Built for the job
Finding a machine that can do one job well is relatively straightforward. Finding one that combines several seemingly contradictory capabilities is rather more difficult.
For Wotmix Ltd, installing its Wotblock precast retaining wall systems can mean working in restricted spaces, negotiating rough terrain, unloading heavy products and reaching into areas that conventional compact equipment simply cannot access.
The company therefore needed the manoeuvrability of a skid steer, the mobility of a tracked machine, impressive lifting capability and the reach of a telescopic handler.
It was quite a wish list. Then Wotmix discovered the JCB Teleskid.
Learning on the job
Wotmix's journey towards the machine actually began several years earlier.
The company initially operated wheeled skid steers from other manufacturers before purchasing an older JCB Robot 1110T around five years ago.
Far from simply providing another machine for the fleet, using the Robot helped Wotmix understand exactly what its installation teams needed.
Wotmix Ltd / Wotblock Managing Director Scott Houghton said: “That machine was really the beginning of us understanding exactly what we required from a skid steer for our particular type of work.
“The 1110T was an older machine but it proved incredibly useful. We even added some additional counterweight to the rear to improve stability when handling heavier loads such as our Grand Ledge retaining wall products.”
Experience on real installations gradually created the specification for its ideal replacement.
“We wanted the compact dimensions and manoeuvrability of a skid steer, the ability to operate on tracks over difficult terrain, good lifting performance and, crucially, telescopic reach. We weren’t sure the perfect machine existed.
“That’s why we were so pleased when we were recommended the JCB Teleskid. On paper, it seemed to tick every box we had identified through years of actually doing the job.”
From paper to site
he JCB 3TS-8T Teleskid is the first compact tracked loader with a telescopic boom, enabling it to reach higher, further and deeper than conventional skid steers. It offers 4.04m vertical reach, 2.44m forward reach and can reach 0.91m below ground level, while providing a rated operating capacity of 732kg.
For Wotmix, however, there was one test that mattered above everything else.
“The big question for us was whether it would perform in the real world, particularly as we needed it to comfortably handle a full pack of our Grand Ledge product without exception. Since taking delivery, it has more than exceeded our expectations. For us, the combination of compact size, tracked performance, lifting capability and telescopic reach makes it almost purpose built for what we do.”
That versatility is particularly valuable because no two Wotblock installation sites are necessarily alike. Restricted working areas can rule out larger telescopic machines, while poor ground conditions mean tracked mobility can be essential.
The Teleskid gives Wotmix both in a single compact package.
Reaching further
Its telescopic boom is also changing the way Wotmix handles deliveries.
The machine can unload a vehicle from one side, helping reduce the need for operators to work on the highway and reducing the time spent unloading and working around delivery vehicles.
Scott said: “Another major advantage is its ability to unload a vehicle from one side. This can significantly reduce the need for our operators to work on the highway and reduces the amount of time we spend unloading and working around delivery vehicles on site. For us, its size, reach and capability are a very difficult combination to beat.”
Operator reaction has been equally positive.
“The feedback from our operators has been extremely positive. The machine is an absolute pleasure to drive and operate. Visibility is one of the standout features. The combination of the cab position, rear view camera and mirror positioning gives the operator excellent awareness around the machine. Visibility also remains very good when operating with the boom raised, which is particularly important for the type of work we carry out.”
Three machines, three roles
The Teleskid is actually one of three very different JCB telescopic machines supporting Wotmix.
At its ready mixed concrete plant, a JCB TM420 handles bulk and heavy materials. With more than 500 tonnes of material passing through the plant each day, the machine has to perform consistently throughout demanding working days.
Meanwhile, a JCB Teletruk works within the company's busy precast operation. With yard space at a premium and multiple trucks loaded every day, its ability to load and unload a vehicle from one side saves both time and valuable working space.
Scott said: “We particularly like JCB’s telescopic products. They offer a combination of versatility, performance and compact design that suits the different sides of our business extremely well.”
A long association
Wotmix was established in 2011, but the Houghton family's experience of construction equipment stretches back more than 60 years.
During that time its businesses have operated a wide variety of JCB equipment, from loading shovels including the JCB 411 and the iconic 3CX through to today's telescopic machines. Across the family businesses, Scott estimates around 20 JCB machines have been purchased.
That relationship is supported by TCH JCB, with Wotmix using dealer service packages wherever possible, genuine JCB parts and JCB Finance for new equipment purchases.
For Scott, however, brand loyalty still comes down to whether an individual machine earns its place.
“The biggest thing for us is that we don’t buy equipment simply because of the badge on it. The machine has to perform and it has to add something to our operation. JCB’s telescopic range does that for us.”
And for an installation team that spent years discovering precisely what it needed from a compact machine, the JCB Teleskid has provided the answer.
Maximising efficiency amidst rising costs: The JCB advantage
Amidst rising farming costs, learn how you can use smart agriculture technology to stay productive and profitable.
Building the world - JCB celebrates 1,000,000 Backhoe Loaders
JCB, the creator and world’s number one manufacturer of the Backhoe Loader, is celebrating production of the one millionth machine.
Explore our electric Teletruk range
Embrace the future of clean technology with JCB's range of electric forklift trucks - a new generation of products with zero emissions at the point of use.