The PR 736 G8 – precision on the HS2 rail project
Collins Earthworks turns to the Liebherr PR 736 G8
Powerful pushing force, infinitely variable drive and grading accurate to the centimetre: after a successful trial period and consistently positive feedback from operators, the first Liebherr PR 736 G8 in Collins' distinctive livery has earned a permanent place in the fleet.
Renowned nationwide for demanding earthworks projects, UK specialist Collins Earthworks has added the first Liebherr PR 736 G8 Crawler dozer, finished in Collins' distinctive livery, to its fleet. The company was founded by the late David Collins with a single backhoe loader. What began as a sole trader business grew, following the official establishment of Collins Contractors Plant Hire in 2000, into one of the UK's leading construction service providers through carefully managed expansion. Marking its 25th anniversary, the group now comprises eight associated companies covering a broad range of services – from soil stabilisation and heavy haulage to civil engineering.
In pursuit of its sustainability goals, Collins Earthworks has been investing in modern, fuel-efficient machinery. The company first introduced hybrid excavators, followed by a fleet of fully electric articulated dump trucks for use at Ball Eye Quarry in Derbyshire. This drive brought the Liebherr PR 736 G8 Crawler dozer into focus. Following extensive comparative trials on one of the company's most demanding projects, Collins Earthworks recently took delivery of its first machine of this type, finished in Collins' distinctive livery – another step towards a more efficient fleet. Managing Director Jack Cave sums it up:
The cab suited us straight away, and the comfort impressed us – combined with full power and reliability for everyday use.
About the PR 736 G8
The roughly 24.5-tonne Crawler dozer is currently proving its capabilities on a section of the UK's HS2 rail project near Birmingham. At the controls is Brad Turner, an experienced plant operator who had previously worked mainly on competitor machines – a switch he found straightforward. The PR 736 G8's hydrostatic drive delivers infinitely variable power transfer, allowing sensitive control even across changing ground conditions. “The PR 736 G8 delivers exactly what we need on site day to day: outstanding precision and fast working cycles,” says Turner. “Its comfort, sensitive controls and productivity have completely won me over.”
Among the first tasks on site was reprofiling and recultivating a drainage basin next to the future rail line. Once the bulk excavation was complete, Turner spread material delivered by the 30-tonne dump truck across the basin floor in just two efficient passes. He then used the integrated 3D Grade system to bring the fine grade precisely to the specified level, before moving seamlessly on to the next work area. This successful start has reinforced Collins Earthworks' fleet strategy. Managing Director Jack Cave takes an optimistic view of the partnership: “These are our first steps with Liebherr. Being able to test the machine over an extended period under real site conditions was especially valuable. It gave us the confidence that the PR 736 G8 integrates smoothly into our operations and that we've made exactly the right investment decision.”
