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Merry Christmas from the Digger Man Blog 2025

I think it’s fair to say that 2025 has been a challenging year for many of us, in many different ways, the instability of the world is certainly not helping things and the current political situation in the UK right now is a total disaster.

But from this blog’s perspective there were numerous highlights in 2025. A number of good opportunities to travel overseas came our way, as in previous years, including the totally awesome Munich machinery fest that is Bauma, which although my time there this time around was a bit limited, was still fantastic, with some great networking done across my 4 days at the show.

Another couple of visits to my favourite place Finland took place, including my visit to Real Machinery Oy, where I had the honour of being the first operator/journalist to test drive the new Develon DX260L-9 hydraulic excavator, followed by a visit to the Maxpo Show in Hyvinkää.

There was also a flying visit to HD Hyundai Construction Equipment Belgium where once again we got the chance to test drive a number of different machines including the new 36-tonne class HX360L hydraulic excavator and the at the other end of the scale the HX19e electric powered mini excavator.

We also visited Italy to spend time with the team at wheel loader and backhoe loader manufacturer VF Venieri S.P.A which was a real eye opener.

We also spent time in France with the super friendly team at Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, which was a very informative visit and a lot of fun too.

In the middle of the summer courtesy of our great pal Dave Vickers, I was drafted in along with Neil Grainger, to be part of Dave’s team for a TV appearance on ITV’s You Bet on Tour challenge show, something I could have never imagined being part of. I thank Dave for having faith in me to do the job, and the best part of all was that we actually won, which was absolutely amazing!

Plantworx was another good opportunity for me to work with various companies at the show, it will be interesting to see how things pan out next time around at the new venue of the NEC.

I'd also like to give a shoutout to our friends over at Takeuchi UK who have been supportive as ever this past 12 months, I really do appreciate it! 

It’s hard to predict what is going to happen in 2026, the fluffy PR types will tell us everything is going to be wonderful and super exciting, but who really knows how things are going to pan out.

On a personal level, I’ve learnt a lot this year, and I’m going into 2026 with an enlightened but determined outlook.

And so, all that’s left to do is to wish our readers and followers across all the platforms, a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and thanks for sticking with me on the Digger Man Blog, in addition to the numerous manufacturers and dealers I have worked with this year, thank you, your support means the world to me.

We will be back on this platform on January 5th, but I will still be posting on our Instagram over the Christmas/New Year break I'm sure! 

All the best

Nick