TPH Plant Hire Expands With New Hyundai Excavators
Kent-based TPH Plant Hire has strengthened its expanding fleet with six Hyundai compact excavators, marking a pivotal moment in its growth strategy. The addition comes in response to increased demand from long-term clients across the UK, who require reliable equipment for an array of construction, utility and infrastructure projects. The recent order includes two 1.8-tonne HX17Az minis, two 3.0-tonne HX30Az machines and two 8.5-tonne HX85A midis, sourced through Hyundai’s newly appointed dealer, Rygor Plant.
The partnership between TPH and Rygor Plant is already proving fruitful. Company owner Paul Newman said: “We buy around 120 machines a year, from a variety of manufacturers, but these are our first Hyundais. We have a very good relationship with Rygor Plant however, for other equipment, so we wanted to give the machines a try.”
Feedback from operating teams has been particularly encouraging, prompting discussions for further Hyundai investments over the coming year. Mr Newman added: “We are thinking about buying some more, we’ll possibly be looking at up to 50 machines next year from Hyundai.”
A Journey of Diversification
TPH Plant Hire began in 1992 under the name Tara Plant Hire, initially focusing on a fleet of backhoe loaders. With significant demand from utility and rail contractors, the business quickly built a strong reputation. Mr Newman and two colleagues took ownership of the company in 2003, before Mr Newman became its sole owner in 2011.
During this period, the hire market began shifting towards compact excavators, prompting TPH to broaden its fleet. According to Mr Newman: “We needed to diversify from just backhoe loaders and we did a deal with another manufacturer for 50 mini excavators, from 1.5-8-tonnes.”
This strategic move coincided with wider market changes, as utility contractors began favouring compact excavators due to increased versatility, reduced ground disturbance and improved operational efficiency. TPH’s customer base has since expanded, with business split across utility works, general construction and housebuilding. Today, around 40% of hire demand originates from general construction, while housebuilding accounts for a further 20%. Long-term utility contractors still make up an essential part of TPH’s client portfolio, often hiring machinery for extended periods of up to a year.
Mr Newman noted that the company is flexible with equipment deployment: “We will travel anywhere as many of these machines are on longer term hire.”
A Fleet Designed for Versatility
TPH Plant Hire now maintains a growing fleet exceeding 1,000 machines, varying from micro excavators to 15-tonne earthmovers. Other categories include 1-9 tonne site dumpers, telescopic handlers, compaction equipment and a selection of backhoes that remain in service due to customer preference and operational legacy.
The business supplies both operated and self-drive machinery. As Mr Newman explained: “The majority of the 180° machines are operated and we can supply operators for the 360°s, although most are taken on a self-drive basis.” TPH replaces its hire fleet every three to four years to maximise reliability, adopt newer technologies and maintain strong residual values.
While warranty work is handled through supplying dealers, TPH benefits from its own internal service department. In-house engineers and experienced operations teams contribute directly to purchasing decisions, evaluating equipment durability, performance and operator comfort. Plant Operations Manager Tim Holland shared his impressions of the latest Hyundai deliveries: “The 3-tonner is very good, although they all look the part. But the 8-tonne Hyundai is just a dream machine.”
Hyundai HX17Az Mini Excavator
Hyundai’s HX17Az is the smallest unit in its new-generation mini excavator portfolio. Fitted with a Stage V 12.1kW diesel engine, the compact machine offers zero tailswing design for safe operation in confined worksites. Customers can choose between a ROPS/TOPS cab or a canopy, depending on operational requirements.
Several dipper arm lengths are available, supported by a heavy counterweight option for enhanced stability. For modern fleet management, the HX17Az can be equipped with Hyundai’s HiMate telematics platform, offering real-time operating data, remote diagnostics and productivity insights.
Hyundai HX30Az Compact Excavator
The HX30Az shares Hyundai’s zero-tailswing design philosophy. Powered by an 18.5kW diesel engine, the 2.9‑tonne machine comes with automatic travel shifting, overload warning technology and an anti-theft system. Safety valves are fitted across the boom, dozer blade and arm cylinders to ensure secure lifting and digging operations.
These features make the HX30Az well suited for demanding utility works, reinstatement projects and urban construction developments where environmental performance, reliability and operational agility are essential.
Hyundai HX85A Midi Excavator
The HX85A is the largest model in Hyundai’s compact range, weighing just under 8.5 tonnes. A Stage V 49.5kW diesel engine powers a load-sensing hydraulic system, optimising efficiency and improving controllability. The machine is available with either a monoboom or a two‑piece boom, supported by standard or extended dipper arm options.
Designed for operator comfort, the spacious cab provides excellent all‑day working conditions and improved ergonomics for site accuracy. Enhanced visibility and intuitive controls make it suitable for high‑volume earthmoving, reinstatement, infrastructure repairs and commercial builds.
Expanding Nationwide Demand
TPH Plant Hire operates across the UK, supporting utility firms, civil contractors and regional housebuilders with long-term hire solutions. Many clients choose extended fleet agreements to ensure continuity of service and avoid replacement interruptions.
The UK compact excavator market remains one of the busiest segments within the wider construction plant sector. With projects ranging from fibre installation and drainage works to groundwork developments and property infrastructure, compact machines are increasingly essential to cost‑efficient site operations. Their ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces, operate near live utilities and minimise reinstatement costs gives them strong advantages compared to traditional backhoe loaders.
Industry organisations such as the Construction Plant‑Hire Association (CPA) highlight growing demand for compact machinery in the UK hire sector, driven by ongoing utility works, urban regeneration schemes and large‑scale fibre rollouts. TPH’s investment aligns with these broader market movements.
Hyundai’s Growing Presence in the UK Market
Hyundai Construction Equipment is dramatically expanding its UK and European market footprint with a combination of improved dealer networks, machine design evolution and attractive lifecycle ownership benefits. Independent reviews show Hyundai compact machines achieving strong reliability ratings, backed by favourable operating costs when compared with some premium competitors.
Telematics adoption in particular is reshaping the way companies monitor fleet efficiency, plan preventative servicing and optimise emissions reporting. Hyundai’s HiMate platform provides operators and fleet managers with real-time insights ranging from idle time and fuel burn to remote diagnostics and geo‑fencing alerts.
UK dealers are also increasing aftersales support, which has historically played a significant role in influencing plant hire customers. Rygor Plant’s appointment as a new Hyundai dealer adds regional confidence by offering dedicated parts, service and machine availability.
Looking Ahead With Confidence
As TPH Plant Hire continues its nationwide expansion, Hyundai compact excavators look set to become a larger part of its future fleet. Strong field performance, operator comfort and practical design have helped the machines win early approval from site teams.
Rising demand across utilities, construction and housing will likely accelerate further investment. With Rygor Plant as a trusted partner, the next phase of TPH’s fleet development is expected to focus on compact, fuel‑efficient and operator‑friendly excavators that deliver maximum value for long‑term hire contracts.
