Kubota Power Fuels Tiger Plant Hire’s Ambitious Growth
Tiger Plant Hire, a Swindon-based success story in the UK’s competitive plant hire industry, is roaring into a new phase of expansion, driven by its latest investment in 14 Kubota midi excavators. Over the past year, the company has doubled its fleet to more than 200 machines, marking a remarkable milestone for a business that began less than a decade ago with just three Kubota models.
The latest additions, primarily Kubota’s U50-5 and KX085-5 excavators, underline Tiger Plant’s growing focus on the 3–8 tonne market, a segment increasingly in demand across the civil engineering and utilities sectors. Managing Director Shane Sherbourne explained the strategy: “We do still go with the 3-tonne Kubotas as well, but that’s where we want to focus our mid-range business going forwards, in 3–8 tonne machines.”
Building a Regional Powerhouse
Operating across a wide geographical range, from the south coast to the Midlands, and from West London to Cardiff, Tiger Plant Hire provides an essential link in the supply chain for construction and infrastructure development. The company’s fleet now spans excavators, site dumpers, telescopic handlers, and compaction equipment, all offered on a non-operated basis.
Much of the company’s work is built on long-term relationships rather than short-term rentals. “We like to be able to support our customers with longer term project work,” said Mr Sherbourne. “Most of our hires are around the M4 corridor, but we can travel further for existing customers.”
This flexibility, paired with reliability and customer service, has enabled Tiger Plant Hire to secure repeat business with utilities and civil contractors, solidifying its reputation as a trusted regional supplier.
From Modest Beginnings to Market Leader
The company first opened its doors in 2016 with just three Kubota excavators. However, 2024 marked a turning point. John Corcoran, founder and Managing Director of Advanced Access Platforms, acquired the business and brought in Sherbourne to lead its next phase of growth.
Sherbourne’s experience in national plant hire operations and his familiarity with Kubota equipment have been instrumental in the firm’s success. “I had worked for leading national plant hire companies and I knew a lot about Kubota,” he said. “It’s a strong manufacturer and I’ve never been let down by a Kubota machine. Our dealer Boss Plant Sales is fantastic for back-up support too and we know that the Kubotas will have a strong residual value.”
Telematics and Tracking
Each of the new Kubota machines has been fitted with B1 telematics systems supplied by PVS Data, giving both Tiger Plant and its customers access to valuable real-time insights. The technology monitors parameters such as working hours, battery levels, and machine location, enabling predictive maintenance and improved fleet management.
Sherbourne believes these systems are game-changers for customers looking to maximise efficiency: “The B1 units give us utilisation visibility, which helps us and our clients make the most of each machine. With keypad immobilisers and time locks, we’re also offering greater security and peace of mind on every site.”
Telematics are fast becoming standard practice in the plant hire industry, supporting data-driven decisions that reduce downtime and increase asset productivity, essential in a market where margins can be tight.
Kubota’s U50-5 and KX085-5
Kubota’s U50-5 excavator weighs 4,775kg and is powered by a Stage V-compliant 40.4kW diesel engine. Designed with productivity in mind, it features automatic DPF regeneration and extended service intervals to lower running costs. Its load-sensing hydraulics provide smooth operation, while a reduced tailswing and a dozer blade enhance stability and performance in confined workspaces.
The larger KX085-5, weighing 8.4 tonnes, is one of Kubota’s most versatile excavators, offering a 46.5kW diesel engine and a two-pump hydraulic system. Its 7.33m reach and 4.6m digging depth make it ideal for urban infrastructure and housing developments where manoeuvrability and power are equally critical. This model has become a popular alternative to bulkier excavators on tight sites, an advantage Tiger Plant’s customers are already capitalising on.
With Kubota’s forthcoming 14-tonne U145 model set to debut later this year, Tiger Plant is already preparing for the next upgrade. “I’ve already asked Boss Plant Sales if I can get a demonstration of the new 14-tonne machine,” said Sherbourne.
People and Infrastructure
Tiger Plant runs its own workshop and transport division, enabling the company to manage maintenance and logistics in-house, a major advantage in maintaining uptime and operational control. “Everyone does everything and that’s what makes our business successful,” said Sherbourne. “We have some really good employees with a lot of expertise and a real can-do attitude.”
That hands-on, team-oriented approach echoes through every level of the company, fostering a culture of accountability and pride in performance. It’s an ethos that has helped Tiger Plant thrive in a fiercely competitive market.
A Legacy of Innovation and Reliability
Founded in 1890, Kubota has evolved from a local Japanese manufacturer into a global leader in industrial machinery and agricultural equipment. With its headquarters in Osaka and operations spanning more than 120 countries, the company employs over 52,000 people across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Kubota’s reputation for quality and reliability is built on decades of engineering innovation. In addition to its renowned excavators, the firm produces a broad portfolio of products including:
- Agricultural and construction machinery
- Lawn and turf equipment
- Water purification and irrigation systems
- Building materials and piping systems
- Large-scale infrastructure components such as underground valves
Kubota’s dedication to environmental sustainability and advanced manufacturing continues to position it as a brand trusted by contractors worldwide.
Strength in Partnerships
Boss Plant Sales, Kubota’s authorised dealer and Tiger Plant’s long-term partner, has played a vital role in ensuring seamless support and maintenance. Their aftersales service and parts availability have allowed Tiger Plant to operate with confidence. This collaboration showcases how regional dealer networks underpin reliability and performance across the UK’s construction machinery market.
Such partnerships are increasingly important as plant hire companies expand their telematics capabilities, integrate digital systems, and seek faster parts turnaround. The relationship between Kubota, Boss Plant, and Tiger Plant exemplifies how strong supply chain alignment can drive mutual success.
Driving Forward with Purpose
With more than 200 machines in operation, a growing customer base, and the latest fleet of Kubota excavators leading the charge, Tiger Plant Hire is setting the stage for continued expansion. Its strategic investment in mid-sized excavators, coupled with smart technology and a skilled team, is positioning the company for long-term growth.
Sherbourne’s ambitions are clear, and so is the company’s trajectory. Backed by Kubota’s proven reliability and supported by trusted partnerships, Tiger Plant is not just growing, it’s evolving into one of the most forward-thinking regional hire firms in the UK.
Grit, Foresight, and Teamwork
As the construction and infrastructure sectors continue to evolve, companies like Tiger Plant are showing how intelligent investment in equipment, technology, and people can pay dividends.
Their story is one of grit, foresight, and teamwork, qualities that continue to drive the modern construction industry forward.
