WHERE ARE WE GOING?
YOUR
MOVE
JCB has armed a Northern Irish agricultural and groundworks contractor with the power to expand their business.
Continued investment is often the key to ongoing business success and that has certainly been the case for County Down based family business, John Dan O’Hare.
Not only has the leading agricultural and groundworks contractor invested consistently and significantly in their JCB equipment fleet, they have also taken the decision to expand their facilities on their own farm with an extension of their yard and the construction of a new farm building to improve operations.
It’s demanding work and at the forefront of those efforts is a stalwart of the John Dan O’Hare fleet – a Stage V JCB 419S agricultural wheeled loading shovel.
Part of the AGRI S range of wheeled loading shovels, the 419S is the perfect blend of power and precision. A key part of any farming or contracting process it has also been built to perform hour after hour, day after day.
Equipped with a Stage V Cummins 6.7-litre engine, the 419S AGRI boasts an impressive 195hp and 881Nm of torque, representing a 6% and 5% increase, respectively, from its predecessor. A power-to-weight ratio of 17.6hp/tonne, ensures exceptional performance in various operational scenarios.
Efficiency is at the heart of the 419S. Its torque lock-up 6-speed transmission optimises fuel economy, complemented by a hydraulic cooling fan that adapts dynamically to cooling requirements, conserving fuel without compromising performance. The integration of an auto engine shutdown feature further enhances fuel efficiency during idle periods, contributing to overall operational cost savings.
The CommandPlus cab sets a new standard in operator comfort and control, boasting an ergonomic layout that prioritises functionality and visibility. Featuring rear A-pillars and strategically positioned controls for ease of access, operators can enjoy a commanding view while maintaining optimal control over the machine. Customisable climate control options ensure comfort for the operator even during extended work periods, no matter what the Irish weather throws at them.
Rigorous testing, precision machining techniques, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes ensure structural integrity and longevity, offering peace of mind in demanding operational environments. From cooling pack sealing to meticulous mudguard fitment, every detail is crafted to deliver durability and quality.
John Dan O’Hare Director, Brian O’Hare said: “Whether developing our site here or on site for our agricultural contracting customers, the 419S is a machine that proves its worth. We use it for a range of farm work from general materials handling and muck shifting to silage and loading manure. It’s a powerful workhorse like much of our JCB fleet. That is all underpinned by our dealer Dennison JCB. They are always a pleasure to deal with – they never let us down.”
The JCB 419S is part of an impressive line-up of JCB machines at John Dan O’Hare including several JCB tracked excavators, two 3CX backhoe loaders, three further wheeled loading shovels, a cabbed site dumper and a Loadall telescopic handler.
The company’s relationship with JCB dates back nearly 60 years, with John Dan O’Hare founding the business in 1966 with a JCB 3C backhoe loader which the family fondly describe as the ‘best in its class’. Since then, sons Joseph, Brian, Danny and Mark have all played a part in the business. They have systematically added new machines as the company has expanded and diversified with support from their local dealer, JCB equipment and JCB Finance.
Alongside the impressive 419S wheel loader, there have been standout machines along the way. A JCB 3D mk III backhoe is an all-time favourite. Yet few have made more impact than two recent additions.
In 2021 they bought the highest specification JCB site dumper ever ordered in Northern Ireland, with a Stage V 9T-2 dumper configured to provide the ultimate in safety and comfort for its operators. The model was specified with a host of additional features such as a SiTESAFE cab with air chiller, Powershuttle 4 speed transmission, road light kit, front screen guard, skip guard, flexible lower Hi Viz step, 360 vision camera kit, SiTESAFE radar, white noise reverse alarm, skip raise warning and LED work lights.
Brian O’Hare continued: “The JCB Stage V 9T-2 is a very good machine. The cab is a must for operator safety – with some sites demanding it now. With the weather in Ireland, it’s also essential for operator comfort!”
A 2020 JCB 150X HD X Series tracked excavator also draws serious praise. Brian added: “We chose the JCB 150X because of the bigger undercarriage which other machines in its class just don’t have. This offers more stability and greater ground clearance, particularly in wet conditions. The comfort levels are great. It is also good on fuel economy and user-friendly. Our operator is very happy with the machine and says it’s the best machine he’s worked on in over 40 years in the industry.”
Last year saw two more additions with a JS160 tracked excavator – also playing a key part on the new yard extension project – and 100C-2 midi excavator joining the ranks.
All in all, there’s a history of JCB machines packed with memories for the O’Hare family while the current fleet continues to make an impact with each new addition. And with the new facilities at home being carved out by the 419S and co, expect loads more to come from this Northern Irish contractor.
