At the Bauma construction-equipment trade fair in Munich, Rochester-based HE Services (Plant Hire) (www.heservices.co.uk) placed an order for 50 Hydradig 110W wheeled excavators from Staffordshire-based JCB (www.jcb.com).

HE Services chairman Hugh Edeleanu said: “I am hugely impressed with the JCB Hydradig, and I see massive opportunities for it in the UK market. It’s not often that a truly innovative product comes along, but the JCB Hydradig really does break the mould. The fact that it has been developed specifically for modern construction sites will really resonate with our customers.”

The Hydradig, which goes into production next month, was unveiled to JCB dealers and the press in March. The company says it will radically change the way modern construction projects are undertaken, particularly in congested urban environments and on busy road networks.

JCB managing director (excavator sales) James Richardson said: “The response to the Hydradig launch has been fantastic. To win a big order so quickly from a very important UK hirer is overwhelming. We had a sensational response to the Hydradig at Bauma with unprecedented interest levels.”