The equipment and support services business made the major purchase to strengthen its offering to the utilities sector.

JCB engineers liaised with leading utility contractors in order to develop the design for the 8018.

Special safety features include a steel panel in place of the lower door window in order to reduce glass damage to the cab and a weight sensitive seat, which only allows the machine to be driven when the operator is fully seated.

The extending undercarriage also offers additional stability for operators working in conditions where the ground is unstable, for example when undertaking excavations on inclines or soft ground before laying pipes.

With a 19hp engine, the 8018 is rated as more powerful and productive than other models.

Its dozer blades can include two nylon wear strips on the lower dozer blade extensions which sit on the road service while digging in order to prevent any damage to the asphalt.

The tubular boom has a narrow profile to improve visibility to the bucket cutting edge when excavating, essential when working round other services.

Speedy have even ordered a number of machines in “ high visibility paint” which reflect vehicle lights, just like a Hi Viz vest, an added safety feature for late night repairs to services, all part and parcel of utility work.

Andy Connor, supply chain director at Speedy, said: “We’ve been working in utilities for many years, and this market continues to grow for us. JCB designed this piece of equipment in collaboration with the utilities sector, so procuring it for our customers was a natural step and we expect it to be very popular.”