STAYING IN CONTROL

John Cable has been in the plant business all his life. Working his way up from fitter, through sales, to operations manager, he's seen all sides of the business. As a result he knows what he's looking for in a machine and the questions to ask.

Rubbing his hands in anticipation - or was it just the cold? - Cable made a start with Bobcat's 753. Acknowledged as the UK's market leader, would the Bobcat product live up to its billing?

'The Bobcat skid steer has certainly benefited from its widespread use, and many significant improvements have been made over the years,' commented John.

'The layout of the major components has been well thought out - for example, the air filter has been positioned well out of the way on the top of the engine.

'Access for servicing is very good - just what I look for - less down-time and a quick turn around.

'On the downside - but this is a personal thing - I don't like the hand and foot controls, I prefer hand controls only.'

Moving across to JCB's distinctive 165 Robot, sporting its unique single boom arm and side entrance, John's first impressions were favourable: 'I like it - all the steering functions are on one lever and it didn't bounce around as much as the Bobcat. The handling was excellent.'

Turning his attention to design, Cable noted: 'All tyre valves and grease nipples have been protected with guards - a definite plus point when it comes to preventing damage.'

Across the nine products, JCB got John's top score for innovation.

After the JCB, New Holland's LX465 skid steer proved slightly disappointing. 'It's a bit agricultural, isn't it?' was John's first reaction.

'Again I found it a bit awkward to operate using the hand and foot controls.

'This is a pre-production model, which I'm sure New Holland have improved to meet the needs of the hire market - service access could be better.'

After a spin behind the controls of Thomas's T-133S, John was more encouraged: 'This is a good, positive and robust machine - just the kind I like.' However, I am slightly concerned that the safety mechanism in the seat belt might go wrong.'

'This aside,' he said, 'the Thomas machine gets top marks for overall safety.'

Next in line was the Case 1840 - the only machine featuring highly visible lifting eyes.

'All operations are on two levers. It makes it much easier to operate.

'Servicing is a bit awkward. The main components are not easy to get at and if something major went wrong it would involve a lot of down-time.

'Even the basics, like the oil and fuel filters, are awkward to get at. On the plus side, maneuverability is fine, equalling that of the other machines.'

Belle's 7600 proved inspiring: 'A fitter would love this,' said John. 'It's got good all round accessibility. Remove two pins, raise the cab and you've got immediate access.'

The absence of grease nipples and drive chains put the Belle machine firmly on John's shopping list.

Turning to Fermec's MF516 John was again impressed by ease of access for servicing. 'It's a good, compact and well thought out machine which operates very quietly.

'Again the foot and hand controls are a bit awkward, but when it comes to changing the bucket it's one of the easiest machines to operate.'

Fairly cold by now, the fully glazed and heated Zeppelin ZK32B from Devonshire Marketing, was a welcome sanctuary for John.

'The controls were a little light, but easy to use,' he commented. 'A solid machine with well thought out security features and a transverse engine which makes the unit more stable.'

Again this new arrival to the UK got John's vote for ease of access to the major components. He concluded: 'A good all round package.'

Completing the lengthy line-up was Gehl's SL4625. 'This is a good machine with a good foothold in the market. It's a heavy duty unit which will stand the test of time and easy to operate with its one lever steering.

'Although the manufacturer has used quality components, accessibility could be improved,' said John.