The deal for Loadall telescopic handlers cements Ipswich-based Fork Rent’s position as the UK’s biggest hirer of the product.

Fork Rent Chairman Guy Nicholls said: “Fork Rent and JCB have a great working relationship that spans over 25 years and that enables us to provide our customers with the latest technology and most highly specified machines.

“This latest investment in new plant delivers on our commitment to offer customers the highest level of service back up in our industry, reliability and peace of mind.”

The deal will also mean that Fork Rent becomes the first major plant hire company to buy the new JCB 540-200 Loadall, Europe’s highest-reach rigid frame telescopic handler, capable of reaching a height of 20 metres.

Nicholls added: “Fork Rent strives to be at the cutting edge of developments in the materials handling industry.

“As the first company to invest in JCB 540-200s, we can rightly claim to be reaching new heights in our industry with these machines.

“With fuel-efficient JCB Ecomax engines under the bonnet, customers can also look forward to lower fuel costs as well as exceptional reach. We are also proud to have bought more JCB telehandlers than any other UK company.”

Fork Rent purchased its first JCB machine in 1987, and since then, the company has invested in more than 5,500 JCB machines through JCB dealer Watling JCB.

The company now offers the full range of JCB telescopic handlers from the ultra-compact JCB 515-40 right through to the high-reach JCB 540-200.

JCB’s UK & Ireland Sales Director Dan Thompstone said: “Fork Rent’s reputation for investing in modern and up-to-date machines is well known across the industry.

“JCB’s reputation for innovation in construction equipment is equally well-known. So we’re delighted that Fork Rent is investing in machines that will deliver meaningful benefits to their customers, with fuel-efficient JCB Ecomax engines for lower running costs and 540-200 models offering much higher reach.”