IN-CAB CLASSROOMS

The Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) college at Bircham Newton is where many industry trainees get their first taste of big machinery. So, when LiuGong dealer Tobin Plant had the opportunity to place a model in the academy’s fleet, the team jumped at it.

Based in central Norfolk, the National Construction College (NCC) runs a range of training courses for both new apprentices and commercial learners. From one-day refreshers to on-site experience and assessments, the centre also hosts industry competitions and challenges. This means any new addition to the fleet is quickly put through its paces. It’s not just a classroom for CITB’s trainers and learners, but a representative of its manufacturers too.

“As a facility we deliver plant, mechanic and operation training,” Chris Blake, Plant Curriculum Manager for CITB, explains. “We cover all the main crane disciplines and earth movements to prepare machinery apprentices and commercial delegates for in-industry work. By having a broad spectrum of major manufacturers on-site, we can give our learners the chance to try out all variations.”

Having visited the Bircham Newton site and been aware of the CITB’s work for more than 30 years, Tobin Plant’s Managing Director Simon Tobin was keen to add a LiuGong to the fleet. He says, “I have huge regard for CITB and what they do for construction. Their learners are the future of our industry. So, getting them working on a LiuGong machine opens up a huge opportunity for the manufacturer.”

A LESSON IN QUALITY

Before joining LiuGong as a regional sales manager, Simon was a Royal Engineer in the British Army. Having gained qualifications as a combat engineer, heavy plant operator and mechanic, he went on to become the foreman of a South African Diamond Mine. This breadth of operating experience combined with a thorough knowledge of the LiuGong brand means he can quickly understand his customers’ needs and find the right machinery to meet them.

“LiuGong has now been in the UK market for 10 years,” Simon states. “As well as being competitively priced, the components in their machines are blue-chip quality, including Cummins engines and Kawasaki hydraulic systems. It’s no-nonsense machinery. You can jump in and everything will be as an operator expects. It’s uncomplicated and easy to drive straight away, making it ideal for CITB’s needs.”

With a turning radius of just 1.52 metres, the LiuGong 913FCR excavator gives learners a nimble and easily manoeuvrable machine to practice their skills on. The Euro V engine is low-speed and high-torque, with a large displacement main pump and large torque swing motor. This makes it very fuel efficient, helping the CITB team to maximise its running costs.

"I have huge regard for CITB and what they do for construction. Their learners are the future of our industry...

As Simon explains, “This model is fitted with a blade and comes with third-line proportional hydraulics as standard. This means the CITB trainers can add more fittings to the same machine. With this flexibility, the team can teach a variety of different skills from one cab.”

A TOP-MARKS TEACHER

Though the machine has only been on site for a few months, it has already been well-tested. More than a new classroom, the LiuGong 913FCR was used to prepare the site’s ground for hosting the 2023 UK Plant Operator of the Year competition. Two other LiuGong machines were also part of the event.

A 915FCR excavator was fitted with an Engcon tilt rotator for a ‘slam dunk’ task, which involved placing six basketballs into hoops. Then, the 69 competitors used a 9027F fitted with an MB Grab for the ‘grapple grab’ round which involved placing six car tyres onto three vertical posts. As Simon explains, getting operators in LiuGong cabs is invaluable for the brand, whether it's for a competition or training course.

He adds, “As a manufacturer, it’s critical that your machines are seen operating in various parts of the business. Getting young learners and operators on the equipment is a fantastic medium for promoting the brand. We’re delighted to have been chosen as a key supplier and manufacturer by CITB.”

The Tobin Plant team offer on-site support alongside their first-rate machinery. Their technical engineers work with CITB trainers to give them a thorough understanding of the LiuGong machines. Plus, the 913FCR machine was supplied with a three-year, 6,000-hour warranty. With maintenance backup from manufacturer depots established across the UK, the excavator will keep running lesson after lesson.

Chris Blake continues, “Though our relationship with Tobin Plant is still in its infancy, they’ve given us great support and guidance from the initial tender process. The backup service is first class and although the UK Plant Operator of the Year competition put the machine through its paces, we’ve had no issues. We’re very happy.”