Gearing up for Plantworx 2025 (Part One)

This week on the Digger Man Blog we will be presenting a series of blog posts focusing on some of the kit that we are expecting to see at Plantworx 2025, which takes place from 23rd-25th September at its new venue the Newark Showground.

With over 300 exhibitors, including leading OEMs and specialist suppliers—Plantworx is the show where machines are put through their paces, new ideas are shared, and business gets done.

See the industry in action with live demonstrations across a working showground the size of ten Premier League football pitches. Test drive the latest machines, explore cutting-edge safety systems, and speak directly to the teams behind the technology. Inside the indoor pavilion, a dedicated tech zone will showcase automation, connectivity and control systems designed to transform how construction sites operate.

This year’s line-up includes 16 of the world’s top 50 construction equipment manufacturers—an impressive show of strength for the UK’s largest working construction exhibition. Big names like Caterpillar (represented by Finning), JCB, XCMG, Kubota, HD Hyundai and SANY are all confirmed, alongside Manitou, Fayat, Shantui, Takeuchi, Lonking, Sunward, Hidromek, Merlo, Yanmar—and most recently, Zoomlion, the fast-rising Chinese OEM making serious international strides.

Over the coming days we will be presenting some of the machines and equipment are certain to be of interest to the Digger Man Blog followers.

Plantworx regulars Takeuchi are back again with a stand full of new machines, including the latest from its 3-Series excavator line-up. Making its show debut is the 2-tonne TB320, built for contractors using multiple attachments, with up to four auxiliary ports as standard.

Also new is the TB370W – a compact, road-ready 7.5-tonne wheeled excavator marking Takeuchi’s return to the rubber duck market.

Electric machines take centre stage, with the UK debut of three zero-emission models. The TB10e concept weighs just 1180kg and features expanding tracks, folding ROPS, and both onboard and off-board charging. The TB20e Cab offers an enclosed, quieter option for low-emission zones, building on the success of last year’s canopy version. At the top end is the TB35e concept – Takeuchi’s most powerful electric to date, with 64.5 L/min auxiliary flow, a dig depth over 3.2m, and reduced tail design for versatility.

Also making its UK debut is the TL compact track loader range. Four models officially launch in September, but Plantworx visitors will see the TL8R-2 and TL12V-2 in action – both with high-flow as standard.

Rounding off the line-up is the updated TCR50-3 tracked dumper, featuring a restyled operator station.

Hyundai Construction Equipment will unveil three UK-firsts at Plantworx 2025 on Stand A-32: the HX360L crawler excavator, the company’s first battery-electric mini – the HX19e, and its debut dozer, the HD130A.

The HX360L, which I recently reviewed in Earthmovers Magazine, is part of Hyundai’s Next Generation range, it features full electro-hydraulic (FEH) control for faster response and fuel savings, with up to 8% efficiency gains and extended service intervals. Its DX08 Stage V engine delivers a 23% power boost, and safety is upgraded with AAVM+ and AI-assisted radar detection. Inside, a premium cab includes cooled/heated leather seats and a 12.8” touchscreen.

The HX19e 2-tonne mini is Hyundai’s first electric model, available with a 32kWh or 40kWh battery offering 6–10 hours of operation. Fast DC charging (2–2.5 hrs) and the same breakout forces as its diesel counterpart make it a standout in its class.

The new HD130A dozer brings Hyundai into a fresh market, offering the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class, six-way blade adjustability, and 2D Blade Assist for easy grading.

Also on show: the compact HX25Az, a 2.6-tonne zero-tail mini excavator launched in 2024.

Hyundai and its dealers will be on hand to showcase how their growing range can support construction professionals across the sector.

JCB makes a welcome return to Plantworx with a packed line-up targeting civil engineering, housebuilding, highways and utilities – including several exciting new product debuts.

Making its Plantworx debut is the brand new 8008E CTS electric micro excavator. Designed for confined and urban job sites, this sub-1-tonne machine matches the performance of its diesel counterpart, with zero emissions, low noise, and a full day’s battery life. It features an extending undercarriage and is easy to transport and recharge.

Also on show: the recently launched 145XR reduced tailswing excavator, the unique JCB Pothole Pro, the powerful 558 260R Pro rotating telehandler, and the versatile 4CX PRO DualDrive backhoe loader.

Alongside the latest models, visitors can explore key machines from JCB’s wider ranges – including excavators, backhoe loaders, site dumpers, compaction equipment, access platforms, powerpacks and attachments.

JCB’s tech zone will feature its world-first hydrogen internal combustion engine. Backed by over £100 million in R&D and driven by Chairman Anthony Bamford, the hydrogen engine is being developed at JCB’s Derbyshire plant as a cleaner alternative to diesel.

Away from the stand, JCB is headline sponsor of the Plantworx Operator Challenge – an eight-part, game-themed competition designed to test precision and operator skill.

XCMG is set to make a strong impression at PlantWorx with the UK launch of two new compact machines: the XC7-TV12 compact track loader and the XC908HST compact wheel loader.

The XC7-TV12 is a powerful, agile track loader built for tight job sites and tough conditions. It features electro-hydraulic (EH) control with selectable ISO/H control modes as standard, offering precision handling and comfort for operators. Designed for versatility across construction, landscaping and plant hire sectors, this machine is engineered for high performance in a compact footprint.

Joining it on stand is the XC908HST, a next-generation 0.8-tonne rated compact wheel loader equipped with a Stage V Yanmar engine, hydrostatic transmission, and HA motor control for smooth, fuel-efficient operation. Its six-link working linkage, short-tail design, and articulated oscillation steering make it highly manoeuvrable in confined spaces. A ROPS & FOPS cab, adjustable seat, and intuitive joystick controls ensure safe and comfortable operation, while a rear-flip hood, side-flip cab, and centralised service points simplify maintenance.

With a focus on operator experience, durability, and flexibility, these two new models mark a significant step in XCMG’s growing presence in the UK compact equipment market.

SANY UK is set to make a major impact at Plantworx 2025 with several UK product debuts. Making their first appearance are the SY10U micro excavator, SANY’s first 1-tonne digger with zero tail swing, the compact 2-tonne SY20C with air conditioning as standard, and the reduced tail swing SY60U – all designed for tight job sites and demanding applications.

In the electric line-up, visitors can explore the upgraded SY19E, the new SY35E (4-tonne, 6-hour runtime, fast charging), and the 23-tonne SY215E crawler excavator, praised for its performance and battery life. All are powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries offering long life, thermal stability, and fast charging.

SANY will also debut two new telehandlers – the 9m STH936 and the fully electric 6m STH625e – joining its full telehandler range with lift heights from 7–18m. Tandem rollers will also be on display.

Six excavators, including the SY80U, will be available in a hands-on demo zone. Visitors can also take part in the SANY Operator Challenge using the SY19E, with prizes on offer.

“SANY is helping businesses work smarter,” said Leigh Harris, Business Development Director. “Plantworx is the ideal platform to show it.”

Shantui will bring its mid-range DH20M crawler dozer to PlantWorx, offering UK visitors a close-up look at a machine built for performance, reliability and operator comfort. Designed for the demands of European contractors, the DH20M features a powerful Cummins L9 engine delivering over 220HP, precision blade control, and a comfortable, modern cab—making it ideal for road construction, heavy-duty earthmoving and site prep.

Shantui currently works with four dealers across the UK and Ireland, backed by its European HQ in Genk, Belgium, and an established dealer network across the continent.

Oliver Keates, Product Director at Shantui, said: “The DH20M reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance machinery tailored to the needs of European construction professionals.”

PlantWorx 2025 provides a platform for Shantui to strengthen its UK and European presence, with product experts on hand to discuss the DH20M and the wider range of bulldozers, excavators and road machinery.

Register now for free at https://plantworx.yourticketpurchase.com/p/visitor and be part of the UK's biggest working construction show of the year.

We will have more Plantworx 2025 highlights later this week.