Machine Heads

Their plant hire equipment is hugely diverse, but when it comes to the trucks that haul it, there’s only one that’ll do for JM Paterson – a Scania V8

- Dougie Rankine

On arrival at their yard near Maybole in Ayrshire, I get the same rush of excitement I first felt aged about three, watching excavators and trucks on the new-build housing estate where we lived. A life-long fascination with mechanical equipment was forged there and then, and Paterson’s yard is full of it. Tractors, 360s, JCBs, tracked dumpers… everything.

Most notably there’s a pair of sparkling V8 Scanias parked in the yard being loaded, plus a wonderful work-worn 164 eight-wheeler. Not only that but there’s a brand new showroom which is home to a stunning 164 T-cab and an S650. Having been severely curtailed with our photoshoots and general T&D shenanigans this year, it’s all a bit of a sensory overload.

“You’re here early,” says boss John Paterson, “we’ve not got the trucks out the showroom yet!” Recently fuelled up for the day with coffee and two rolls and sausage with tattie scones from the wee shop at Minishant, that’s not a problem as there’s plenty of stuff for us to get on with shooting.

John started off working as an Agricultural Engineer for local firm William Kerr of Ayr, before starting off on his own doing repairs on plant, and progressing to hiring out his own machines. He’s recently bought back the very first excavator he owned, a Japanese Sumitomo with the intention of restoring it. The excavator, and lots of other notable vehicles detailing the history of the company are airbrushed on their most recent truck, a Scania S580.