Smiths sees benefits

16 June 2021

Smiths Equipment Hire reports growing demand for green machinery as the technology becomes more cost-effective and practical in terms of customer benefits. 

“We’ve seen the in the past with power tools,” joint managing director Thomas Smith tells me. “There are cordless equivalents of many products now and users appreciate the advantages of not having to use generators or trailing cables.” 

He says that, as cordless tools can now deliver the same performance or better, customers are now used to them and that other machine types will similarly prove popular. 

“We have invested in hybrid Genie lifts (above), for example, and customers are accepting that this sort of technology is becoming the norm. Using a battery powered machine can also offer health and safety benefits, as their quiet operation means that warnings can be heard more easily.” 

Two years ago, Blackpool-based Smiths introduced its Go Green guide explaining eco-friendly alternatives available in the fleet. These include electric, bi-fuel and battery products ranging from concrete mixers and breakers, to lighting towers and mini excavators.  

Smiths recently introduced an 18-tonne DAF CF 340 lorry (below) to its equipment delivery fleet, joining its existing 11-strong DAF line-up, designed to reduce carbon emissions. 

“Much of the new equipment technology is still developing but is becoming much more cost-effective,” says Thomas.” Certainly, with the new sale of petrol and diesel cars banned from 2030, the construction industry must follow. So ten years from now, the entire machinery landscape will look very different.”