Blue Fuchs hit the target for Top Gear.

Blue Fuchs, a division of Blue Group, were recently on the receiving end of an unusual request from the BBC who approached the company to discuss the possibility of supplying a Fuchs Material Handler to feature in a forthcoming episode of their biggest global brand – Top Gear.

Blue Fuchs MD – Terry Hughes, takes up the story, “we had an enquiry from the Top Gear team to supply a Material Handler which would be used in an episode of the series. Every week they feature machinery or equipment outside of their usual focus on cars and they were keen to assess one of our machines in action to see what it could do; therefore, after an initial discussion the BBC team came down to Fuchs to make a selection and watch a demonstration of the MHL360 at our HQ in Portishead, Bristol we were invited to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey where the programme was being filmed.”

The Fuchs MHL360 Material Handler:

As the UK dealer for the Fuchs brand, Blue stand firmly behind these world class material handlers. Fuchs have more than 125 years of innovative design in material handlers and with their focus on key sectors of the materials handling industry, these machines provide innovative and powerful solutions guaranteeing a dynamic material flow.

With a wide range of machines available, an attachments portfolio matches the material handlers’ areas of application in terms of scope and diversity and is suited to a broad range of applications in recycling, scrap handling, port and timber handling. With these wide-ranging Fuchs tool options, the materials handling workflow remains consistently well managed.

The game:

With a 6.00am start the Fuchs MHL360 duly fitted with a 5-tyne grab was delivered to the film location for preparation; followed by the presenters who arrived at 9.00am. Before filming commenced Pat James from Fuchs had the task of providing 45 minutes of training for the chief presenter Matt Le Blanc.

Pat James, commented, “it was obvious from the start that he had some experience as he picked it up very quickly and showed he was a very good operator. Evidently Matt has a big passion for heavy machinery and it was clear throughout the filming.”

With training complete and a confident Matt in the driver’s seat it became clear that the plan was to initiate a game of bowling with the Fuchs machine throwing scrap fridges, scrap washing machines and even scrap cars at the target – a line of sheds.

With the film crew in place and the drone in the air, filming commenced and it wasn’t long before Matt was launching objects in the air with amazing results.

Terry Hughes, further commented, “it was just brilliant, Matt had complete control over the machine and his driving expertise shone through, as time and time again he successfully grabbed the ‘missiles’ and hit the target with devastating results. The Fuchs machine certainly played its part and demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness in what was a very entertaining game.”

Following the successful filming this feature was shown in the Top Gear programme on Easter Sunday and will subsequently be broadcast in 212 countries. Claimed to be the BBC’s biggest global brand the sales and merchandise are estimated at more than 50 million a year.