STEVENS Equipment Rentals (SER) are setting a new benchmark for rental fleet safety by rolling out human form detection (HFD) across new machines, including articulated haulers, excavators, and wheel loaders.

As part of its ongoing 50th anniversary fleet upgrade and expansion, the family-run firm has been retrofitting advanced safety systems to 2024 and 2025 machines, while working with OEM partners to install them on new units delivered from 2026 onwards.

The HFD technology provides operators with real-time visual and audio alerts to the presence of people near the machinery, helping to minimize blind spots and reduce the risk of accidents.

‘Safety is always the number one priority on any site, and we’ve seen a clear move from major contractors towards specifying this kind of technology,’ said Mark Need, sales manager for the North and Scotland.

‘Previously, contractors might have arranged to fit these systems themselves, which could cause a delay. By making HFD standard across our fleet, our machines are ready to go to any site, at any time. It puts us, and our customers, ahead of the game.’

SER are also rolling out a digital ‘Thumbs Up’ kit to build on existing site safety protocols and help remove ambiguity in communication between operators and ground workers.

Whereas in the past an operator might have put a green thumbs up sticker on the side of their machine to signal that it is safe for a ground worker to approach, operators can now press a button in the cab to show an illuminated green or red thumb on a digital display. Most importantly, the system also isolates the drive functions of the machine, effectively creating a safe zone around it.

The decision to standardize these high-end safety features is a central part of SER’s commitment to offering a premium service to the industry.

‘As we expand our operations across the UK, our aim is to be the first choice for leading contractors – a long-term partner who is constantly listening, investing, and evolving to meet their needs,’ said Ben Beard, sales manager for the South.

‘That starts with selecting best-in-class equipment from premium brands and then specifying them to a high degree, including the latest technology that helps them work more safely, productively, and efficiently.’

In their 50th year of business, SER’s fleet continues to grow to meet increasing national demand. By combining a young, high-tech fleet – with all machines under three years old – and the trusted values of a family-run business, SER say they are cementing their reputation as the go-to partner for contractors who appreciate reliability, specification, and customer service.

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