Operator Approval Highlights Flannery’s Commitment to Hydrogen-Powered Innovation
At Flannery Plant Hire, we are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable construction solutions, and our recent collaboration with JCB and Barhale marks a significant milestone in this journey. Flannery operator Lee Wilkinson has given his seal of approval to the hydrogen-powered JCB 3CX backhoe loader after extensive testing on a live Severn Trent project near Wolverhampton.
Lee, an experienced operator with years of expertise on diesel-powered 3CX machines, was impressed by the hydrogen model’s seamless performance. “Operating this hydrogen machine feels almost identical to my diesel backhoe. I can’t really tell the difference,” said Lee after putting the machine through its paces. His endorsement speaks volumes about the machine’s reliability and ease of transition for operators accustomed to conventional diesel equipment.
Flannery Plant Hire Director, Gareth Corbett, echoed Lee’s sentiments: “Lee has found the hydrogen backhoe to be absolutely faultless. Having spent many years operating our 3CXs, he confirmed that the machine performs just as efficiently as its diesel counterpart.”
Proven Performance on Real World Projects
Our partnership with Barhale and JCB enabled the real world testing of this groundbreaking hydrogen-powered technology. The 3CX was deployed on a Severn Trent site, supporting the construction of a storage tank and a 2-kilometre pipeline designed to prevent water spillages into local watercourses. Over two weeks, both the operator and site manager reported no difference in performance or productivity compared to traditional diesel models.
Andy Byatt, Head of Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability at Flannery, highlighted the significance of this trial: “This site is rural and remote, with limited power supply, making it an ideal environment to test hydrogen’s viability. The backhoe performed typical tasks such as lorry loading, pallet handling, and grading with ease. We are committed to being at the forefront of hydrogen combustion testing, particularly as battery-electric solutions face limitations with heavier, power-intensive equipment.”
Driving Sustainable Solutions for Our Customers
Our customers are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions that align with their decarbonisation goals. Gareth Corbett added, “Sustainability is a huge driver for our clients. They look to us to lead the way in identifying and implementing innovative technologies that support their environmental commitments.”
Barhale’s Social Impact and Sustainability Manager, Luana Bills, reinforced the industry-wide commitment to sustainability: “Our journey to net zero is integral to our business strategy. We’ve already achieved a 25% reduction in emissions since our 2019 baseline and are targeting net zero by 2040. Collaborations like this are crucial to achieving those goals.”
The Future of Hydrogen in Construction
Flannery Plant Hire remains dedicated to driving sustainable change within the construction industry. This successful trial underscores the potential of hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative, offering the same power, productivity, and performance as traditional diesel models without compromising on efficiency.
As the industry moves towards a greener future, Flannery Plant Hire is proud to lead the way, supporting our customers with innovative, eco-friendly solutions that deliver real world benefits on site.
