JCB

JCB vs Caterpillar

The global heavyweight. In UK hire it shows up most at the larger end and on long-term contract hire, where dealer support and machine availability across a whole project matter more than day-rate.

JCB vs Kubota

The mini excavator most hire fleets standardise on. Reliability and the zero-tail-swing U series are the reasons - on a domestic driveway or a garden job, the ability to slew without catching a wall is worth more than extra breakout force.

JCB vs Takeuchi

Credited with building the first compact excavator, and still a specialist rather than a full-line manufacturer. Operators tend to rate the hydraulics, and fleets buy them where a machine will be worked hard all day.

JCB vs Komatsu

A full-line manufacturer strongest in the mid and heavy excavator classes. Turns up in UK hire mainly through larger fleets and civils contractors rather than local tool-and-plant shops.