A relationship set in concrete
In a busy concrete yard, space is tight, timings are tighter, and every movement counts.
For Base Concrete, getting materials loaded quickly and efficiently is critical to keeping its operation running smoothly. That is why the South-East-based ready-mix specialist has invested in a second JCB TM420 - a machine that is already proving its value in a demanding, compact working environment.
Based in Hemel Hempstead, Base Concrete mixes all of its concrete in-house. Working within a relatively small yard, the company needed a machine that could deliver the right balance of power, reach and manoeuvrability without compromising productivity.
The TM420 has become central to that operation, joining an all-JCB fleet that includes a 542-70 Loadall telescopic handler, a 3-tonne mini excavator and a JCB generator.
Just the job
Established in 2002, Base Concrete originally purchased ready-mixed concrete before bringing production in-house in 2017. At that point, the company relied on a second-hand JCB Loadall to handle loading duties.
However, as operations evolved, it became clear a more specialised solution was needed.
The move to the JCB TM420 in 2019 marked a step change in efficiency, with the original telescopic handler then redeployed to support loading and unloading duties using forks.
Now, with a second TM420 joining the fleet, that decision has been reinforced.
Base Concrete Director, Paul MacGregor explains: “We tried a few others to see which best suited us. We have a small yard which we load in, so can’t have anything too big or too small that means we’d have to do more runs. We found the TM420 to be the one that best suits us, for the speed of loading, bucket size and manoeuvrability.
“We use the TM420 predominantly for loading the lorries which hold the materials: sandstone, cement and water so they become mobile batching plants. It has just the right size bucket to be able to load the trucks quickly enough and the extension of the boom is perfect for us. It’s the right machine for the job.”
Designed with sectors like concrete production in mind, the JCB TM420 combines the compact footprint of a wheeled loader with the reach of a telescopic handler. With a lifting capability of 4,100kg and a lift height of 5.45m, it is well suited to loading high-sided vehicles in restricted spaces, while delivering strong breakout force and load-over-height performance.
Powered by a 112kW (150hp) JCB EcoMAX engine meeting Stage V emissions standards, the machine provides the performance and efficiency required for continuous, heavy-duty operation.
Built on loyalty
For Base Concrete, the decision to invest in JCB goes beyond specification alone. It is rooted in familiarity, reliability and long-standing trust in the brand.
As Paul explains: “We prefer using JCBs as they’re familiar - we’ve always had them. Our 3-tonne mini excavator is actually my Dad’s. The controls are easy to use. The support and back-up is also very good and our local dealer, Greenshields JCB, is not even a mile away so it’s perfect for us. As we’ve built up the company we’ve gone from buying second hand JCBs to brand new ones and we’ll continue to do so. We’re loyal to JCB.”
That combination of machine performance and local dealer support continues to play a key role in keeping the business running efficiently day to day.
Pouring into the future
With a machine that fits its operation so precisely, Base Concrete’s latest investment is already delivering results.
In a sector where efficiency, timing and consistency are everything, having the right equipment in place makes a tangible difference.
And with the TM420 firmly cemented at the heart of its operation, Base Concrete is well equipped to keep things moving.
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