by Harry Hunter | Thu 20 Aug 2026
National Ploughing Championship to be first for McHale Plant Sales
Noting the extent to which mechanisation is expanding within the agri sector, and the extent to which border lines for contractors are moving beyond traditional boundaries, McHale Plant Sales’ exhibit at the forthcoming 95th National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore will feature equipment never before exhibited at the event by the Birdhill and Rathcoole-based company.
Reflecting, in large measure, the expanding nature of McHale Plant Sales’ business – as their move into the UK market has also done – equipment likely to feature at their exhibit in Screggan will underline the important place that Irish agriculture holds within their broader sphere of activities.
Komatsu
Komatsu models on show will centre around their agri-specified WA170M-11 wheel loader with interchangeable, quick-linkage, front-mounted bucket and forks arrangements. The smaller stablemate of the WA380 and WA320 wheel loaders which are proven in the contractor market, it is aimed at the larger farm market for feeding and harvesting applications.
On the excavator front, back by popular demand, and making its reappearance to the market after over a decade absence, will be the conventional 13 tonne PC130-11, exhibiting alongside the PC220LCI, showcasing the latest in machine technology.
Other Komatsu models on show, and making their Irish debut, will be the 5 tonne CK50 tracked skidsteer and 4 tonne SK40 wheeled skidsteer units, coupled with a selection from the rock breaker range and trailer-size micro-to-mini diggers used by utilities contractors, tool hire specialists, and DIY rental specialists.
Fuchs
Latest equipment line being distributed by McHale Plant Sales, here and in Northern Ireland, is the Terex Fuchs range of grab-and-lift materials handling equipment, one of which they have earmarked for display at the National Ploughing Championships. Present will be the MHL434 – a specialised, heavy-duty, wheeled material handler designed primarily for timber handling, forestry, and sawmill operations and known for its unique boom design and ‘Pick & Carry’ capabilities.
Komatsu Forest
Reflecting McHale Plant Sales’ increasing involvement in forestry and timber harvesting will be a machine from the Komatsu forest range - the highly versatile, compact 14-tonne 855 Forwarder, designed for both thinning and final felling.
Prinoth
From the Prinoth range, McHale Plant Sales will be showcasing the latest range of excavator mulchers to suit everything from 15 tonne excavators down to the M300e-570, designed for the mini 2-3 tonne excavator class.
Subscribe to Earthmovers magazine NOW - 3 issues for just £3 - CLICK HERE