’s machines to handle thousands of tonnes of steel. The new JCB 555-210R rotating telehandler model is already in action on the UK’s largest infrastructure project.
Bouygues Travaux Publics (TP) and Laing O’Rourke, two of Europe’s engineering and construction specialists are working together in the BYLOR joint venture – delivering the main civil engineering works at Hinkley Point C (HPC).
Supplied by dealer Holt JCB, the JCB 555-210R joins a fleet of over 2000 machines working on this huge infrastructure project and will be responsible for a range of materials handling applications on site where the versatility and productivity of the rotating telescopic handler model – alongside a maximum reach of 21-metres and lift capacity of 5.5 tonnes – will play a vital role.
John McCoppin, BYLOR General Plant Manager commented: “The JCB 555-210R rotating telehandler perfectly suits the site thanks to its size and ease of operation. We also already run the JCB 540-140 which means we have 80% parts commonality with the 555-210R which is a real efficiency bonus too.”
He continues, “The machine will be used in the construction of walls containing reinforced steel, handling the mesh panels contained in them. We’ll predominantly use the new machine in winch mode alongside standard fork logistics duties around the site. It will handle between 1,000-2,000 tonnes of steel across its typical 10-hour shift. The machine is easy to handle, the controls are very straightforward and it’s very good in tight spaces. That makes it perfect for our work and it is performing very well.”
The JCB 555-210R boasts up to a 10% lifting envelope advantage over competitive machines. Auto one-touch deployment, stowage and levelling of outriggers ensures ease of use and minimal set-up time, while competitive lift-end cycle times with high-flow auxiliary hydraulics ensure efficient winch work, further boosting productivity.
In addition to its impressive lift capabilities and automation features, the JCB 555-210R boasts 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 machine delivers maximum uptime and enhanced productivity.
