With its unrivalled efficiency and versatility, the Pothole Pro is capable of repairing defects of up to 250m² per day. Productivity is one of the key features of this specialist machine and it can repair a typical pothole in just 8 minutes.
JCB customer hails speed of JCB Pothole Pro repairs
A year on from setting up business with a JCB Pothole Pro, HRP Contracting is winning new clients thanks to the speed of repairs the machine can deliver.
The Staffordshire-based firm was founded by James Harper – who knows the JCB Pothole Pro better than most having previously operated the very first model to roll off the production line while working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
After securing a contract with Leeds City Council in January, the business has gone from strength to strength and is now carrying out pothole and patching works for the local authority. The machine has also proved extremely versatile, enabling the company to win additional work in groundworks, agriculture and forestry.
“I am a very proud advocate of the JCB Pothole Pro and what it is capable of. The speed of repairs is a huge advantage for winning tenders. With one machine carrying out multiple repair tasks, I can work more safely, in smaller spaces and with less disruption on roads. It’s quicker than traditional repairs as I can fix a pothole in under a minute."
James Harper | HRP Contracting Owner
“I believe the JCB Pothole Pro also presents a significant opportunity for contractors to win work from local authorities by offering a faster and more efficient approach.”
HRP Contracting offers local authorities trials of the JCB Pothole Pro and James's operating expertise, allowing them to assess the machine as part of their day-to-day road repair operations. These paid evaluations are available for periods of up to six months and enable local authorities to assess the machine in their own working environment and build a useful body of operational data before making a purchasing decision.
The JCB Pothole Pro is a specialist 3-in-1 machine designed to deliver speedy and permanent pothole repairs. It is engineered to cut, crop and clean defects using dedicated attachments, preparing each pothole for reinstatement in as little as eight minutes. The machine can prepare up to 250m² of roadway per shift, delivering permanent repairs at an average cost of £29.28 per m² - less than half the typical cost previously reported by councils.
James says the machine's versatility has been equally important to the success of his new business. He said: “I don’t just fix potholes and undertake patching with the Pothole Pro. I also do tree work, digging work and flail work. I like to maximise the machine’s ability to the full as it’s such a multi-skilled tool. I can go from fixing potholes in the morning to digging in the afternoon. No other machine can do that so it allows me to offer a much wider range of services to customers.”
When deciding to strike out on his own last year, James also benefitted from the backing of JCB Finance which provided the finance to invest in his very first piece of JCB equipment which has formed the foundation of his business. James said: “You would never be able to get a new company to the market without that level of support so I’m very grateful.”
HRP Contracting was established in 2025 by James Harper, who brings 16 years of experience across highways, maintenance and construction. The company offers self-hire and operated machine hire for a range of applications including resurfacing, drainage, excavation and utilities nationwide.
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