Rare Poclain Dozer Set to Star at Engins Passion

Hopes are high that at long last this year, we will see the return of live machinery events of all types. One of these events that really interests me is the Engins Passion working dig days that will take place in Albon in France 21st & 22nd May.

Photo Credit : Technique TP.

Engins Passion is a not-for-profit association which brings together collectors of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment in France, and as you might imagine, a lot of these machines are from the famous French manufacturer Poclain, and they expect to have a strong line up of Poclain excavators on display ranging from the 35 right up to the giant 1000 model. In total they estimate that there will be around 60 different classic machines on display at the event.

Its not all Poclain or excavators though, and other machines will be displayed including cable shovels, graders, scrapers, dumpers, cranes and crawler tractors, there will also be a run out for very rare bulldozer in the form of the BC21 a 1976 prototype model one of only two dozers ever made by Poclain in association with CMC, which has been restored by Eric Moutot and his team and repainted in preparation for the show.

Photo Credit : Engins Passion.

This machine is as far as I know the only surviving example with the other version which featured a rear mounted engine, having been cut up for scrap some years ago. Keen eyed readers will notice that it is fitted with a six-cylinder Deutz air cooled engine and features a centrally mounted single lift ram for the blade.

It would be nice to find the time to visit this event to see this and all the other classic machines in action, but with a busy year ahead personally I might have to rely on the internet to see these machines being displayed.

Photo Credit : Engins Passion.

Engins Passion is supported by many French machinery enthusiasts and like-minded businesses including the Delmonico Dorel quarry where the event takes place, and with the support of various associations such as Aipethoac, ASSEDUR, ETPFA, Generation Deux and our friends over at Technique TP.

The event is open to everyone and runs on both days from 9am till 6pm with an incredibly small and great value entry fee for both days of just 5 euros.

You can watch this video of the machine which was posted on the Engins Passion Facebook page back in 2020.