Stevens Equipment Rental scores UK-first for safety technology
The company is the first in the UK to have the recently released Collision Warning System from Caterpillar®, which is fitted to its newest Cat 972 wheel loader. The fully integrated safety system reinforces SER’s position as a market leader in rental fleet technology.
Stevens Equipment Rental (SER) is championing site safety by becoming the first customer of Finning UK & Ireland to purchase a Cat 972 wheel loader with the manufacturer’s Collision Warning System, which it announced earlier this year.
“We are delighted that our long-term partner Stevens Equipment Rental has been so quick to adopt this new, fully integrated technology,” said Neil Baxter, key account manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “It demonstrates their proactive commitment to safety and their deep understanding of what contractors need on major projects. SER is a forward-thinking business, and this investment sets a new benchmark for the rental industry.”
Advanced safety built-in from the factory
The factory-fit Collision Warning System aims to enhance operator awareness and mitigate hazards behind the machine through three key features: rear object detection, rear view camera with people detection, and motion inhibit.
Rear object detection uses sensors to monitor and alert the operator to static and moving objects, while the rear view camera with people detection specifically identifies the human form, highlighting people on the in-cab monitor with red boxes to manage potential risks. Motion inhibit completes the system with an extra layer of protection, automatically preventing the machine from reversing if it has been stationary and a hazard is detected.
Leading from the front on safety and innovation
“At Stevens Equipment Rental, safety isn’t an add-on – it’s built into everything we do,” said Andrew Stevens, managing director of SER. “Our goal has always been to offer the highest quality fleet in the UK, and that means investing in innovation that protects people and boosts performance. Being among the first to bring this technology to market isn’t just about leading the way; it’s about giving our customers access to smarter, safer machines that help them deliver projects with confidence.”
The purchase marks the next step in SER’s wider safety strategy. The company is already retrofitting human form detection systems across its existing fleet, as well as introducing motion inhibit technology on its larger wheel loaders – ensuring its commitment to safety extends beyond brand new equipment.
As SER celebrates its 50th anniversary, these investments reflect a continued dedication to combining cutting-edge technology with the family values the company was built on – providing customers with equipment service they can trust, now and for the next generation.