JCB machines land at Manchester Airport

27 March 2024

Battery powered machines from JCB are helping a demolition contractor to work sustainably on a project at Manchester Airport to deliver a £1.3 billion transformation of Terminal 2.

Preston-based Bradley Group is using two 19C-1E electric mini excavators and two 1TE electric site dumpers to undertake internal dismantling and strip-out work as part of the programme, which is set for completion in 2025.

The Group chose the machines as part of its commitment to environmentally conscious practices as it aims to use electric equipment for the majority of its internal demolition projects. They are being used for tasks including the demolition of walls, breakout out of screeds, loading dump trucks and moving hardcore.

Bradley Group’s Director, Andrew Hill said: “The initial order was for one electric mini excavator but the second followed soon after as we were so impressed with the performance of our first.

“We have had some great operator feedback with the electric machines surpassing expectations. They noted the machines’ even smoother tracking, distinguishing them from their diesel counterparts. They have also highlighted the added convenience of simply plugging in a machine, as opposed to the traditional process of refuelling with diesel, and the ability to carry out a full shift on a single charge.”