It’s one of those questions you’ll find yourself wondering at random points throughout the day. Along with, ‘How do you handcuff a one armed man?’ or ‘Is the word ‘dictionary’ in the dictionary?’. But do you know why those large-scale machines you use every single day are called ‘plant machinery’? If not, read on to find out.
So, why do we call it plant?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this age old question. If you search the internet, you’ll find a whole range of different suggestions. It seems that, in many parts of the world, the term ‘plant machinery’ isn’t used but instead referred to as factory machinery or heavy-duty machinery.
The best answer we could find was that ‘plant machinery’ comes from the meaning behind the word ‘plant’ itself. Taken from the latin ‘plantare’, it originally means ‘to fix in place’ or to ‘drive into the ground’. The idea here is that plant machinery is considered a fixed asset. This term seems to have come up first around the 1789, describing the idea that a building is planted in its location.
What machines fall under the term ‘plant’?
In general, you can assume that machinery or equipment are items that aren’t operated solely by hand. This can include plant machinery and small plant machinery in collaboration.
At Jay Bee Sales, we have a wide range of plant machinery including excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and backhoe loaders. Any one of these machines allows you to focus on creating a professional construction job where projects can be completed swiftly and effectively.
Are there any other burning questions you’ve been milling over around the construction industry and specifically, the machinery used within it? Get in touch today and let our team to see if we can provide you with the much needed answers. We have over 40 years experience in supplying used machinery to the UK and exporting worldwide from our family-run depot. Alongside the most competitive prices, we carry some of the best brands on the market including Caterpillar and JCB.
And, if you have any further information (historical or make-believe) as to why we call them plant machinery, let us know too. Otherwise we’ll just keep swirling these questions around and around in our heads until we get our hands on the latest English dictionary.
FAQs
The best answer we could find was that 'plant machinery' comes from the meaning behind the word 'plant' itself. Taken from the latin 'plantare', it originally means 'to fix in place' or to 'drive into the ground'. The idea here is that plant machinery is considered a fixed asset.
Why is it called plant machinery? ›
From Factories to Construction Sites
As the industrial revolution progressed, the term 'plant' evolved along with it. With the advent of portable machinery that could be used on construction sites, the term 'plant machinery' was coined to distinguish this equipment from the stationary machinery found in factories.
What is the meaning of plant and machinery plant? ›
Generally speaking, plant and machinery is an asset that is used by a business for the purpose of carrying on the business and is not stock in trade, the business premises or part of the business premises [note 1].
Why is it called a plant room? ›
Noun. A room used to grow plants. A room used to house large machinery (plant), such as air-conditioning equipment.
What are examples of plant and machinery? ›
Plant includes machinery, equipment, appliances, containers, implements and tools and components or anything fitted or connected to those things. Some examples of plant include lifts, cranes, computers, machinery, scaffolding components, conveyors, forklifts, augers, vehicles, power tools and amusem*nt devices.
Why do they call a factory a plant? ›
Many a times we take inspiration from nature. We all know that the plants are the primary producers. They are the prime source of food for each living being. Similarly, for a factory or manufacturing concern, the plant is the source of production and hence the name.
What does the term machinery refer to? ›
: machines in general or as a functioning unit. b. : the working parts of a machine. 2. : the means or system by which something is kept in action or a desired result is obtained.
What is another name for plant and machinery? ›
What is another word for machinery?
| equipment | gear |
|---|
| material | contrivance |
| gizmo | plant |
| fixtures | setup |
| impedimenta | accessories |
138 more rowsPlant includes any vehicle, machinery, equipment, tool, vessel and/or aircraft etc.
What is the abbreviation for plant and machinery? ›
60010 Meaning of 'plant and machinery' (P&M)
A greenhouse is a structure made almost entirely from glass or thick transparent plastic. Its sole purpose is to grow plants in, unlike a solarium or conservatory, which can also be used as a living space. Greenhouses range in size from small sheds to industrial-sized buildings.
Why are potted plants kept in dark rooms? ›
In order to prevent the previously formed starch from interfering, we remove the starch and it is done by keeping the plant in dark. When the plant is in dark, the photosynthesis does not occur and the stored starch is used up.
What is the best room for plants? ›
Bright, indirect light, such as from an east-facing window, is good for many plants. If your windows face west or south, you may need to move the plants away from the window or soften the intensity with sheer drapes or a light curtain. If you're itching to put plants in a low-light room consider plants such as: Ivy.
What is the meaning of plant machinery? ›
Assets that can often be classed as 'plant and machinery' are equipment like computers, office furniture, tools, machinery, etc, i.e. items that you use to keep your business running.
What is a heavy plant machinery? ›
Heavy plant machinery however is a category for dozens of construction machinery used on site, each machine designed for a specific task to assist on-site, as this list will show the most common type of machine used on-site and why they are so in demand.
What does plant mean in business? ›
In the study of economics, a plant is an integrated workplace, usually all in one location. A plant generally consists of the physical capital, like the building and the equipment at a particular location that is used for the production of goods. A plant is also called a factory.
What is the origin of the word machinery? ›
machinery (n.) 1680s; from machine (n.) + -ery. Originally theatrical, "devices for creating stage effects" (which also was a sense of Greek mēkhanē); meaning "machines or parts of machines considered collectively," is attested from 1731.
Where did the word "plant" come from? ›
Etymology. From Middle English plante, from Old English plante (“young tree or shrub, herb newly planted”), from Latin planta (“sprout, shoot, cutting”). Broader sense of "any vegetable life, vegetation generally" is from Old French plante.
