The GAP Group has bought its 100th Kubota KX080-3 mini excavator for its rapidly expanding plant hire fleet.

This milestone figure was reached when two of the 8.2 tonne machines were ordered for delivery to GAP's Peterborough depot.

Kubota's short tail swing KX080-3, the heaviest and newest model in their market leading range, is a high performance 8-tonner that offers state-of-the-art technology as standard.

It provides class-leading performance, with exceptional safety, durability, reliability and comfort, together with low running costs and ease of servicing.

Features include a well-balanced arm and bucket to provide the operator with unparalleled digging force. This allows it to dig faster and more efficiently, in the toughest conditions.

It also delivers a reduced tail-swing radius that takes it into the tightest spots, coupled with excellent machine stability.

The GAP Group has a four-year single source agreement signed in 2006 to acquire a minimum of 2,000 Kubota minis during the period.

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Last year it bought nearly 725 Kubota machines, reinforcing its position as the largest independent customer for Kubota construction equipment worldwide.

Its total fleet of Kubota machines now exceeds 2,400, with models from across the 850kg to 8 tonne range. They are available at GAP depots throughout the UK where they are in constant demand from key national and regional hire customers.

Ken Stewart, GAP Group's Procurement Manager, said: "More and more customers are hiring bigger machines and the KX080-3, like all the other Kubota models, is excellent. We bought the first batch when the machine was launched and have been adding to them ever since.

"Over the years we have been well supported by Kubota UK, with excellent after-sales support and service from their principal dealer, Young Plant and Equipment Sales of Doune."

Young Plant is the longest serving Kubota Construction Equipment dealer in the UK and the company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Managing Director, Brian Young, said: "Reaching the 100 figure for a single model is an incredible achievement by the GAP Group, particularly in such a short time period. We are delighted to have been a part of yet another milestone set by the UK's fastest growing independent plant hirer."

Kubota is the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators and offers the widest range of machines available from a single manufacturer. Customers can select from 19 base models spanning the weight range from 850 kg to 8 tonnes and including the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing machines.

All Kubota minis, from 1.5 tonne upwards, feature their unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system. This complete, easy-to-use security device was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer.