Roadbridge UK invests £1m in new low-emission excavators and vehicles

North Lanarkshire construction company Roadbridge UK has invested more than £1 million in a fleet of low-emission plant excavators and vehicles as it aims to become a driving force in the sector for new green working practices.

Roadbridge UK invests £1m in new low-emission excavators and vehicles

One of Roadbridge’s new Komatsu excavators, whose hybrid system can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40%

Based in Bellshill, the company has purchased three hybrid Komatsu excavators which massively reduce the amount of fuel needed to operate them.

The firm has also received delivery of 10 hybrid-electric vehicles and aims to purchase more over the next few months as it aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint as part of Roadbridge UK’s Driving Green Construction initiative.



Roadbridge UK director Cathal Doherty said the purchase of three excavators – two Komatsu HB365s and a Komatsu HB215 ­– is part of efforts by the firm to ensure it is plant operations are as environmentally-friendly as possible, as well as reducing noise pollution for its workforce as well as those living near construction sites.

He said: “Komatsu’s hybrid system can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40%. We believe that’s a significant environmental benefit for a company like Roadbridge UK.

“Fuel reduction is absolutely key when it comes to helping the environment – and as a company it also helps our bottom line as it can easily account for up to 50% of operational costs of heavy-duty machinery we use in our work.

“Hybrid excavators also feature a unique 100% electric swing system, it means all the hydraulic power is freed up for the boom, arm and bucket movements. This provides a huge boost to the productivity of the vehicle.”



Roadbridge UK is also switching to a fleet of electric cars, with six fully electric Hyundai Konas on the road in Scotland – and more to come in the coming months.

Smart EV chargers have also been installed at its head office in Bellshill – which have the ability to instantly respond and use less power if the grid becomes overloaded. Roadbridge UK has also installed smart chargers into the homes of staff driving the company electric vehicles, which are wifi enabled to allow drivers to charge at off peak electricity rates overnight.

They can also access a country-wide network of public chargers including those at Aldi and Lidl.

Cathal Doherty added: “Roadbridge UK prides itself not only on its work but also on its community and environmental responsibilities. I’m sure our significant investment in vehicles like this will go a considerable way to playing a part in bringing construction into the new net-zero carbon emissions age.”


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