Plantworx Party not Deterred by the Wet Stuff

Wed 19 Jun 2019

Plantworx Party not Deterred by the Wet Stuff

In this post I’m going to present some of the highlights for me personally. Even though photography was extremely challenging we did mange do snap a few shots on the middle day, when we did have some respite from the rain. Fresh from its appearance at Bauma Kubota UK showed off its prototype KX019-4 LPG model. Running on LPG (Liquid Petrol Gas) the engine is a next generation Kubota Spark Ignition unit. The machine is capable of working in emission restricted areas such as cities where diesel bans are now likely to be in place, while running a lot quieter than a conventional diesel engine. It features a neat dedicated storage space for the LPG bottle which can be lowered down for ease of changing over. A small reserve tank is also fitted and the operator is warned that the main bottle is empty. The machines performance is said to be the same as the conventional powered KX019 model.

It was good to see a strong presence from the main Hidromek dealers in the UK Buntons and TJC Plant Sales as they presented some of the Turkish manufacturers latest products including the stylish new HMK145LCSR a 14-tonne class short radius hydraulic excavator. Like most Hidromek machines it features a whole host of top-quality hydraulic components from leading blue-chip manufacturers.

Takeuchi UK were out in full force and had one of the most attractive stands at the show, with a sea of red and grey machines and a Japanese feel to it. A friendly welcome always awaits at Takeuchi and on the demo plot they had secured the services of well know owner operators Owen Mays and Neil Grainger, both lads at the top of their game!

Finnish compact loader manufacturer Avant had a number of machines on display courtesy of its British arm Avant Techno UK Ltd. For many visitors this was the first opportunity to see the recently launched 800 series machines, Avant’s largest loader to date. The 860i OptiDrive model took centre stage on the stand.

Hyundai Construction Equipment brought along a good selection of its products, 8 machines in total including the all new 22-tonne HX220AL which features a Stage V engine and the new HX10, Hyundai’s smallest mini excavator, both of which made their world premieres at the Bauma show earlier this year. On the demo plot the HX130LCR which requires no AdBlue was proving popular to try out.

Star attraction on the Molson stand was the stunning Kobelco ED160 Blade Runner which was also equipped with an SMP ST15 tiltrotator. Everyone I spoke to you was lucky enough to spend time on the machine on the demo plot were very impressed with the machines overall balance, performance and power in the push.

Bomag rolled out (forgive the pun) its all new ROBOMAG BW154 double drum vibratory autonomous roller can be used completely independently in a defined work area. For loading or manual operation, the Robomag tandem roller can be operated simply by remote control.

The system obtains information on position, situation and movement using a combination of different technologies for spatial orientation, environmental perception and environmental safety. Kato Imer UK presented a couple of models from the Japanese manufacturers heavy line of excavators. The 14-tonne class HD514 MR was on the demo plot for visitors to try and reports were very positive from those that spent time in the cab. On static display was the HD823 MR a 22-tonne class compact radius excavator.

Check out the HD514 being put through its paces on the demo plot.

TDL Equipment Ltd had its most popular Sany excavators on the demonstration plot the 21-tonne SY215C and the house groundworks favourite size a 13-tonne class SY135C. TDL staff members reported extremely positive feedback from operators who tried the Chinese built machines.

Also making a dominating appearance on the TDL Equipment stand was the new Scottish built Terex TA300 articulated dumptruck which competes in the 30-tonne class, the machine was sporting TDL’s own corporate colour scheme.

JCB took the opportunity to display its all new electric mini excavator the 19C-1E a zero emissions compliant machine aimed at a variety of job applications, but especially for use in noise sensitive environments like hospitals, schools and even with utility contractors working at night. A full test drive report will be featured in the next issue of Earthmovers Magazine.

On the Mecalac stand the French manufacturer had a wide variety of its products on display including the stunning 11MWR wheeled excavator which was showing all its abilities not only as an excavator but as a tool carrier too.

The rain didn't stop play on the Mecalac stand.

Despite the rain there was fun and games to be had around the showground, North East based MST Parts the specialists in buckets, wear parts, teeth and undercarriage parts held a hook a duck competition where competitors had the chance to win a BBQ set for the fastest time using a kiddies playground style manual excavator, it was great fun and you received a free pick & mix tub of sweeties for having a go!

UK Volvo Construction Equipment dealer SMT GB had a nice dry spot for its static display where it presented an number of its latest products. The ECR18E compact radius mini excavator fitted with a tilt bucket caught my eye.

UK and Ireland Caterpillar dealer Finning brought along its all new Next Gen models of mini excavators which are in-house built machines and feature a number of unique features including joystick steer and cruise control. There were plenty of people eager to get "hands on" with them on the demo plot.

With the weather being unkind many took advantage to stay indoors and spend time at the Plantforce Simulation Zone, where Dale Hawkins and his team had assembled what was believed to be the largest gathering of simulators in one place.

The simulation zone consisted of six state-of the-art simulators and a fully immersive “Mission Room 360^o” which replicated real life working construction sites, virtually. These simulators which Dale is clearly passionate about are without doubt the future of plant training in our industry. It was great to see so many people getting involved. It was also great to see the kids getting involved on the last day of the show, like young Charlie Parkes (pictured below) who commented later that it was the best part of the show!

I felt that despite the weather, which lets face it, none of us can control, the event was fantastic and the new venue seems much more suited to the purpose and user friendly, roll on 2021 I say!

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