TBS Hire

Published on: 23rd April 2025

Introduction:

With over five decades of trusted service, TBS Hire (Thurston Building Services) has established itself as a cornerstone of plant and tool hire across East Anglia. Based in Bury St Edmunds, the company supports a diverse customer base ranging from large-scale contractors and local builders to home improvement enthusiasts. Known for their quality equipment, excellent customer service, and deep-rooted industry knowledge, TBS Hire ensures that every job, big or small, is approached with the right tools – and delivered on time.

Their extensive hire fleet includes everything from micro diggers and dumpers to telehandlers, rollers, excavators, and access platforms such as scissor lifts. This makes TBS Hire a go-to provider for a variety of industries including construction, civil engineering, property maintenance, landscaping, and utilities. These industries rely heavily on plant trucks and dependable plant bodies to carry out work efficiently, and they demand a high level of operational performance – where delays are costly and precise logistics can make or break a project timeline. For TBS Hire, ensuring equipment reaches site safely and punctually is paramount.

Built for the Job: The Sterling Combiload on a DAF XD 8×2

As part of a commitment to optimising its logistics and plant delivery service, TBS Hire selected the Sterling Combiload, mounted on a DAF XD 8×2 32-tonne chassis. Purpose-built to handle a wide variety of load types, the Combiload aligns perfectly with TBS Hires diverse hire offering – from compact scissor lifts to larger diggers and telehandlers.

Engineered for the real-world pressures of the rental market, this robust beavertail plant body is an adaptable platform with a low loading angle, ample lashing options, and structural resilience to manage heavy machinery. Whether delivering an access platform to a tight city site or transporting a digger to a rural construction zone, the Combiload offers the strength and flexibility that TBS Hire needs.

Tailored for Versatility

The Combiload is designed with rental companies in mind – those who juggle multiple types of machines on a daily basis. Its smart configuration blends the fine detailing of the Sterling Easiload with the power and presence of the Megaload, making it capable of handling both lightweight and heavyweight plant equipment.

One standout feature is the full-width ramp with integrated gate, chosen specifically by TBS Hire for its ability to accommodate overhanging equipment like telehandlers or elevated access platforms. This configuration ensures safe and stable loading, especially when dealing with machines that have extended baskets or wide wheelbases – a vital requirement for modern plant trucks.

Additional extras like worklights and beacons were also integrated into the build. These features provide enhanced visibility and safety during early morning or late evening deliveries – especially vital when operating on busy sites or in low-light rural environments. These thoughtful additions not only keep the driver and site operatives safe but also allow TBS Hire to maintain its high delivery standards regardless of time or weather conditions.

Built to Last, Designed to Deliver

The Sterling Combiload isn’t just a strong and capable platform—it’s also an investment in reliability. Engineered to reduce downtime and minimise common operational issues, it helps TBS Hire maintain a consistent and dependable delivery service. Its double flip ramp setup offers both safety and speed, while the durable decking and reinforced structure ensure longevity under daily use. This versatile plant body is built to serve a range of tasks, from transporting lightweight access platforms to heavier construction equipment, with unmatched ease.

Feedback from the Field

Ben Chandler, Operations Manager at TBS Hire, had this to say:

“We recently purchased a beavertail body for our new DAF XD from Grant at Sterling, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. The service has been excellent and Grant’s knowledge is extensive, and the build quality is very good. It’s a perfect match for our needs, handling the mix of loads from scissor lifts to diggers with ease and stability. The whole purchase process has been smooth. We would highly recommend Sterling GP!”

Conclusion

With the addition of the Sterling Combiload to their fleet, TBS Hire has reinforced their capability to deliver a flexible, safe, and reliable plant hire service across East Anglia and beyond. Designed for the demands of a mixed-fleet rental operation, this beavertail plant body offers a future-proofed solution that supports TBS Hire’s continued growth and high service standards—keeping their clients productive, on schedule, and one step ahead. The Combiload represents not just another truck, but a reliable partner in TBS Hire’s mission to deliver excellence in plant truck logistics and hire service.