Digger Tests

Sir,

I write in reply to a letter from Mr. A. Sheppeck of Bromley, printed in your February issue, concerning the lack of MoT inspection on construction equipment used on the public highway, and on the condition of a five-year-old JCB 3C.

As manufacturers of this machine, JCB are anxious to ensure the highest standard of safety for both operator and road users and would welcome legislation which would ensure that standards of road-worthiness are maintained. In fact many countries, including Germany, Sweden and Austria, have road regulations covering the design of construction equipment. JCB equipment meets these regulations which cover such points as operator safety, noise levels, brake performance and smoke pollution.

In addition Japan and Germany also require regular inspections of equipment to ensure that it is in a roadworthy condition.

The defects referred to in Mr. Sheppeck’s letter would seem to indicate a lack of maintenance rather than basic design faults. In the absence of legislation which compels machine owners to maintain necessary standards, we will continue to advocate to all JCB users the use of regular inspection and planned maintenance programmes that are available under the Contract Service scheme offered by all JCB distributors and dealers.

JCB Sales Limited J. F. Harrison

Uttoxeter Director of Marketing