Business Details
48 Years
experience
Trusted Excavation & Plant Hire Services in Forfar
Smeaton Plant Hire is a family-run business established in 1978 by Sandy and Linda Smeaton. With over 45 years of industry expertise, we specialise in operated excavation hire, offering a comprehensive range of excavators from 5 to 40 tonnes. Our fleet includes cutting-edge equipment such as Liebherr 360 excavators, longreach machines, and rubber duck units, alongside tilting ditching buckets and Engcon EC Oil rotating hitches. In 2010, we expanded our capabilities by introducing mobile crushing and screening services to process demolition waste on-site. Our son Graeme joined the business in 2015, bringing specialist mechanical skills to maintain and repair all machinery to the highest standards.We serve both trade and private clients across the UK, combining strategic equipment acquisition with hands-on operational experience. Our reputation for reliability and technical excellence has been built through decades of delivering complex civil engineering projects. From foundation works to large-scale demolition, we provide tailored solutions using modern, well-maintained machinery. Our experienced licensed operators ensure safe, efficient execution of every project, regardless of scale or complexity.
Services
Excavator Hire
Mobile Crushing
Screening Services
Mechanical Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with over 45 years of industry expertise
- Experienced licensed operators for all excavation projects
- Modern fleet with excavators from 5 to 40 tonnes
- Mobile crushing and screening equipment for on-site processing
- Specialist mechanical maintenance by qualified diesel mechanics
Services
Excavator Hire
We provide operated excavation hire with licensed operators for projects ranging from foundation works to complex civil engineering contracts. Our fleet includes 5-40 ton excavators equipped with specialist attachments like tilting ditching buckets and Engcon EC Oil rotating hitches. All machinery receives regular maintenance by our in-house diesel mechanics to ensure optimal performance and safety standards.
Mobile Crushing
Our mobile crushing services transform demolition waste into reusable aggregates directly at project sites. This solution reduces transportation costs and environmental impact while providing immediate material recycling capabilities. The fleet includes modern crushers and screeners added to our operations in 2010, complementing our excavation services with integrated waste management solutions for construction projects.
Screening Services
We offer mobile screening equipment to process excavated materials and demolition debris into graded aggregates. This service works in conjunction with our crushing operations to create reusable construction materials on-site. The screening division, established alongside our crushing services, helps clients meet sustainability targets by minimising waste and reducing the need for virgin aggregate extraction.
Mechanical Repairs
Our in-house mechanical workshop provides comprehensive servicing and repairs for all excavation and processing machinery. Led by Graeme Smeaton, our qualified diesel mechanics maintain optimal equipment condition through scheduled servicing and emergency repairs. This service covers excavators, crushers, screeners and associated hydraulic systems to ensure maximum uptime for our clients' projects.
People
Sandy Smeaton
Founder
Sandy Smeaton established the business in 1978 after identifying a gap in operated excavation hire. He pioneered operated excavation services in Scotland, acquiring cutting-edge equipment like Liebherr 360 excavators and rubber duck machines. With over 45 years in the field, his strategic vision continues to shape our equipment investments and operational approach.
Linda Smeaton
Co-Founder
Linda Smeaton has been instrumental in the business since its 1978 formation. She manages administrative operations and client relations while supporting strategic decisions. Her industry knowledge and commitment to quality have helped maintain our reputation for reliable plant hire services across the UK construction sector.
Graeme Smeaton
Partner & Mechanic
Graeme Smeaton joined the business in 2015, bringing specialist diesel mechanic expertise. He maintains and repairs all excavation and processing equipment to ensure optimal performance. With experience in heavy machinery from lorry fleets to farm equipment, he guarantees our fleet remains in peak condition for every project.
Questions
What types of excavation services do you offer?
We provide operated excavation hire for projects ranging from foundation works to complex civil engineering contracts using excavators from 5 to 40 tonnes.
Do you offer equipment for both trade and private customers?
Yes, we hire our excavation and processing equipment to both trade clients and private individuals across the UK.
Are your operators licensed and experienced?
All our operators are experienced and fully qualified with appropriate licenses for operating heavy excavation machinery.
What mobile processing equipment do you have available?
We offer mobile crushing and screening services to process demolition waste on-site, including modern crushers and screeners added to our fleet in 2010.
How is equipment maintenance handled?
Our in-house mechanical workshop provides comprehensive servicing and repairs, led by qualified diesel mechanic Graeme Smeaton.
What areas do you serve?
We provide plant hire services across the entire UK, covering both urban and rural construction projects.
