Eagle Plant Hire fleet expansion has taken the operator to 65 vehicles, following a steady programme of growth and vehicle replacement.

The UK-based plant and welfare accommodation specialist marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. It now runs a mixed fleet ranging from 7.5-tonne rigids to 44-tonne artic and low-loader combinations.

The latest deliveries come through a long-standing partnership with Mac’s Truck Sales, which has supplied 12 trucks in the past year alone.

Mixed fleet built for plant and accommodation work

The most recent additions include four DAF XF 480 32-tonne 8×2 rigid crane trucks. These feature FASSI F710RA.2.26 cranes and bespoke bodies built in-house.

They follow earlier deliveries of:

  • Three DAF CF/XD 26-tonne 6×2 plant beavertails
  • Three DAF XD450 6×2 26-tonne flatbeds with FASSI F545RA.2.25 cranes

Each vehicle plays a defined role within the operation. The beavertails move plant machinery, while the flatbeds handle site cabins and welfare units from 10 to 32 feet.

Nick Barrow, Managing Director at Eagle Plant Hire, said: “Our business has grown, and we’ve added extra trucks to the fleet, but we also have a strategic replacement schedule that works for us.”

The Eagle Plant Hire fleet expansion reflects both increased demand and a structured approach to asset renewal.

Chassis choice driven by nationwide coverage

Vehicle selection was based on operational reach as much as specification.

Barrow explained: “We consider DAF to give good value for the money and have one of the best dealer networks of any manufacturer, which suits us.”

With 30 depots across the UK, from Bury to Truro and Pontypool to Bournemouth, access to support remains a key factor. Residual values also played a role.

“The residual value of the beavertail units is never as strong as a truck with a decent crane on it, so we feel DAF to be the correct vehicle for us.”

It is not glamorous logic, but it is the kind that keeps fleets solvent.

Crane specification tailored for real-world use

The latest trucks feature a revised crane setup compared to previous builds.

Barrow said: “We have been using the Fassi F820 crane on the 32-tonne trucks but have taken the decision to drop back to a Fassi F710 with the addition of Mac’s patented hidden front stabiliser legs.”

This change improves forward reach and reduces repositioning on site.

With lifting capacity of 3,280kg at 16.1 metres and a payload of around 10 tonnes, the trucks aim to balance reach with payload efficiency.

Barrow added: “It’s very difficult to have a ‘one cap fits all’ truck for our drivers… but with the requirements to stay compliant, we feel that MAC’S have done a great job.”

The Eagle Plant Hire fleet expansion shows how operators continue to refine specifications based on day-to-day use rather than catalogue figures.

Long-term partnership continues

Eagle Plant Hire has worked with Mac’s Truck Sales for 15 years. That relationship has shaped the design of the latest builds.

Barrow said: “MACS has always been willing to work personally with our business… they have designed a body that will accommodate every configuration of the cabins within our fleet.”

Communication during the build process also stood out.

“They have an open-door policy… showing a true passion for building trucks that do the work demanded of them.”

It turns out that answering the phone and building what the customer actually asked for still counts as a competitive advantage.

More Information:

Eagle Plant Hire – https://www.eagleplanthire.com
Mac’s Truck Sales – https://macstrucks.co.uk
DAF Trucks – https://www.daf.co.uk

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