Diggers LIVE! Magazine - November/December 2023

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November/December 2023 #20

The Premier B2B Construction Equipment Magazine

Steven Ford

Very Rewarding

BUSINESS INSIDER: As retirement looms we take a look at Steven’s 50+ year career

We begin a JV with the British Demolition Awards to celebrate equipment excellence

EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT

Alan Sams, UK & Ireland Sales Director, XCMG

GROUND BREAKING INTELLIGENCE

CONTRÔL

TOUGHNESS

DESIGN

FROM 1.8 TO 95 TONNES THE ALL NEW F-SERIES BREAKS THE MOULD. www.liugong.co.uk

info@liugong.co.uk

SCAN THE QR CODE TO DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

02392 123 392

WELCOME Global construction learned in October that the Manchester leg of HS2 is to be scrapped and Stu McInroy (Chief Exec of the CPA) summed up my feelings perfectly: “The news that the Manchester leg of HS2 is to be cancelled is extremely disappointing and a significant blow to the UK construction sector. This decision shall undoubtedly further undermine confidence and impact future investment at a time when the economy remains fragile.”

We await with open eyes and still some optimism that the diverted funds will go to a whole host of needed engineering projects across the UK. Gargantuan Chinese excavator (and much more) manufacturer XCMG has now firmly set up shop in the UK and of course, Diggers LIVE! was first on the scene.

We joined UK Sales Director Alan Sams in Berkshire last month for a tour as we spoke about promoting XCMG to our UK and European audience. This and much more from XCMG is in this issue, all wrapped up nicely in the end-of-year EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT feature interview.

It has been a really busy couple of months as those that follow me, and Diggers LIVE!’s LinkedIn accounts have surely seen.

Between issues it was a pleasure to spend time with CASE in Derbyshire at its UK roadshow and that location allowed me an afternoon for a quick loop of the NEC for RWM the following day.

Blue Group’s open day and the fifth annual British Demolition Awards capped off an incredibly busy yet fruitful bi-monthly publishing period.

In this issue it has been a pleasure to feature my friend and the man at the top of the UK’s LiuGong mountain, Steven Ford, for a look back on his illustrious half-century construction equipment career in the BUSINESS INSIDER interview.

Steven retires at the end of the year and it has been a pleasure working with him and his team at LiuGong – thanks for all your time and support mate, you’re leaving LiuGong UK in a very strong position and we wish you the best of luck, but we have no doubt you will still be on the scene in some capacity.

Also inside the magazine you will see how we have shown further commitment to the industry we cover by our creation of construction equipment awards celebrating both OEMs and plant hirers within the British Demolition Awards. Read more in the News section.

Although this is being written at the tail end of October, with a November publishing date I have just realised that this is the final issue of 2023 – I hope we have lived up to your expectations this year. We plan to meet or exceed the same lofty goals again in 2024.

Wishing you all a productive end to the year and some well-earned rest over the festive season.

See you next year!

Ben Chambers International Affiliate

Official Publication

EDITORIAL TEAM

Ben Chambers ben@globalnews.media

Toby Wilsdon toby@globalnews.media DESIGNERS Nicki Chambers nic@globalnews.media Joe Bers joe@globalnews.media Alex Jarrett GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@globalnews.media 01903 952 640 SALES Charlotte Walsh charlotte@globalnews.media 01903 952 644 PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY Global News Media Ltd Suite 5 & 6 Chapel House 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing West Sussex BN11 1EX ben@globalnews.media 01903 952 640 Diggers LIVE! is published six times a year by Global News Media Ltd Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Global News Media Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

CONTENTS

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18 MINI EXCAVATOR FEATURE •

SMT GB – GRIDSERVE partners with SMT GB on Volvo electric excavator trial

•

XCMG – XE27E

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CASE – CX18D, supplied by Warwick Ward

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DEVELON – DX20ZE-7 electric mini excavator

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Kubota – KX085-5 with Tefra quick hitch

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TVH – Parts and accessories for mini excavators

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Bobcat – R2-Series 5-6-t mini excavators

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JCB – 50Z-2, 56Z-2 and 60C-2

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Volvo Construction Equipment – Can electric excavators truly match the muscle of diesel?

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Yanmar CE – Yanmar celebrates 55 years of mini excavator excellence

36 BUSINESS INSIDER With Steven Ford, outgoing Managing Director of LiuGong Machinery (UK)

6 NEWS CPA and Transport for the North respond to the cancellation of Manchester leg of HS2 Metso acquires aggregates control systems firm Tedd Engineering S&P Global/CIPS UK Construction PMI survey shows decline in construction activity British Demolition Awards recognises construction equipment industry in 2024

10 PROFILE Tobin Plant, LiuGong dealer for Eastern England

12 EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT With Alan Sams, UK and Ireland Sales Director of XCMG UK Sales and Services Limited

44 PROFILE DTH Plant Hire Ltd, vacuum excavation filling the void

46 LOADERS AND DUMPERS FEATURE •

Caterpillar – CAT 255 and 265 compact track loader

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JCB – 1T-E electric site dumper

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Liebherr – L 504, L 506 and L 508 compact loaders

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DEVELON – DL420CVT-7 wheel loader

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Compact Loaders UK – MultiOne 11 series loader

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Liebherr – TA 230 Litronic dump trucks

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MECALAC – REVOTRUCK

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AUSA – D201AHG articulated dumper

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Wacker Neuson – DV45 dumper

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Wacker Neuson – WL28e e-wheel loader

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Rokbak – RA30 articulated hauler

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Volvo – L70H wheel loader

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Bobcat – L95 compact wheel loader

64 INDUSTRY Market challenges lie ahead, but optimism is warranted Advanced Access Platforms invests £2m in JCB fleet Cause for celebration: Yanmar CE EMEA rolls out its 16,000th wheeled excavator CASE Construction Equipment delivers sustainable roadshow experience Equipmake collaborates with Perkins on advanced e-powertrain systems More than 1,000 Bobcat employees volunteer for local communities worldwide CPA President selected as International Judge for INTERMAT 2024 Innovation Awards HD Hyundai Infracore wins large-scale DEVELON orders from Saudi Arabia and Brazil A time machine on a job site Another successful trade show for Goldhofer Bobcat Machine IQ system now available as subscription service Blue Southern appointed as Hidromek Dealer Bobcat celebrates 60 years of Pontâcheau factory World’s biggest Pothole Pro fleet set to fix Britain’s roads JCB announces plans for new North American plant UK Civils and Construction Solutions signs CX130E deal at UK CASE Roadshow Maquinza buys Spain’s first DEVELON DX350LC-7 Narrow Track excavator Liebherr to exhibit at Ecomondo 2023 Third US acquisition for UK equipment dealer, Molson Group Komatsu introduces 3D machine guidance and payload functionalities Merlo UK celebrates 30 years in style New Liebherr 31 XXT truck-mounted concrete pump Safety first for DA Johnstone Plant Hire HYUNDAI HX220AL first choice for Max Earthworks MDS appoints first distributor in the far east Next generation Hyundais arrive at Hugh Pearl

114 OPINION Stuart Cottrell, Head of Energy Services and Government Partnerships, TEVVA argues that we need to be bolder on zero emission truck (ZET) adoption

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NEWS

CPA statement on the cancellation of Manchester leg of HS2 Following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement at the Conservative Party conference in October that the Manchester leg of HS2 is to be scrapped, Stu McInroy, Chief Executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) said: “The news that the Manchester leg of HS2 is to be cancelled is extremely disappointing and a significant blow to the UK construction sector. This decision shall undoubtedly further undermine confidence and impact

future investment at a time when the economy remains fragile.

“While in no way likely to offset the negative effect of cancelling the Manchester leg of HS2, it is imperative that Mr Sunak’s commitment to completing the HS2 line to Euston, and diverting Manchester leg funding to a plethora of other projects aimed at boosting transport infrastructure in the north, are actioned without delay.

Construction is a key driver of economic

growth and CPA members will now be watching very closely what the government does next.

“Failure to follow through with current infrastructure plans has already damaged confidence in UK construction and impacted on the UK as a destination for international investment. We can ill-afford the government to repeat this failure again.”

Stu McInroy, Chief Executive of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA)

Transport for the North response to HS2 decision Responding to the government’s decision to scrap HS2 to the north, Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North, said: “The cancelling of the northern leg of HS2 is naturally disappointing. It’s undeniable that this will be seen by many as a missed opportunity for the region and the country as a whole. Only last week, northern business and political leaders came together at our TfN Board to speak with ‘one voice’ to reaffirm our position that HS2 and NPR in full are

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vital to truly transform the north.

“The announcement of investment in the region is obviously welcome. And we will look to work with government to fully understand the implications for the north of the proposals set out today in the Prime Minister’s speech, and consult with our board on the best way forward in light of this new change of policy. There are still quite a few areas that require further clarification from the Department for Transport, which we will be seeking from them.”

Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North (credit: Transport for the North)

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NEWS

Metso acquires aggregates control systems firm Tedd Engineering Metso has signed an agreement to acquire Tedd Engineering, a privately owned company specialised in automation, control systems and electrical solutions for mobile equipment and aftermarket, primarily focusing on the aggregates business.

Tedd Engineering employs approximately 70 employees and is based in Chesterfield. It has provided electronic control systems for heavy machinery for over 30 years and developed unrivalled expertise and reputation in the industry.

Its control systems, handsets, wiring looms and modules are built in-house at its manufacturing facilities in England and Northern Ireland. Sales in the financial year ending in June 2023 were approximately £15m.

Markku Simula, President, Aggregates Business Area (above) at Metso, said: “We are very happy to welcome Tedd Engineering to Metso. The acquisition clearly strengthens our capabilities to utilise digitalisation and automation in our mobile equipment business and especially in the

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aftermarket. We are committed to serving all of Tedd Engineering’s current customers as well as developing new solutions for them. The current Tedd Engineering customers will see the continuation of their business and future investments.

“Beyond Metso’s own mobile products, Tedd Engineering will offer new opportunities for the automation aftermarket business, including control system upgrades, digital solutions and remote monitoring. Tedd Engineering has been a trusted automation supplier for Metso’s McCloskey brand already for several years and coming together will give us new opportunities to speed up our electrification and digitalisation programmes.”

Richard Hooper, CEO of Tedd Engineering said: “Metso is one of the

leaders in its field and deepening our already long-standing co-operation by joining them is a very good next step for Tedd Engineering. I am sure that by broadening the scope of our advanced control systems more widely throughout their portfolio, we can enhance the already excellent digital and automation offering to their customers.”

The acquisition is expected to be closed during Q4 2023. The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction value, which has no material impact on Metso’s financials.

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NEWS

S&P Global / CIPS UK Construction PMI survey shows decline in construction activity The S&P Global Market Intelligence/ Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – a seasonally adjusted index tracking changes in industry activity – registered 45.0 in September, down sharply from 50.8 in August and below the neutral 50.0 value for the first time since June.

All three main segments of construction work posted a reduction in business activity, led by a steep and accelerated fall in house building.

Residential work (index 38.1) was the worst-performing area of construction, followed by civil engineering (index 45.7). Commercial building declined at a more modest pace (index 47.7), but this represented a considerable setback after the solid growth seen throughout the summer.

Aside from the pandemic, the latest fall in housing activity was the steepest since April 2009.

Total new business received by construction companies decreased for the third time in the past four months and the rate of decline was the steepest since May 2020. Construction companies cited sluggish demand and a severe drag on new orders from reduced workloads in the residential building sector.

Cost burdens were broadly unchanged, however. This contrasted with strong input price inflation in the first half of 2023. Respondents noted higher fuel bills and some rises in raw material prices, but this was offset by lower shipping costs and greater price competition among suppliers.

The number of construction firms predicting a rise in output over the year ahead (41%) continued to exceed those forecasting a decline (17%). This was linked to long-term business expansion plans and hopes of a turnaround in customer demand. However, overall confidence slipped to its lowest since December 2022 amid concerns about higher borrowing costs and weaker housing market conditions.

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Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “A rapid decline in house building activity acted as a major drag on workloads, with construction companies widely commenting on cutbacks to new residential development projects in the wake of sluggish demand and rising borrowing costs. Concerns about the domestic economic outlook also dampened client spending during September, which contributed to the fastest reduction in commercial building since January 2021.

“The survey’s forward-looking measures once again remained relatively downbeat as order books decreased at an accelerated pace and business activity expectations eased to the lowest so far this year.”

Dr John Glen, (right) Chief Economist at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), said: “The impact of high mortgage rates and low house buying demand continues to flow through the supply chain and negatively hit the UK construction industry. It has been a tough year for residential construction and the sharp decline in September shows the pressure on the sector is still a long way from easing, despite the pause on the raising of interest rates.

“After some positive signs over the summer months, September saw a bump back down to earth for commercial construction as concerns over the future of the economy hampered demand and delayed new projects.

“There is some comfort in the fact that the days of disrupted supply chains and soaring inflation are behind us for the time being, with delivery times continuing to fall and input prices remaining stable. The lack of activity has given space for suppliers to catch up with demand and create slack in the supply

chain, which the construction sector will be hoping to take advantage of once demand returns.”

Joe Sullivan (right), partner at accountants MHA, said: “September’s hold in the base rate didn’t weaken confidence further but it didn’t help either. Current interest rates push more homeowners onto expensive mortgages as their existing deals finish, weakening an already tepid housing market.

“We’re seeing a sustained deferral of work across the wider sector. Developers continue to mothball sites or slowdown their build rates, even in prime locations.

Business owners in the supply chain must choose between keeping their skill base intact through taking on work at tighter margins, or layoffs, presenting problems when the upturn occurs.

“The period between now and the spring will be particularly tough on activity. Insolvencies will rise and Michael J Lonsdale going into administration this week shows even the biggest businesses will be affected.

“Compounding the wider economic conditions is the scrapping of the western leg of HS2. At worst this move will take billions out of the sector. It also drives home that government must do better to provide visibility and certainty over the future so business owners can at least plan (for the worst) with confidence.”

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NEWS

British Demolition Awards recognises construction equipment industry in 2024 As part of an enhanced British Demolition Awards in 2024, the event organiser and publisher of Diggers LIVE! Global News Media is informing the British construction equipment industry of its commitment to recognise and promote OEMs and plant hirers.

Next year’s British Demolition Awards ceremony will include a section dedicated to the plant industry. The Engineering and Design award and Plant Hire Company of the Year award will recognise the very best equipment being offered to the construction and demolition industry as well as the service provided by those who supply it.

Awards founder Ben Chambers said: “Due to the success of this year’s event we are introducing two construction equipment awards following the model of the British Asbestos Awards, which we launched a couple of years ago to recognise successes in the asbestos abatement sector. So with that winning formula and the reach and support of Diggers LIVE! behind us, we want to recognise the best of the best in construction equipment.”

The aim is that the construction equipment awards will grow along the same lines as the British Asbestos Awards, which with six honours is now a distinct entity within the overall event.

You will be able to enter these awards in January via the official awards website: BritishDemolitionAwards.com.

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PROFILE

Tobin Plant Tobin Plant is led by Simon Tobin, who, until recently, served as the Eastern Sales Manager at LiuGong. With 47 years of experience in the plant industry, he has a remarkable background.

At the age of 16 Simon joined the Royal Engineers in the British Army. He attended the Royal School of Military Engineering and acquired qualifications as a combat engineer, heavy plant operator and mechanic. Subsequently, he worked as a foreman on a diamond mine in South Africa.

His career path led him to work with several plant manufacturers, also holding positions as a commercial manager at two of the largest plant hire companies in the eastern region. Additionally, he managed various sea defence projects, including overseeing the logistics of constructing Southwold Pier.

Simon Tobin was honoured as Salesman of the Year and his dealership was awarded Dealership of the Year for LiuGong in 2022. Simon credits his broad-ranging experience for enabling him to fully comprehend the needs of his customers, which is exemplified by

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the exceptional backup and spare parts services offered by LiuGong/Tobin Plant.

Working closely alongside Simon is his dedicated wife, Zuhal, who serves

as the company’s Finance Director.

Together they form an indispensable team that keeps the company’s operations running smoothly. Zuhal’s expertise in finance has played a pivotal role in the success of LiuGong/Tobin Plant Services. Their collaboration ensures that the financial aspects of the business are as finely tuned as the machinery they provide.

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INTERVIEW

EQUIPMENT ENGAGEMENT Ben Chambers met Alan Sams, XCMG UK’s Sales Director UK and Ireland, at the company’s depot at Lambourn Business Park near Hungerford to talk about the Chinese and global plant giant’s breakout into the UK Interviewee: Alan Sams Role: Sales Director, UK and Ireland Company: XCMG UK Sales and Services Limited

Ben Chambers Tell us about XCMG and its product range now available in the UK and Europe.

Alan Sams XCMG started manufacturing in 1943. We’ve been doing it for 80 years, but people don’t know the name and the reason is that for 22 of those years, we built under licence to the CAT standard. If you bought a CAT machine anywhere in Africa, China, Middle East, anywhere other than America, Europe, or Oceania and Australia, it was an XCMG machine. CAT instructed us on how to make the machines and we built under their supervision and to their standards.

We went our separate ways in 2009 and since then we’ve taken it on to our own destination. Everything’s finished to a really high quality. Everything’s the best you can get, Kubota engine, Kawasaki KPH pumps, Cummins on the bigger stuff. With things like locks, paint finish, inside bonnets, you can always tell quality.

Our focus for the first year is excavators and wheel loaders. That’s the core market.

Next year we’re going to be looking at compaction telehandlers and skid steers.

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BC Where in China is the factory?

AS Xuzhou, which is where the name XCMG comes from – Xuzhou City Manufacturing Group.

BC So are you looking to follow a similar model to what LiuGong did a few years ago, coming into the UK and taking over CPMS (Construction Plant and Machinery Sales) and then becoming a force within demolition and construction equipment?

AS Actually, the complete opposite. Our business model is that we’re engineers, we make a good machine. We don’t sell machines, we’re only going to sell through our dealers. We are going to be based in the UK as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Our head office is in High Wycombe.

That’s where our sales, admin and parts are going to be based. We’ve taken on a great guy who is ex Ford and Land Rover over the last 20 years, he is setting up the parts department, bringing in parts directly from China so they will also be plentiful and very competitively priced. Also this year we acquired 8,000 square metres in Lambourn Woods for stocking machines.

BC How did you come to be at XCMG? AS I came on board six months ago. I looked after the key accounts at Bobcat for last six and a half years. Over the last 30 years I’ve been with Hitachi, Komatsu and Volvo. I tend to do six or seven years at each place and then move on.

The boss of XCMG Siberia, Europe and the Middle East approached me directly, came to see me and sold me the love affair. And do you know what? I wasn’t that interested originally, but I saw the machines, we met a few times, had some long chats and ultimately it was a no brainer. www.diggers.live

INTERVIEW

BC What are your responsibilities at XCMG? AS I run all of UK and Ireland for all sales through to the dealers.

BC How many machines do you have here at Lambourn Business Park at the moment, roughly 150 or 200?

AS About that.

BC We’ve seen a few customers walking around now, can they can trial the equipment here?

AS Yes they can.

BC Do you have a bit of rough ground for them to use?

BC You mentioned hydrogen, which I got quite excited about. What about electric?

AS Not at the moment as we’ve only been here for about three weeks. We’re just putting in wash bays, we’ve got a workshop capable of pre-delivery inspection and are working on a 50-t excavator going here too. Being an ex-machine driver and knowing how smooth these machines are, we have a separate area for machine trials.

AS We’ve some electric machines, but there’s no plan to bring them to the UK yet, we don’t see the future as electric in the UK, to be honest. Maybe a couple of excavator models and the electric wheeled loader, but that’s it.

AS As you know, R&D normally takes five to eight years, from plan to fruition.

We’ve got a few electric excavators, mainly in the US, and they’re not CE compliant as they are 440 V, and we haven’t got a plan to bring them here. We don’t see a huge market for it. We’re putting all our resources into hydrogen, I think that’s going to be the way.

BC Very interesting.

BC You’ve managed to sell 150, 200

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INTERVIEW

pieces of equipment. Where are you going to go to continue the growth in 2024?

AS We’ve now got 12 dealers on board for the UK. The idea is long term relationships, not short term gain. We’re a huge company with huge resources and the idea is to support those dealers.

AS Sales, administration, parts and service. We support and train our dealers and engineers there. We can support them on the road and we’ll train them to go out on the road. This site is just for storage and machines and workshops.

BC Would you go with a dealer that deals with other excavator manufacturers?

BC Which of the UK shows are you going to be at next year?

AS Two of our dealers do, for example, one of them is also a Kubota dealer, but he’s also selling our machines alongside.

We see that, for example, our XC 27 mini digger has got a Kubota engine, Kawasaki pumps. It’s a lovely machine, lovely quality, but the price is probably going to be much less than a Kubota for the same model. Same engine, same pumps, same steel, just a different name on it.

I would be very comfortable to put it in a demonstration against the Kubota because I know the machine now, and I’m an ex-machine driver. What I’m also doing for all the dealers is to give each one a full set of machines so they can go out and show their customers.

AS We’re going to be at all of them.

We are going to be at Hillhead directly ourselves, we have a full range of machines.

We have large shovels from 16 tonnes up to 34 tonnes, we have excavators from 24 up to 50 tonnes. In this yard next week, we will have the 220 which has arrived now, we’ll have the new 220. We’ll have the 260, 300 and the 380 in the next week as well. So larger machines. I’m hoping to get the 50-tonne as well. In Dusseldorf we’ve got a 55-tonne high reach. A lovely piece of kit.

BC Where will they be trained?

AS We have three engineers that have just joined us now, two of those are going to be product specialists. They’re being trained up. We have a European head office in Dusseldorf. It’s a two hour drive after you get across on the tunnel and we tend to do a lot of our training there for all the engineers and specialists. It’s a huge place.

But we are actually a wholly owned UK subsidiary. So everything is going to be based here, parts will come directly here from China, machines will come directly here from China, it allows us to support the customers better.

BC What is the aftercare service?

AS We offer a three year warranty as standard and we can offer an extended warranty for five years. Some of our competitors do that, but I don’t necessarily see a need to follow our competitors.

We have our own engineers and product specialists at High Wycombe.

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BC What else happens at High Wycombe?

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BC With regards to marketing, what is your plan to take XCMG products to the market?

AS I’ve concentrated mainly on getting machines in, getting the dealer network set up, which we’ve now done. Rygor Plant is a huge dealer. They turn over £400m a year just with Mercedes Benz Commercial and they want to mirror that business in plant with us.

The great thing is, we’re getting companies like Strickland and Hill Engineering, who want information about what we’re doing and who the dealers are, because they are being asked constantly by their customers. We are already doing some deals with some big users and we have some big names signing up shortly.

One user in the south-west has ordered 100 units already – this stock won’t last long.

It’s about not rushing too much. Our focus is excavators and wheel loaders for the first year or so. We have a huge portfolio and everything’s going to come in time. We don’t want to blind our dealers, we don’t want to be jack of all trades. We want to go into one area, have one dealer, one specialised team. If they want to take all the products, which is what we want them to do in due course, that’s fine.

We are working on getting XCMG Finance in place in the next month, with a guaranteed residual value, and we are developing “XCMG Connected” a full telematic live offering.

BC Is that a separate company or is that going to be a part of XCMG UK? AS It’s all a part of us, XCMG UK Sales and Services Limited.

BC And how many dealers are you looking to achieve across the UK? AS Twelve. We haven’t been to Ireland yet but hopefully we will have one dealer for the whole of Ireland.

BC So what are your plans for the next six months?

AS Have a holiday – it’s been crazy busy. I live on the far east coast at Kings Lynn in Norfolk so I stay in hotels for half the week, when in London. www.diggers.live

INTERVIEW

PRODUCTS

Q

Tell us about one of your key products The XE220E 23-t crawler excavator.

It’s what we can call a core machine of the UK construction industry, used and loved in plant hire, demolition, civils, groundworks. You name it, it does it.

Our machine is not reinventing the wheel; it’s simple, has the latest spec Stage V engine, is very nicely finished, has fully propositional controls for different attachments programmable from the dash, a fully air suspension heated seat as standard, refuelling pump, air con, rotation lines along with double acting hammer lines, heavy duty boxing ring, all built in house. And now we even put on a Lincoln auto greasing system as standard. Everything a driver would expect and a bit more.

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Q

Why should potential customers buy it?

If you imagine a company that has worked closely with both Liebherr and Cat and built machines for Cat for more than 20 years, they must have learned something. We have done and now we can proudly put our name on our product. A great product, great service, great price.

Q

Tell us about the development of the XE220E. Was it a revelation or a slow burn?

Slow burn, we started with the iron works company in 1943, grew, built machines for others, learned our craft and now we feel ready to present our offering to the industry. The XE220E is one of our main machines and always has our attention.

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INTERVIEW

Q

Have you had any feedback?

Yes some fantastic feedback and some very happy customers. We keep getting compared to others for different reasons, for example we’ve had an update by the engineers from China on the XE80 hydraulic, they were very good now they are great.

One of the drivers said it’s as smooth as his Hitachi now.

Others love the value of the product and price, but I try to keep everyone focused on the product.

It’s as good as the so-called premier brands and actually better than a few.

Q

How will XCMG be developing the range in the near future?

We have a new XE235ECR coming at the end of this year, which is very exciting. We have compaction machines coming, skid steers, access platforms, back hoes and a wide range of telehandlers, to name a few. We have constant ongoing development of all these and some of the world’s best engineers doing it. We are looking at our world’s future with hydrogenfuelled machines.

AND FINALLY Who/what would you be in an alternative life?

My dog – wow what a life Describe yourself in three adjectives Excitable, driven, forward thinker Who is your favourite artist?

Luke Combs What do you do for fun?

I love my motorhome even though I don’t get out in it much; visiting steam shows all around the country, anything engineering based. Along with my dogs of course.

Who do you most admire?

Professionally, when I was a machine driver and kerb layer at the age of 19 I went into Hitachi HM Plant, Slough to get a part for a machine and got speaking to David Hearne the then operation director. Long story short,

he started me in sales, taking a risk as I had no experience, and took me under his wing. He retired a few years back but he has always been someone I’ve tried to emulate. He’s straight talking, respectful and a great role model, the best salesman I’ve seen. He showed me it’s not about selling, it’s about relationships. A great guy to work for.

What would be your desert island (exile) luxury?

XE220E amphibious excavator What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Every day is different. It’s a very exciting role, I’m all over the UK meeting some and working with some great people.

When and where are/were you happiest?

Diving quartz caves in Thailand What’s the most expensive nonessential thing you’ve ever bought?

My motorhome What’s your bucket list activity?

I’m about half way down it. I’m hoping to get to do Route 66 on a Harley and railroad coming back, travel further in Asia, own a Ferrari… I’m not naming what’s left, my wife wouldn’t be too happy.

What’s your ideal weekend?

Dorset steam fair with my family and dogs and a few real ales What would you do for a company excursion, money no object?

Factory trip to China, not just the factory but to see the country too Autumn, winter, spring or summer?

Spring, definitely; new life starting off and all fresh What’s your favourite food?

Sunday roast, Toby Carvery What’s your tipple of choice?

Guinness

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RAMMER HITS HARDER

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MINI EXCAVATOR FEATURE SMT GB

MINI EXCAVATORS

GRIDSERVE partners with SMT GB on Volvo electric excavator trial

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GRIDSERVE trialled a Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator from SMT GB in the construction of a new Electric Super Hub

Using a Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator charged with clean solar energy could help the public EV charge point provider to minimise the environmental impact of its installation operations, while improving uptime and health and safety on site.

Sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE teamed up with SMT GB to trial the Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator in the construction of its new High

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Power Electric Super Hub at Moto Scotch Corner Services on the A1(M) south of Darlington.

GRIDSERVE used the 2.5 tonne fully electric machine supplied by SMT GB to dig trenches for the transformers, power banks, charging units and cabling to connect 12 new 350 kW electric vehicle (EV) chargers to the grid.

These ultra high-power EV chargers with contactless payment feature both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors, are capable of adding up to 100 miles of range

in less than 10 minutes and are part of GRIDSERVE’s expansion plans as it seeks to facilitate the shift to electric motoring.

Moving the needle on climate change GRIDSERVE is one of the UK’s main providers of public EV charging, with its Electric Highway covering 80% of UK motorways through over 300 charging points at service stations and other locations. By 2025, the company has committed to installing 5,000 new highpower chargers, including at new Electric Super Hubs and Electric Forecourts.

Crucially, GRIDSERVE also operates its own solar and battery farms to replace the energy drawn from the grid by its network of public EV chargers with 100% net zero carbon energy. This Sun-to-Wheel ecosystem is how GRIDSERVE plans to move the needle on climate change – and using an electric Volvo excavator from SMT GB will help ensure the installation aspect of its operations is sustainable too.

A solution for sustainable construction Richard Hallas, Chief Delivery Officer at GRIDSERVE said: “Our CEO, Toddington Harper, attended MOVE in 2022 (an exhibition for innovation in sustainable transport) and saw the Volvo electric excavator. He was very impressed and is always thinking about how we can innovate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain. So we had some discussions with SMT GB about how it might work for us and here we are.”

To guarantee the Volvo ECR25 Electric is truly emission free, GRIDSERVE powered it from one of its Solar Energy

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FEATURE

Centres (SEC), which is a portable, modular unit topped with solar panels that can be easily transported to any construction site to generate and store solar power. As well as charging electric construction equipment or power tools, it could also power safety lighting and welfare cabins.

Simple charging in an hour Using the SEC and a standard charging cable, GRIDSERVE charged the Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator with clean, renewable energy in just one hour so it could complete a four-hour shift.

Richard Hallas said: “Four hours of continuous operation is longer than we would need in a normal day, and it is so easy to charge. We can charge it over lunch or overnight so it’s ready for the guys to use whenever they need it – and we’re not using any fossil fuels at all, just the natural energy we get from the sun on site.”

The SEC predicts energy consumption and optimises generation and storage and has an HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) backup generator as a last resort.

Richard Hallas said: “The SEC understands where it is in the world and the hours of sun it is realistically going to get. For example, if it’s early in the morning and the battery is almost drained, it knows the sun will be coming up soon and to hold off starting the generator. So, we really do suppress the use of HVO to generate energy as much as possible.”

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Maintenance made easy Richard Hallas praised the Volvo ECR25 Electric’s simple maintenance requirements: “Because it’s electric, you don’t need to do oil and filter changes after so many hours, so there’s less downtime and you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to dispose of the oil sustainably. You just have to make sure it’s charged and it’ll tell you if there are any faults on it that need addressing.

“I think there is some education to be done to let people know just how easy electric machines are to use, charge, and maintain. A lot of people can be very set in their ways and think ‘I don’t want to go electric, I don’t own an electric car and I don’t know it works’ but it’s so straightforward.”

Richard Hallas, Chief Delivery Officer at GRIDSERVE, sees electric excavators as part of the future of sustainable construction

Taylor Mence added: “To me, it’s pretty simple. If an electric machine can do the same job as a diesel one but with no emissions and less noise, why wouldn’t you want to make the switch?”

A promising partnership for decarbonisation So far, the trial is proving a success for all involved – and given GRIDSERVE’s major expansion plans over the next few years, using Volvo electric excavators from SMT GB in the EV charge point installation process could make a significant contribution to the sustainability of the company’s operations.

Richard Hallas concluded: “Who doesn’t know Volvo and isn’t impressed with what they are doing with their technology?

It’s been absolutely fantastic to partner with both SMT GB and Volvo on this project so we can push our sustainability targets and move towards decarbonisation together.”

MINI EXCAVATORS

Quiet operation for greater site safety Powered by the SEC, the Volvo ECR25 Electric worked well on the Electric Super Hub construction site at Moto Scotch Corner Services. Besides its environmental credentials and simple charging, GRIDSERVE has been pleased with the excavator’s quiet and zero emission operation from a health and safety perspective.

Richard Hallas said: “Health and safety on site is paramount for us. We’re very keen on making sure everybody is working safely, and by not having that diesel engine noise we can communicate more easily and clearly without the need for radios or signals. The lack of diesel exhaust fumes is also more pleasant and comfortable for all the people who are working here.”

Operator Taylor Mence said: “It’s my

first time driving an electric digger and it’s got the same pull and power as a diesel machine, just without the fumes and noise, which is a lot better. Normally, when I’ve got my banksman screaming at me and I can’t hear a word he is saying over the engine, I have to switch the machine off, but you don’t have that problem with an electric one.”

Given the new Electric Super Hub was constructed directly next to a Travelodge at Moto Scotch Corner Services, the quiet and fume-free operation also helped minimise potential disturbance to the hotel guests.

GRIDSERVE charged the Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator using solar energy generated on site by one of its portable Solar Energy Centres

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FEATURE

XCMG XE27E

MINI EXCAVATORS

A superior model with passionate design Developed with the concept of “Safe, Reliable, Efficient and Comfortable”, the XE27E hydraulic excavator offers additional value to the operator. This compact short-tail excavator is designed to perform a wide variety of tasks on the most challenging job sites. It does not matter whether it is in demolition, landscaping, earthmoving, or material handling, it gets the job done.

New features make the machines more productive, versatile, and cost effective. The Kubota Stage V D1105 engine, alongside our load-sensing hydraulic system, provides efficiency and fuel economy.

Convenient accessible service points make maintenance easier and reduce downtime.

Boom swing The boom swing function together with the zero tailswing allows

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you to work in very narrow areas. The left and right boom swing angle is respectively 75° and 55°, making the XE27E easily capable of realising complex tasks in difficult operating conditions like digging parallel to a wall in a narrow driveway.

Ease of transportation With buckets, hammer and a trailer, the XE27E weighs less than 3.5 tonnes and easily accessible tie-down points make it easy to switch between jobsites.

AUX1, AUX2 and Quick Coupler lines With the multiple programmable two-way proportional auxiliary lines and quickcoupler piping the XE27E meets almost all of your attachment needs.

Large operator environment with ergonomic control layout The XE27E gives the operator a large comfortable space in which to work. The ergonomic control layout, travel levers with standard pedals and adjustable wrist rests are engineered to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity.

Easy service access The XE27E was developed with particular attention to ease of service access, with a single access point for the daily maintenance of all main components, fuel level gauge, and refuelling through the lockable cap.

One-sided engine maintenance The XE27E is designed for lower maintenance costs with longer service intervals – resulting in more machine availability on-site. Meanwhile, skilled XCMG-trained technicians are available to provide extra support when needed.

Boom, arm safety valves and blade holding valve as standard The XE27E is fitted as standard with a boom cylinder safety Specifications valve, an arm cylinder Operating weight: valve, and a dozer Rated power: holding valve to dig Standard bucket capacity: and handle all your materials in a safe way.

2.68 t 15.4 kW 0.06 m3

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FEATURE

CASE

CX18D supplied by Warwick Ward

Drainage and water treatment specialist Woolliscroft Groundworks has added a CASE CX18D mini excavator to its growing fleet, one of the first of this new range of machines in the UK. The CASE CX18D is one of a range of 20 mini and midi excavators, with operating weights of one to six tonnes. The machine tips the scales at 1,830 kg with a canopy or 1,940 kg with a fully glazed cab and it is powered by a Stage V diesel engine delivering 12 kW. It has a variable flow hydraulic system and a zero tailswing counterweight design to minimise the risk of damage on confined job sites.

Woolliscroft Groundworks is a familyowned contractor offering a range of building services, including earthworks,

equine building services, drainage and water treatment plants throughout South Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Run by chartered surveyor and RICS member Mark Woolliscroft, the company prides itself on being able to complete any groundworks operation to a high standard.

This includes footings, foundations, beam and block flooring, drainage and landscaping.

The business operates four machines, including a CASE 695 backhoe loader, a CX35B ZTS mini excavator, a site dumper and now the CX18D, supplied by local CASE Construction Equipment dealer Warwick Ward.

Mark Woolliscroft said: “The main

MINI EXCAVATORS

reason that we decided to go with Warwick Ward for the purchase of our new CASE machine is that we felt the business’s aims and objectives are very similar to those of ourselves.

“We’re a small family business that cares about the customer. Warwick Ward has a depot in Bromsgrove that is only 20 miles from where we’re based. Coupled with that is a caring attitude. I know that Warwick Ward is big enough to supply our needs when it comes to maintenance and parts, so we felt that it was a good match from day one and one that we hoped to foster and work with in the future.

“When I came to purchase the machine, Sales Manager Scott Bunting and I had already established a long-standing relationship. We’ve been talking for some time and I’ve found Scott excellent to deal with, he always picks up the phone, always calls you back, the communication has been fantastic with Warwick Ward from the very start. I’ve been really pleased and it makes a big difference.

“This is a brand-new model and I really wanted one, but there weren’t any available in the country. We needed a smaller model that could work alongside buildings. We also wanted something with plenty of reach and plenty of bucket breakout. The CX18D delivers all of those features.”

Available with a choice of 1,150 mm and 1,350 mm dipper sticks, the CX18D has a maximum digging depth of 2,480 mm and a reach of up to 4,120 mm.

Arm breakout force is 950 daN, while bucket breakout force is up to 1,500 daN. “The CX18D has an excellent bucket breakout force,” said Mark Woolliscroft. “We really appreciate the long-reach arm and the zero tailswing nature of the model means that we can work very close to existing buildings and walls. Add to that the retractable undercarriage and the machine is a very versatile tool, one that we can use on the majority of our building sites.”

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FEATURE

DEVELON

DX20ZE-7 updated electric-powered mini excavator The DX20ZE-7 mini excavator is the first mass-produced electric-powered excavator manufactured by DEVELON. This two-tonne excavator combines low-noise and zero emissions with the features and performance enhancements that are found on the next-generation DX-7 Series family of mini excavators.

Stephane Dieu, Excavators Product Manager for Europe at DEVELON said:

“The DX20ZE-7 is designed to meet a growing demand for electric machines.

As compact equipment, such as mini excavators, have a higher tendency to work in cities and residential areas, where it has proximity to other workers, it has a great advantage over the diesel counterpart due to less noise and no emissions.”

Retractable tracks allow the new excavator to pass through narrow passages

MINI EXCAVATORS

Specifications Rated power, electric motor: 13.7 kW Battery capacity: 20.4 kWh Operating weight: 1,941 kg Maximum digging depth: 2,350 mm Maximum digging reach (ground): 3,875 mm

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and entrances/exits, making it ideal for working in confined spaces or indoor applications such as demolition and construction. Once the excavator reaches the work area, the operator can expand the tracks for better stability and lifting capacity. With its compact dimensions, the DX20ZE-7 is an excellent solution for construction and rental companies working in sensitive areas where low noise or night-time work is necessary.

The DX20ZE-7 is powered by an in-house-developed 20.4-kWh lithiumion battery pack, with all of the electrical system and components on the machine optimised for work in harsh environments.

A quick-charger system restores 80% of the battery power after only one hour and 20 minutes of charging, while the on-board charger restores the maximum charge after eight hours.

Telematics as standard Operators and dealers can remotely monitor their machine’s health, location and productivity from an app or website, helping owners: • Minimise equipment theft and allow for machine tracking, • Avoid unauthorised use of the machine, • See when maintenance is due, • Customise alerts to a customer’s schedule, • Track oil pressure, operating temperature and more, • Use data to train operators for maximum productivity.

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FEATURE

Kubota

KX085-5 with Tefra quick hitch

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almost 200 of the attachments – an average of nine per month – since then.

A family business with more than 40 years’ expertise, HRN has the largest selection of used agricultural machinery in Scotland, with Kubota the newest addition to its franchise portfolio.

HRN Tractors’ Key Account Manager Andy Wilson said: “We like Hill’s Tefra hitches for many reasons – there are only five moving parts so that immediately minimises the risk of something going wrong, there is a ball valve for safety, a spring backup for safety and the hydraulic ram has a sheath for protection.

They compare very well with other manufacturers.”

MINI EXCAVATORS

Kubota’s new eight-tonne mini excavator, the KX085-5, has debuted in Scotland, complete with an award-winning Tefra quick hitch from Hill Engineering.

The mono-boom KX085-5 was supplied by HRN Tractors, which has seven depots throughout Scotland, to Jarvie Plant Hire, which itself has nine sites throughout Scotland and the northwest of England. HRN Tractors showcased the KX085-5 in Jarvie’s livery at the recent Black Isle Show.

Jarvie Plant Hire has been using Hill’s Tefra coupler since 2014 and HRN has fitted its own portfolio of five and eighttonne Kubota excavators with the quick hitch since January 2021, purchasing

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FEATURE

Kobelco SK26SR-7 SK28SR-7

MINI EXCAVATORS

Japanese manufacturer reveals new SK26SR-7 and updated SK28SR-7 models Kobelco is dedicated to the development of its extensive mini excavator lineup and continually seeks ways to utilise technologies from its larger machines and redesign existing models to help meet changing customer demands.

With this in mind, Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe B.V. (KCME) is pleased to launch the brand new SK26SR-7 and the next generation SK28SR-7, which features a number of important improvements.

Mini excavators are frequently used for landscaping, utilities and small construction or industrial projects and operators can often find themselves working long hours inside the cabin.

As a result, the two new models follow Kobelco’s stunning Performance x Design concept, which promotes superior performance, a more comfortable cabin and improved working environment.

Ideal for jobsites where space is restricted, the Kobelco SK26SR-7 and SK28SR-7 have short radius designs.

Importantly, the machines’ short tailswing provides excellent accessibility when working next to walls or digging close to ditches and offers a smaller operating footprint.

The SK28SR-7 also has an increased engine output from 18 kW to 19 kW and an improved hydraulic system for enhanced operability compared with the previous model. For increased versatility, the Quick Hitch piping has also been extended by 200 mm for easy connection to a wide range of attachments. The removable travel levers improve accessibility to the main control valve, which helps to facilitate maintenance and servicing of the hydraulics, ensuring smoother operations and reducing downtime.

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The Angle Dozer (optional) is available on the SK28SR-7 and provides 25 degrees of left and right-angle movement for clearing, grading and backfilling for improved control of changing terrain. The Floating Dozer (optional) enables cleaning of the ground surface without having to adjust the dozer height, once again improving work efficiency.

Importantly, the new SK26SR-7 also has a remarkably low transport weight of 2,580 kg (cab) and 2,420 kg (canopy), making it easily transportable on a trailer with a maximum capacity of 3,500 kg.

Inside the cabin, features include a mechanical suspension and reclining seat including headrest, wider wrist rests, DAB+ radio with FM/AM & AUX and USB, Bluetooth and hands-free telephone function, smartphone and cup holders.

The 3.5-inch multi-colour display provides important machine information, including fuel and water temperature, service intervals and adjustments to the hydraulic oil flow to the attachments (Hydraulic Flow Adjustment).

Quick access to this information can help ensure timely maintenance, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and optimising the machines’ lifespan.

Both the SK26SR-7 and SK28SR-7 also benefit from air conditioning as standard – a relatively uncommon feature for models in this weight segment. In addition, the models are equipped with Kobelco’s innovative iNDr (integrated Noise and Dust Reduction

cooling system) a superior method of noise suppression that promotes low noise, exceptional engine cooling, enhanced reliability, minimal machine downtime and a more comfortable working environment for the operator.

Kobelco Product Marketing Manager, Wesley Elverding, said: “Our mini excavator lineup is extensive, but we recognised that the 2.5-tonne segment could be further enhanced to better meet customer requirements. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, the SK26SR-7 and SK28SR-7 build on Kobelco’s reputation for reliability and performance and incorporate several new features to boost their capabilities and really set them apart from the competition.”

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FOR ALL ENQUIRIES CALL SIMON TOBIN 0758 4411 875

WWW.TOBINPLANT.CO.UK

FEATURE

TVH Your first source for parts and accessories for mini excavators

MINI EXCAVATORS

Mini excavators, those agile workhorses of the construction site, excel at digging, site levelling and site preparation. Yet these compact tracked vehicles face demanding conditions, making maintenance essential.

For those looking for a reliable supplier of parts and accessories for mini excavators, TVH is the answer. We understand how important it is to keep your mini excavators performing at their best, which is why TVH is the best choice for you. We offer: • Fast delivery and warehouses around the world, • Global customer support, • Expert technical support, • Comprehensive inventory.

Accessing our extensive range of parts and accessories for mini excavators is easy. Request a customer account for our online shop to access a wide selection suitable for all makes and models.

Our commitment to first-class service and staying abreast of the

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latest developments in the industry makes TVH the reliable partner you need. We are constantly expanding our range of parts and accessories to meet the changing needs of mini excavators, including brakes, cab parts, cooling systems, electrical parts, engine parts, filters, hydraulic systems, lighting, batteries, hydraulic cylinders and much more.

Our high-quality replacement parts are compatible with all major brands of mini excavators, including Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, JCB, John Deere, Kubota, Takeuchi, Volvo, Yanmar and others.

To make your search for parts and accessories for mini excavators easier, we offer free catalogues and a wealth of information in our information centre.

Also consider our unique range of remanufactured parts, which offer topquality alternatives at lower prices and with the same warranty.

With more than 75,000 customers trusting TVH as their parts supplier, we invite you to become part of our growing community. It all starts with a TVH customer account – your gateway to uninterrupted, efficient mini excavators.

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FEATURE

Bobcat

MINI EXCAVATORS

R2-Series 5 to 6-t mini excavators

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Bobcat’s R2-Series machines (E50z, E55z and E60) offer many new stateof-the-art features and options such as Bobcat’s unique award-winning Advanced Selectable Auxiliary Control (A-SAC) system and the innovative Automatic Track Tensioning System (ATTS).

Robert Husar, Product Line Director for Bobcat Mini Excavators in EMEA, said: “We are delighted to offer the Bobcat R2-Series 5 to 6-t mini excavators, the design of which has benefitted from the close involvement of our customers at every stage of the process. The truly striking styling of these machines is indicative of their robust and dynamic design and excellent machine fit and finish. All these models offer a best-in-class mix of high performance, superb stability and smooth controllability of the working functions.”

Tailored for different audiences In the E50z and E55z, Bobcat’s unique Zero House Swing (ZHS) feature adds another level of protection to the standard zero tail swing design, providing full peace of mind when operating the machine near walls. With ZHS, the rotation of the upper structure of the E50z and E55z remains fully within the footprint of the tracks. This includes the boom swing offset cylinder, front corners, handles, lights and even the door in both open and closed positions.

The E50z model is an easy-to-use, robust machine optimised for specific rental industry needs while introducing the next level of operator comfort and features. The weight has been increased and optimised to maximise stability, allowing Bobcat to provide a long arm as standard equipment. The E55z is a premium performance model – it is the largest and most powerful Bobcat machine with the ZHS design.

The E60 is the R2-Series flagship model. This conventional swing model features a more powerful engine, a larger cab and other new unique features. In the E60, a tail overhang of only 280 mm allows the machine to be operated in confined spaces, making the machine is an ideal tool for demanding applications where performance is a priority.

The R2-Series mini excavators are powered by the Bobcat D18 (E50z/E55z) and D24 (E60) Stage V high torque diesel

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FEATURE

engines, designed specifically for Bobcat compact equipment. The engines improve performance while meeting Stage V regulations. The use of DPF technology allows the mini excavators to be employed in emission-regulated zones such as city centres.

Built around the operator All three excavators offer a best-inclass roomy cab with more headroom, legroom and plenty of storage areas. A comfortable seat that can be optionally heated and fitted with a headrest ensures operators will enjoy working a full day; the 5-inch display panel and optional 7-inch touchscreen display with integrated radio and rear view camera take comfort and visibility to the next level.

The R2-Series mini excavators are equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as a latest generation main control valve, dual curve joysticks and proportional thumb-controlled boom swing offset. Traditional Bobcat performance coupled with great controllability ensures that the new excavators feel like an extension of the operators’ hands when they are in command of the controls.

R2-Series excavators offer best-inclass panoramic visibility from the cab, with solid but narrow pillars, ensuring the operator is fully aware of the working area around the machine. Features such as powerful demisting, LED lights, wipers with intermittent function and a heated rear window ensure visibility remains uncompromised in all circumstances.

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Stability The R2-Series machines are designed to achieve superior 360-degree stability in any situation, even when digging over the side or handling heavy loads. An improved counterweight design and dual flange rollers guarantee superb over the side stability and provide operators with even more confidence in any situation.

Tough, robust design Heavy-duty steel side channels and a counterweight acting as a bumper help to protect inner components and all other critical components such as lights and

hoses have additional protection. R2-Series machines can also be supplied with the patented optional Cylinder-Inside-Boom (CIB) system to offer maximum protection of the boom cylinder as well as the load hold valve.

Bobcat Automatic Track Tensioning System Another new option is the Bobcat Automatic Track Tensioning System (ATTS), which uses the machine’s hydraulic system pressure to ensure a proper track tension at any time. The machine track tension can be adjusted to match the site conditions in which it is working. This makes work more efficient and saves money and time. Correctly setting the track tension leads to longer track life. This system eliminates the need to keep manually retensioning the tracks, resulting in lower downtime, extended lifetime of undercarriage components and simple track replacement.

R2-Series mini excavators specifications E50z

E55z

E60

Operating weight

4,975 kg

5,346 kg

5,685 kg

Engine power

31.3 kW

36.4 kW

41 kW

Maximum torque

157 Nm

183 Nm

193 Nm

Pump capacity

99 L/min

138.6 L/min

138.6 L/min

Width

1,960 mm

1,960 mm

1,960 mm

Height

2,546 mm

2,566 mm

2,566 mm

Maximum digging depth

3,553 mm

3,434 mm

3,981 mm

Maximum reach at ground level 5,922 mm

5,843 mm

6,256 mm

MINI EXCAVATORS

Increased versatility Up to five arm-mounted hydraulic auxiliary lines and the optional A-SAC technology enable a wide choice of customisation options to match any attachment requirement, further enhancing the role of these excavators as excellent tool carriers. The A-SAC system is a unique solution that enables operators to customise control patterns of auxiliary hydraulic circuits, depending on their preferences for using hydraulic attachments.

The A-SAC system is operated using the push buttons located on top of each of the joysticks in the cab. Used in combination with the A-SAC switch

on the control panel, the operator can select one of seven pre-set control pattern combinations that allow them to keep their hands on the joysticks when carrying out their work. This leads to higher productivity and saves time and money that would otherwise be lost through having to get used to new working modes.

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FEATURE

JCB

50Z-2, 56Z-2 and 60C-2

MINI EXCAVATORS

JCB’s 4-6 tonne compact excavator lineup boasts three Series 2 Stage V models: the zero-tailswing 50Z-2 and 56Z-2 and the conventional tailswing 60C-2.

Key features include: • Stage V engine with no Diesel Exhaust Fluid, • Larger ROPS cab with improved visibility and comfort, • Fully bushed kingpost delivers increased durability, • Low cost of ownership with five-year LiveLink subscription.

All three of the machines are powered by a 1.7-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder common-rail Perkins diesel engine, delivering 34 kW. Equipped with a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), there is no requirement for a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) such as AdBlue. The engine is perfectly matched to the hydraulic system and now comes with programmable auto stop, programmable auto idle and one-touch idle functions.

The three machines benefit from a new JCB cab, with a revised front screen design to improve forward visibility, particularly when truck loading.

Standard LED working lights feature a follow-me-home

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function, for added safety on site and there is an improved door latch design along with bolt-on grab handles that can be painted in hi-viz colours if preferred.

Inside the cab, the layout has been improved, now including the portrait seven-inch colour screen already seen on the larger 8-10 tonne range. Operators can programme auxiliary hydraulic flows, in both low and high-flow settings, for up to 10 attachments, reducing downtime when swapping between work tools. An integrated rear-view camera can also be routed through the main screen, removing the need for a secondary monitor in the cab.

The screen is controlled using the membrane switch pack or the rotary switch, with a separate throttle control. There is the option of a key or pinpad immobiliser and the Bluetooth radio has hands-free functionality.

A larger cup holder has also been integrated into the design.

JCB has installed four tie-down points on the undercarriage frame and an additional four

points on the machines’ upper structure, making it easy to transport the excavators between job sites, without risk of damage to the tracks. Other changes to the main structure of the excavators include the adoption of a fully bushed kingpost, for increased durability and service life.

Total cost of ownership has been a major focus for JCB’s engineers and the 50Z-2, 56Z-2 and 60C-2 all feature 500-hour greasing on all pivot pins, including the bucket cylinder and dozer. The excavators have 500-hour service intervals, reducing downtime, while the dozer hydraulic hoses now come in a two-piece design, to cut replacement costs by up to 60%.

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• • • •

Super simple and quick to deploy.

Base easily transferable between vehicles.

Logs and locates all identified incursions.

No hard wiring for exterior equipment.

For a free, no obligation demo go to Zonr.com

FEATURE

Volvo Construction Equipment Can electric excavators truly match the muscle of diesel?

Gustav Boberg, Volvo CE’s emobility segment leader, and professional operator Benthe Combee undertook a trench-digging test with the Volvo EC18 Electric compact excavator

MINI EXCAVATORS

Both customer pilot projects and in-house tests by Volvo Construction Equipment are confirming the comparable digging power of electric excavators to their diesel counterparts, with the added benefits of clean, quiet and comfortable operation.

The advantages of electric excavators are undeniable. They work quietly and without emissions, benefiting both operators and their colleagues on site, as well as the general public and the environment.

For some construction professionals contemplating the shift from diesel to electric, however, a genuine concern emerges: do electric excavators possess the necessary power to effectively tackle the tasks at hand?

Contractors need machines they can trust to dig effectively in various environments, whether

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through dense clay or rocky terrain, and diesel engines are renowned for their high torque and robust power output, attributes crucial for heavy digging and challenging ground conditions.

Moreover, even if an electric excavator does have the necessary force, another question lingers: will the significant energy required drain the battery quickly during demanding tasks?

Yet contractors need not fear. Through refined electric drive systems meticulously engineered to deliver heightened torque and power, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has designed electric excavators capable of matching the digging performance of their diesel counterparts. Furthermore, strides in battery technology have led to improved energy densities and enhanced charge and discharge rates, empowering electric excavators to sustain heavy workloads for prolonged periods.

EC18 Electric: Proven strength and endurance Demonstrating their commitment, Volvo CE’s emobility segment leader, Gustav Boberg, along with seasoned operator Benthe Combee, recently undertook a trench-digging test with the Volvo EC18 Electric compact excavator. They put this 1.8-t compact excavator through its paces on rocky ground at the company’s global headquarters in Eskilstuna, Sweden.

Benthe embarked on digging a 20-m-long, 600-mm-wide and 750-mmdeep trench – a task typical for this type of machine – in hard, compact clay with

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FEATURE

Volvo EC230 Electric working on the Slakthusområdet urban development project in Sweden

The Volvo EC18 Electric excavator performed well during the trench-digging test despite the tough ground conditions

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performance of the machine after testing it across different applications. He said: “If I had the choice of an electric or diesel machine in this size class, I would choose electric as there are so many advantages over a diesel machine. When the machine was delivered to site, there were many sceptics who thought the machine didn’t have the capacity to last the whole day, but they have all been proved wrong.”

So, can electric excavators genuinely rival the might of their diesel counterparts?

Volvo CE unequivocally affirms that they can – and they continue to do so throughout a normal working shift.

Volvo excavators are sold and serviced in Great Britain through trusted dealer partner SMT GB. The range of electric excavators available from SMT GB includes the 1.8-t EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric compact excavators, the 2.5-t ECR25 Electric compact excavator and the 23-t EC230 Electric crawler excavator – all backed by reliable and high-quality service support.

MINI EXCAVATORS

about a quarter stone content. For the first 10 m, she operated the machine in ECO mode at 1,100 rpm, and for the subsequent 10 m, she ran it in ECO mode at 1,600 rpm.

The EC18 Electric performed admirably under these strenuous conditions. After an hour and 40 minutes of continuous operation, the machine proved efficient, consuming merely 5.6 kWh of energy – equivalent to 30% of the battery’s capacity – despite the challenging application. The state of charge decreased modestly from 77% to 46% during this task.

EC230 Electric: Faster cycle times than diesel At the larger end of the scale, the EC230 Electric, Volvo CE’s first mid-sized electric excavator demonstrated both its power and endurance during a customer pilot with Skanska on the Slakthusområdet urban development in Sweden. On this project, the EC230 Electric was tasked with excavating 75,000 tonnes of rock and 96,000 tonnes of soil in the initial stages, over approximately 2,700 working hours.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the 23-t electric excavator has been designed to accomplish a full eight hours of work, supported by a swift, high-power lunchhour charge. On the Slakthusområdet project, the EC230 Electric has proven its mettle, working tirelessly all day long.

Operators have attested to its equivalent digging power when compared to its diesel counterpart, and they’ve even noticed a swifter cycle time.

Richard Sjöblom, excavator operator for Skanska on the Slakthusområdet project, has been particularly positive about the ease of charging and the

DIGGERSLIVE 33

FEATURE

Yanmar CE Yanmar celebrates 55 years of mini excavator excellence

MINI EXCAVATORS

A pioneer of the concept in the late 1960s and still driving the sector forward, Yanmar Compact Equipment celebrates 55 years of mini excavator innovation.

While the Beatles song Hey Jude was helping to launch the pop scene in Japanese culture, there was another social phenomenon going on in 1968 Japan. To try to keep up with the remarkable construction boom happening in the country, leading diesel engine manufacturer Yanmar had the brainwave of putting one of its engines into a scaleddown hydraulic excavator. The YNB300 was the result – a wheeled, self-propelled machine that went on to revolutionise the industry. And just like the Beatles – Yanmar CE’s mini excavators are still proving a hit 55 years later.

Now firmly a global brand, the ViO35 and state-of-the-art all-electric SV17e are the latest iterations of a long line of innovative mini excavators that Yanmar CE has launched down the years. The YNB300 was followed in 1972 by the YB600C – now on tracks – which had a sliding boom that allowed it to excavate right up against walls. By 1974 Yanmar mini excavators were fitted with cabins, and noise suppressed to allow them to work in confined spaces, residential areas and at night.

Setting the standard By the mid-1970s Yanmar CE’s YB1200 set the basis for the modern mini excavator. It had a water-cooled diesel engine, could rotate fully 360° and was fitted with an earth moving blade. The 1980s saw rubber tracks and sub-one-tonne weights, while the 1990s saw the launch of the revolutionary zero tail swing concept – which cut collisions and accidents while rotating the superstructure considerably.

Since the turn of the

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millennium, Yanmar CE has been on a relentless drive for technical improvement.

Increasingly, this has gone together with sustainability and tackling environmental concerns, with ever lower emissions. The recyclability of its machines is now in the high 90% and safety has also been a focus, evidenced by features such as the quick coupler.

Compact excavators are more popular today than ever. The global shift from manual labour to mechanisation continues and rapid urbanisation and ever tighter worksites will ensure this popularity continues into the future.

Still making records Fifty-five years on, Yanmar CE is not just breaking records (last year saw the company exceed its all-time sales record).

It is also making records. The company gathered its Yanmar Allstars of talented musicians – including Nagaya “Dezi” Akihiro, head of Brand and Design at Yanmar, on the trumpet – to produce a specially written jazz song. Simply called 55 years, it is available on Spotify and on all major music platforms. Today – just as back in 1968 – Yanmar CE is still Building With You.

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THE NEW NO.1 BEST IN CLASS

INTERVIEW

BUSINESS INSIDER Interviewee: Steven Ford Role and company: Managing Director LiuGong Machinery (UK) Sector: Heavy plant Turnover: c£40m (2023) Employees: 65 Current brands: LiuGong and Dressta Geographical reach: Worldwide (100 countries) Established: 1958 (LiuGong Machinery (UK) – 2019)

July 1970 to May 1985: Caterpillar H Leverton and Company Ltd was the Caterpillar Dealer covering the north, east and south-east of England, selling the full range of Caterpillar construction equipment. Later, DJB Articulated Dump Trucks and Mitsubishi Hydraulic Excavators were added. Head office in Windsor.

Now on the verge of retirement, Steven Ford, Managing Director of LiuGong Machinery (UK) details his 50year career driving progress at various global construction equipment brands. During this period, he witnessed major changes in the plant industry and world economy, travelling far and wide in Europe, Africa and the far east.

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Apprenticeship I left school in July 1970, and joined Leverton (Windsor Branch) and completed a four-year indentured (City & Guilds) apprenticeship on the repair and maintenance of construction plant equipment. I had the opportunity to learn all about diesel engines, hydraulics, electrics, fuel systems, powertrain, power generation, structures and welding skills. The apprenticeship was supported by block release college periods at Gateshead and then Uxbridge, completing competencies to HND level.

After successful completion of the apprenticeship, I was fast tracked into service management

Management After one year as workshop manager (Windsor Branch), I was moved into a head office position and spent six years as a technical services manager, providing technical and troubleshooting support to all depots and the Leverton sales team.

Products Having joined the Caterpillar dealer during the profitable years of motorway building, I was fortunate to have worked on large rigid dump trucks, motor scrapers, dozers, wheel loaders, tracked loaders, motor graders and later, excavators (Mitsubishi) and articulated dump trucks (DJB).

Travel Throughout the UK spending time at all of the Leverton depots and Caterpillar European HQ in Geneva. www.diggers.live

INTERVIEW

Achievements • Apprentice of the year, • Successfully completed numerous in-house training courses at the training centre in Spalding, • Attended Caterpillar training courses and seminars in Geneva, • Successfully integrated technical and service support capability for introduction of new product lines such as DJB articulated dump trucks and Mitsubishi hydraulic excavators, • Successfully project managed the setting up of the company’s oil sampling laboratory to handle the analysis of over 100,000 samples per year, and introduced customer reports with interpretation guidelines, • Successfully analysed high cost failure trends on dump trucks and recovered associated warranty costs from the manufacturers, Cat and DJB, • Instigated various product improvement programmes, • Assisted in setting up the company’s component exchange repair centre in Leeds, • Assisted in setting up and opening the Halstead depot.

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I consider the Leverton years as my training period, learning skills and acquiring knowledge that would prove invaluable throughout the rest of my working career.

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INTERVIEW

June 1985 to January 1987: Mitsubishi Tridiam Ltd was a subsidiary of the Caterpillar dealer in Ireland, McCormick MacNaughton, set up in Woking (Surrey) to import Mitsubishi hydraulic excavators for the UK and Ireland markets. The products were distributed primarily through the Cat dealer network and later, smaller independent dealers in Wales and Scotland.

Background Having been involved with Mitsubishi excavators while at Leverton, an

opportunity arose to join Tridiam when Mitsubishi became independent from the Caterpillar dealer network.

Unfortunately, this was only temporary as Mitsubishi was soon purchased by Caterpillar.

machine troubleshooting; supporting and developing the Mitsubishi dealers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Role and responsibilities I joined Tridiam as Product Support Manager to set up and manage the after sales parts and service activities required to support the growing population of Mitsubishi excavators in UK and Ireland. This activity included spare parts sourcing, stocking and dispatching; service training; warranty support and administration;

The Mitsubishi period was too short. It was a great product and well-liked by many end users. The dealer network was growing in strength but forced to finish before its true potential was achieved.

In my opinion, the product was not as good when Caterpillar took it over and changed the designs. However, I enjoyed my short time with Tridiam before being approached by Komatsu.

February 1987 to June 1997: Komatsu (1) Marubeni Komatsu Ltd (MKL) was and still is the UK Distributor for the full range of Komatsu construction equipment. During this time, products also included Moxy Articulated Dump Trucks, Tadano Cranes, Furukawa Breakers and Kobelco Crushers.

I was approached by MKL towards the end of 1986 to join them to develop their service operation to support the growing population of Komatsu machines in the UK. This required relocating from the south (Reading) to the Midlands, where I lived just outside Stratford-upon-Avon.

Role, responsibilities and achievements I joined MKL in February 1987, as Service Operations Manager, responsible for the improvement and development of the service operation.

• Restructured the service division into an effective and profitable after sales support operation, • Expanded the aftersales operation from five to eight depots and 50 to 120 service engineers, • Restructured to introduced an additional management tier, warranty administration, training

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• •

programmes, apprenticeship schemes and parts supervisors, to effectively manage the increasing Komatsu machine population and demand from customers, Introduced effective management reports at branch level to achieve efficiency and profitability goals, Introduced service and repair contracts, service exchange schemes, wear part campaigns, and other revenue producing services to increase the sales turnover of the parts and service division.

Promotion In January 1992, I was promoted to General Manager, Service Division, responsible for parts and service sales turnover (c£25m), profitability, and the efficient operation of the branch network with focus on consumption ratios and customer support.

During this period, I regularly attended Komatsu European parts and service meetings and gave presentations on successful after-sales activities. I also made regular visits to key accounts to secure service business and resolve any invoice disputes.

Scotland When I joined MKL, Scotland had its own independent dealer.

Komatsu HQ requested MKL to

Travel Throughout the UK and Ireland

takeover this region and I was assigned to undertake this project. This included securing a depot and recruiting staff from the existing dealer to manage the operation. I remember this was a very challenging activity having to interview 45 staff to fill 23 positions. However, I successfully integrated the Scottish operation into MKL. Travel • Throughout the UK setting up new depots, developing others and chairing business review meetings, • I was also seconded to Ghana for two months to develop Komatsu’s local dealer support activities to the Ashanti gold mine. During this time, I secured a contract to supply service exchange components from the UK worth £2m a year, • Regular visits to Komatsu European HQ in Vilvorde, Brussels, • Various European cities attending annual Komatsu dealer conferences, • And of course Japan.

I enjoyed good 10 years at MKL before being transferred to Komatsu Europe, again with much learning about people, customers and the industry. Having 15 years at Caterpillar from leaving school, you become brainwashed into believing that the world of construction equipment is ‘Cat’. How wrong was I?

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INTERVIEW

July 1997 to March 2002: Komatsu (2) Komatsu UK, based in Birtley, Tyne and Wear, manufactures tracked and wheeled hydraulic excavators from 13 to 80 tonnes, supplying machines to UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Middle East and USA. Komatsu Europe, HQ in Vilvorde near Brussels, sells the full range of Komatsu construction equipment throughout Europe, Scandinavia, Africa and the Middle East.

Personal issues required me to relocate from the Midlands to Newcastle upon Tyne, where an opportunity presented itself at Komatsu UK as an Area Sales Manager for Komatsu Europe.

Role, responsibilities and achievements I joined Komatsu Europe in July 1997 (transferred from MKL), as Area Sales Manager, covering UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, selling excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, rigid and articulated dump trucks to the Komatsu dealers in these regions.

• Responsibilities included dealer development, sales forecasting, achieving sales targets through various marketing campaigns, meeting end user customers, OFR and product training, • Regularly participated in Komatsu European sales, parts and service meetings, • Gave presentations on successful activities in the sales areas covered, • Successfully project managed directship and factory customisation programmes to secure volume business to leading UK fleet users (HE Services and Hydrex). This captured business with HES continues today, • I sold the first WA800 wheel loader into the UK and Ireland (CRH Dublin), which at the time, was the largest Komatsu wheel loader in this territory.

• • •

Scandinavian countries (including Iceland), UK and Ireland, Monthly visits to KE HQ in Vilvorde, Attended all the dealer meetings in various European cities, Visits to Japan, taking customers to the manufacturing plants (plus a bit of sightseeing).

A move from General Manager of Service to an Area Sales Manager was considered by some to be a step in the wrong direction. However, the move from service to sales was invaluable, providing me with not only the opportunity to learn more about the commercial aspects of the business, but to view business from a sales perspective.

In addition, my previous experience in parts and service proved very useful when visiting the Komatsu dealers, as I became involved in many dealer development activities.

Travel • I regularly visited all the

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DIGGERSLIVE 39

INTERVIEW

April 2002 to December 2014: Miller Miller UK Ltd is a global manufacturer of attachments for earthmoving construction equipment. From manufacturing bases in UK and China, Miller supplies quick couplers, buckets and other products to the world’s leading OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). In addition to offices in UK, Europe, USA, Australia, China, India and Japan, Miller has a global distributor network through which products are sold to Construction Equipment Dealers (OEDs) and end users.

During my time at Komatsu, I became friends with Keith, Gary and Jacqui Miller, owners of Miller UK. As soon as I appeared in Newcastle, they approached me to join them. Eventually I gave in and started with them in April 2002, in a senior management role.

Role, responsibilities and achievements April 2002: Joined Miller as Business Development Manager, responsible for securing new business and growing existing business with customers in UK and Europe.

January 2004: Senior Manager, Corporate Accounts. Responsible for growing business with major accounts in UK and Europe.

• As a senior manager, I was involved in day to day decision making of the business, • I project managed a global supply agreement with one of the world’s leading OEMs, from initial presentation, through to product sign-off and delivery. Sales income of £4m in first year, • Also responsible for the management and development of the customer services team.

September 2006: Senior Manager, Sales Division, responsible for delivering the UK and European sales plan, the management and development of the sales team.

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• • •

Restructured the Sales Division into strategic groups to focus on the different market segments, The business grew from £21m to £29m, exceeding company sales target by £2m, Also responsible for overseeing the OEM technical support team.

January 2008: Business Manager, Compact Division. Following a restructure of the business, responsibilities were extended globally for the on-time delivery of compact products (new product range), effective sourcing and inventory control. Sales turnover c£9m in year one.

• Successfully set up the Compact division and grew business with key customers during a period of market downturn. For example, Kubota and Takeuchi machine sales were down by 32%, Miller product sales increased by 187%, • Successfully project managed the introduction of new products from initial design through to product sign-off by the customer and availability for sales in line with forecasts, • Also responsible for the Japanese office and associated activities in Japan domestic and exports markets.

February 2009: Took on additional responsibilities as the company restructured to survive the recession.

This involved a change in sales strategy to focus on direct sales to end users following changes in coupler safety legislation.

June 2010: General Sales Manager.

Following further restructuring of the business, I was responsible for delivering the company’s sales plan and the management of the sales and customer support departments. I was also a member of the company’s general management group responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, including continuous improvement activities.

March 2012: International Business Development Manager. Due to further

changes in market conditions, especially in the UK where predicted growth was flat, the company restructured to focus on growth overseas. My responsibilities were to grow business through our existing overseas distributor network and to develop new markets such as Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Middle East and North Africa, with a greater emphasis on large mining buckets.

I also took responsibility for developing the company’s aftersales support activities; bucket repair division; setting up the London depot; mining buckets; special projects as and when required; various sales support activities and was a member of the company’s senior management team.

Travel • During my time at Miller I had the opportunity to see more of the world. This included business trips to China, Japan, Russia, India, UAE, South Korea and most European countries.

• China: two visits, the first of which was to the Miller foundry in the north-east of the country. To get there, after a long flight to Beijing you have to travel by car, crossing the Great Wall. Of course I took time out to walk on the wall, fantastic!

• Russia: three visits including two to Siberia, where I experienced two extremes of temperature. In winter temperatures dropped below -30C, however, I was amazed to witness how life continued as normal. And in summer temperatures climb above 40C. I found the people very friendly and all the youngsters wanting to learn English. I also had the opportunity to visit Moscow, a lovely city with many fantastic buildings. Apart from the Kremlin, I remember the Seven Sisters (“Stalin’s Skyscrapers” built from 1947 to 1953) standing out as landmarks.

• Japan: two visits travelling around the country visiting our OEM partners. The second trip took me south to Hiroshima with my country manager. We visited the Peace Memorial Museum built

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INTERVIEW

•

where the first nuclear bomb landed. The journey through the museum follows the dropping of the first nuclear bomb and the effect on the normal lives of people before and the dramatic change after. I remember this was a very harrowing experience.

South Korea: four visits to secure a global supply agreement with Volvo.

I enjoyed my 12 years at Miller and experienced many ups and a couple of downs. The financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 was a period of survival for the business. We had to make many positions redundant and those people that remained took a massive salary drop to help keep the business going.

This was a great lesson in pulling together as a team. However, life tends to move on in various directions and so it was at Miller.

India Gate, Mumbai

The Kremlin, Moscow

Dubai UAE, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa

The Great Wall of China

At an open cast coal mine near Kemerovo, central Siberia

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DIGGERSLIVE

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INTERVIEW

June 2015 to December 2023: LiuGong LiuGong is one of the leading brands of construction equipment manufactured in China. It entered the UK market at the beginning of 2013, distributed through its dealer CPMS Ltd. At the time, the product range was limited to only four models of excavator, three models of wheel loader and two models of dozer.

Following a brief return to Marubeni Komatsu, I joined CPMS in June 2015.

Earlier that year I received a call from Brian Prescott, who I knew very well from working together at MKL. He urgently needed a Service Director to help run his business, which was growing very quickly. After a weekend visit to Portsmouth, I didn’t need much persuasion to join Brian. Firstly, I had much respect for his knowledge and ability to succeed, and I saw this as an opportunity to use everything I had learned so far in my career.

Roles, responsibilities and achievements As Service Director, my first task was to meet the staff and review all existing procedures and processes. As these required updating quickly to manage the business effectively, I set about restructuring the aftersales support division and put in place the required processes. I reviewed people’s roles,

Beijing’s National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest

clarified their individual responsibilities and restructured accordingly, identifying necessary recruitment requirements.

As the business grew and more emphasis was required on the operations, I agreed to the role of Operations Director. The shareholders of CPMS (Brian and Grant) then made me a junior shareholder and board director.

2018: This was a key and crucial year for CPMS. As the business grew so did the challenges. Following success with new machine sales and a growing customer base, we faced cash flow restraints that were starting to restrict our growth aspirations. Following discussions with LiuGong, and a 12-month due diligence

process LiuGong agreed to purchase CPMS, opening the way ahead to drive the business forward.

2019: CPMS became LiuGong Machinery (UK) Ltd, wholly owned by LiuGong. The resulting investment by LiuGong was the start of the growth period. The product range increased as new models were introduced and older models upgraded with the introduction of the F series. Our customer base was now growing, with 60% new customers each year.

We opened new depots in Manchester, Cambridge and Kent and continued to recruit people to support the business. We opened a new parts

The Forbidden City, from Tiananmen Square, Beijing, and left, inside the complex

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INTERVIEW

warehouse in Portsmouth to be able to stock parts to support the new machines being introduced. On top of this, I became Managing Director, where I had to focus my efforts on running the business. To manage this effectively, I had to ensure that my staff were effective in their positions and recruit to fill the gaps.

is below target but the product mix provides us with a reasonable margin.

The business structure is working well and we forecast growth through a newly appointed dealer network. However, after 53 years in the construction industry, I have decided to retire at the ripe old age of 70.

2020: Covid – a bad year for everyone.

After a positive 2019, the following year saw business slow down, caused by the pandemic. However, our sales were still good.

Travel I have enjoyed five trips to China, attending dealer meetings, visiting HQ and the R&D centre and taking customers to see the manufacturing plants.

2021 and 2022: Sales continued to grow as we took on more new customers and introduced more products. From selling 50 machines in 2013, we were now selling 500 in 2022. Our staff level had increased from 20 (2013) to 65, with the majority being engineers. We exhibited at Hillhead for the first time occupying the stand space normally used by JCB – their loss and our gain. This was a great show for us introducing our range of quarry products for the first time. The LiuGong brand had now received the recognition it deserved.

2023: A year of profit and retirement.

The year started well with market experts predicting growth over 2022, however, this appears to be heading towards a downturn as we reach Q4. The war in Ukraine continues to affect the UK economy with financial borrowing at a high, increased cost of living and housing demand low. Our sales result

The eight years with LiuGong have been the most enjoyable of my career,

AND FINALLY Who/what would you be in an alternative life?

A landscape gardener Describe yourself in three adjectives: Friendly, charming, thoughtful Who is your favourite artist?

Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack, Rod Stewart Who do you most admire?

My wife What would be your desert island (exile) luxury?

A girl Friday What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The desire to make the most of each day What do you do for fun?

Golf, holidays, socialising, family and garden

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not only because I was able to use all of the knowledge gained over the many years working in the industry, but also because of what I have learned operating in a senior position. When starting my working life as a mechanic, I had no interest in profit and loss or balance sheets. How life turns around.

I feel I have developed a good team who are aware of their roles, have clear goals and take ownership of their responsibilities. I’m now recruiting for my replacement and feel I will be leaving the business in good shape. I will stay in touch as a consultant to advise where required before enjoying my retirement and spend more time with family, holidays, golf and hobbies.

When and where are/were you happiest?

Probably now What’s the most expensive non-essential thing you’ve ever bought?

A 1959 Lambretta scooter What’s your bucket list activity?

Overseas travel to Barbados to see friends, Ireland to discover my roots, Seychelles, New Zealand What’s your ideal weekend?

A Cornish fishing village with the wife What would you do for a company excursion, money no object?

Take the team to Iceland What’s your favourite cuisine?

Italian, Spanish, Indian What’s your tipple of choice?

Wine, beer, gin Who’s your favourite football team?

Tottenham Hotspur

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PROFILE

Filling the void DTH Plant Hire Ltd was established in 2016 by Dave Green. Having started off as a machine operator and continued as a trainer, manager then director, with over 30 years of industry experience Dave took the gamble to invest in capital equipment with the intention to supply operated and self-drive plant into the construction industry. Purchasing industry favourites such as Hitachi, Kubota and Volvo seemed to do the trick.

Now in 2023, DTH Plant operates a plant hire fleet of more than 200 machines ranging from 1.5-t to 30-t excavators along with supporting equipment such as rollers, dumpers as well as adding dump trucks, GPS dozers and most recently vacuum excavators to its arsenal.

General Manager, Lee Castledine writes about the business, its values and spotting the gap in the market for vacuum excavation.

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It could be said that DTH Plant Hire has a family feel about it. With the continued growth of the business, staffing requirements have also grown as you would expect, with the administration team of six supported by our on-site engineers and operatives, ensuring we meet our customers’ delivery, maintenance and compliance needs. Introducing this support at all levels not only gives our customers the service they require but ensures consistency in delivery no matter the request.

Although DTH is not as old as a lot of other businesses, our staff are age-old colleagues with the majority having worked together for several years in previous roles. This teamwork and experience really shines through in our delivery.

Our operatives adhere to strict safety protocols and we prioritise a safe working environment for both our team and your project site.

Identifying the market DTH has always been driven to predict what the industry requires and it quickly identified the need for a company that could deliver a modern vacuum excavator fleet with well trained, professional operators in the Leicestershire area.

Suction excavation has been available in the construction industry for a number of years, however it is now that principal contractors are insisting on a safer dig option such as this. Using high-powered suction to remove material minimises disruption to the surrounding area, which can lead to soil erosion and other environmental concerns. It saves time and money by reducing the need for labour intensive manual digging and significantly reduces the risk of accidental damage to underground utilities, minimising potential hazards.

Our suction excavation services are versatile and can be used across various industries such as construction, utilities, www.diggers.live

PROFILE

and telecommunications, where you may need to locate utility lines, expose pipelines or clear debris.

Investing in the latest technology At DTH Plant, we have invested in the latest technology to provide the best suction excavation services. Prior to our initial purchase, we took our time to establish what we believed would be the best return on investment on the vacuum excavator units, along with establishing what products would give DTH the most reliable and cost-effective options.

RSP was quick to respond, giving industry advice that has helped build an ongoing working relationship. RSP offers a one-stop-shop for the vacuum excavator product, everything from main dealer supply, off the shelf parts as well as inhouse and industry accredited training.

DTH bought its first used RSP vacuum excavator in January 2021 and now boasts an up-to-date fleet of nine www.diggers.live

ESE 6 RD 8000 units, all supplied and supported by RSP. The RSP vacuum excavator has given us confidence in reliability and capability with immediate support when needed. Our trucks are equipped with innovative vacuum systems that have the power to manage various soil types, ensuring a thorough and precise excavation process.

Running a vacuum excavator fleet alongside a traditional construction fleet has allowed DTH to offer a complete excavation solution to our established customers as well as a unique selling point for potential new business.

Safety is our top priority Along with new additions to the hire fleet must come compliance. DTH Plant Hire Ltd is bringing its systems and procedures up to date, having recently achieved Achilles (UVBD) Silver – Smas / SSIP, and with the most recent award being FORS. The business is currently working

towards ISO 9001/14001 and 45001.

The FORS accreditation not only sits across our low loader fleet but also accommodates all the vacuum excavators, giving potential new businesses the peace of mind to employ a compliant hire company, whether they are working in the housebuilding, civils or utilities sectors.

Your ideal solution Having established an impressive footprint supplying housing and civil engineering, DTH is now driving to support utilities businesses with our suction excavators.

With a modern fleet, experienced staff and supporting accreditations, DTH is ideally situated to support and deliver any customer requests.

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FEATURE

LOADERS & DUMPERS FEATURE Caterpillar

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Cat 255 and 265 compact track loader

Building on D3 series compact track loader success, the all-new, next generation Cat® 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders are a ground-up redesign of the previous series, improving on the features that made the previous models so popular. The first next generation models in the compact track loader line, the 255 and 265 elevate Caterpillar’s loader reputation through improved engine performance, lift and tilt performance, stability, operator comfort and technology.

Trevor Chase, Product

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Application Specialist for Caterpillar said: “We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way. Both next generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design.

The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”

All Cat next generation compact track loaders are identified by the ending model number 5. The simplified nomenclature uses the middle number to represent machine size with larger numbers designating larger machines.

A new performance standard The new 255 and 265 loaders are powered

by Cat C2.8T and Cat C2.8TA engines respectively, which deliver 55.4 kW. The new engines maintain horsepower across a wider RPM range and boast increased torque of 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 265 for improved working performance. A redesigned engine compartment mounts the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability, giving the operator confidence in handling heavy loads and throughout all aspects of the work cycles.

The new 255 loader delivers classleading lift height, and compared to the 259D3, delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). Height to the B-pin for the 265, compared to the 289D3, increases by 193 mm, resulting in a class-leading maximum lift height of 3.35 m for easier truck loading. The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.

Standard hydraulic system pressure is increased to 3,500 psi. New for these next generation machines, the closedcentre auxiliary hydraulic system allows the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments, including the Cat Smart Dozer Blade, with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.

For machines equipped with Standard Flow, both models are shipped from the factory outfitted as “High Flow-ready.”

The High Flow functionality is easily activated via a new software enabled attachment (SEA), permitting on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow to 113 L/min at the standard system pressure. The High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system

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FEATURE

pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 113 L/min for the 255 and 129 L/min for the 265. The 255 equipped with the High Flow XPS option offers customers classleading auxiliary hydraulic performance not before available in a mid-size chassis machine.

Reengineering of lower machine components results in a stronger and stiffer undercarriage for improved machine stability and less pitching when filling the bucket with material. Its torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces. The 255 loader offers a new 320-mm bar-tread narrow track option.

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and adjustments can be made without the operator removing their hands from the controls.

Featuring a low entry point, entering and exiting the 255 and 265 loaders is much easier. The redesign allows the operator to open the cab door without the lift arms being fully lowered to the frame stops. A simplified two-step door removal process allows operators to quickly remove it without tools. Visibility is improved via the lower engine mounting, a 59% larger rear window and bigger top window that provides a 15% increase in viewable area.

Advanced technologies These new compact track loaders deliver the next level of integrating machines

with technology. Both the standard and advanced monitors offer the ability to run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe. These attachments are tied into the joysticks, and the machine automatically recognises the type of attachment and the required joystick pattern for controlling it.

The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilisation, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink®. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.

255

265

Engine

Cat C2.8T

Cat C2.8TA

Gross Power, kW

55.4

55.4

Engine Torque, Nm

300

380

Operating Weight, kg

4,367

4,759

Rated Operating Capacity @ 35%, kg

1,134

1,280

Hydraulic Pressure – standard, psi (kPa)

3,500

3,500

Hydraulic Flow – standard, L/m

86

86

Hydraulic Pressure – SEA High Flow, psi

3,500

3,500

Hydraulic Flow – SEA High Flow, L/m

113

113

Hydraulic Pressure – High Flow XPS, psi

4,061

4,061

Hydraulic Flow – High Flow XPS, L/m

113

129

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Improved operator’s office Both the Cat 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders feature a larger cab design with 22% more overall volume and 26% additional foot space. With a 70-mm increased interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 46 mm and allows for an additional 40 mm of hip room and 28 mm more width between the joysticks for improved operator comfort.

A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available for the 255 and 265 loaders, including a highcomfort seat that is both ventilated and heated. New auto temperature control plus vent outlet positioning above the operator helps the new HVAC system to quickly cool the cab’s interior.

Next generation loaders are equipped with either a 5-inch standard LCD monitor or an 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, depending on the technology package selected. Like the D3 series’ advanced display, the standard monitor features Bluetooth connectivity and supports functionality for rear view camera feed, creep, job clock, maintenance reminders and 32 languages. The advanced touchscreen monitor provides a higher level of control over standard monitor functionality, delivers advanced radio control, and supports the multi-camera 270˚ option and 32 language choices. The new advanced joysticks provide integrated control of the advanced touchscreen monitor so all machine function control

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FEATURE

JCB

1T-E electric site dumper

LOADERS & DUMPERS

JCB’s first electric site dumper is a onetonne high-tip model powered by lithiumion battery technology. Designed to work indoors, underground and in emissionssensitive areas, the 1TE electric dumper is an ideal partner for JCB’s market-leading 19C-1E electric mini excavator.

Key features include: • Zero emissions and low noise levels • Fast charge capability • Full shift operation in typical use • High-tip skip design to allow loading into skips and larger containers The 1TE site dumper is a durable, compact machine with a full steel skip and heavy-duty articulated chassis. The machine replaces the individual wheel motors of the hydrostatic 1T-2 with

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conventional drive axles and a drop box, to provide full-time all-wheel drive. A 7 kW hydraulic motor delivers drive to the drop box, while a second hydraulic pump is used to power the machine’s standard hydraulic circuit, for steering and skip lift.

The power is supplied by two 5 kWh lithium-ion batteries, capable of providing full shift operation in normal use.

The batteries can be recharged from conventional site electrical supplies, with 110V and 230V cables available.

In addition, the optional JCB Universal Charger can be used to rapid charge the batteries for extended operation. The 1TE delivers zero emissions at the point of use and low noise levels, making it ideal for indoor, underground and emissionssensitive working sites.

A ROPS frame is standard, along with LED amber and green lap-belt beacons.

The dumper also comes with powerful LED working lights, providing maximum visibility in low light conditions.

Productivity and performance are identical to the conventional diesel model, both in travel speeds and in tipping cycle times.

The machine offers a maximum payload of 1,000 kg and a maximum load over height of 2,392 mm.

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The most comprehensive range of MultiFunction Loaders that can be transported by 3.5T Plant Trailer

Contact for more details:

0800 233 5490 info@compactloaders.co.uk www.multione.co.uk FEBRUARY 2023

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FEATURE

Liebherr

L 504, L 506 and L 508 compact loaders

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Liebherr’s new compact loader series comprises three coordinated models with the new L 504 compact joining the company’s wheel loader range. Liebherr’s smallest wheel loader embodies the qualities of the larger Liebherr wheel loaders while being excellent value for money.

With numerous new features, the L 506 compact has consolidated its already strong position in the market. As with the L 504, the height of the L 506 remains under 2.5 metres, making it easy to transport on a trailer.

The new L 508 compact has become larger and wider than both of the other Liebherr compact loaders with its powerful travel drive and high tipping load receiving praise from customers.

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Versatile and powerful: Intelligent solutions for lift arms The new compact loaders have robust lift arms with z-bar kinematics, which facilitates the use of a wide variety of attachments. Liebherr has optimised the parallel guidance for safe and precise operation when working with forks. This is critical, for instance, when transporting palettes with paving stones or decking tiles in garden and landscaping applications.

To increase versatility even more, Liebherr offers High Lift lift arms for the L 506 and L 508 models on request. This is an extended version of the lift arms with a greater reach, enabling the compact loaders to load taller transport vehicles.

Wheel loaders are confronted with a myriad of challenges when used in

municipal services.

Transporting materials with various buckets or forks, excavating with a 4-in-1 bucket, cleaning work with a sweeper or winter services with a snow plough are just some examples. To ensure the mastery of this wide variety of applications, Liebherr offers its fully automatic quick coupler system LIKUFIX for the three compact loaders. LIKUFIX allows the machine operator to change between mechanical and hydraulic working tools from the cab within seconds at the touch of a

The new larger and wider Liebherr L 508 compact loader on a construction site

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FEATURE

Optimum visibility: The new cab in Liebherr’s compact loaders, now with even more glass

button. This saves time and reduces the risk of accidents as the operator doesn’t have to leave the cab when changing the equipment.

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The new Speeder version of the Liebherr L 506 compact loader can achieve a top speed of 30 km/h

engine bonnet has a clean, dynamic design with great visibility from the cab. The lift arms have a tapered design, optimising the view of the attachment and the material. The compact design with a low centre of gravity ensures optimum weight distribution, with the result being high

stability and safe, comfortable operation, day in, day out.

Due to customer demand, the L 506 and L 508 models are now available as Speeder variants for the first time, which can reach a top speed of 30 km/h.

L 504 compact

L 506 compact

L 508 compact

Tipping load:

3,000 kg

3,500 kg

3,900 kg

Bucket capacity:

0.7 m³

0.8 m³

1.0 m³

Operating weight:

4,600 kg

4,970 kg

5,700 kg

Engine output:

34 kW

47.5 kW

47.5 kW

All specifications refer to the standard version. The emissions meet EU Stage V standards.

DIGGERSLIVE

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Comfortable and safe: New cab and functional design Well thought-out solutions can also be found in the redesigned cab, which is entered via a sturdy, reinforced step.

Liebherr has increased the amount of glass throughout the cab, with the windscreen now reaching into the foot area of the operator’s cab. This ensures better visibility in all directions, particularly of the attachment and in the articulation area.

The rear screen is curved on the sides, enabling an unobstructed rear view. The new compact loaders can be equipped with a backup camera on request.

Details such as the clearly-arranged control elements or the practical storage areas increase comfort in the operator’s cab. With the proven Liebherr control lever, the user can operate the lift arms and the attachment safely. This also applies to the optional mini joystick on the control lever, which is used to control additional hydraulic functions. An infinitelyadjustable steering column is available as an option and the standard display, located on the A-pillar, is also adjustable.

These measures ensure simple and intuitive operation of the compact loader, especially important for rental construction machines.

Liebherr’s new compact loaders feature a modern and functional design. The

The Liebherr L 504 compact loader is the latest model in Liebherr’s wheel loader range

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FEATURE

DEVELON

LOADERS & DUMPERS

DL420CVT-7 wheel loader

André Voß Erdbau & Transport GmbH, based in Rostock in Germany, offers its customers a wide range of services in the areas of transport, logistics, disposal and delivery of road building materials under the motto “We move your ideas”.

Two DEVELON wheel loaders with CVT transmissions and the excellent service provided by DEVELON dealer, ATLAS Rostock, had made such a good impression at the company that the company has now purchased five new DL420CVT-7 wheel loaders from DEVELON. The DL420CVT-7 uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that significantly improves fuel efficiency compared to a torque converter machine.

Reliable and efficient For the past three years, two previous generation CVT wheel loaders had each completed around 2,300 operating hours a year at the company. Martin Schmidt, Managing Director of André Voß Erdbau & Transport GmbH, said: “The DEVELON machines work absolutely reliably and with very good fuel efficiency [average fuel consumption is 13.4

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L/h]. In addition, we have had an absolutely reliable partner in our dealer, ATLAS Rostock, for many years, who we can rely on at any time.”

One of the main reasons for the machines’ excellent fuel efficiency is their CVT transmission. Dirk Mysch, Sales Manager at DEVELON, said: “This gearbox combines the advantages of a mechanical and hydrostatic gearbox and excludes the disadvantages of both systems.

With increasing speed and depending on the application-related requirements, the variable transmission changes steplessly from hydrostatic to mechanical drive.

The advantages of the system include, in particular, the excellent traction that a hydrostatic transmission offers, and driving over longer distances with a purely mechanical transmission. The fuel savings of up to 30% are due to the lower engine speed compared to conventional transmissions, which is necessary to achieve maximum speed and traction.”

Diverse range of applications At the handover of the five new wheel

loaders, representatives from André Voß Erdbau & Transport GmbH, ATLAS Rostock and DEVELON were all present.

Martin Schmidt said: “It’s not every day we buy five wheel loaders at once. A very special day – also for us.”

André Voß Erdbau & Transport GmbH activities range from waste disposal, heavy transport and logistics services to the trade in bulk goods. The company has storage facilities for the extraction of sand and gravel as well as quay facilities in Stralsund and Wolgast for the delivery of other marine building materials and imports.

Applications for the new wheel loaders will be correspondingly diverse. Their main tasks include loading trucks, mixing bulk materials, feeding crushing plants and direct mining in sand pits.

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FEATURE

Compact Loaders UK

MultiOne 11 series Multifunction Loader In the competitive world of construction having reliable and efficient machinery can make all the difference. The 11 series Multifunction Loader is manufactured by renowned Italian company MultiOne, which has 25 years’ experience and is part of the Lifco Group of companies. With its impressive lift height, manoeuvrability and high lifting capacity, this compact and versatile machine offers an effective alternative to traditional telescopic handlers.

Impressive lift height The MultiOne 11 Series sets itself apart with its impressive maximum lift height of 3.7 metres, allowing completion of tasks that would otherwise require a larger machine. Capable of lifting pallet loads of blocks and bricks beyond the first level of scaffolding, it provides a more

compact and manoeuvrable solution on construction sites. This versatility allows the machine to effortlessly navigate through tight spaces, simplifying operations and boosting productivity.

Manoeuvrability and agility The MultiOne Loader’s centre-pivot steering design and tight outside turning radius of only 2,635 mm enable it to outmanoeuvre other handlers of the same lifting capacity. This exceptional manoeuvrability ensures that the machine can easily navigate through congested job sites, maximising efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents. Operators can confidently tackle projects with limited space, knowing that the MultiOne will deliver exceptional performance.

In addition, the 4x4 traction control system with torque divider ensures optimal

traction in even the toughest conditions.

This feature minimises ground damage, allowing operators to work on various terrains without churning up the ground.

Unmatched lifting capacity and traction With a maximum lifting capacity of 2,620 kg, the 11 Series Loader offers unparalleled strength for its size. What sets it apart from other loaders in its class is its ability to achieve this while remaining low in weight. This makes it the perfect machine for construction professionals who require maximum lifting capacity without compromising on transportability.

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Transportability The loader’s low weight offers a significant advantage, as it can be easily transported by a standard 3.5-t plant trailer behind a large van or 4x4 vehicle. This portability allows for seamless transportation between job sites, saving time and resources. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for construction professionals who require a machine that can be efficiently transported without sacrificing lifting capacity or performance.

With its impressive lift height, manoeuvrability, unmatched lifting capacity and transportability, the MultiOne 11 series Multifunction Loader is a compact powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance in the construction industry.

Manufactured by a reputable European company with 25 years’ experience, this versatile machine offers an efficient alternative to traditional telescopic handlers.

Whether it’s navigating through tight spaces, lifting heavy loads onto scaffolding, or minimising ground damage with its traction control system, the MultiOne 11 series multifunction loader is a reliable and indispensable asset for construction professionals seeking productivity and versatility on the job site.

FEATURE

Liebherr

TA 230 Litronic dump trucks

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Liebherr TA230 dump trucks are in action on a major road relocation project in the Italian Alps.

The project, worth around €21.5m (£18.6m), is on the SS40 state road at Lake Reschen in the South Tyrol, close to the Austrian border. The improvements, which will be implemented in two construction phases over three years, started in April 2023.

The decision was taken to protect the state road at Lake Reschen from rockfalls and landslides, relaying a section of the road about one and a half kilometres in length 50 metres inside the reservoir. A total of six construction companies are involved in this project – with around 60 earthmoving machines, including 10 Liebherr dump trucks as well as further Liebherr dozers and Liebherr crawler excavators.

One of these construction companies is Marx GmbH. The company currently has around seven TA 230 Litronic trucks in operation, some of which were purchased through Liebherr-Mietpartner GmbH. Efficient material handling The Liebherr dump trucks are assisting with the backfilling of an embankment on which the new state road will run, transporting excavated material from the bottom of the drained Lake Reschen to the operating location. The dam will be about 70 metres wide and 20 to 22 metres thick. This corresponds to approximately 2.5 million cubic metres of earth.

Franz Marx, Managing Director of Marx GmbH, is enthusiastic about the Liebherr dump trucks. Up to 28 tonnes of material can be moved with the machines per loading process. A powerful drivetrain combined with automatic traction control allows the machine to deliver outstanding driving performance with concentrated pulling power. “The dumpers are proving themselves

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thanks to their outstanding operational efficiency. This increases our handling capacity and allows longer cycle times here on the construction site,” said Marx.

Every day, the dumpers at Lake Reschen are in use for up to 12 hours at a time. “So far they have proven to be very reliable, durable and robust construction machines,” said Marx, who is full of praise for the Liebherr dump trucks.

All maintenance points can be reached quickly, easily and safely from a standing area thanks to the optimised arrangement of the components and easy accessibility.

Outstanding driving performance and off-road capability Between the excavation zone in the middle of the lake and the unloading zones at the dam, an extra lane was laid down for the dump trucks in order to achieve high average speeds and guarantee high productivity on the large-scale project.

Marx described the ground conditions on the drained lakebed, which includes some slopes, as difficult in places but the TA 230 is proving its worth and demonstrating its enormous tractive power, even when fully loaded.

The reason for this is the combination of a powerful engine, efficient drivetrain and maximum traction. Under the bonnet lies a six-cylinder, 12 L construction machinery engine delivering 265 kW,

which ensures excellent driving performance. The machine has a top forward speed of up to 35 mph and up to 10 mph in reverse. The drivetrain consists of an automatic eight-speed powershift gearbox for optimal power transmission.

The 6x6 permanent all-wheel drive and load-switchable longitudinal and lateral differential locks give the dump truck lasting traction, even on rough terrain.

Excellent driving comfort and ride quality To facilitate productivity during long shifts, the Liebherr dump trucks are based on the concept of maximising driving comfort. According to the contractor, all machine operators at Marx GmbH have reported positively about this aspect, saying the TA 230 combines operator comfort with technical driving comfort.

The operator’s cab is generously proportioned and characterised by a modern interior design. Large glass surfaces without pillars obstructing the view ensure optimal all-round visibility and staggered steps and a generous driver’s door provide easy and safe access. Various storage areas, stowage compartments (one of which is air-conditioned) and bottle holders further expand the available space and the clearly and intuitively arranged control elements make operators’ work easier.

Hydro-pneumatic shock absorbers on the front axle and the elastic suspension on the cab optimally absorb the vibrations that occur during operations, with soundproofing reducing the interior noise level to just 72 dB(A).

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FEATURE

MECALAC

Statement from the Red Dot jury

REVOTRUCK

Rotating cabin: maximum visibility Getting the best view without having to manually manoeuvre is now possible thanks to the REVOTRUCK’s rotating

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cab, which opens up visibility in all directions. This design ensures drivers can quickly maintain optimal focus on the job and surroundings while maintaining a correct and comfortable posture.

Unlimited access: safety without compromise The REVOTRUCK has four wide access points at each corner of the operator’s station to ensure safe access to the machine, regardless of the cab position.

Rigid chassis: oustanding stability Central chassis oscillation of up to 20° ensures permanent stability and traction in all conditions. This unique chassis is coupled with four equally-sized wheels with a switchable steering mode that opens up possibilities for working with superior agility in the tightest spaces.

The REVOTRUCK revolutionises the way to work with a dumper and takes operator safety and comfort to a new level.

As well as being named as a finalist in the BAUMA Innovation Awards, this new accolade adds to a growing number of awards Mecalac has already received for this product including: “Grand Prix matériel” DLR (France), Plantworx Innovation Award (UK) and “Premio Potencia” (Spain).

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Mecalac, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of compact construction equipment for urban environments, has won the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards: Best of the Best for the innovative and safety-oriented design of its all-new REVOTRUCK. The Red Dot Design Awards is one of the most renowned product design competitions internationally and the “Best of the Best” accolade is the highest honour in the competition.

While site dumpers undeniably offer an efficient method for transporting significant quantities of material, they also represent nearly one-third of all transportrelated accidents on construction sites.

This issue primarily arises due to the obstructed visibility caused by their front loads while moving forward. To minimise this risk, Mecalac’s design team conducted an extensive on-site analysis, identifying visibility, stability, and manoeuvrability as critical areas of concern. These insights led to the development of the REVOTRUCK, an innovative concept designed from scratch to address these challenges.

Construction site dumpers offer an efficient way of transporting large quantities of material. At the same time, however, they are involved in a good third of all transport accidents on construction sites, mainly due to the front load that obstructs visibility when driving forward.

To minimise this risk, Mecalac’s design team redesigned the REVOTRUCK from the ground up, based on an intensive on-site analysis that identified visibility as well as stability, material handling and manoeuvrability as problem areas.

The central element of this off-road construction vehicle is its continuously rotating cabin. Easily accessible from four sides, the cab rotates at the push of a button, giving the operator an optimal view of the work site without having to manoeuvre. The machine automatically adjusts the driving direction, speed and steering to the current position of the cab. For example, this way, the REVOTRUCK can transport material as a rear tipper and dump it precisely as a front tipper with the cab turned.

With regard to high stability, the central connection between the two parts of the chassis allows oscillation of up to 20°. This allows the two oscillating ends to follow the contours of the terrain independently of each other, ensuring stability and traction. The innovative chassis is completed by four equally sized wheels with a switchable steering (front steering, all-wheel steering and crab steering), which enable agile work in the tightest of spaces.

The REVOTRUCK is impressively multifunctional and shows quasi-transformational characteristics for safer material transport. No matter in which direction the cabin is turned and how the vehicle is currently standing or driving – the REVOTRUCK conveys a homogeneous, compact appearance in every position. This visual coherence was achieved in the design process through the careful balancing of the different volumes and the formal connection of the different areas.

DIGGERSLIVE 55

FEATURE

AUSA

D201AHG articulated dumper The D201AHG is designed for operation in municipal works, as its small size – standing at just 1.5 metres wide – makes it ideal for transporting soil or debris in locations with little room for manoeuvring. It combines perfectly with a mini excavator in such spaces, performing the work highly efficiently and thus making it more cost-effective.

To minimise downtime in the event

of maintenance or any issues, it has a backward folding cab, which allows easy access to any component. The power unit, a reliable 18.5 kW Kubota engine without a particulate filter, is located in this area.

Combined with the all-terrain traction, this engine allows the D201AHG dumper to negotiate slopes of up to 50%.

In terms of safety, the AUSA D201AHG is equipped with various features that improve the operator’s peace of mind and the safety of their surroundings.

First of all, power is transmitted by a hydrostatic transmission that ensures far more comfortable and safer operations.

Additionally, the driver’s cab is equipped with a seat with an operator’s presence sensor and a seat belt with fasten sensor, to prevent the machine from starting up if the required precautions have not been taken and to avoid unintentional machine movements. It is also equipped with an electronic negative brake, which is automatically engaged when the dumper’s engine is switched off to ensure that it comes to a standstill.

LOADERS & DUMPERS

The new 2,000 kg dumper is AUSA’s first articulated dumper with this payload, placing it between the 1,500 kg D150AHG and the 3,000 kg D301AHG. One of the key features of this new model is that, thanks to the effective design of the swivel skip, it can transport more than 1,300 litres of material, making it the dumper with the highest capacity in its class.

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FEATURE

Wacker Neuson DV45 dumper

The Dual View DV45 dumper’s innovative concept, in which the control panel can be rotated 180°, has already proven itself on the market. Depending on requirements, the operator can look in the operating or travel direction and has an unobstructed view in each case. With the new DV45 model, the electro-hydraulic, rotatable cabin can be rotated by 180° at the press of a button on the joystick. In the Multi View mode, it is possible to work in a laterally (partially) rotated cabin, during which the operator has an ideal view of the side work area, and can see precisely where he is loading off the material or where the machine is moving along. The automatic skip return automatically returns the cabin at the press of a button to the initial position, during which time the operator can concentrate on driving. The installed hill-hold function, an intelligent tilt monitoring, and seatbelt monitoring with optional start release provide additional safety.

Active Sense Control The dumper models DW20, DW30, DW40, DW60 and DW90 have been completely revised and are now even safer.

New features, like the camera washing system for the front and rear cameras, seatbelt monitoring including the start release, skip and tilt monitoring, as well as the hill-hold and auto-stop functions,

are now available for wheel dumpers with a payload between two and nine tonnes.

Object monitoring “Active Sense Control” will also be available as an option for dumpers by Wacker Neuson from the end of the year. Where there is danger of a collision, it automatically lowers the speed of the dumper, even bringing it to a stop. The system automatically calculates the route combined with the speed and immediately takes effect when an obstacle arises on course. The system can be overridden for parking assist functions, unloading or loading, as well as the operation of trailers.

Wacker Neuson

Wacker Neuson is adding to its zero emission portfolio with the new electric wheel loader: WL28e. Next to the already tried and tested WL20e model, there is now a larger, more powerful electric-operated machine available for the transportation of material.

Customers can optionally select a cabin, which enables comfortable, all-year-round use of the machine due to its well-thought-out heating design.

There are also three maintenance-free lithium ion batteries available to select from in order to cover different running time requirements for customers.

The integrated Battery Management System monitors the lithium ion battery and ECO mode helps to extend the battery running time for longer journeys, however, if required, flexible interim charges are also possible. The plugs can be flexibly selected for the WL28e wheel loader. As a result, it is possible to quickly charge in coordination with the selected battery size. In combination with the installed on-board battery charger, a more efficient and safer charging procedure is guaranteed.

WL28e e-wheel loader LOADERS & DUMPERS

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DIGGERSLIVE 57

FEATURE

Rokbak

LOADERS & DUMPERS

RA30 articulated hauler Sydney-based DSA Contracting has been so impressed with the Rokbak RA30 articulated hauler in its construction and infrastructure projects in Australia, that the company has already ordered another RA30 to join its fleet.

Rokbak articulated haulers are set to play a pivotal role in ongoing operations after the RA30 quickly convinced in its role assisting a large housing development in southwestern Sydney. The RA30 may be a recent addition to DSA Contracting’s fleet but, due to the articulated hauler’s success, another is already on the civil contracting solutions company’s order book.

Renowned for its superior performance, versatility and durability, the straightforward approach to the RA30 aesthetic and functionality made the articulated dump truck stand out in DSA Contracting’s purchase process with trusted dealer Porter Group.

DSA Contracting CEO Daniel Aplin said: “This was our first machine from Porter Group, and what they’ve sold in this machine we’re really happy with. So much so, we’ve just ordered another one.

“It’s been fantastic. It out performs its competitors with its drivability. The fuel burn in particular has been very impressive – it’s half of some of its competitors.”

Rokbak’s fuel-efficient drivetrains deliver powerful performance and meet worldwide emission standards with low cost of operation and low environmental impact. Further reducing total cost of ownership is Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system, which has simplified operation and maintenance for DSA Contracting. Haul Track provides access to GPS and location tracking data as well as a range of downloadable daily performance reports detailing machine hours, engine speed, idle time and system fault code alerts. Maintenance checks can therefore be planned

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well in advance and more efficiently, maximising uptime and prolonging component cycles. With ground level test points, a fully tilting cab and an electronically raised hood, daily checks couldn’t be simpler.

Put to work The powerful Rokbak RA30 hauler is designed to handle the most demanding of tasks, making it the ideal addition to DSA Contracting’s fleet.

One of the first assignments for the RA30 has been the Westwood housing development estate, a 150-lot project in the western Sydney suburb of Caddens.

DSA Contracting was awarded the contract for earthworks and infrastructure for the substantial residential development, which is located next to the Kingswood campus of Western Sydney University.

It is a AUD $15m (£7.8m) subdivision site, with the RA30 tasked with material handling.

The RA30’s features, including its robust hauling capacity and exceptional off-road performance, will enable DSA Contracting to complete the necessary earthworks and infrastructure development with precision and speed.

The RA30 has been designed for ease of operation through incorporation of hydrostatic power steering, automatic transmission and independent suspension.

High-grade front and rear steel frames articulate 45° to either side for increased manoeuvrability on muddy ground.

Powered by a 276 kW Scania DC9 engine, the RA30 has a 28-tonne maximum payload and eight-speed transmission, with a top forward speed of 34 mph. At Westwood, it is required to move approximately 1,000 tonnes of construction materials a day.

with more and more trucks out working for customers. The fact that DSA Contracting has ordered another RA30 so soon just proves what a great hauler this is.”

DSA Contracting CEO Daniel Aplin said: “At the end of the day we buy a machine to get 100% running time out of it, with little to no downtime. That’s what we require out of the machine and that is what we’ve been getting with this Rokbak.

“Essentially we’re a civil contractor, but a big thing for us is we are able to produce quality projects time and time again.

We’ve grown steadily, and we have the simple focus on delivering quality projects.

Having a product like the Rokbak helps us achieve that.”

Moving on up down under Rokbak Regional Business Manager Lee Irving said: “Australia has a significant demand for dump trucks and the Rokbak brand is continuing to strengthen here,

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FEATURE

LOADERS & DUMPERS

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DIGGERSLIVE 59

FEATURE

Volvo

LOADERS & DUMPERS

L70H wheel loader PHR Farms’ new L70H combines all of the power, reliability and versatility expected of a Volvo wheeled loader with a specialised list of features to make it the ideal choice for a wide variety of farming applications.

Featuring a third hydraulic function, agricultural specification Volvo wheeled loaders support a wide assortment of agricultural attachments. Additionally, a Torque-Parallel linkage system provides high breakout, tilt-in and lifting forces, while the parallel movement also contributes to greater load stability.

PHR Farms co-owner Rob Joules said: “It’s a great machine and we’re really happy with it. This is our first Volvo wheeled loader and it’s a step up from what we’ve run previously.”

Developing up to 853 Nm of torque, the L70H’s powerful and efficient Stage V D6J Volvo engine ensures it is more than capable of loading, lifting and pushing anything PHR Farms requires it to.

The L70H also makes for easy servicing, as its automatically reversible radiator fan allows for self-cleaning of the cooling units and the added feature of slide-out cooler installation enables further speed of cleaning.

Asked which features he has found particularly impressive on the L70H, Rob said: “It’s got better all-round visibility, axle cooling and a bigger cooling pack than previous machines we’ve had. It also has a purpose-built transmission, as well as a highspeed hydraulic pack and coolers.

The cab, climate control and boom suspension are also brilliant.

“It also has an optional differential lock, which I can click on and off as I need it, so it’s not binding the machine up all the time, and I’ve also found the tearout force to be brilliant.

“I also find it’s better balanced than our previous machine as well, so it doesn’t feel light when I

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have no load on the front; it’s a very wellproportioned machine.”

PHR Farms has opted for a Level 2 Customer Support Agreement, which ensures that its new L70H’s uptime is maximised through proactive servicing from SMT GB’s team of highly skilled mobile engineers. This Customer Support Agreement also provides PHR Farms with the financial security of working to a fixed cost per month.

Area Sales Manager Dale Nicoll said: “I’m really pleased to have provided Rob and the PHR Farms team with the first agricultural specification Volvo L70H in Great Britain and to have had the

opportunity to see it perform so well myself.

“Every single sale certainly is valuable to us, but whether it’s for one machine or 10 machines is more of a detail than a determiner of the level of support we provide to our customers. For us, it’s all about creating a strong and lasting relationship with each of our customers and working with them to ensure that the machines and solutions we provide fit their exact requirements.

“It’s always satisfying to know that the products and services we provide our customers with today help them do a better job than they could yesterday.”

www.diggers.live

FEATURE

Bobcat

LOADERS & DUMPERS

L95 Compact Wheel Loader

Bobcat has extended the company’s Compact Wheel Loader portfolio with the introduction of the new top-of-the-range L95 model, adding to the L85 and L75 compact wheel loaders launched in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The new L95 premium model offers the outstanding combination of high power, intuitive controls, operator comfort, ease of use and attachment flexibility and incorporates the very latest product updates based on customer feedback. The L95 is ideal for construction, landscaping, rental, industrial,

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waste, recycling, road work, snow removal, maintenance and many other applications.

Jiri Karmazin, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, said: “High performance is assured in the L95 by the combination of the powerful Bobcat 55 kW engine, the hydraulics and the 25 mph maximum travel speed. As in the L75 and L85, this is complemented by the comfortable and spacious cab, combined with the high stability and lift capacity and impressive breakout, push and pull forces, together with a comprehensive selection of Bobcat attachments. And the enhanced Automatic Ride Control system protects operators from any bumps or rough terrain.”

Operators of the L95 can now shift when stopped from first to second gear, allowing acceleration up to 25 mph to increase the boundaries of the job site without needing additional plant resources. The higher speed can provide significant savings and enhances daily useage of the machine.

Even inexperienced operators can get to work quickly on the L95, owing to the intuitive control scheme, Bobcat’s Flex Drive with auto idle function and a host of safety features. The machine is again equipped with Automatic Parking Brake and Slope Assist features, ensuring the parking brake on the L95 is automatically engaged and disengaged as required. These automotive-style features are unique in the industry for this type of machine.

Jiri Karmazin added: “In the L95, we are introducing some new features to the industry to further improve ease of use. The joystick is now integrated with the suspension seat to provide the best operator experience and comfort. The location of the controls on the joystick is designed to make it easy and comfortable to operate, even during long hours of work. Based on customer feedback, we have also improved the forward-reverse response time, together with increased lift and tilt multifunctionality, to enhance productivity and operating experience.”

First class comfort The L95 is designed around the operator to provide high comfort and safe and easy operation, with the cab offering full FOPS Level II operator protection and two steps for ease of access.

No matter how long the operator is working, they are always comfortable, thanks to a fully adjustable and heated premium seat, the HVAC system and the two-way adjustable steering column. A full glass door and powerful LED lights guarantee excellent visibility at all times and operators can stay connected with a DAB+ radio and hands-free function for phone calls.

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FEATURE

The location of all the controls is designed to make the L95 easy and comfortable to operate even during long shifts. Controls for differential lock, turtle/ rabbit mode, boom float and auxiliary flow control are all at the operator’s fingertips on the top of the joystick. The jog shuttle is used to reach, navigate and confirm the setup of the L95 on the five-inch LED display, and also to switch quickly to the view provided by the rear-view camera.

All the machine’s vital information display and setup screens are managed via the jog shuttle.

A truly multi-purpose machine The L95 is equipped as standard with a newly enhanced Power Quick-Tach system compatible with widely used industry standard couplers. The Power QuickTach has been redesigned to simplify and further protect the hydraulic connections, particularly when exchanging attachments.

In addition, there is the latest version of the Bob-Tach Adapter for installing approved Bobcat attachments and the Power Bob-Tach system is available as an option.

To run high-flow attachments like

a snow blower and an angle broom, the L95 can be fitted with a high flow option, providing a hydraulic flow of 100 L/min.

To further improve high-flow attachment performance, Bobcat has increased the pressure from 200 to 225 bar. This change also reduces the time for automatic derate by 50%, which is set to protect hydraulic components when the machine is cold.

Another unique feature of the L95 is

the Advanced Attachment Control. This revolutionary system enables the operator to switch to an alternative machine control pattern at the touch of a button. This offers independent control of the engine speed (and maximum auxiliary flow) and the machine travel speed. Thanks to the seven-pin connector, the operator can control even the most complicated attachments intuitively and effectively.

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0.8 or 1.0 m3 0.6 – 1.5 m3 5,376 kg 3,275 mm 2,522 mm 55.2 kW

LOADERS & DUMPERS

Specifications Standard bucket: Bucket range: Operating weight: Lift height: Cab height: Engine power:

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INDUSTRY

Market challenges lie ahead, but optimism is warranted AEM’s Senior Director of Construction, Sara Feuling, on the outlook for the construction industry for products has softened. However investments in infrastructure, energy and utilities point to better days ahead. A wealth of data suggests optimism – both in the short term and long term – is (and should be) prevalent.

“Optimistic in both the near term and long term” As equipment manufacturers look ahead to the remainder of 2023 and beyond, the landscape continues to present challenges for the industry and the construction customers it serves. Members of America’s AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers), principal sponsor of CONEXPO-CON/AGG, report demand 64 DIGGERSLIVE

Challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry in the near term As the construction industry embraces change, there will be no shortage of challenges on the horizon. However, along with those challenges come a multitude of opportunities. Numerous equipment technologies will fundamentally transform the way the construction industry operates, which necessitates an entirely new approach, not only to the jobsite itself but also to people and workforce.

A variety of alternative power solutions also will be considered and implemented as the industry looks to reduce its carbon footprint, each bringing along with it its own unique challenges. The construction industry is nothing but resilient, though, and it will continue to face challenges head on and take advantage of opportunities in front of it.

Willingness to invest in and adopt new technology It’s long been said the industry is slow to adapt to and adopt technology. That’s not entirely the case, however. The men and women who support the industry want to do their jobs efficiently and

effectively, and they take pride in their work. New and cutting-edge construction equipment technologies allow them to do their work faster, better and safer. And, as technology is adopted, its benefits to people, planet and productivity will be validated, driving wider industry adoption. Finally, manufacturers continue to invest in technology, focusing on the needs of their customers. The construction industry will soon see proven benefits, along with an even greater return on their investment.

Outlook for the industry in both the near term and long term The construction industry is – and should be – optimistic in both the near term and long term. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will continue to be a key driver for construction growth, with hundreds of billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure, energy and utilities.

Meanwhile, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are driving spending in the industrial and manufacturing sector. This growth and momentum have even more potential, especially as the industry embraces technology to improve productivity and performance.

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INDUSTRY

Left to right: JCB Access UK and Ireland Sales Manager, Edward Price; Greenshields JCB National Accounts and Access Manager, Mathew Crame; Advanced Access Platforms directors Jamie Corcoran, Chelsea Corcoran and John Corcoran; Greenshields JCB National Accounts and Access Director, Joshua Burnett; and JCB Access Sales Director, John Chandler

Advanced Access Platforms invests £2m in JCB fleet The UK’s leading independent access rental firm has invested in a fleet of new JCB Access equipment, loadall telescopic handlers and rotating telehandlers in a deal worth £2m.

Over the last 12 months, Suttonbased Advanced Access Platforms has added 100 JCB electric scissor lifts to its fleet alongside 26-metre JCB 555-260R rotating telehandlers and a series of JCB Loadall telescopic handler models – all supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB. The JCB Access equipment order includes S1930E, S2632E and S3246E models spanning 19 – 32 feet. These new machines join 80 existing JCB scissor lifts in the access equipment rental specialist’s product lineup.

Advanced Access Platforms Director, John Corcoran said: “As a company we have always looked to invest in British

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manufacturers and JCB is a renowned British firm with a reputation for quality.

“The JCB electric scissor lifts fit perfectly into our powered access portfolio. They are consistent, easy to use and easy to service. They are ideal for our existing customer base, which spans the commercial, industrial and media sectors and our customers can expect the performance and reliability that JCB brings. They align fully with our Advanced Eco promise of supplying electric and hybrid machines as standard wherever possible.

“JCB telescopic handlers are the best in the business, so we knew the rotating telehandler models would be first class too. That is proving to be the case with regular repeat business from customers due to their performance and reliability. Initially purchased specifically

for our clients in the TV and film industries, our industrial customers have learned about this investment and are now requesting to hire these fantastic products too.

“The new machines are proving excellent additions to fleet and with our trusted dealer, Greenshields JCB, we have a reliable, fast and friendly team to back up the products with excellent service.”

Established in 2007, Advanced Access Platforms offers access equipment hire, service, training and resales across the UK. IPAF Rental Plus registered trainers and members of Access Link, the family-owned business has offices and facilities in Sutton, Southampton, Northampton and Stratford (London), from where it supports a series of highprofile clients.

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#demoawards6

W NO E ES BL BL ILA TA VA A

The Sixth Annual

6 September 2024

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 782 High Rd, London N17 0BX

Co-hosted with the Third Annual...

If you would like to attend please contact us via

+44 1903 952 640 awards@globalnews.media BritishDemolitionAwards.com And introducing...

THE 2024

BRITISH

EQUIPMENT

CONSTRUCTION

A W ARDS

in conjunction with

INDUSTRY

The anniversary excavator impresses with its striking design: Navy Grey, blending into Yanmar ‘Premium Red’, with geometric graphic elements and a 16k sticker

A cause for celebration: Yanmar CE EMEA rolls out its 16,000th wheeled excavator There was an air of elation in Yanmar CE EMEA’s production facility in Crailsheim in southern Germany, as the team proudly celebrated the rollout of its 16,000th wheeled excavator, a custompainted navy grey B110W unit, on 4 September.

The production team gathered in a half-moon around the excavator, where Yanmar CE’s Kai Hacker stepped forward with a big smile to crown the B110W with a Celebrating 16,000k Excavators sticker.

The unit’s exterior cabin is also adorned with an exclusive glossy geometrical print, which blends from grey to Yanmar’s classic Premium Red – a striking colour combo to spotlight the occasion.

Stefan Rückartt, Yanmar Plant Manager at the Crailsheim site said: “Our team is proud of every machine that is completed here in the factory. The fact that we can now count 16,000 shows that our production site is very efficient 68 DIGGERSLIVE

– despite the pandemic and the resulting supply bottlenecks, some of which continue to this day. The anniversary number allows us to look to the future with motivation.”

Five decades of excavator innovation Yanmar CE has been manufacturing wheeled excavators for more than 50 years. Production started in Langenburg before being relocated first to Crailsheim, then Gerabronn and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and finally back to Crailsheim, all within 25 miles of each other.

Currently, three wheeled-excavator models weighing between 7.5 and 11 tonnes are manufactured at the Crailsheim plant: the B75W, the B95W and the B110W anniversary excavator, the latter being the heavier-weight champion of the trio.

Jürgen Boschet, a Yanmar employee for 33 years who is responsible for quality and production at the Crailsheim plant said: “For me, the wheeled excavator is a very interesting and very comprehensive piece of equipment. I want to pass on my

knowledge and skills so that such highquality machines can be produced in the future.”

Yanmar CE wants to build on this success and is continuously working to further improve production, in terms of manufacturing principles, operator workplace ergonomics and implementation of the latest legal requirements. The company also prides itself on the philosophy of the wider Yanmar Group, which includes respecting people and communities.

Matthias Leidenberger, Yanmar CE product manager for wheeled excavators in Crailsheim said: “It is a great milestone and a great experience to be involved in building 16,000 wheeled excavators. I am proud to contribute and be part of this success story.”

“I would personally like to thank our loyal customers and all employees who have contributed to this moment – we couldn’t have done it without your support. You are the real heart of our success.” www.diggers.live

INDUSTRY

The largest wheeled excavator model in Yanmar production, the 11-t B110W is a high-end, high-power machine

“I want to pass on my knowledge and skills so that such high-quality machines can be produced in the future” www.diggers.live

Kai Hacker, Fitting Centre employee had the honour of applying the 16k sticker

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INDUSTRY

CASE Construction Equipment delivers sustainable roadshow experience

CASE Construction Equipment completed its 2023 European Roadshow with a two-day, sustainability-certified event, in Derbyshire in September.

The company welcomed UK and northern European dealers, construction media and more than 200 customers to the final leg of this year’s Roadshow, following well-received events in Germany, Italy and France throughout the summer.

CNH Industrial, through its CASE Construction Equipment brand and in line with its sustainable development engagement policy, had committed to achieving a sustainable event, as a pilot project for its ISO 20121 certification.

ISO 20121 is an international standard for organisations that want to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in the planning and implementation of events.

The standard is based on three principles of sustainable development: ethical-social, economic and environmental. It supports the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals objectives and is in line with CNH Industrial´s sustainable management policy, strategy and objectives. With the purpose of breaking new ground, it is an innovative approach to the management of company events.

All environmental, social and economic aspects of the event were analysed and acted upon to minimise their impact. This included land conservancy, waste management, containment of 70 DIGGERSLIVE

emissions, sustainable procurement and improvement of the social and economic impact on the communities involved.

Daniela Ropolo, Head of Sustainable Development Initiatives, CNH Industrial said: “ISO 20121 provides for performance monitoring, always with reference to the principles and policies adopted by the organisation. It allows us to correctly identify and manage the lessons learned from the event, in order to use them in the planning for subsequent activities.”

This focus on the environment was extended to the equipment on display, with customers able to trial two allelectric mini excavators and a prototype electric compact wheel loader. The loader, called the 12EV, uses a powerful 23 kWh battery pack to drive the transmission and hydraulics, delivering up to six hours of continual use on a single battery charge.

It will be launched to customers across Europe by the end of the year.

CASE now offers two electric mini excavators. The CX15EV was launched earlier this year and the 2.5-tonne CX25EV will be available in the coming months. In both cases, the mini excavators are capable of operating for a working shift between battery charges, with as much, if not more power and performance than conventional diesel-powered models.

CASE has also expanded the range of diesel models available to customers across Europe. With the launch of the D-Series mini excavator line, the company

has increased the number of models from seven to an incredible 20 machines, from one to six tonnes’ operating weight. This includes a zero tailswing option for every weight sector and four mini excavators with a two-piece articulating (TAB) main boom. CASE now offers a mini excavator to suit every application, in every market sector, across every territory.

The company also presented its new CX75E, a 7.5-t midi excavator with a twopiece articulating boom (TAB). Offered alongside the 7-t monoboom-equipped CX70E, the CX75E allows CASE to provide complete coverage of all sectors of the midi excavator market across Europe.

Customers had the opportunity to try a range of E-Series crawler excavators and the recently-launched E-Series wheeled excavator line. With four models, the wheeled excavator range includes two conventional tailswing and two reduced tailswing machines, with operating weights of 14 to 17 tonnes. The equipment on display also included compact and full-size wheel loaders, along with a first opportunity for many to see the latest CASE C-Series grader, complete with electro-hydraulic controls.

Developed for small job sites in a wide variety of applications, from landscaping to grounds maintenance, agriculture to construction, the prototype TL100 mini track loader attracted attention and appreciation at the event. The compact machine offers a combination of manoeuvrability and power and few www.diggers.live

INDUSTRY

visitors could resist the opportunity to put the machine to the test.

CASE had stations explaining its range of connectivity services, demonstrating how telematic systems such as SiteWatch can save money and reduce unexpected downtime on site. The company was also supported at the event by suppliers Geith and Sampierana, providing customers with advice and information concerning buckets, attachments, tracks and a range of other components.

The Roadshow provided visitors with the ability to try their hand at the famous CASE Rodeo operator challenge. Using a CX25D mini excavator, with a scoop attached to the bucket, operators had to pick up golf balls and deposit them inside waiting road cones, spaced around the machine. This had to be carried out against the clock, combining speed and accuracy, with fingertip control of the machine.

Ivona Nicol, Marketing Manager for northern Europe, said: “With so many new and improved machines on display, the CASE Roadshow provided an incredible opportunity for our customers and our dealers to meet and to try the very latest equipment. They were also able to catch a glimpse of the future, with our growing electric lineup.

“More than that, the Roadshow provided CASE and CNH Industrial with an exciting opportunity to create our first certified ISO 20121 sustainable event. We were able to assess and refine every aspect of the creation and implementation of the Roadshow and we have been delighted with the results and with the feedback from everyone who attended.” www.diggers.live

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Equipmake collaborates with Perkins on advanced e-powertrain systems

Equipmake, the UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus and coach industries, will collaborate with Perkins on a new off-highway hybrid system project.

Awarded a total of £11.14m in government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), with Equipmake awarded £3.24m, the project’s objective is to support development and demonstration of an electrified, lower carbon hybrid powertrain for the global off-highway market, enabling vehicle and machinery OEMs to accelerate their transition from fossil fuels.

Led by Perkins, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., with Equipmake providing e-powertrain technology and Loughborough University supporting through advanced engine analytics and emissions control, the project will see the design, development and demonstration of a multi-fuel dropin hybrid powertrain, which will be an alternative to existing diesel solutions in off-highway vehicles and will support the UK and global off-highway industries to deliver net zero objectives.

Capable of running on multiple lower-carbon intensity fuels such as biomethanol, eFuels or zero-carbon fuels 72 DIGGERSLIVE

such as hydrogen, the heavy-duty hybrid system will feature a state-of-the-art bespokedesigned high torque density electric motor and inverter, alongside all associated power electronics, which will be completely designed and developed in-house

by Equipmake.

The hybrid powertrain system can be configured to provide performance in the range of 45-250 kW depending upon application. Development has already begun and will take 42 months. The project is expected to support new and existing jobs at Equipmake and the related supply chain.

Ian Foley, Equipmake CEO

Ian Foley, Equipmake CEO, said: “Equipmake has always been at the forefront of innovation in electric motors

and inverters and we are delighted to work with Perkins on this innovative hybrid electric powertrain project. We would like to thank the APC for its foresight in granting support funding for this new project, which has the potential to enable multiple global off-highway vehicle OEMs to work towards meeting net zero objectives – while at the same time creating new jobs across the supply chain.

“This project also represents a key element of our strategic development at Equipmake, giving us access to a global off-highway market through this decarbonisation technology, and over time a significant extension in our volume production capabilities. It also further underlines Equipmake’s position as a leading provider of state-of-theart electrification systems to multiple industries.”

Over the last five years, Equipmake has become a globally recognised expert in the provision of sector-specific heavyduty electric powertrains, becoming a leader in the repowering of buses and coaches from ICE to fully electric, utilising its vertically integrated motor and inverter technology. Based in Snetterton, Norfolk, the company provides the complete electric vehicle solution, offering everything from motors to fully electrified platforms, supporting primarily the automotive, commercial vehicle, marine and aerospace sectors. www.diggers.live

Enquire today and find out more

01560 480 822 office@odourdust.com Units for hire and sale www.odourdust.com FRESHFILTER Freshfilter cab air quality systems are used on haul trucks and mobile machinery to protect the machine and its operator from toxic substances.

• Keep employees healthy and safe • All national and international legislation is applicable to the cab air filtration systems

REVERSING FANS We install various types of reversing fans and only use high end products. Flexxaire is the world’s leading smart airflow developer in the fan industry.

• Clear debris in less than a second • Save on fuel costs and increase power • Low maintenance • Improve productivity

INDUSTRY

More than 1,000 Bobcat employees volunteer for local communities worldwide

In recognition of its commitment to communities and sustainability across the globe, Doosan Bobcat employees have been celebrating the company’s support of nearly 100 organisations and municipalities through volunteer efforts to benefit the places where Bobcat employees live and work.

On 12 September 2023, more than 1,000 employees in 12 countries participated in company-organised projects, volunteering thousands of combined hours.

Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO said: “As an organisation, we aim to create positive social impact to enhance the communities where we live and work, as well as benefit our neighbours. Our community engagement initiatives are a company tradition and over the years, we have supported hundreds of organisations with thousands of volunteer hours all with the goal of creating a better tomorrow.”

Impactful community projects across EMEA region In Dobris in the Czech Republic, where Doosan Bobcat’s headquarters for Europe, 74 DIGGERSLIVE

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INDUSTRY

the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are located, 179 executives and employees participated in activities including a city and forest cleanup project; bush and tree planting; fence painting and preparing a surface for a children’s playground. Volunteers used a fleet of Bobcat equipment including skid-steer, compact track and wheel loaders with various attachments to help in the projects making tough jobs easier, while increasing efficiency and productivity.

Representatives of the town of Dobris and community employees joined Bobcat staff in these volunteer efforts. The Mayor of Dobris, Pavel Svoboda said: “With so many people involved at once and with the equipment used, we can really conduct meaningful and impactful projects in a short period of time to benefit all the residents and make our town an even better place. I am grateful for any helping hand.”

Projects varied across all 15 of Bobcat’s EMEA business sites and involved 407 employees serving a combined total of 949 hours on behalf of their local communities. Their tasks included recycling projects, litter picking and a wildflower meadow restoration www.diggers.live

project as well as various donation projects such as blood donation, food donations for charity organisations and money donations to fund local fire brigades.

Bobcat employees from around the world participated in the initiative, encompassing the Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, Asia, Latin America and Oceania regions. The global effort supports Bobcat’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments to community engagement, sustainability and responsible growth as an organisation in the communities where its employees live and work.

“We aim to create positive social impact to enhance the communities where we live and work”

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INDUSTRY

CPA President selected as International Judge for INTERMAT 2024 Innovation Awards Brian Jones, President of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), has been selected to join an esteemed international judging panel for the INTERMAT 2024 Innovation Awards.

The sustainable construction solutions and technology exhibition INTERMAT takes place in Paris from 24 to 27 April 2024 and all exhibitors are invited to make nominations across various categories for the INTERMAT 2024 Innovation Awards. The awards are designed to recognise innovative equipment, techniques, services or products across the construction industry.

The winners will be announced on the first day of the show.

As well as Brian, the international judging panel comprises Michel Petitjean, Secretary General of the European Rental Association (ERA); Maria Moreno, International Director of the Association of Infrastructure Construction Companies and Concessionaires (SEOPAN); Alessio Rimoldi, Secretary General of the Federation of the European Precast Concrete Industry (BIBM); Massimiliano Ruggeri, Technical Director

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of Imamoter; Michele Levati, Director of Lombardini 22 Civil Engineering; and Heinz G. Rittmann, Managing Director of Deutscher Auslandsbau Verband.

The judging panel will assess entries for those where the product, service, equipment or technology is deemed to provide a breakthrough in the areas of cost savings, technical design and technology used, operation, usage and environmental protection, before selecting the shortlisted entries and finally deciding the winners across five categories and four special awards.

Brian Jones said: “I am privileged and honoured to be invited as an international judge at the INTERMAT 2024 Innovation Awards featuring techniques and products that will contribute to the construction and the rental industry.

“Considering the enormous changes facing the rental industry in the future, I am looking forward to seeing at first hand the innovations being delivered by all the competitors in the five specialist areas to ensure success of these major transitions in the construction sector are truly embraced.”

“I am privileged and honoured to be invited as an international judge at the INTERMAT 2024”

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INDUSTRY

HD Hyundai Infracore wins large-scale DEVELON orders from Saudi Arabia and Brazil HD Hyundai Infracore has won large scale orders from customers in Saudi Arabia and Brazil and will be supplying a total of 131 DEVELON excavators and wheel loaders to meet these orders.

Thirty 53-t excavators and 50 large wheel loaders will be supplied to two Saudi Arabian construction companies and used for the NEOM project.

With the NEOM city project in progress, demand for large construction equipment has been increasing. To meet this demand, HD Hyundai Infracore has been implementing individual strategies such as active sales activities through its Dubai office and new dealership openings near NEOM city with additional service personnel, to ensure the deals were secured.

Including recent orders, HD Hyundai Infracore has recorded a total of 846 units for ‘Excavator, Wheel Loader, and ADT’ sales in Saudi Arabia which is a 51.6% increase compared to the 558 units sold year-on-year.

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Brazil also placed orders for 51 DEVELON excavators to meet its public infrastructure investment demand.

Among the orders, 22 large excavators (80 t and 53 t) will be used for the railway construction project in Mato Grosso, and 29 14-t mid-sized excavators will be used for the public bidding project in Rio Grande do Sul. A special feature of the Rio Grande do Sul project is that DEVELON will be providing 14-t excavators to its client exclusively as its request was to purchase equipment mounted with proprietary engines for better maintenance.

A representative of HD Hyundai Infracore said: “We continue to be successful in winning orders for DEVELON products from large global construction companies. We will use this as an opportunity to expand our market share for large equipment in other similar markets around the world.”

“We will use this as an opportunity to expand our market share for large equipment in other similar markets around the world”

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SMALL MACHINE

BIG CAPABILITY

THE NEW V7 & V7-HW

They may be the smallest machines in our range but with smooth, powerful, electronically controlled drivetrain, front oscillation and P-kinematics parallel lifting, our new compact wheel loaders have the capability to take on the big jobs with ease.

INDUSTRY

A time machine on a job site Every day on construction sites is a race against time: there are too many jobs to do, but time is always short. It seems that it is never enough. Projects are piling up, deadlines are approaching, and expenses are rising.

Delivering projects on time and completing a job requires meticulous planning and effective resource management. But there is a solution. MB Crusher screening buckets and padding buckets. Call them time machines.

Piping Piping projects have a huge impact on the quality of life precisely because they ensure the proper functioning of plumbing systems in homes, water supply

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networks and sewage systems. They are also essential for the construction of gas pipelines, oil and gas refineries, power plants, chemical processing plants and many others.

The creation of a complete pipeline network therefore requires careful planning and efficient logistics. MB Crusher units simplify organisation and save time and money because the excavation material is easily transformed into filling material in just three steps: loading, screening and filling.

Landscaping Beautiful, tidy, clean, harmonious: the ultimate goal of landscape architects is to create an environment that is pleasing

to the eye, functional and that lasts over time. Maybe even better if on time while keeping costs down.

Using a padding bucket or an MB Crusher screening bucket, the excavation material is treated directly on site – even the damp one – and selected according to size and quality, without the need to buy new material and wait for it to arrive. And all the work is done by a single operator.

Demolition Separating debris is critical to getting quality products when it comes to recovering scrap from demolition. With MB Crusher units it also becomes quick and easy: it is possible to change the grids of the screening bucket or the

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rotors of the sorting buckets directly on site. The screening buckets allow an accurate selection of the material, with homogeneous particle sizes, while the sorting bucket is able to separate much more important volumes and thanks to the seven types of rotors, allows you to work different types of materials, even damp ones.

More flexibility, less effort, in less time. Both equipment can be installed on excavators, backhoes and shovels, so whatever the heavy machine or the material to be worked on, the construction site can be delivered on time if not even in advance.

Their ability to accurately separate materials of different sizes and types simplifies disposal and recycling operations, reducing the time and effort required.

In conclusion, the lack of time on site represents a significant challenge that requires careful planning and efficient management of resources. MB Crusher accessories make it possible to simplify on-site operations, saving time. Last but not least, using these buckets can really be a great way to get rid of stress.

There is nothing more liberating than watching those unwanted materials being transformed into materials that can be reused. That’s satisfying, isn’t it?

www.diggers.live

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Another successful trade show for Goldhofer Visitors to this year’s NordBau flocked to the fairgrounds in perfect weather and found plenty to keep them happy at the first joint Goldhofer and Volvo Trucks stand.

A four-axle TRAILSTAR trailer and a three-axle STEPSTAR with two pairs of wheel recesses proved convincing examples of the vehicle family concept developed by Goldhofer for the STARLINE. Visitors were additionally impressed by the intelligent details including the practical load securing system and form-fit pocket stakes. These flexible workhorses also have an optimal payload to deadweight ratio and Wader container locks.

The STARLINE vehicles are available with Goldhofer’s unique CargoPlus tyres for axle loads of 10 or 12 tonnes and the advantages of a loading height that is much lower than with conventional tyres.

The STEPSTAR was on display in combination with a Volvo FH Electric tractor unit. With up to 500 kW continuous power and a range of up to 180 miles, the Volvo FM Electric is the ideal choice in urban areas for container transports, crane services and much else – with a greatly reduced environmental impact. The FM Electric naturally comes into its own in zero-emission zones or at times of the day when the use of diesel vehicles is restricted. Not only is the FH Electric significantly quieter than conventional vehicles, the electric motor also delivers maximum torque immediately, which gives very smooth full power delivery. With a gross combination weight rating of 44 t, it is also wellequipped for heavy-duty work in the harsh environment of the construction site.

The highlight of NordBau 2023, however, was the first heavy-duty tractor-

Goldhofer brand ambassador Iwona Blecharczyk (right) at the official handover of her MPA 7 at NordBau by Marcin Michalak, Sales Manager Poland

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Carsten Duwe, Sales Manager Northern Germany at Goldhofer, explaining the benefits of the STARLINE

The seven-axle version of the MPA – a winner in terms of maneuverability, axle load and low loading height

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trailer configured by Goldhofer brand ambassador Iwona Blecharczyk with her Imagination Transport company, comprising a Volvo FH16 and the Goldhofer MPA 7.

With its 560 kW, the Volvo FH16 in the 8x4 version is the ultimate in power from Volvo Trucks and is capable of handling a gross combination weight of up to 325 tonnes. Volvo Active Grip Control ensures that maximum traction and startability performance are available in all conditions. For low speeds when manoeuvring with heavy loads, the Volvo FH16 features the I-Shift transmission with crawler gears. This means problemfree drive-off with the heaviest loads at all times.

Outstanding lateral stability has been one of the keys to the success of Goldhofer’s MPA axle technology since its launch in 2013. In addition the small number of components makes the MPA an extremely low-maintenance solution. It is designed for high axle loads of 15.6 t at 12mph and combines a wide steering angle of 60° with a low loading height of only 785 mm.

The robust design and high bending resistance of the vehicle frame ensure maximum reliability and a long service life. This is also the verdict of Iwona with her long years of experience as a trucker: “In the workaday world of heavy haulage I have to be able to rely on my vehicle completely, and robust engineering and reliable solutions have always been the hallmark of Goldhofer. That is why there www.diggers.live

was only one serious contender for my first semi lowloader: Goldhofer.”

This was the verdict of many visitors to Goldhofer’s Nordbau stand according to Carsten Duwe, Sales Manager Northern Germany: “At NordBau, Europe’s biggest compact trade show for the construction industry, all our products had the power to convince. The response of our customers was nothing short of enthusiastic.”

“All of our products had the power to convince”

On the road into the future with the Volvo FH Electric: all-electric and lots of power with a gross combination weight rating of 44 t

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Bobcat Machine IQ system now available as subscription service Bobcat has announced the launch of the company’s new Machine IQ telematics subscription service in Europe and Israel.

Designed to connect customers to vital machine information at anytime and anywhere, the new subscription service is available in two packages for both customers and dealers with standard or premium options.

Machine IQ allows customers to check the health of their machines and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security and performance.

This simple and powerful tool empowers customers to get the most out of their Bobcat equipment, helping them to achieve more while protecting their investment at the same time.

As essential as work boots With Machine IQ, customers have 24/7 access to crucial machine information on their smartphones or computers. Equipped with this information, customers can optimise machine use and plan jobs for maximum profitability by keeping idle times to a minimum and tracking fuel consumption. Service planning is made easy with maintenance notifications, saving operators time and money by allowing them to efficiently schedule machine maintenance and manage job sites during planned downtime.

Connecting customers to their machine data not only drives efficiency – it delivers peace of mind as well. Machine IQ enhances security by allowing users to 84 DIGGERSLIVE

create geo-fences and machine curfews, providing the assurance that their investment is protected with customisable notifications that alert users when there is unauthorised machine movement.

Dealers call Machine IQ a game changer Machine IQ has been widely adopted by hundreds of Bobcat dealers worldwide and is redefining the standards for operational efficiency and customer service.

Harnessing the power of Machine IQ data, dealers can anticipate and prepare for service needs before customers need to pick up the phone. This proactive response improves business productivity while creating more touchpoints for dealers to strengthen customer relationships.

Choosing the right package Dealers and customers can choose from two options: the Standard package with basic telematics and the Premium package with additional advanced features.

According to Tomas Plechaty, Machine IQ Senior Programme Manager at Bobcat

EMEA, the subscription options let users tailor their experiences and access the level of connectivity and insights that best suit their needs. “With a focus on simplicity for the user, we are confident that the packages will meet the needs of customers and dealers across the globe and help them grow their businesses,” he said.

Standard package – essential telematics data The Machine IQ Standard package is a subscription service that allows customers to effectively manage their fleet. The service is free for the first two years from the original equipment delivery date.

Machine IQ Standard features include: • Basic telematics – Tracks key information points, including GPS location and history, operating hours and last recorded fuel levels, • Custom asset names – Allows customers to quickly identify machines in a fleet, • Maintenance interval tracking – Tracks regular planned maintenance and allows customers to view highlevel instructions in the portal for each machine.

Premium Package – advanced features and insights The Machine IQ Premium package gives customers the ability to upgrade their machine subscription with more robust reporting data to enhance equipment monitoring. It includes all Machine IQ www.diggers.live

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utilisation to help customers make more informed decisions. The feature compares idle time, working time and fuel usage as well as generating custom reports, • In-portal notification management – Gives customers the ability to monitor notifications within the portal. A clear notification counter on the home page provides a singular place to manage all important machine notifications.

Customers can experience the benefits of Machine IQ Premium with a free 90-day trial with every new Bobcat equipment purchase of Machine IQ-eligible equipment.

Standard features plus the following: • Maintenance reminder alerts – Notifies customers via email when they are approaching regular maintenance. The alert provides highlevel information on how to perform regular maintenance as well as on relevant parts. Customers can access the maintenance tracker to see what planned maintenance is coming up, • Fault code notifications and troubleshooting – Distributes alerts, a clear description and troubleshooting steps if the machine reports a fault code. Customers can also subscribe to email notifications for alerts and troubleshooting, www.diggers.live

•

•

• •

Geo-fence creation and breach notification – Provides customers with the ability to set up custom boundaries and receive email notifications the moment the machine leaves the specified operation footprint, Curfew creation and breach notifications – Alerts customers via email if their equipment is being operated outside of designated days or hours, Motion detection notification – Notifies customer of machine movement when the key is off, Machine utilisation reporting – Tracks machine efficiency and

Connecting to Machine IQ Machine IQ comes factory-installed with many equipment models and can easily be installed on compatible Bobcat machines in the field. Customers should contact their local dealer to check compatibility.

Bobcat customers can access Machine IQ by visiting my.bobcat.com, creating an account and logging in.

Alternatively, the mobile app for Machine IQ can be downloaded from Google Play/ Apple Store.

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Blue Southern appointed as Hidromek Dealer

Blue Machinery (Southern) Ltd is delighted to announce its appointment as the Hidromek dealer for the latter’s entire range of crawler excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders and backhoe loaders.

Based out of Portishead, Blue Southern will be responsible for the sales, service and aftermarket care for the full range of Hidromek products in their territory across the southern part of the UK. Hidromek machines work in more than one hundred countries on six continents and the heavy-duty equipment is used across the construction, demolition, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, landscaping, recycling, scrap, ports and rail industries. Their cutting edge and innovative technology has already won multiple awards globally for both design and performance capabilities.

The Hidromek range of crawler excavators starts at the 14-t HMK140LC and goes right the way up to the 52-t HMK500LC HD. Wheel excavators on offer range from

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the 16-t HMK 140W to the 22.5-t HMK 210 W. Hidromek’s backhoe loaders combine the highest level of efficiency with performance to offer powerful digging capabilities, great hoisting power and convenience for diverse work environments ranging from the 4-t HMK62SS to the 10-t HMK 102S Supra.

Wheel loaders in the Hidromek range offer exceptional power and speed making them effective even in the toughest of conditions. The series is comprised of the 21-t HMK65WL and the 27-t HMK 640WL. Terry Hughes, Managing Director of Blue Machinery (Southern) said: “The addition of the Hidromek product lines to Blue Southern’s portfolio adds to our one stop shop offering for customers operating across a whole host of industries and applications and complements our existing market leading brands such as Powerscreen, Fuchs and Doppstadt, as well as our leading attachment brands like Rammer, Xcentric, Allu, Fortress, Oilquick and OSA, among others.

“We look forward to growing the Hidromek name and presence in the

UK and providing our customers with access to yet another high quality product to maximise their operational efficiencies and productivity. When added to our network of engineers working across the region, we now offer full processing solutions and total support packages to deliver industry leading levels of backup and service.”

Mustafa Kemal Türkgil, Export Area Manager was also delighted: “We are proud to welcome and announce the addition of our newest dealer in the UK: Blue Machinery (Southern) Ltd. Blue Southern shares our values on exceptional aftersales support and have established a reputation for delivery of outstanding service and support through their dedicated relationship building with customers. They already represent various global branded products from tier one manufacturers and have established a strong, loyal customer base across their UK territory. We firmly believe that this collaboration will prove very fruitful and reach high goals for the UK market, and we look forward to fully supporting Blue Southern with our complete product range.”

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Bobcat celebrates 60 years of Pontchâteau factory Bobcat’s factory in Pontchâteau in France traces its history back to the early 20th century when Joseph Sambron transformed his school bench factory into a hub for farm machinery and bicycles.

By 1920, the factory employed hundreds of workers and produced flour mills and cider presses. Following Joseph’s retirement, his son Maurice ventured into mini-dumper production, selling over 50,000 units, and paving the way for the construction of the present-day Pontchâteau plant in 1963. The new facility specialised in off-road dumpers and forklifts.

Today, the factory is renowned for its production of telescopic handlers, which commenced in the early 1980s under the Sambron brand and was then acquired by the Fayat Group. Under the new ownership, Sambron became FDI Sambron and introduced hydrostatic telescopic handlers.

In 2000, FDI Sambron was acquired

by American corporation, Ingersoll-Rand, which also owned the Bobcat brand.

Consequently, FDI Sambron transformed into Bobcat France. In 2007, Bobcat was acquired by the South Korean group, 88 DIGGERSLIVE

Doosan, and continues to operate as part of the Doosan Bobcat EMEA company.

Thirty thousand telehandlers made in France In 2023, the French factory achieved an impressive milestone, when it manufactured its 111,000th machine.

Out of this figure, around 30,000 of the machines have been Bobcat telehandlers.

Philippe Marescot, Pontchâteau

“The majority of our production, over 80%, is targeted for export” www.diggers.live

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factory manager at Doosan Bobcat EMEA said: “Our current telehandler lineup consists of 14 models in five platforms, with key markets in agriculture, construction and rental. Managing such a comprehensive portfolio is only possible thanks to our experienced engineering team, which is running all the European operations and contributing to global telehandler development activities. The majority of our production, over 80%, is targeted for export.”

Substantial regional employer Employment has seen significant growth alongside production, with the workforce more than doubling to 420 employees in the last 10 years. The Mayor of www.diggers.live

Pontchâteau, Danielle Cornet, recognises the factory’s significance as a major regional employer, with over 50% of employees residing within a 20 km radius, and offering diverse job opportunities ranging from manufacturing to executive roles, administration and research and development.

Catherine Perio, an accountant at Bobcat in Pontchâteau, embodies the company’s positive work environment.

With an impressive 36 years of service, she credits her long tenure to the company’s continuous growth, which remains fulfilling even after four decades.

The supportive and friendly staff have also played a significant role in her journey.

The future of the Pontchâteau factory Philippe Marescot said: “Over the past decade significant investments, amounting to approximately €30m (£26m), have been made in human resources, research and development and facility enhancements.

These structural investments have strengthened the factory’s capacity to meet market demands and maintain a growth trajectory aligned with market needs.”

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World’s biggest Pothole Pro fleet set to fix Britain’s roads The biggest fleet of JCB Pothole Pros – a machine that fixes potholes in eight minutes flat – is set to hit the road in the UK after one of the country’s leading hirers placed a massive order for 50 machines.

Commercial asset supplier Dawsongroup emc (environmental municipal civil) has already bought 11 JCB Pothole Pros – but all are now out on long-term hire with councils up and down the country, with more urgently needed.

Demand for the machines is huge, especially given the Asphalt Industry Alliance’s (AIA) Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance survey estimating that there are a record £14bn-worth of 90 DIGGERSLIVE

outstanding road repairs in England and Wales – or a nine-year backlog.

Dawsongroup emc Managing Director Glen Carruthers said: “We only bought our first JCB Pothole Pro under a year ago and the response has been staggering, with the whole of the current fleet now out on hire. We have placed this additional order simply to keep up with demand.”

JCB Municipalities General Manager Ben Rawding said: “It’s great to see the success that Dawsongroup is enjoying with the Pothole Pro. More and more local authorities, and the contractors working on their behalf, are recognising that the Pothole Pro is the best way to fix Britain’s roads quickly and permanently,

first time. It is now easier than ever for UK authorities to get a JCB Pothole Pro on to their network, whether it’s in a city or in a rural county and the public will now really start to see their presence on the roads and streets around the UK.” Tests show the JCB Pothole Pro can complete a pothole repair in less than eight minutes, four times quicker than standard methods and equivalent to 700 potholes per month. With a 25 mph travel speed, the machine can also rapidly relocate between sites without additional transport costs. The JCB Pothole Pro is a unique 3-in-1 machine, cutting out the damaged surface, cropping the edges and cleaning the hole, ensuring a permanent fix.

Dawsongroup emc is JCB’s official rental partner for the Pothole Pro and the additional machines will be supplied through dealer TC Harrison JCB. Dawsongroup emc, previously known as Dawsongroup Sweepers, is part of a global group of companies committed to providing an extensive product range and first-class customer service across the supply chain. www.diggers.live

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JCB has announced that it is set to build a new factory in North America that will create 1,500 new jobs over the next five years.

The construction of the 67,000 m² factory will begin early next year on a 160-ha site in San Antonio, Texas.

The new facility will manufacture machines largely for customers in North America, the world’s biggest market for construction equipment. The plant will be the second JCB factory on the continent, where the company began manufacturing in Savannah, Georgia, in 2001. JCB North America already employs 1,000 people. Details of the products to be manufactured at the new plant will be announced at a later date.

JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “North America is integral to the growth and success of JCB’s business in the future and the time is now right for JCB to expand its manufacturing presence there.

Texas is a vibrant and growing economy, and the state offers great advantages in terms of a central location, as well as good highway and port access. The city of San Antonio also has a well-established skills base, which makes it a very attractive place to set up a factory.”

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “JCB has come a long way since selling its first machine to the US market in 1964. This new investment is good news for our North American customers and is a fantastic platform on which JCB can build.”

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JCB announces plans for new North American plant

JCB North America headquarters, Pooler Georgia

Richard Fox-Marrs, President and CEO of JCB North America, said: “The growth we’ve experienced in the past few years in North America has been extensive and demand for our products continues to grow. The decision to expand our manufacturing footprint will bring

us even closer to our customers and will allow us to further capitalise on market opportunities in North America.”

JCB has 22 factories around the world, including 11 in the UK, and others in India, Brazil and China. The company will mark its 80th anniversary in 2025.

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UK Civils and Construction Solutions signs CX130E deal at UK CASE Roadshow Wigan-based civil engineering and groundworks company Civils and Construction Solutions Ltd has ordered four CASE CX130E crawler excavators from local dealer Dennis Barnfield Ltd, to meet growing demand from customers across the north-west.

The company, which specialises in groundworks and construction up to floor level on retirement and social housing projects, has seen rapidly increasing demand for its services this year.

“We are having to hire in a lot of machines at present,” said Construction Director Neil Barnes.

“We aim to own 80% and hire 20%, but we’re way off that at the moment. We are one of the busiest civils companies in the north-west right now.”

A long-term CASE customer, Civils and Construction Solutions operates a fleet of 25 machines, with excavators from 1.5-tonnes to 35-tonnes, a road haulage fleet of tippers and low-loaders and a range of smaller equipment. Since 92 DIGGERSLIVE

its formation 12 years ago, the company has invested more than £1.5m with CASE dealer Dennis Barnfield, with this latest order being sealed at the recent UK CASE Roadshow event in Derbyshire.

“We started out with a few used machines from various manufacturers,” said Mr Barnes.

“We became friends with Area Sales Manager Kevin Johnson from Dennis Barnfield Ltd and purchased our first two new CASE CX145D short radius excavators in 2018. We were massively impressed with them and went on to buy a CASE CX245D short radius excavator.”

Since that time the company has purchased CASE excavators up to the 35-tonne CASE CX350D and was the first customer in the UK to order a ninetonne CASE CX90D midi excavator. The business is now moving forward again with the purchase its first CASE E-Series excavators, being the four new CASE CX130Es that will be delivered over the coming weeks.

The CASE CX130E is the smallest of the recently-introduced E-Series crawler excavator models, yet it shares many of the features and benefits of its larger stablemates. Powered by an EU Stage V engine from FPT, the 13-tonne machine delivers the perfect combination of power and productivity, with enhanced operator comfort and ease of use.

“The cab on the E-Series machines is more roomy for our operators, with a better and larger control panel screen, but they’ve always been a top notch machine,” said Mr Barnes.

“You need the manoeuvrability in residential work. The CX130E and CX145D are the most popular machines on site for us, while the larger models like the CX245D, are used for deeper drainage work and for heavy lifting, for trench boxes and larger pipe sections.”

There are few complaints from the company’s operators, with each machine assigned to a single driver throughout its three to four-year life with the business.

All of the service and maintenance work is carried out by Dennis Barnfield’s service department and the engineers have a novel WhatsApp group with Civils and Construction Solutions’ drivers, allowing them to contact the dealer when required.

“It looks after itself and it works really well,” said Mr Barnes. “We buy a machine and it gets a driver and that’s it.

The machine is parked up if the driver is on holiday and CASE dealer Dennis Barnfield performs all the maintenance on the machines and nine times out of ten we sell them back to Dennis Barnfield and the resale values have been very good.

They are a sought-after product.”

Civils and Construction Solutions is very much a family business, though it employs more than 130 staff. Neil’s brother Phil Barnes is the Managing Director, while his wife Leanne Barnes is Finance Director. Family friend Scott Hickford is Commercial Director.

The company currently has more than 20 live sites across the north-west and further machines will no doubt be required as the business continues to grow.

There seems little doubt about where those machines will come from though.

“The CASE machines and the service from Dennis Barnfield are first class,” said Mr Barnes. “We’re never going to change now.” www.diggers.live

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Maquinza buys Spain’s first DEVELON DX350LC-7 Narrow Track excavator Maquinza, a leading company in the rental and sale of machinery, has taken delivery of Spain’s first DX350LC-7 Narrow Track crawler excavator from DEVELON. With more than 40 years of experience in the sector, Maquinza is committed to offering the latest in heavy machinery, including the country’s first DEVELON DX350LC-7 Narrow Track excavator.

The DX350LC-7 is a 36-tonne tracked excavator, one of the products most demanded by Maquinza customers for large earthmoving jobs. Like all new generation DEVELON excavators, the DX350LC-7 provides greater productivity, as well as great efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and causes less environmental impact, something really important for Maquinza, where the aim is to offer a less polluting machinery fleet.

This model incorporates DEVELON’s innovative D-ECOPOWER technology, which offers operators greater productivity and lower fuel consumption per working hour, as well as smoother controls, and 360° cameras as standard that offer full 94 DIGGERSLIVE

visibility around the machine.

Like all DEVELON DX-7 excavators, the DX350LC-7 excavator also stands out for its spacious, comfortable and ergonomic cabin, equipped with cutting-edge technology, as well as for its versatility, as it can be equipped with various attachments.

Attachments for a circular economy Rental of machinery is in itself a circular economy model, since it favours the reuse of equipment by various clients on numerous different jobs. In addition to renting machinery, Maquinza makes available to its customers a catalogue of attachments for its loaders, excavators and mini excavators, which can be used to transform waste materials from construction/ demolition work into new raw materials,

reusing existing material and giving it new applications.

Maquinza works towards a circular economy model based on the very nature of its business, which it also promotes with the renewal of equipment and technological innovation in its fleet. Recently, a large part of its heavy machinery equipment has been renewed across its 13 locations in Spain.

Maquinza, DEVELON Customer of the Year 2022 As a specialist in heavy machinery rental, the Maquinza fleet has numerous DEVELON excavators, a brand that they have trusted for the quality of its machines and its good service as a manufacturer.

Such is Maquinza’s commitment to the brand, the company was recognised as customer of the year for 2022 by Centrocar (the Exclusive Importer of DEVELON in Portugal, Spain, Angola and Mozambique).

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HX140A L CRAWLER EXCAVATOR Our new A-Series HX140A L 14 tonne crawler excavator has the performance, efficiency, comfort and safety to change your world.

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Liebherr to exhibit at Ecomondo 2023 Liebherr develops machines for applications in a wide range of recycling and waste management sectors. It will be presenting examples of these powerful, economical and reliable machines at Stand 402, Hall C5 of the Ecomondo trade fair, one of the largest and most important trade fairs for the recycling industry, from 7 to 10 November.

equipment also includes the Liebherr SG 25 sorting grab with a capacity of 0.75 m³ and 1,000 mm-wide perforated tongs. The demonstration machine also includes a hydraulic, infinitely height-adjustable cab.

The cable routing is provided via a cable winding system, which allows the machine to be moved safely within a working radius of 40 metres, or even further on request.

Liebherr’s first battery-electric wheel loader The L 507 E is the Liebherr Group’s first electrified wheel loader. It combines the proven advantages of a Liebherr stereo loader with a battery-electric drive system developed by the company. The L 507 E offers the same performance as a conventional wheel loader in the same class, but without local CO2 emissions. In addition, the new wheel loader’s low noise emissions make it ideal for use in areas where low noise and exhaust values are particularly important, such as on roads, in the city or in production facilities.

Liebherr T 60-9s telescopic handler with HVO drive and smart assistance systems In view of the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable solutions, Liebherr will present its updated telescopic handlers, using the T 60-9s as an example. The T 60-9s impresses thanks to its versatility and innovative drive system and it can make an important contribution to environmental protection thanks to the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a fuel that can be used to operate internal combustion engines in an almost climate-neutral manner.

The use of HVO as a substitute for diesel fuel leads to a drastic reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Liebherr telescopic handlers can be operated with HVO without any conversion of the engine components. The advantages of a more environmentally friendly fuel can thus be fully exploited without having to compromise on efficiency and performance. With the new EVO stage now available, Liebherr has further expanded the capabilities of its telescopic handlers.

LH 26 M Industry E with batterypowered Mobility Kit Liebherr will present the cable-connected Liebherr electric material handler LH 26 M Industry E, designed for the recycling industry. For temporary, mainsindependent operation, the machine can be optionally equipped with a batterypowered Mobility Kit. The setup for the trade fair exhibit includes a straight 6.6-m boom and a 4.5-m stick with tilt kinematics. The 96 DIGGERSLIVE

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Third US acquisition for UK equipment dealer, Molson Group Molson Group, a leading UK equipment dealer, has expanded its US presence with the acquisition of Powerscreen Western, expanding the group’s coverage of the western US to include Arizona.

Following the successful acquisitions of Powerscreen of California, in April 2022 and shortly afterwards Powerscreen of Washington, the group now has substantial coverage across nine states in the US. With the entrepreneurial group generating over £375m in revenue per annum, this third US acquisition will support the continued growth of operations in North America. With a proven model offering customers complete machinery solutions from a 360-degree product portfolio, new manufacturer partners are already in line and further acquisitions are expected to follow.

Powerscreen Western offers a range of leading brands, predominately from the leading materials processing equipment manufacturer Terex, including Powerscreen, EvoQuip, CBI and Ecotec.

With distribution and aftersales support throughout Arizona and southern Nevada, the company will continue to trade under the Powerscreen Western brand while benefitting from the assistance of backoffice support from the wider Molson Group.

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Existing and new customers of Powerscreen Western will benefit, with increased availability of machines, parts and personnel thanks to the financial backing of the Molson Group. However, as with previous deals, Molson’s ability to implement proven technology solutions and drive efficiency and growth was a key factor in the deal being agreed and driving improvements in customer service levels moving forward.

Jason Powles, Molson Group COO, understands the importance of accurate data and has driven the digitisation of the business: “Molson Group is a highly successful equipment dealer, working with some of the world’s leading equipment manufacturers,” he says. “We know how to optimise the performance of dealer businesses, using our own tried and tested practices, including implementing the highly effective smartCMD technology suite. We have seen the positive impact our technology products can have through improved performance in our recent US acquisitions and we expect to repeat this success in Powerscreen Western.

“This acquisition further develops our footprint in the US market, providing significant opportunity to replicate our UK model in the US and offer customers a broad range of market leading products.

We have already engaged with a number

of OEMs, including Kobelco, Fuchs and Spaleck, which will be offered to our customers across our US locations. The implementation of our leading technology products, combined with additional products from our OEM partners, will provide significant growth opportunities for the business in the coming years.”

Powerscreen Western’s founder, Gerald McCarthy, is also excited by the opportunity for growth and the expansion in resources that Molson will bring. He said: “We felt a strong fit with the Molson team and their approach – a total commitment to customer service, a comprehensive product range and a culture of looking after its people. This, combined with the huge benefits Molson brings with its operational capability, makes for an exciting new direction for the future of this business and our customers.”

Pat Brian, Vice President and Managing Director of Terex Corporation, said: “Molson Group is a valued Terex partner, both in the UK and more recently in the US. This third acquisition gives Molson Group significant presence in the US and further strengthens our relationship with the business. We are particularly excited for the benefits that this acquisition will bring both for our customers and our own business.” www.diggers.live

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Komatsu introduces 3D machine guidance and payload functionalities Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance provides customers with a simple and accessible 3D GNSS system and dynamic payload metering. This launch aligns with Komatsu’s continuous commitment to provide customers with intuitive technological solutions that improve safety, enhance productivity and efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions in construction operations.

Drawing on a decade of experience and deep understanding of the intelligent machine control system, Komatsu now offers Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit as a simple and flexible technological enhancement for a broad range of standard Komatsu machines as well as mixed fleets.

Jim Venerus, Product Marketing General Manager said: “Customers tell us that productivity, real-time jobsite information and keeping pace with digital transformation are some of their biggest challenges today. Komatsu has developed the 3D Machine Guidance kit in response to these needs.”

The kit provides an accessible way to add 2D and 3D machine guidance to any crawler or wheeled excavator from 13-tonnes up to 120-tonnes. “One of the main benefits of the 3D Machine Guidance Kit, through ease of installation, 100 DIGGERSLIVE

is its ability to digitally transform any excavator, of any generation, at any time,” added Venerus.

The 3D Machine Guidance kit can be customised with various optional additions such as a tilt bucket and couplers kit, two-piece boom kit, super long front kit and SATEL radio kit.

These options allow the kit to better accommodate each customer’s machine configurations and operating conditions.

Richard Clement, Deputy General Manager Smart Construction said: “The 3D Machine Guidance kit is the result of extensive efforts by Komatsu to deliver a truly user-friendly system, giving the

operator a level of digital assistance whatever the requirement.”

Developed by Komatsu for Smart Construction to the same strict standards as their renowned yellow machines, the 3D Machine Guidance kit hardware components provide customers with guaranteed reliable quality and performance. Clement added: “The 3D Machine Guidance kit is fully supported by the Komatsu distribution network along with the digital expertise of our Smart Construction team.”

Consistent with Komatsu’s ongoing dedication to improving jobsite safety, a 3D safety zone feature has been www.diggers.live

INDUSTRY

integrated into the system. This allows customers to create and import avoidance zones. The feature serves as a preventive strategy, sending alerts to operators when they are in proximity to hazards such as powerlines, underground utilities, walkways, or public roads.

The 3D Machine Guidance kit’s automatic file conversion is compatible with most common design file formats.

This ensures a seamless integration with customers’ existing 3D systems from different manufacturers.

In addition to the standard machine guidance functionality, the 3D Machine Guidance kit comes with an integrated www.diggers.live

payload meter option for Komatsu machines. This feature allows for dynamic weighing of materials, eliminating the need for manual checks and interruptions.

This boosts productivity by ensuring each truck is loaded to its optimal capacity without risking overload.

Dynamic payload metering Besides being a standard 3D GNSS system, the 3D Machine Guidance kit is also integrated into the Smart Construction suite as a first step towards optimising earthmoving process (DX).

It works as an IoT tool automatically collecting terrain and payload data,

which can be visualised and analysed using Smart Construction solutions and expert advice.

Venerus concluded: “Combined with Komatsu’s connected services, the 3D Machine Guidance kit meets the common challenges of our customers today to deliver productivity gains via 2D and 3D machine guidance, real-time connectivity, and the ability to make data-driven decisions.”

Smart Construction Smart Construction is a digital transformation strategy created

by Komatsu together with Sony Semiconductors, NTT Communication and Nomura Research Institute under the entity EARTHBRAIN Limited. Smart Construction experts use digital tools to assist clients in the earthmoving and quarry industries by finding the optimum way of using resources like machine, material and people for enhanced productivity, quicker project completion, cost savings, improved safety and reduced CO2 emissions.

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INDUSTRY

Merlo UK celebrates 30 years in style Turning the capital green, Merlo UK took on central London recently to celebrate its 30th anniversary in style.

Greeting those arriving at the imposing Renaissance St Pancras Hotel was a Merlo telehandler trio consisting of current and historic models. A fully electric 2023 eWorker 25.5-90 was flanked by the recently restored classic 30-year-old P60.10XS and a current MultiFarmer 44.9 telehandler.

Almost 130 attendees from the UK dealer network, industry associations and invited guests were joined by members of both Merlo UK and Merlo Group staff.

The evening kicked off with a reception in the gothic themed upper rooms of the hotel seeing speeches from Paolo Merlo, President and Massimo Biei, Business Manager of Merlo Group alongside Shaun Groom, General Manager of Merlo UK reflecting on the past 30 successful years of operations in the UK. The guests were able to visit the Gallery Room, which saw 30 years of Merlo memories come to life. A company timeline display, photo montages and archival video footage dating back as far as 1993 offered a fascinating review of the Merlo brand’s development in the UK. 102 DIGGERSLIVE

Following dinner, a number of awards were presented to dealers that had notched up significant periods of service with the Merlo franchise.

Among the awards presented by company President Paolo Merlo were two for 30 years as a Merlo dealer, West Wales dealer Brodyr Evans Bros and Devon based CR Willcocks picking up the honours both having been with Merlo UK since its inception.

The final award of the evening was unique in that it went to an individual who had been selling Merlo since 1988 (prior to the founding of Merlo UK).

Jeff Jones now of North Yorkshire-based Brian Robinson Machinery received an award for 35 continuous years of Merlo sales. Jeff sold the now fully restored P60.10XS model on display in front of the hotel new in 1993. It was great to be able to reunite them after 30 years.

Reflecting on the evening Shaun Groom, General Manager of Merlo UK said: “It has been great to be able to acknowledge in style all those present and that have gone before us in the last 30 years in bringing Merlo UK to where it is today. Whether be that as a customer, dealer, colleague or industry partner, we are truly grateful for the support. Here’s to the next 30 years.”

The Hansom Hall, where guests sat down for dinner

Paolo Merlo, President and CEO of Merlo Group speaks at the drinks reception

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Three Merlo telehandlers greet guests at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

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INDUSTRY

New Liebherr 31 XXT truckmounted concrete pump The new 31 XXT truckmounted concrete pump from Liebherr offers particularly innovative technologies. This machine feels just as much at home on small to medium-sized construction sites as it does in buildings.

The new LiDriveIn function and the low unfolding height make the pump a building professional.

After extensive testing, Liebherr now offers the smallest pump type from the 30-metre series. With its particularly compact five-part distribution boom the 31 XXT scores, having an unfolding height of only 5.4 metres. This means maximum flexibility on smaller and cramped construction sites. The full strength of this concept is particularly noticeable when working indoors.

LiDriveIn The new LiDriveIn function is a

be saved. For load reasons, the LiDriveIn function is only quoted in combination with a four-axle chassis. particular highlight when working in construction sites with low ceiling heights. Thanks to LiDriveIn, the 31 XXT can enter a building in standard operation with the arm package folded in front of the driver’s cab. To bring the arm package folded forward, it is not necessary to swing out the outrigger legs, it is only necessary to move the cylinders downwards. The machine operator lifts the cylinders again and can enter the hall together with the arm package in front of the driver’s cab. Now support can be provided as desired, for example full, partial or single-sided support. In the hall, the boom can be easily unfolded in front of the driver’s cab thanks to the short arm segments and the low unfolding height. This way, the last centimetres can

Everything safely stowed away Particularly ingenious storage systems for hoses and pipes allow around 90 metres of conveyor lines to be carried.

After swinging out the outrigger legs, all bearing magazines are very well accessible.

It is possible to store lines in diameters DN80/100/125. Due to the design of the magazine with individual pipes, each cable segment carried can be removed individually at will.

Unique Powerbloc drive unit A major highlight of the new 31 XXT is Liebherr’s tried and tested “Powerbloc” pump drive unit. It is characterised by the fact that all hydraulic switching and measuring elements are fully integrated.

This eliminates the need for numerous hydraulic hoses and other components previously required. The drive unit is therefore a special kind in the concrete pump world. Features of the new system are its robustness, high performance and quiet running.

Semi-closed oil circuit (HCC) The new drive unit is combined with the highly efficient semi-closed oil circuit, which supplies all drives powerfully and reliably with hydraulic energy.

As a result, the oil volume could be significantly reduced. The new Liebherr system combines the advantages of the proven open and closed circuits currently on the market, without their respective disadvantages.

Thanks to the extensive accessories catalogue, no customer wishes are outstanding. For example, state-of-the-art LED lighting designs for optimal work in the dark, storage boxes for materials and tools as well as shelves for hoses and pipelines are available.

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Safety first for DA Johnstone Plant Hire “If there’s one thing that swayed us towards Hyundai it’s the safety features.

The quality of the camera system was a huge factor in us choosing Hyundai for our fleet,” said David Johnstone, owner of DA Johnstone Plant Hire Ltd. The family-run company, based in Morpeth in Northumberland, supplies machinery for highways, deep drainage, landscaping,

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earthworks and wind farm projects across the north-east and Scotland.

Over the last three years, David has been updating his fleet, to improve fuel economy and on-site safety and the company currently operates a Hyundai HX130A LCR, an HX140AL, three HX210AL excavators and its latest model, an HX300AL. This 30-tonne excavator

was added to the fleet last summer.

David explained why Hyundai is the brand that he puts his trust in: “Our fleet is predominantly made up of Hyundai machines now, mostly the 30-tonne, 20-tonne and 14-tonne excavators. We happened to try out a second-hand machine a few years ago and were instantly converted to Hyundai, they

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really are fantastic excavators. They are strong, fast and the support we receive from our dealer, Taylor and Braithwaite, is second to none.

“The main selling point for us, however, is the safety element. This really is a huge priority for us, particularly as we work with Highways England, who insist upon the highest levels of safety on site. The camera system is a game changer.

When our machines are out on busy sites, the operators feel so much more confident, because they know what is happening around them and can continue with their task without worrying about people or objects in their way.”

The telematic system available on the Hyundai A series machines has also been a factor for Johnstone: “We’ve got machines operating all over the country and so the data we can access remotely is vital in ensuring that our fleet is working efficiently and profitably. The A Series machines are also very good on fuel economy, so we’re definitely getting value for money from our Hyundais.” www.diggers.live

Established in 1996, DA Johnstone began life as a hire company with just one machine and since then has grown into one of the most reputable plant and machinery companies in the country. The Hyundai A Series forms a large proportion of DA Johnstone’s tracked heavy excavator fleet, with the largest machine being the Hyundai HX300AL. Supplied by Hyundai dealer Taylor and Braithwaite, the HX300AL is a powerful 30-tonne crawler excavator, delivering 195 kW. Powered by a Cummins B6.7 engine, the HX300AL is fitted with an Eco Gauge, which helps operators to reduce emissions and running costs by displaying the engine workload and fuel-saving status.

The Advanced Around View Monitoring (AAVM) camera system gives a 360° overview of the immediate working environment, while Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD) technology senses and warns the operator when people or objects come within five metres of the machine.

“If there’s one thing that swayed us towards Hyundai it’s the safety features” DIGGERSLIVE 107

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HYUNDAI HX220AL

First choice for Max Earthworks Part of the key to a company’s success, aside from the people within it, is the sound investments made to enable the business to thrive. As an earthmoving company, reliability, productivity and efficiency are vital to that success and the machinery relied upon for this has to make the grade in every aspect.

For Midlands-based Max Earthworks, getting the right equipment, that can be relied upon to do the job, is vital and for Managing Director Alan Wildbore, that means crawler excavators from HD Hyundai Construction Equipment, supplied by local dealer Willowbrook Plant.

Though only recently established, Max Earthworks has a rapidly growing number of earthmoving and ground remediation contracts on its books. Alan Wildbore has run much larger muck shifting businesses in the past and has built a strong working relationship with local Hyundai dealer Willowbrook Plant over many years. When new machinery for Max Earthworks was required to fulfil these contracts, there was never any doubt about where it would come from.

“I bought my first new 14-tonne Hyundai through Andy Greensmith and the team at Willowbrook in 2012, having run a variety of

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used machines before that,” said Alan Wildbore.

“It was affordable and it did exactly the same job as other makes of machine.

More importantly, it never let us down. We’ve never had any issues with Hyundai, just one injector that was replaced under warranty.”

Since that time, he has gone on to purchase more than 40 machines from Willowbrook, including two HX300As, six HX220ALs and eight HX140As. When the time came to get Max Earthworks up and running, the midweight Hyundai was therefore at the top of a very short list of machines.

The 22-tonne HX220AL is powered by a Stage V six-cylinder Cummins engine, developing 129 kW. With Hyundai’s Electronic Pump Flow Control (EPFC) hydraulic system, the excavator offers a perfect balance of productivity with precision for the operator. The machine boasts the latest A-Series operator’s cab, with a comfortable working environment and a powerful heating and air conditioning system.

“The HX220AL is the perfect middle ground machine for us. It is suitable for earthworks for

housebuilding and can also be used on larger groundworks,” said Mr Wildbore.

The company is now running two HX220ALs, following delivery of a second machine in early September.

Both are equipped with a full boxing ring of upperstructure handrails and with Hyundai’s All Around View Monitoring (AAVM) system of 360° cameras, but he said that the machines are so well specified that operators need for little else. Max Earthworks also uses Hyundai’s HiMate telematic system to keep an eye on the excavators, though all service and repair work on the new machines will be carried out by the service department at Willowbrook.

Alan Wildbore said: “We used to have our own fitters, but now we use the dealer. They are dealing with the machines every day and they provide us with a fantastic level of service.”

Though in no rush to expand straight away, he does have plans to add additional machines to the Max Earthworks fleet, to meet growing customer demand for the company’s services.

“Absolutely, when the market permits, the plan would be to run half a dozen machines again,” said Mr Wildbore.

If those machines are excavators, there seems little doubt where they will come from.

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INDUSTRY

MDS appoints first distributor in the far east MDS, leading manufacturer of heavyduty rock trommels and conveyors, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kurimoto as its first distributor in the far east. Effective immediately, Kurimoto will represent the MDS range of heavyduty materials processing equipment and be responsible for providing sales, service and support for MDS products throughout Japan.

Kurimoto, based in Osaka, is well-regarded across Japan for its commitment to customer satisfaction, product excellence, and market expertise. The company’s deep-rooted experience in the industry dates back to 1909, supplying and supporting products that contribute to the improvement of social infrastructure.

Having already been a Finlay distributor, MDS will be the second Terex brand represented by Kurimoto, who believe that MDS heavy duty trommels, that are known globally for their durability, strength and quality, will help expand their offering within the quarrying, mining, and demolition and recycling sectors. The MDS M518R Recycling Trommel will be a particularly welcome addition to the Kurimoto portfolio, as it will enable them to compete in the recycling trommel market.

“We take great pride in becoming a distributor for MDS and offering their exceptional products to our customers,” said Yoshio Yanagida (second from left), Kurimoto General Manager. “There is great potential for MDS throughout Japan, which had recycling trommels, regular screeners and scalpers but was missing mobile heavy duty trommels.

With the introduction of MDS, we will be able to better process overburden in quarries as well as in demolition concrete waste.”

Raheel Qamar, (third from left) Business Development Manager, MDS said: “We are excited to welcome

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Kurimoto to the MDS family. Entering the far east market is a pivotal moment for us and we believe that Kurimoto is the perfect collaborator to help us reach and serve customers in Japan, which is renowned for equipment that is high-quality. Their dedication to excellence and deep local knowledge of our industry makes them an invaluable addition to our global network. I look forward to working closely with the team to build and develop MDS across Japan.”

The appointment of Kurimoto as distributor for Japan is part of the ongoing global expansion of MDS, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative and reliable products to customers worldwide while providing localised support and knowledge.

“We take great pride in becoming a distributor for MDS and offering their exceptional products to our customers”

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INDUSTRY

Next generation Hyundais arrive at Hugh Pearl Having enjoyed many years of reliable service from its Hyundai 140LC crawler excavators, civil engineering and drainage expert Hugh Pearl has evolved its fleet, upgrading the older models to Hyundai A new series equivalent, the HX140AL. Having taken delivery of two HX140AL excavators over the last 12 months, the Hugh Pearl team is putting these hard-working and versatile excavators to use on a wide range of projects, from path digging and pond drainage, through to larger civil projects, including car parks, cemeteries and sports fields.

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Adrian Rowell, Contracts Director at Hugh Pearl Land Drainage Ltd, explained: “We have been fans of the Hyundai machines for a while, we’ve always enjoyed operating them and found them to be great quality and good value for money. So, when the time came to look at replacing our old Hyundais, it made perfect sense to look at the next generation machines and put those to the test.

“We were impressed with how these new Hyundai excavators have evolved in the latest generation and, so far, we’re

finding them to be more comfortable and even more powerful than their predecessors.

“Our operators only have good things to say about them. The cameras, in particular, have had a really positive response. They make our guys feel more confident when they’re working on a busy and complex site.

“From a maintenance perspective, we’re really impressed with the huge strides Hyundai has made. It’s easier to get in and out of the machines and to access the areas that need adjusting and the service we receive from our Hyundai dealer, Ernest Doe, is second to none. We’ve seen the evolution

“We’re finding them to be more comfortable and even more powerful than their predecessors”

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of Hyundai over time and this new generation of machines gives us everything we come to expect from Hyundai and more.”

Supplied by Hyundai dealer, Ernest Doe, the HX140AL offers a robust exterior design, with added safety features and improved serviceability, allowing it to perform in the toughest conditions on large construction sites and infrastructure projects.

From its upgraded, eco-friendly engine, to its carefully chosen control technologies, the HX140AL excavator helps operators to achieve new heights of productivity. Hyundai’s EPIC (Electric Pump Independent Control) hydraulic system, in connection with automatic engine shutdown, eco gauge and lifting mode, allow the machine to deliver performance and efficiency when and where it’s needed.

But the true value of the HX A-Series lies in its durability and high productivity.

For Hugh Pearl, there is no alternative.

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OPINION

We need to be bolder on zero emission truck (ZET) adoption

by Stuart Cottrell, Head of Energy Services and Government Partnerships, TEVVA

“At our advanced manufacturing facility in London, we are producing the Tevva 7.5-t battery-electric truck, with a capacity to manufacture up to 3,000 trucks annually” 114 DIGGERSLIVE

Trucks equipped with batteries or powered by hydrogen fuel cells must constitute the overwhelming majority of new truck sales by 2040, in line with regulatory initiatives aimed at curbing CO2 emissions from medium and heavyduty vehicles.

However, even these ambitions don’t go far enough. The imperative of transitioning to zero-emission road freight cannot be overstated, given its crucial role in addressing climate change and enhancing public health. Notably, road transport stands as one of the most significant sources of air pollution, resulting in approximately 350,000 premature deaths annually within the European Union alone.

For this reason, we are members of the Transport Decarbonisation Alliance, advocating for a transformative shift, urging that all new freight trucks achieve zero-emissions status by 2035. This would align the commercial freight sector with

the effective phasing out of fossil-fuel passenger cars by the same deadline.

Currently, we are participating in Climate Week NYC, focusing on how we can expedite the shift to zeroemission trucks (ZET) as part of the ZET Policy Group. While we acknowledge that progress takes time, we emphasise that swift action is needed and expect to develop a workable and attainable roadmap for faster adoption.

Encouragingly, the technology required to achieve zero-emission road freight is either already available or poised to become viable for nearly all applications. At our advanced manufacturing facility in London, we are producing the Tevva 7.5-t battery-electric truck, with a capacity to manufacture up to 3,000 trucks annually. Additionally, Tevva has developed 7.5-t and 19-t hydrogen-electric trucks for global markets, with the former successfully completing a 620-mile demonstration run www.diggers.live

OPINION

from Tevva HQ to the Scottish border and back earlier this year.

Fleet operators are increasingly eager to embrace electric trucks, recognising that reducing emissions aligns with long term business goals and can deliver immediate reductions in total cost of ownership (TCO). Nevertheless, the economic viability of zero-emission long-haul trucking poses certain challenges. Constraints on charging and refuelling infrastructure as well as the need for clarity on how TCO savings are demonstrated loom large. Tevva is actively collaborating with its partners and customers to address these critical factors.

We are confident that our electric trucks will not only save organisations money over the vehicle’s lifetime but also enhance fleet and driver performance.

Meeting the proposed reduction targets will undoubtedly be a formidable task unless these issues are effectively addressed. Accelerating deployment necessitates more robust policy support from governments. A blueprint can be found in the generous tax credits and grants outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the United States. These policies are already attracting investments in the clean-vehicle supply chain, in contrast to the relatively less comprehensive policies here in Europe.

This presents an opportunity for legislators in other regions, particularly in Europe, to exhibit bold leadership. The prospects of widespread zero-emission truck adoption and our journey toward a climate-neutral future depend on it. www.diggers.live

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