Provision of a New or Low-Hour Ex-Demo 25–30T Articulated Dump Truck and Agricultural Tractor for Plant Operator Training

CITB is seeking to procure two items of plant machinery to support its Plant Operator training operations. The first requirement is for a new or very low hour ex-demo 25-30 tonne Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) to replace a machine sold in 2025 and restore the ADT training fleet to four machines.

With the fleet currently operating at three machines, the training department faces ongoing challenges in allocating learners effectively. Whilst hiring has been considered, ADTs are a highly specialist machine, carry significant hire costs, and availability across the UK market is severely limited due to demand from major ongoing construction projects.

Those machines available for hire do not meet the required standard for training purposes. The second requirement is for a new or very low hour ex-demo agricultural tractor to replace an aging machine used in the preparation of Plant Operator training fields and for apprentice and commercial training activity.

The current tractor carries a high number of operational hours due to frequent use, and maintenance costs are increasing as a result. This ground preparation function is essential to the continued operation of the training field. Whilst a dozer can be used as an alternative, the running and repair costs associated with this type of machine make it an unviable long-term solution.