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Digger Man

Digger Man Blog

by Nick Drew  |  Tue 07 May 2013

Plantworx countdown in full swing

This time next week Plantworx, the all new UK show for the construction, and plant & machinery industries, will have opened its gates for the first time. As anticipation builds, let’s take another look back at the glory days of SED, days that we all hope will be repeated at this great new show.

Plantworx countdown in full swing
I last shared these photos during my time writing the original Digger Blog within the Contract Journal website. The shots were shared with me by our friend and long-time supporter of my blog work, Mark Gunns, who is Volvo Construction Equipment’s Marketing Manager for the UK. First up, shots from the 1987 event, which was held at Whipsnade, with the Volvo BM stand featuring in prime position, the company’s iconic A35 articulated hauler. At the same event, we see action on the Volvo demonstration plot. Also worthy of note in this shot, is the former Priestman VC20 long reach excavator in the background, sporting the Sanderson colours after they had purchased the old Hull based excavator manufacturing business. This is the kind of thing that makes working plant shows so special, there is nothing like being able to see the kit being put through its paces on the digging plots. I am sure we are all looking forward to this again at Plantworx. Jump forward a year now to 1988 and more interesting shots from the Volvo demo plot. At this time, Volvo BM were selling Demag excavators, and here getting stuck-in to the chalky Whipsnade ground, under some rather threatening sky, is one of their H40 excavators, which was a 40 tonne class machine. I love this shot of the Demag H40 loading one of Pryors new ADT’s on the demo plot, and also of note in this one, are examples of machines from the famous Swedish excavator manufacturer Akerman, who’s stand can be seen in the background. Of course, in 1991 Akerman became part of the VME group. At this time, VME were also selling Michigan wheeled loaders and Euclid rigid dumptrucks. Here on the stand, we see a Michigan 275C paired with a Euclid R50 dumptruck. 1989 now, and I think this shot of the Case Poclain stand optimises just what these shows are all about, a busy looking stand with customers, operators and salesman all having the "craic" as they check out what’s new from the manufacturers. Here’s another great shot from Whispnade, with many a famous old name from our construction plant and machinery past on show. In the foreground, we see a Caterpillar D300 ADT, which was of course based on the old DJB models. Then we see a Hymac 141C, which I have a sneaky suspicion might have been demonstrated by the SED legend Doug Potter. Also on display is a Ford 655C backhoe loader, and far in the distance we see the former JCB dealership, Berkeley JCB. Only the American machinery giant Caterpillar remain today from that shot. Here we see a JCB 525 telescopic handler being put through its paces, while in the background a 435 wheeled loader is getting to grips with the chalk. It’s a well-known fact that pretty ladies always draw the punters onto the stands; it’s a tried and tested technique that has worked well for many companies over the years. No different back in 1989 either, just check out the 80’s hair styles on this bevvy of beauties! Talking of young ladies, here is another shot of one at the 1990 show, getting “hands on” in a Volvo A25 articulated hauler. Don’t forget if you want to try out the latest kit at this year’s Plantworx event, you will need to bring a valid CPCS card with you. This brings us to the opening show at Milton Keynes in 1991, Fen Farm was to be SED’s home until the fateful move to Rockingham, Corby, in 2006. In this shot, we see a grand display of the latest Komatsu excavators from that era. Over at the VME stand one of the largest machines on display was an Akerman H16, which had been sold to Chunnel Plant Hire. It’s seen here in front of a discharging Volvo A25B articulated hauler. As previously mentioned, 1991 was the year when Volvo finally took control of the Akerman excavator brand, which was later amalgamated into the Volvo line up with, Akerman machines eventually wearing the Volvo branding. As an industry we all now need to get behind the new Plantworx venture, by turning up on mass, and supporting the new show as best we can. For too long now the keen plant men and women here in the UK have been starved of our own show, while other countries events have continued to take place, attracting record crowds along the way. The team behind Plantworx have put in a massive effort to deliver this new show, so I hope the industry does them proud with a huge turnout over the 3 days next week. If you haven’t already signed up for your free entry ticket, you can still do it at the Plantworx website here. I know my list of people who want to meet up continues to grow by the day! It’s going to be great to finally put a face to all your names, and to thank you personally for all the support I have received for my own unique style of blog writing. I would also like to give a big shout out to the team at ECY Haulmark, who have very kindly offered me some accommodation at their hotel base for our two night stay. Thanks guys & girls, it’s very much appreciated. Remember 14th -16th of May there’s only one place to be… Stoneleigh!      

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