Plant & Civil Engineer Sept-Oct 22

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Plant & Civil Engineer is the journal for plant, quarrying, municipal and civil engineering management. It is circulated on a controlled basis to managers in the following industries; access equipment, agricultural contracting, building, civil engineering and highways contractors, civil engineering practices, commercial vehicle distributors, concrete production, municipal and government authorities, plant dealers and operators, plant hire companies, plant manufacturers, quarrying, scrap processors, spare parts suppliers and Recycling. For those outside the terms of control, Plant & Civil Engineer is available this year at £30 per annum subscription.

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Welcome to our latest issue of Plant & Civil Engineer, bringing you all the very latest news from the plant, construction and waste recycling sectors, and what a busy period it has been right across the various aspects of the industry. We are anticipating some movement on the issues surrounding the NI Protocol and how important it is that we finally see some form of agreement; the benefits for our industry, the construction materials sector in particular, cannot be overstated. Stable and frictionless logistics between GB and NI is essential.

On a more positive note, it’s good to see that across the UK in general retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in August were 6% above sales in the same month last year. This was the strongest performance since February when sales were ahead of last year’s levels by a similar amount, but the picture is rather mixed in Northern Ireland where sales year on year have declined by over 7%.

That said, a new report highlights that a range of supply chain issues are impacting sales of equipment and this suggests that without these problems, sales this year would probably be ahead of the “record” levels seen in 2021 – and as you will read in this issue, plant and machinery dealers here are still winning some significant orders, so the overall picture looks to be an improving one.

Also in this issue, we report on the forthcoming Bauma exhibition in Germany, featuring some of the highlights visitors can expect. We also turn the spotlight on what’s new in the attachments market, and our ‘view from the cab’ looks at JCB’s latest rotating telehandler, the first to arrive in Northern Ireland, plus we have all your favourite features including plant hire, waste & recycling, auctions & finance and our recently introduced court report.

that’s it for now, but in the meantime, you can keep up to date with all the industry news 24/7 by logging on to our website at www.plantandcivilengineer.com Of course, you should also be getting our weekly newsletter which is emailed out every Tuesday; if not, do subscribe on our website so you don’t miss out. It’s FREE! And remember,

what you might think, Covid

hasn’t gone away, so stay safe this winter.

Minister views two major NI Water Improvement Schemes in Fermanagh and Tyrone

NI Water recently welcomed Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd to view two major projects that have been recently completed in counties Fermanagh and Tyrone.

A major £9 million investment was completed at Killyhevlin Water Treatment Works to improve the security of the water supply for customers in large areas of Fermanagh and Clogher Valley.

The NI Water project team involved in the Killyhevlin upgrade included principal contractor Dawson WAM, MEICA sub-contractor Murphy, and Capita, who

provided project management and technical support. This major upgrade work involved the construction of a new clear water storage tank on the existing site, as well

as a new Pumping Station to allow for a future increase in water supply demands.

Minister O’Dowd followed the Killyhevlin visit with a tour of Tullychurry Forest and a

Castlederg farm to see restoration work undertaken as part of the recently completed EU INTERREG VA funded Source to Tap project, which is designed to protect and improve rivers and lakes in the Erne and Derg cross border drinking water catchments.

Sara Venning, CEO at NI Water said: “The Killyhevlin upgrade will provide additional water supply to customers and ensure operational efficiency, particularly during emergency situations, when we may need to shut down the main plant or when we complete other planned maintenance to our water supply network.

“Both projects will protect and future-proof the local water infrastructure and bring essential environmental benefits through enhancing raw water quality in the Erne and Derg catchments through Source to Tap. There is no doubt that customers, businesses and tourism in the area will benefit through improved security of the local water supply and drinking water quality.”

McHale Second in Europe For Komatsu Hydraulic Breaker Sales

With their development of a new, more comprehensive Komatsu-branded range of hydraulic rock and concrete breaking attachments, focus within the Japanese company’s European and global distributor network has fallen on the task of attracting even more buyers to the product.

To that end, an award has been presented to their distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales, in acknowledgement of the Irish company’s achievement in taking second place for hydraulic breaker sales when measured by Komatsu against returns from fellow distributors within their Europe-wide network.

Present at the Komatsu European Distributor Conference in Sicily at which the award was presented were (pictured here, left to right) Managing Director, Tim Shanahan; Aftersales Director, Anthony Ryan and Sales Director, Denis McGrath.

Castlederg farm - Mark Horton Rivers Trust, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, Paul Harper and Diane Foster from NI Water.

Killyhevlin WTW (front row) Rodney Moates Dawson WAM, Sara Venning CEO NI Water, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, Paul Harper, Francis Bradley and Mark Richardson (all NI Water) Back Row: Justin Keane Capita, Shane McVerry Murphy Group, and NI Water’s Ian Rankin at Killyhevlin Water Treatment Works.

Tullychurry Forest (L-R) Paul Harper, Diane Foster (both NI Water), Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, Sara Venning CEO NI Water, James Greer from Forest Service and NI Water’s Roy Taylor.

New Training Simulator Puts McHale Plant Sales in Driver’s Seat

What do airline pilots, Formula 1 champions and forestry harvester drivers have in common? Answer: They can all use a simulator to hone their driving skills, thanks in the case of forestry workers to a recent investment by Komatsu forest equipment distributor, McHale Plant Sales.

In the case of McHale, their purchase of a Komatsu Driver Training Simulator means driver trainees can experience ‘real life’ forestry conditions without leaving the comfort of the company’s Rathcoole headquarters where the unit is located. Described as ‘the essence of high-tech’, the new unit replicates the cockpit of a

working harvester or forwarder. On-board equipment includes a VR (Virtual Reality) headset, a driver-information screen, hand controls which the operator works from a full-size driver’s seat and, up-ahead, a large, wrap-around panoramic screen on to which a full colour, interactive graphic of the ‘virtual forest’ on which the simulator driver will work is projected.

Asked about their decision to purchase the unit, their chairman Michael McHale said: “Aware of how valuable operators skilled in the complexities required to operate timber harvesters and forwarders are, our investment in the Driver Training Simulator will be a great support for our many forestry contractors and customers.”

NI Institute of Quarrying field trip

Members of the NI branch of the Institute of Quarrying recently enjoyed a field trip to CMS Cepcor in Coalville in England.

CMS Cepcor Limited has successfully grown into Europe’s leading aftermarket manufacturer and supplier of precision crusher spare parts, premium manganese wear parts and crusher service to the mining, quarrying, demolition and recycling industries worldwide.

Commented a company spokesman: “We warmly welcomed a delegation of visitors from The Institute of

Quarrying, Northern Ireland Branch to tour our facilities

to demonstrate why we are the only Genuine Alternative to the OEM. Customers are

always welcome to our facility and we would be more than pleased to show you round.”

Rokbak is celebrating its second RoSPA Gold Award in a row

Rokbak has received a RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award for the steps it has taken to ensure its employees get home safely to their families at the end of every working day. This is the company’s second successive Gold Award – the previous one being received last year, when it was still known as Terex Trucks, following on from four successive years of Silver Awards.

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety. Every year, around 2,000 entrants apply to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longestrunning health and safety industry awards. With safety being deeply embedded in both the Rokbak and parent company Volvo Group’s philosophy, the spate of these awards highlights the many improvements made at

Rokbak’s Motherwell manufacturing site and in the training and welfare of its employees since the acquisition of Terex Trucks in 2014.

“Health and safety has always been a priority for us so we are thrilled to be recognised with a gold award from RoSPA,” says Paul Douglas, Rokbak’s Managing Director. “We’ve had a busy year with the rebrand and the various updates and changes that came with

that, as well as lots of new team members on the shop floor, so to hold firm and win our sixth consecutive award is a fantastic result. This achievement is a testament to the whole team, their efforts have ensured our working environment remains a safe place.”

“This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment,” concludes Julia Small, RoSPA’s Achievements Director. “All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. By receiving this recognition, Rokbak joins like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to health and safety. I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award – congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive up health and safety standards every day. You are a fantastic example to others in your sector.”

UK Construction equipment sales showed growth in August

Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in August were 6% above sales in the same month last year. This was the strongest performance since February when sales were ahead of last year’s levels by a similar amount.

Following this, sales in the first eight months of the year are catching up with last year’s levels, and are only 2.5% behind 2021 after reaching 24,700 units. Members are still highlighting that a range of supply chain issues are impacting sales of equipment and this suggests that without these problems, sales this year would probably be ahead of the “record” levels seen in 2021.

The pattern of sales for the major equipment types in the first eight months of the year to August is shown in the chart below compared with the same period last year. This shows percentage changes in sales year on year, ranked from the highest to the lowest, and continues to show a mixed pattern for the different machine types. Telehandlers (for the construction industry), continue

to show the strongest growth by a significant margin this year, at 24% up on 2021 levels.

Sales of Road Rollers remain the weakest, at 9.5% down on last year’s levels. Sales of Mini/ Midi excavators and Crawler excavators, which are the most popular equipment types, are between 7% and 8% below last year’s levels in the first eight months of the year. A significant contribution to this is believed to be supply chain constraints associated with the supply of machines from some Asian countries, particularly Japan.

The pattern of sales on a regional basis in the UK and N Ireland is shown in the map below for sales from January to August, compared with the same period in 2021. This also shows a mixed pattern. The strongest sales so far this year continue to be in Yorkshire, at nearly 11% up on last year’s levels. In contrast, London and the South East of England region have seen the weakest sales at close to 12% down on last year’s levels.

Equipment sales in the Republic of Ireland are also reported in the statistics exchange. Sales in August fell back again, and were 14% below last year’s levels, after showing a recovery in the last few months. This leaves sales in the first eight months of the year at just under 12% below last year’s levels.

Henry Brothers Awarded Platinum Status for Sustainability

Leading construction company, Henry Brothers, has been awarded Platinum Status, the highest accolade possible, in Business in the Community Northern Ireland’s (BITC NI) CORE Standard for Business. The survey recognises excellence in supporting People, Planet, and Place, celebrating those that go above and beyond to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment and carry out business responsibly.

Ian Henry, CSR Director at Henry Brothers, said: “As one of only five companies to have ever achieved this in Northern Ireland, we are thrilled that Henry Brothers has once again been recognised for its commitment to acting in a responsible manner.

“Sustainability has been at the heart of our operations for a number of years now but in 2022 we made our biggest commitment to sustainability yet with the launch of our Journey to Net Zero strategy.

“This ambitious plan outlines plans to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 through reducing fuel, electricity,

waste, transport usage, air mileage, and delivery mileage carbon.”

Henry Brothers’ Platinum Status follows on the company from being named the Responsible Business of the Year at BiTC’s Responsible Business Awards in 2021 and achieving Belfast

Telegraph’s Outstanding Commitment to Climate Action Award in 2022.

Ian continued: “This accolade is a testament to our staff, further cementing their hard work and dedication to having a positive influence on the communities in which we operate.”

Deborah Madden, Environmental and Quality Manager at Henry Brothers, and Jennifer Cruickshank, HR & CR Manager at Henry Brothers, collect Henry Brothers’ Platinum Status Award from Kieran Harding, Managing Director at Business in the Community, at the recent Responsible Business Awards.

Construction firms offered free Water Conservation Clinics by Irish Water

Irish Water has launched its guide for the construction industry outlining how businesses can better conserve and reuse water.

Irish Water’s new guide, developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Sisk, Cairn Homes and the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), details how builders and developers can implement sustainable and circular processes to achieve massive savings in water conservation. For example:

• Installing rainwater harvesting systems for dust suppression, vehicle cleaning, ponds, or underground tanks;

• Reusing water from groundwater or surface water drainage to dampen roads in hot weather;

• Using innovative technology, e.g. percussion taps, twin flush/low water toilets;

• Introducing recirculating systems for cleaning tools and greywater, and use for flushing toilets or irrigating plants;

• Designing ground surfaces to slope away from structures and towards garden areas and recharge zones;

• Retaining as much vegetation as possible during construction to reduce water evaporation.

Conservation Clinics

To launch its new guide, Irish Water is now calling on sustainability representatives in industry to enrol in its upcoming Water Conservation Clinics, developed in partnership with CIF, which will run this autumn. The free, in-person clinics will offer training and guidance in terms of how businesses can implement sustainable and circular processes at their sites to conserve water.

Yvonne Harris, Irish Water’s Housing Programme Director, said: “We’re launching our new guide to emphasise the benefits of a circular approach to conserving water in the construction industry. Through our free Water Conservation Clinics, we will be educating those in industry about simple and innovative ways to conserve water on site. Companies right across Ireland are already making fantastic strides in water conservation and we’re calling on industry to get involved and keep the momentum going.”

As water conservation is a key focus area for the construction industry, many developers and businesses are already embracing these circular ways of working. Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme aims to help businesses lower their water use and operating costs while simultaneously helping protect the environment, and companies

such as Sisk Group, BAM Contractors and CBRE have already made huge strides through completing the programme.

For example, through working with Irish Water, Sisk Group has been able to save 10% more water through implementing Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme and various water reduction measures across its sites.

Alan Cawley, Senior Sustainability Manager at Sisk, said: “Conserving water at our sites is key for Sisk and, through working with Irish Water, we’ve been able to conserve 10% more water. Through rainwater harvesting, over the past year we’ve also been able to reuse more than approximately 1,000,000 litres of water, for everything from dust suppression and cleaning tools to developing thriving garden areas on our sites. We’re aiming to reduce our water intensity by 50% by 2025 over our 2019 baseline and, with the support of Irish Water, we’re confident we will achieve this.” Those interested in participating in Irish Water’s upcoming Water Conservation Clinics this autumn can sign up on Irish Water’s dedicated webpage: https://www.leanskillnet. com/training/water-conservation-clinic/ Irish Water’s new guide, Water Stewardship and Sustainability in Construction Sector, is available to view online here: www.water.ie/construction

Sligo sustainability champion is changing the construction industry for the better

A Sligo man is making sustainability a priority for one of the country’s leading construction firms.

Alan Cawley is the Senior Sustainability Manager with John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd and among his goals is a 50% reduction in water use intensity within the next three years compared to the 2019 baseline.

John Sisk and Son (Holdings) Ltd has an environmental champion on every one of its sites across the country and, with the help of Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme, it aims to put a stop to the wastage of clean drinking water.

Leaks have been fixed, low flush toilets have been installed and recycled water is used for wheel washes and dampening down sites.

Graduating with a degree in Construction and Project Management in the middle of a recession left the Castleconnor native scratching his head but a career sidestep and a Masters in Environmental Systems has seen him leading the way when it comes to sustainability in the construction industry.

Since joining the construction company in 2016, Alan has introduced a plethora of sustainability initiatives, including a total revamp of mains water use on the company’s high-profile sites across the country like Bonham Quay and Project Kells.

“Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme has been instrumental in helping us meet our targets. We identified areas where we could make water savings and actions were taken but then we were struggling to get to the next level of conservation and the Water Stewardship Programme is a great way of getting there.

Champions

“In 2021 we reviewed our systems and processes with 17 people completing a day course aimed at senior and junior engineers who are environmental champions on our sites,” explained Alan.

“Water mapping opened our eyes up to areas of high water usage. You can see where the water is coming in on site and

exactly where it is going. Small changes like low flush toilets or waterless urinals, fixing leaks instead of walking by them, and having a trigger hose on site rather than a turn cap tap can make a big difference.

“Some demolition projects use water to reduce dust rising but there’s no reason to use mains water. Rainwater harvesting is important and has been implemented across many of our projects. These are all easy wins and should be implemented. It’s not just a matter of saving water there are money savings too.” When Alan began his third level education the country was on the crest of the Celtic Tiger wave. Jobs in construction were ten a penny but sustainability was only a whisper. However, the tide soon

McHale Plant Sales Builds Line Management Team

Following recent appointments to its Board of Directors, McHale Plant Sales has continued to strengthen its managerial ranks with appointments that its chairman, Michael McHale says “will position the company to better manage growth and service customer needs in line with market expectation.” To that end, two senior appointments are announced.

Darragh O Driscoll, formerly a member of the company’s financial management team, has been appointed to a newly-created position of Head of Business Development in which role his task will be to pinpoint

new growth opportunities within the company’s existing portfolio of products and to identify additional lines that would complement their current offering whilst opening new avenues to growth ‘consistent with the changing pattern of regulations and the evolving priorities within society.’

Born and resident in the Mid-Clare village of Barefield, Darragh is a former hurler on the Clare Minor and Senior county teams.

A second appointment within the McHale team is Mel Hourigan to the post of Parts Manager with particular responsibility for Metso Outotec range of crushers.

turned, the jobs pool dried up and sustainability chat became louder.

“The environmental side of construction began to grow and today everyone is happy to support sustainability initiatives. My role ten years ago when I was working as an Environmental Advisor is completely different to what I’m doing now; there’s much more of a focus on holistic sustainability now.”

Targets

Alan supported the development of Sisk’s 2030 Sustainability Roadmap, which was launched in December 2020 and includes 21 targets.

“We always had environmental KPIs around water, energy, waste and even sustainable timber but over the last number of years, and maybe Covid was a driver for it, we’re going much deeper. This has led to us becoming a carbon neutral business with offsetting last year and by 2030 we want to be carbon neutral without the use of offsets.

“We want to have 1.7m trees planted by 2029, to coincide with Sisk’s 170-year anniversary. We look at the lifecycle of buildings and even have targets on social value. We study the work we are doing in locations, how we are dealing with the community, how are we making sure this is good for the people around, what can we do for the local environment that will improve things?

Small changes can make a big difference to the world we live in.” All businesses can reduce their water consumption and save money on their bills by taking part in Irish Water’s free online water stewardship training. You can start your training today. Check out https:// www.water.ie/conservation/ business/water-stewardship/

Pictured (L to R): Pat Barry, CEO, Irish Green Building Council; Alan Cawley, Senior Sustainability Manager, Sisk; Yvonne Harris, Housing Programme Director, Irish Water; and Jack Brennan, Environmental Officer, Cairn Homes.

Darragh O Driscoll

Speeding up The shift

The Volvo FM, FH and FMX Electric trucks minimise CO₂, noise and air pollution and enable high-capacity regional transport in areas with strict sound levels and emission regulations. To simplify the transition to electromobility, our trucks are offered together with solutions for charging, route and range planning, energy status and more.

For more information on our heavy-duty electric range of trucks please contact your local Volvo Trucks dealer. Visit volvotrucks.co.uk/electromobility

World Bank award recognition for Dublin-based water engineer

A Dublin-based water engineer is celebrating after earning World Bank recognition, and an award, for a project looking at how to achieve net zero carbon for a water supply company. Nicolai Thorbal, 29, is an Assistant Project Engineer at consulting engineers Nicholas O’Dwyer, an RSK Group company. He is a winner in the 2022 Utility of the Future Global Youth Challenge. Based in Ireland, Nicholas O’Dwyer provides sustainable water and environmental engineering solutions around the world. The World Bank introduced the net zero challenge to give young people the chance to apply their skills to provide innovative solutions in response to the challenges experienced by a water and sanitation utility in Zambia which is committed to reducing emissions to reach net zero carbon.

Nicholas O’Dwyer Managing Director Jim Oliver said: “We were delighted that Nicolai was interested in taking part in the challenge and it’s a wonderful achievement for him to be part of the winning team recognised for its innovation contribution. “Nicholas O’Dwyer is an Irish company with worldwide ambition, delivering engineering and environmental solutions in over 15 countries across the globe. A major challenge is providing infrastructure for a growing world population while maintaining a sustainable environment in the face of climate change. To achieve this, we are going to need engineers like Nicolai, who are committed to innovation and sustainability.”

Nicolai said: “I sent in an application to the World Bank, explaining my experience and motivation for participating in the challenge. Out of 115, only 35 people

were chosen and put into teams of seven as part of the next phase.”

The ‘Drops of Change’ team was briefed by Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company in Zambia about their water and wastewater infrastructure. The task was then to identify the main challenges and come up with innovative solutions for the water supply to reach net-zero carbon emissions. The team collaborated to come up with a suite of solutions to achieve net zero carbon and after presenting to a team of experts were selected the overall winners.

Incredible Opportunity

Nicolai said: “Like the project work itself, the prize is an incredible opportunity for an engineer like myself. We will present our ideas to a World Bank session with water experts and receive their feedback on our strategy, share our ideas with Nkana

and meet the Utility of the Future team to learn more about the programme.”

He said innovative solutions included producing algae from wastewater to use as fertiliser or animal feed; separating and treating grey water to be reused as drinking water and using a hydroelectric battery from abandoned mines in the area with an accompanying solar farm to improve energy efficiency.”

Nicolai added; “When you collaborate with someone from a different cultural background, new perspectives are brought to the table which can lead to solutions you wouldn’t normally think about. That is a key part of what made this such a valuable experience. I also loved the fact that the competition gave me a forum to let my imagination run wild. It encouraged teams to think outside the box, with no limits.

“An example is one of our solutions which separates grey water and black water and treats the grey water to be used as drinking water. Now is it feasible on paper? Yes, but is it a crazy endeavour to separate the wastewater on a city-wide scale into two flows? Also, yes, but these are the ideas that are fun to play around with occasionally – to explore the art of the possible and initially impossible.”

He said that in terms of his future, his focus was on developing his engineering skills by learning from experienced colleagues at Nicholas O’Dwyer, adding: “I want to create a strong foundation of technical knowledge, project management and managing client relationships. I could definitely see myself becoming a project manager in future. One thing is for sure I would like to keep innovation and sustainability as cornerstones in my career.”

HSENI launch workplace transport inspection campaign in Northern Ireland Quarries

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will be carrying out a workplace transport inspection at quarries across Northern Ireland this Autumn.

HSENI inspectors will be conducting focused inspections to assess the management of workplace transport risks, targeting three key areas required to manage workplace transport effectively, and amongst other issues will include the following:

1) Safe Site

Is there a traffic management plan in place for the quarry?

Are pedestrians and vehicles adequately segregated? Is there suitable edge protection in place on haul roads and rock traps in place at faces adjacent to haul roads? Are there designated routes for pedestrians to travel around the quarry?

2) Safe Vehicle

Are measures in place to ensure vehicle all-round visibility? Are procedures in place to carry out pre-use checks and report defects? Is daily brake testing carried out on vehicles operating in the quarry? Have statutory

examinations been completed for vehicles used for lifting?

3) Safe Driver

Do drivers hold adequate licenses / training certificates for the vehicles they are authorized to drive? Is there a program of driver refresher training in place? Are there measures in place to prevent drivers falling from height during sheeting / loading activities?

Comments HSENI Principal Inspector Brian Pryce: “Unfortunately workplace transport continues to be an area responsible for

fatalities and major injuries in the workplace. Beginning in September our Inspectors will be visiting quarries throughout Northern Ireland to ensure effective controls are in place to manage the risks associated with workplace transport.”

HSENI Inspectors will be providing information and advice during the inspection campaign. Where significant risks are found Inspectors may take enforcement action in order to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation to ensure that the risks are properly managed. Practical guidance on how you may manage work related transport risks on site can be found in HSG136 – ‘A guide to workplace transport safety’. This is available at the link below www.hse.gov.uk/ pubns/priced/hsg136.pdf

Nicolai Thorbal.

Carved by a lifetime of hard work, Rokbak articulated haulers are built to perform. Day after day. Decade after decade. From the heat of the desert to the cold of the arctic, you can rely on Rokbak.

ONE YEAR ON: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE ROKBAK REBRAND

Paul Douglas, Managing Director Rokbak.

Rokbak employees have been celebrtating the brand’s one year anniversary. Here, the company’s Managing Director, Paul Douglas, reveals the full story behind the rebrand for the first time.

Keeping one of the biggest construction equipment stories of 2021 under wraps was not an easy task, so how did he and his team keep the rebranding of Terex Trucks a surprise for so long? The answer lies in good old-fashioned hard work from a dedicated and highly skilled team.

“I was amazed that it didn’t filter out, I kept thinking I’d see something on social media,” admits Paul. “As the project progressed it pulled in more employees and more departments – there wasn’t a single function in the business that didn’t have to get involved.

“For instance, we had to try the new colour scheme out in the paintshop, we said it was a customer-specific colour – which is something we’ve done for our customers before. Then, before the launch, we had to take the RA30 and RA40 to a quarry to take photos for the marketing materials. It was incredible how everyone in our team, the dealers and our external partners worked together to ensure it remained confidential. It just goes to show what a fantastic team we have, everyone pulled together and did their bit.”

The COVID-19 pandemic and the essential lockdowns that came with it were obviously extremely difficult, but ironically the pandemic actually helped to keep the news under wraps. With no events or exhibitions to attend, and no customers or journalists visiting the Motherwell factory, the risk of anyone finding out was greatly diminished.

“We didn’t have to drop the Terex Trucks name but we had overrun on the initial agreement,” explains Paul. “For the first few years changing our name wasn’t a high priority, as we focused on stabilising the business and investing in the product, manufacturing and our people. But after

we’d made such significant performance improvements to our articulated haulers, it was a natural progression to rebrand – the Terex Trucks name was holding us back. Our customers and dealers also expected and supported a name change to reflect the new machines, so the rebrand was set in motion about four years ago.

“The Volvo Group is extremely brand aware. Originally, we investigated whether there would be any mileage in resurrecting one of the Group’s sleeping legacy brands, until the practicalities and legalities outweighed the benefits. This was the first time Volvo had created a new global brand from scratch, so they were heavily invested in its development and success. We got a lot of help and support from the Volvo Group and Volvo Construction Equipment in particular. On top of the significant investment they made in the Rokbak brand, we also benefited from shared resources and support when it came to things like design, branding, marketing and legal work – they really helped us bring the brand to life.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

With a small focus group put together from marketing, branding, commercial, sales, and dealer development backgrounds, the task of selecting a new name could begin.

“Some of our original shortlist names turned out to be similar to those used elsewhere, but the team came up with one that we all loved and was truly unique and impactful,” explains Paul. “We were told by Legal that they had never seen anything as clean as it, and that we should grab it with both hands!”

The team then consulted a handful of select dealers across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania in an attempt to understand how different cultures would perceive the most critical aspects of the new brand.

“One piece of dealer feedback was that it was important to ensure our eight decades of hauling heritage was embedded in the new brand, which was essential for us too,”

explains Paul. “One way we incorporated this is through a ‘Made in Britain’ element within our machine branding for certain markets.

“Of all the dealers we initially tested the Rokbak name and new colour on, the majority were immediately enthusiastic, leaving just a couple of individuals who needed to see a little bit more to be convinced. I wasn’t remotely surprised at how quickly they changed their minds at the launch. Two dealers in particular immediately flipped 180° – they were literally jumping for joy and couldn’t wait to start promoting the new haulers. I’d never seen them as enthusiastic when they were selling the previous machines! They are now some of our biggest champions.”

A TRUE SUCCESS

That enthusiasm must have been contagious because when the Rokbak brand was finally revealed on September 1st 2021 –gratifyingly taking the media, customers and the competition by surprise – the public reaction was music to Paul’s ears.

“I was delighted by how well it was received externally,” concludes Paul. “The momentum built quickly, with customers and dealers alike eager to get their hands on Rokbakbranded products, whether that was haulers, work wear or coffee mugs. Seeing the news bouncing around social media was great too, perhaps the best feedback you can get.

“When people see the new Sand paint job in real life they are blown away – it looks incredible on the iron. We’ve been out at a few trade shows and open days this year – including Hillhead, Balmoral Show and ScotPlant – and the feedback has been that our haulers were the bestlooking pieces of equipment on site!”

The success of the entire rebranding project was also recognised by a wider audience when the company walked away from the Star Awards 2022 with five accolades from the Marketing Society, as well as a CeeD Industry Award at the start of the year.

Institute of Quarrying Launches New Geotechnical Qualification

The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has developed a new geotechnical qualification, providing a flexible and innovative approach for anyone working in the industry.

Responding to feedback from employers and industry professionals, and with support from MP Awards, the IQ is offering members and nonmembers access to the new Level 3 and 4 Awards in Geotechnical Knowledge for Managing Mineral Processing Operations.

The new geotechnical qualifications are suitable for anyone dealing with quarried

products in day-to-day job roles. Comprising a unique blend of assessed classroom training, site tour, e-learning modules, and a professional discussion, it is tailored to the learners’ operational environment and can be completed at their own pace.

Anthony Elgey, Education and Skills Project Manager at the IQ, explains: “Working closely with MP Awards, the IQ has developed new geotechnical qualifications that raises the standard and underpins the competencies required by the sector, both now and in the future.

“One of the key improvements to the qualification is that it is

now pathway driven. Learners can choose tailored modules and units relevant to the specific geology and the needs of the operational environment, be it quarry, dimension stone operation, cement works, sand pit, wharf, or rail depot.

“The course is flexible and can be completed at the learners’ own pace to fit around busy work-life schedules. We’ve also removed the exam aspect and replaced the final assessment with a professional discussion, a great way of assessing how they put the theory into practice.”

As part of a three-tier approach, learners will attend a one day

classroom training session with an industry specialist, who will also guide the candidates on a tour of the site putting theory into real world context, followed by the completion of a short programme of tailored online learning. The final step involves a professional discussion, whereby an assessor will evaluate that their knowledge meets the standard of the new qualification.

MP Awards, part of the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC), is a dedicated sectorspecific Awarding Organisation for regulated qualifications. It also provides assessment solutions and a range of other services within the extractive, mineral processing and related manufacturing sectors.

Visit the IQ’s website for more information or to enquire about the new qualifications

Terex MP Acquires ZenRobotics, a ‘Green’ Investment in the Emerging Circular Economy

Terex Materials Processing (MP), a global leader in aggregate, environmental, concrete, lifting, and handling machinery, has acquired the assets of ZenRobotics Ltd., a company that designs and creates robots that pick, sort, and recycle waste material. ZenRobotics is a global leader in smart robotic recycling. Its robots, powered by proprietary AI software, make recycling more efficient, accurate and profitable. The company’s ambition is to make the circular economy a reality by turning global waste into clean raw materials. ZenRobotics, based in Helsinki, Finland, will retain its name and become a Terex brand, with the unit reporting to Tony Devlin, who leads the Terex MP environmental businesses. ZenRobotics was started in 2007 by creating a completely new market for robotic waste sorting. Today, it continues to automate the waste industry. With ZenRobotics technology, operators can upgrade their recycling infrastructure to meet modern requirements and lead the way towards a more efficient, circular future.

In 2009, ZenRobotics pioneered the use of AI-based robots to the waste-sorting process. This led the team to open opportunities by introducing the first ZenRobotics Recycler in Helsinki. Since that time, it has become a global operation, marketing multiple recyclers around the world including expansion into China and the US market in 2016. In 2015, ZenRobotics launched the Heavy Picker, the world’s strongest waste sorting robot for bulky Construction and Demolition (C&D) type waste. ZenRobotics’ goal is to help its customers extract higher value out of waste, get more

actionable data, and reach ambitious circular economy targets. Terex is already active within global waste markets through Terex Ecotec, Terex CBI, Terex Fuchs, and Terex Recycling. Zen Robotics will add to the Terex portfolio in global waste, where it will continue to be operated as a stand-alone business while also benefiting from MP’s broader market presence and from efficiencies enabled by MP’s global scale. This acquisition of a highly “green-focused” company further supports MP’s commitment to its environmental business and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

Over 15 years of industry-defining product development have enabled ZenRobotics to create industry-pioneering technology. The Heavy Picker is a multipurpose waste sorting robot for bulky material. Equipped with sturdy arms, various sensors, and artificial intelligence, it provides a simple, unstaffed sorting process and makes waste sorting more accurate, safe, and profitable. The Fast Picker is a high-speed waste sorting robot for maximizing material recovery. It is compactly designed for easy integration to existing processes and conveyors in material recovery facilities (MRFs), and it

increases profits by enabling fully automated sorting and higher output purity.

ZenBrain

And finally, the company launched the ZenBrain, which is artificial intelligence for sorting robots with advanced recognition ability and autonomous decision-making. This technology provides actionable data and a steep learning curve in optimizing waste sorting efficiency.

Tony Devlin commented: “ZenRobotics is an exciting, modern company that lends itself perfectly to our pre-existing environmental expertise, and their ethos of making a circular economy more possible aligns perfectly with our goals and targets for the future of Terex MP. We’re excited to see the many ways that we can apply this technology and what potential this acquisition can bring Terex MP with the application of this technology. The journey that we’re about to begin with ZenRobotics and Terex MP is one that we look forward to starting, and we extend a warm welcome our new colleagues into the Terex MP team.”

Jarmo Ruohonen, CEO of ZenRobotics had this to say about the recent acquisition: “We at ZenRobotics are delighted to be welcomed into the Terex MP team and we look forward to sharing our knowledge. As a company, we have worked hard for the past 15 years creating technology that helps companies efficiently deal with different types of waste materials, helping to chase down targets that propel us towards a more circular economy. Terex MP is the perfect partner to help us achieve that, and being part of the Terex MP team will give ZenRobotics more global opportunities to grow.”

CONTRACTOR REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH

JCB’S ROTATING TELEHANDLER

Building contractor Brendan Loughran & Sons recently took delivery of the very first JCB 555-210R rotating telehandler in Northern Ireland – and it’s already making an impressive impact, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes has been finding out.

Established in 1974, Brendan Loughran & Sons enjoys an enviable reputation across a broad range of building contracts all over Ireland. The family-run business is headed up by founder Brendan Loughran, supported by sons Enda, Dermot and Eunan, along with daughter Eilís.

Although in his 80’s now, Brendan still takes an active daily role in the company which is focused on social housing contracts throughout Northern Ireland. It was for one of those contracts that Brendan Loughran & Sons acquired the new JCB rotating telehandler from Dennison JCB, and they haven’t looked back since. “When we began work on a 22 home development for Apex Housing at McClure Street in Belfast we realised we wouldn’t be able to use self erecting cranes as we’d normally do because of the close proximity to railway lines,” explained Enda

Loughran, “so we looked at alternatives – and the JCB 555-210R telehandler with its 360 degree rotating boom and 21 metre reach was an obvious solution.

“Building work is at a very early stage, but we have every confidence it will fulfil its purpose as we have already put it to use on several other contracts, one for apartment in Carrickfergus and another on a demolition job at Parkgate Avenue in Belfast, where 14 new apartments are being built; it was very useful there for lifting off trusses from an existing building.

Company founder Brendan Loughran.

view from the cab

“We’re impressed with the machine’s versatility. We can see multiple uses for it, eliminating the need to hire in cranes – and our operators love it, not least because they can get out of the cab while staying in full charge of the machine via its remote control which cuts out the necessity for a banksman, making it more productive and much safer.”

Adds Enda: “Also, when placing materials such as blocks or steel at height with a conventional telehandler you have to be careful lining up the machine, whereas with the rotating feature you have much more room to manoeuvre – and you don’t have to move the machine around so much.”

The new model now earning its keep at Brendan Loughran & Sons is powered by JCB’s Stage V Dieselmax engine, and has Auto Engine Idle and Auto Engine Stop features as standard, reducing fuel use and exhaust emissions.

Benefiting from a small turning circle of just 4.05m, with three steer modes and a travel speed of 40kph, this new rotating telehandler has the same simple, well designed controls as the standard

machines, so that both machine and operator can work perfectly in harmony. Separate load monitoring and machine screens provide simple, clear information, with switch packs located next to the operator allow quick configuration, such as winch speeds and Auto outrigger function, while wide cab door opening, high pivoting second joystick arm and large anti slip steps on every side, make climbing into the roto easy. Extra-large stabiliser feet ensure maximum stability, with the unique ability to deploy within the machine’s footprint, while JCB’s Automate technology makes the deployment of outriggers effortless, boasting an industry leading 26 seconds to go from travel position to fully rigged and ready to lift.

JCB's Clearview Q-fit with Automatic RFID attachment recognition system ensures the correct load chart and enables attachments to be swapped in seconds providing maximum productivity, while JCB’s ‘hydraulics to go’ is easy to use and helps reduces operator fatigue.

There’s no doubt the sector is changing and with customers demanding even more versatile, higher reach machines with the

capability of operating in confined spaces, so it was a natural progression for JCB to add these rotating telehandler models to its Loadall telescopic handler range.

“So far, the machine has lived up to all our expectations, and more. We are really impressed with its performance,” says Enda. “This was the first time dealing with Dennison JCB. The team there provided us with excellent service and support, for which we thank them.”

Hyundai Adds HW150A CR to Wheeled Excavator Line-Up

Hyundai Construction Equipment is building upon the success of its growing A-Series range of wheeled excavators, with the launch of the compact radius HW150A CR.

Following the launch of the larger HW170A CR, the HW150A CR promises to become the flagship of the A-Series wheeled excavator range, in answer to the growing demand for a more utility and service oriented wheeled machine in the 15-17 tonne segment.

The HW150A CR joins the established HW140A, HW160A and the compact radius HW170A CR in the Hyundai lineup, providing a specification and operating weight to suit every application. The larger HW210A sits in a class above, though it delivers the same combination of controllability and productive power.

Already a popular choice with leading national rental businesses and contractors, the Hyundai A-Series machines have taken operator comfort and control to a new level, delivering a highly productive excavator, with attractive total cost of ownership for customers. The HW150A CR uses the same Cummins B4.5 diesel engine as the HW140A, HW160A and the HW170A CR, with an output of 129kW (173hp) at 2,200rpm.

The engine drives a Bosch Rexoth load sensing hydraulic

system and a fully hydrostatic, four-wheel drive powertrain.

Stable construction

As with the other models in the A-Series range, the upper structure has been repositioned on the lower chassis, contributing to a reduced tailswing, while increasing stability during travel and improving lifting and digging capabilities. A new swing bearing design offers improved stability and durability, while new, lighter mud guards, cover the whole wheel, turning with the wheel when steering. Safety valves are available on the ram lock cylinders on the front, steering axle.

The extremely short swing radius allows the machine to confidently work within confined job sites, without risk of impact.

The HW150A CR features an automatic digging brake, that locks the front axle oscillation and the service brake, allowing the

operator to start work as soon as the machine stops travelling. The lower attachments, including dozer blade and front and rear outriggers, are fully interchangeable. The rear parallel-frame dozer blade has an increased range, delivering additional stability while digging or lifting and boosting productivity in site clearance. The additional reach also provides space around the wheels for maintenance. Preparation for a towing hitch is offered as an option.

Cab design

All A-Series excavators benefit from the latest Hyundai cab design, with improved steps for easy access. The cab features increased glazing on the door and roof hatch, for improved visibility and the upper and lower windscreen glass comes with larger, parallel wipers for improved coverage.

NI Water Completes Major £10m Investment in Belfast

NI Water has completed a £10m programme of work at Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works. It is the first phase in a continued programme of work at the plant, which will protect the environment, support development and aid economic growth in the city.

The extensive project completed by Murphy Dawson-Wam JV, with McAdam Design providing project management support, saw the construction of two new treatment tanks at the Duncrue Road site – equivalent in volume to six Olympic-size swimming pools – to cope with current and shortterm future wastewater requirements.

Mark Brownlee, Senior Project Manager at NI Water, said: “Due to constraints in investment over the past 20 years, many parts of the wastewater and

The cab features Hyundai’s 8” touchscreen display, for access to all machine functions and controls settings. There is also a Jog Dial Module and function switches, to navigate menus within the touchscreen.

Despite its compact radius dimensions, the engine cover size has been reduced, to further improve visibility to the rear of the machine. Wheeled

A-Series models feature Hyundai’s Advanced Around View Monitoring (AAVM) system, that uses cameras to provide the operator with a 360 view of the machine on the in-cab monitor. The system includes Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD) alerting the operator to the presence of other workers or objects within a 5m range of machine operation.

The steering column has been improved, with three-way adjustment that allows any operator size to get comfortable. Proportional joystick controls are standard and joystick steering with directional control can also be specified as an option. All working functions are at the operator’s fingertips, with ramlock switches and directional control integrated into the lever head. Cruise control and an optional ride control function are available for smoother travel, with less operator effort required.

The excavator boasts a revised pedal layout and an improved floor mat to make it easier for the operator to clean the cab floor. Forward, neutral and reverse can now be accessed through a switch on the servo lever, rather than through an additional pedal, further improving space on the cab floor.

drainage infrastructure serving greater Belfast are now having to operate at or over their original design capacity.

“The two new treatment tanks that have been completed here will provide much-needed additional secondary treatment capacity and augment the existing process to ensure that the discharge to Belfast Lough remains compliant with Northern Ireland Environment Agency standards. The new assets will also facilitate essential improvements within the associated sewerage networks and will enable maintenance works to be undertaken in the other treatment tanks at a future date.

“This significant investment by NI Water will ensure our key wastewater treatment works for Belfast remains compliant, in advance of the next phase of the main ‘Living With Water Programme’ commencing.”

Contained within a site area of around 180,000 square metres (almost 2 million square feet), Belfast WwTW was designed to treat a domestic and trade population equivalent of 290,000. The current works was built in 1991 to replace the original Victorian works which dates back to the early 1900s.

The extended wastewater treatment works will now have the capability of accommodating a population equivalent of almost half a million people.

MORE OPERATORS OPT FOR AWARD WINNING HiDROMEK MACHINES

Up until a few years ago, the HiDROMEK brand was not at all familiar in this part of the world, even though the machines work in more than 100 countries on six continents; indeed, by the end of 2020 more than 50,000 Hidromeks had been sold around the world, a figure that continues to rise significantly as operators become more aware of the build quality and reliability of this multi award winning brand.

And those awards keep coming. This year alone Hidromek has won prestigious IF Product Design and Red Dot awards. So what is it that attracts awards and customers? And why are more operators here adding Hidromeks to their fleets? Let’s look at three of the manufacturer’s most popular machines. Although only relatively new to the manufacturer’s product portfolio, the latest member of its backhoe loader family, the HMK 62 SS, has been designed to exceed customer expectations, offering high performance, versatility, operational comfort and safety.

It is a compact but reliable and strong machine even in the toughest conditions and with long working hours – and it can accomplish tasks that would normally require two different machines, a mini excavator and a mini loader.

With a spacious and comfortable cab, the compact size of the machine, ability to turn 360 degree on its own axis, banana boom of backhoe, and standard additional auxiliary hydraulic lines make the HMK 62 SS ideal

for urban constructions and agricultural applications where the space is often limited.

At the heart of the HMK 62 SS is a 59hp Kubota turbocharged diesel engine which offers aggressive performance, fast cycle times and quick response which makes life easier on working sites, while a simple and reliable gear type hydraulic pump gives 61 lt per min hydraulic flow to the loader, backhoe and auxiliary hydraulic lines; a high efficiency hydraulic oil cooler enables the HMK 62SS to work longer and harder in higher ambient temperatures. One of the characteristics that makes the HMK 62SS different is the superior performance of the front loader. Thanks to the bucket and arm breakout force of the HMK 62 SS, the machine drives the load without

being stressed. Also, the unique banana boom geometry makes it easy to work in places where the space is often limited. Machine direction is controlled by the joystick located on the left side of the operator seat, while a joystick located on the right side of the seat allows the operator to execute loading tasks precisely.

The rear window can be easily opened monolithically and provides excellent visibility for the operator. Thanks to the additional button on the side console, the operator can move the machine forward and reverse while in excavation position which increases the productivity.

As standard equipment, quick coupler adaptors on the front boom shortens the attachment shifting time so that

cover story

the machine can stay in work longer, contributing to better productivity

HMK 230LC

Meanwhile, the ever popular HMK 230 LC crawler excavator at just over 23 tonnes also features high quality components, smooth hydraulics and strong build, while offering outstanding performance by working faster, more productively and more efficiently.

As with all models in the H4 Series, an automatic stop system through configurable idling and stopping times provides fuel saving by stopping the engine after the machine is on idle. The automatic stop system helps to keep operational costs to minimum in these days or rising fuel prices, and, of course, contributes to saving the environment.

Another notable feature is the “safe fuel transfer pump” which stops the pump automatically when the tank is full; this feature gets activated also when the pump does not transfer fuel for 30 seconds, and ensures that the pump stops automatically.

The machine comes with an 8 inch touch control panel conveniently positioned where

the operator can easily control the machine’s features. The touch control panel which includes an integrated music system allows the operator to adjust the hydraulic flow required for attachments without leaving the cab - and he can save this information for up to 20 different attachments.

HMK 145 LC SR

Dynamic, innovative, compact – that perfectly describes the HMK 145 LC SR short radius crawler excavator, which also belongs to the H4 Series. With a short swing radius, this operator friendly, compact machine offers excellent maneuverability, especially on work sites that have limited or narrow spaces.

Powered by a high performance Isuzu 105hp (78,5 kW) engine, it is ideal for a wide range of applications such as in construction, landscaping, material flooring and levelling.

The heated, air suspended seat with its 35 degrees adjustable backrest angle, enables the operator to work comfortably and without getting tired for long working hours. Other features, as with all H4 Series excavators, include proportional control

pedals and joysticks, throttle control dial, and an operator touch screen.

All the controls are placed on an operator console integrated into the seat, a console that can be moved independently of the seat, allowing you to find the best and most comfortable working position, while the air conditioning system can automatically adjust itself according to the ambient heat located in the cab which benefits from the use of six silicone dampers to absorb noise, shock and vibration, further adding to a comfortable working environment.

Another notable feature with all H4 Series excavators is Hidromek’s Opera Control System, an easy to use interface that facilitates communication between the operator and the machine. The operator can easily switch between menus in Opera, change settings, such as hydraulic flow, and check the status of the machine, including pressure, temperature and engine load. The information and warnings on the instrument panel are always easy to see and control, thanks to the positioning of the Opera interface.

ASPHALT IS THE MOST RECYCLED PRODUCT

I N THE WORLD

With other articles in this edition of Plant and Civil Engineer focussing on recycling, it would be remiss of me not to discuss the success of the recycling of asphalt products. It is widely reported that asphalt is the most recycled product in the world with the material being effectively 100% recyclable. According to production figures recently published by EAPA (European Asphalt Pavement Association), the amount of available reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in Europe was 49.5 million tonnes. Out of this amount, the asphalt industry re-used 76% in the manufacturing of new asphalt mixes and recycled 20% extra as a granular material for unbound road layers and other civil engineering applications. As a result, only 4% was put to landfill or other unknown or unrecorded uses. This is from a market where the total asphalt production is around 300 million tonnes.

The United States performs even better, with over 80 million tonnes of RAP re-used in production of 390 million tonnes of asphalt mixes in 2018. Recycling of asphalt is often held up as an example of innovation but, this is by no means a new or recent development. Examples of mixing plants being fully engaged in the recycling of asphalt material were documented from Singapore in the 1930s.

Improvements have been made in the understanding, testing and performance of what we now refer to as RAP in more recent years, with great strides being taken in this in the UK in the late 1970s. Most new and recent asphalt production plants in Europe and UK now facilitate the

increased addition of RAP within mixes with the addition of specialist RAP driers. These allow much higher volumes of recycled material to be used where previously cold RAP maximised at around 10% of the mix.

Currently, our Specification for Highway Works permits and encourages the use of RAP within asphalt mixes in Clause 902, as well as various methods of in-situ recycling and re-use in Clauses 926, 947 and 948.

Other recycled materials have been used within asphalt mixes that may alternatively have gone to landfill, including glass, plastics, and rubber (end of life tyres).

Although the use of some of these materials is not necessarily new either, we are still trying to assess their optimum use, performance, and future recyclability. The obvious sustainability benefits of recycling asphalt also make it topical in today’s world of carbon reduction and our goal of net zero.

* The IAT is the Professional Body for persons working in the field of Asphalt Technology and for those interested in all aspects of the Manufacture, Laying, Technology and Uses of materials containing Asphalt or Bitumen.

Lyle Andrew, IAT

WIDE RANGE OF HITACHI AND OTHER MACHINES AVAILABLE FROM KR PLANT

While availability of new machines and equipment had become something of an issue over the last couple of years for one reason or another, with long lead times, the situation is easing somewhat, but demand for good quality used machinery continues to see a significant increase.

You only have to take a look at used machines being quickly snapped up at auction to realise that it can still be quite challenging to get the used equipment you want and need – and not everyone wants to go through the auction process, which is why you should consider KR Plant based

at Newtownbutler in County Fermanagh who currently have a sizeable stock of high quality used excavators – and if it is an Hitachi machine you want, look no further!

“At the moment, we probably have the widest available stock of Hitachi excavators in the country, ranging from a ZX130LCN-6 and ZX130LCN-5 to a ZX85USB-5 and ZX26U,” says KR Plant’s Marketing Manager Gary Smyth, “in addition to other makes and models, all competitively priced and ready for delivery.”

The Hitachi brand in particular has always been a popular choice with operators. “They are renowned for being reliable, fuel efficient

workhorses that are driver friendly, with the 13 tonne model always in demand.”

The company not only attracts customers locally, but through its comprehensive and regularly updated website it also brings in customers from the UK and mainland Europe, and as far away as North and South America, Australia and New Zealand.

KR Plant was first established back in 1997 by managing director Karol Ryan who began initially selling farm machinery. The first sale was a dump trailer and with the passion and

expertise for construction machines, he soon moved into that sector as well.

With a quarter of a century selling machines you will find all brands at the company’s depot on the Cavan Roadfrom the more popular Hitachi which has been the main brand his customers buy as well as CAT, Komatsu, Volvo and Doosan.

“We have an in-depth knowledge into all brands that are sold,” says Gary. “We also have a wide variety of attachments and other construction machines available - from backhoe loaders and forklifts to buckets and breakers.”

KR Plant also made the jump to the hire side, acquiring a Monaghan based rental business in 2015. It specialises in all types of plant, tools and landscaping equipment for both hire and sales – from mini diggers and dumpers to power tools, leaf blowers and mowers.

KR PLANT WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED BACK IN 1997 BY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAROL RYAN WHO BEGAN INITIALLY SELLING FARM MACHINERY. THE FIRST SALE WAS A DUMP TRAILER AND WITH THE PASSION AND EXPERTISE FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINES, HE SOON MOVED INTO THAT SECTOR AS WELL.

FROM THE DESK OF:

BEST, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MPANI

MORE POSITIVE SIGNS ON NI PROTOCOL

By the time of publication of this edition of Plant & Civil Engineer we should know if we are heading to the Polls for another Assembly Election. This place never seems to get a break, does it? The signs are more positive though that negotiations between the EU and UK on the NI Protocol have started and the fact that a possible “landing zone” for agreement has been acknowledged by both sides. The benefits for our construction materials sector in NI of an agreed solution cannot be overstated. The stability and frictionless logistics between GB and NI are essential so that our industry, particularly our important precast concrete sector can continue to avail of “backload” into the GB market. The continued prosperity of our agri-food sector, our second largest customer, is vitally important for us. However, we do need to see movement and agreement on the cross frontier (EU / RoW into UK) free movement of workers as labour shortages across many industry sectors is now critical with the UK announcing recently that unemployment is lowest in 50 years and labour shortages alarming.

With the energy crisis being fuelled by Putins war in Ukraine material cost inflation continues to impact significantly. The recent announced “Northern Ireland Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers” looks to be very similar to the

GB Scheme and uses the same cap price. The onus is on the supplier to provide the discount, so business customers don’t need to do much/anything. Discounts will be applied to energy usage initially between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023.

Gordon Best, MPANI

From left Paul Brogan, MPANI Chairman, John O’Dowd, Infrastructure Minister, Gordon Best Regional Director MPANI.

Above from left: David Porter, DfI; Paul Brogan, MPANI Chair; Russell Drew, Breedon Ireland; Glenn Henry, Breedon Ireland; Minister John O’Dowd, DfI; Gordon Best, MPANI; Stephen Bradshaw, DfI; and Aidan Mullan, Breedon Ireland.

The government will provide a discount on your gas and electricity unit prices. To calculate your discount, the estimated wholesale portion of the unit price you would be paying this winter will be compared to a baseline ‘government supported price’ which is lower than currently expected wholesale prices this winter.

For all non-domestic energy users in Norther Ireland this government supported price has been set at: £211 per megawatt hour (MWh) for electricity and £75 per MWh for gas

This level will ensure consistency with businesses and consumers in Great Britain. It will not be the same as the final per unit price paid by non-domestic customers, which will also reflect other costs such as network charges and operating costs, plus the impact of competition between suppliers.

You can read the full EBRS NI scheme details using the following link: https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-reliefscheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-nondomestic-customers-northern-ireland

VISITING MINISTER

The Energy crisis and material cost inflation was one of the issues MPANI raised with Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd, when we met him on a visit hosted by Breedon Northern Region at their Temple Quarry just outside Lisburn. “We were delighted to host the Minister and his officials, particularly at this time given the unprecedented challenges facing both our Industry and his Department. We took the opportunity to highlight the current energy crisis and how that is impacting on costs of materials, our concerns over the lack of an Executive and future budgets, the challenges of recruiting and retaining skilled labour, our concerns about current resources within the Department for Infrastructure, and importantly statutory consultees to the planning process, to deliver road programmes and planning applications within satisfactory time scales.

“We also gave the Minister a copper fastened assurance of our industry’s commitment to deliver on de-carbonisation and the journey to net-zero. The Minister was also shown the impressive work the industry does on nature conservation and protection of birds of prey, the use of recycled materials and other processes that contribute to the circular economy”.

PLANNING STATISTICS

The most recent Planning Statistics report showed that the average processing time for local applications brought to a decision

or withdrawal during the first three months of 2022/23 was 16.6 weeks across all councils. This exceeds the 15 week target and represents an increase of 0.8 weeks from the same period a year earlier. Four of the 11 councils were within the 15 week target after the first three months of 2022/23.

The average processing time for major applications brought to a decision or withdrawal during the first three months of 2022/23 was 51.3 weeks across all councils. This represents a decrease of 2.3 weeks compared with the same period a year earlier but is still considerably higher than the 30 week target.

This is simply not good enough and much more effort must be made to improve timescales. One just has to look even at the “independent” planning appeals commission to see the serious state of decision making in this place we all call home and where we want prosperity, a healthy environment and stability to bring up our families and manage our businesses. Its simply unacceptable that the PAC are delaying decisions on major projects that will bring employment and economic prosperity to areas of Northern Ireland with historic underfunding and social need.

HSENI PRIORITIES

MPANI recently responded to the HSENI consultation on their 2023-2028 Priorities. We will be seeking to align the priorities of HSENI with that of the Industry as set out in our Vision Zero strategy and the “Fatal 6” objectives.

HSENI are currently carrying out a workplace transport inspection campaign at quarries and will continue through

the autumn of 2022. Inspectors from the Explosives, Extractive Industries and Waste Group (EEIWG) will be conducting focused inspections in order to assess the management of workplace transport risks.

The inspection campaign will target three key areas required to manage workplace transport effectively: SAFE SITE; SAFE VEHICLE; SAFE DRIVER

Practical guidance on how you may manage work related transport risks on site can be found in HSG136- ‘A guide to workplace transport safety’- this is available at: Workplace transport safety HSG136 (hse.gov.uk)

The newly established MPANI/ NI Environment Agency liaison group met on Thursday 8 September. The purpose of the NIEA and MPANI Liaison Group is to facilitate discussion at industry and client/ regulator level to work collaboratively on shared interests and promote best practice. The benefits of this collaboration approach flows in both directions and generates improvement to the wider general public and NI environment.

The Group will meet quarterly and will be reviewing a number of guidance documents such as the Wise use of Water and the MoU in relation to Archaeology. We will also be organising pollution prevention workshops and site visits for NIEA staff to improve understanding that will hopefully enable planning consultation decisions to made quicker.

MEMBERS FORUM

Looking ahead, our final Local Member Forum being held on Thursday 1 December, in the Elk Toomebridge, is being kindly sponsored by Creagh Concrete.

We are delighted that Tom MacLynn of RHM will be giving an update on the 2023 business rates revaluation highlighting the winners and losers in this latest revaluation by the Land and Property Service and what MPANI members need to be informed about minimising their annual rates bill.

We are also pleased that Gary Sims of Renewable Energy will be giving his annual energy market update.

If you’re interested in becoming a full or affiliate member of MPANI and get access to up to date Industry news and guidance don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07876136929. It would be great to have you on board.

Until next time please stay safe!

view from the cab

FP MCCANN ADDS ANOTHER ROKBAK TO ITS QUARRY FLEET

FP McCann, one of Northern Ireland’s largest quarry operators, added a second Rokbak RA30 articulated hauler to its fleet in March. The longstanding customer still operates 9 Terex Trucks models and the latest addition, supplied by dealers Sleator Plant, was championed across the board, with everyone from the site to the boardroom backing the decision.

“All our haulers work long hours but have proven their worth over the years as tough and dependable, so there was never any real incentive to change brands,” explains Chris McCloy, Quarry Manager at FP McCann’s Knockloughrim Quarry near Magherafelt, where the new Rokbak RA30 is currently working. “Our mechanics were already very familiar with the Terex Trucks machines, so routine servicing and maintenance has become second nature to them, which helps keep downtime to an absolute minimum.”

As well as the new Rokbak colour and livery, for the European market, both the RA30 and RA40 feature the latest EU

Stage V emissions-compliant engine, boasting up to a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to older EU Stage IV engines. The 28-tonne capacity Rokbak RA30 carries over the series of huge improvements that were gradually made to its predecessors. The use of ZF’s EP320 fully automatic gearbox, for instance – the result of an extensive collaboration between OEM and supplier – now offers the opportunity to extend oil-maintenance intervals from 1,000 to

4,000 hours with the use of long-life transmission fluid. This transmission also enabled a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency. With its 8F/4R gears offering a higher overall gear ratio spread, equal ratio steps between gears and optimised, smoother gear shifting with partial load shifts, maximum speed has increased from 50 km/h (31 mph) to 55 km/h (34 mph), enabling faster cycle times and

improving manoeuvrability around the quarry to deliver a lower cost per tonne.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Other interval periods between services have also been extended to their optimum level, such as 4,000 hours for hydraulic fluid thanks to the adoption of magnetic suction filters. Threestage aspirated air filtration with a safety element, automatic dust ejector and restriction indicator provides optimised protection for the fuel-efficient 276kW (370hp) Scania DC9 five-cylinder engine. Rokbak factory-approved parts effectively provide fit-and-forget levels of reassurance with a 2-year/6,000-hour warranty.

The need for interventions by the FP McCann technicians is further reduced by the RA30’s full suite of on-dash diagnostic and machine health check data. But when their expertise is required, they can carry out their task safely using ground-level test points. The hydraulic fully tilting cab and the electrically activated hood lift provide fast, easy access for servicing.

“Any issues are quickly sorted out by the team at Sleator Plant, with whom we’ve been dealing for 30 years or more, so we enjoy an excellent working relationship,” says Chris. “With so many haulers operating across a number of sites, good service and support from your dealer is essential, and we have always found them prompt and efficient in responding to our needs.”

“We’ve enjoyed a longstanding relationship with FP McCann, stretching back for many years,” agrees Aaron McCaul, Sleator Plant’s General Manager. “We are delighted they remain confident in our ability to deliver a good product and a good service.”

COMFORT STATION

But it wasn’t just the service personnel that were keen to

stick with a tried and tested favourite –management and operators all had their own reasons to remain loyal, too.

“Not only does this new Rokbak hauler represent excellent value for money, it is very operator friendly,” Chris continued. “It has a spacious, comfortable cab with good all-round visibility,

which is essential when working in such a busy environment.”

With acoustic insulation helping to slash internal noise levels to just 72.7dB(A), the RA30’s ergonomically designed ROPS/ FOPS certified cab is a pleasant place in which to work. A highperformance, easily adjustable HVAC system ensures a stable temperature, while

vibrations have been curtailed via an adaptive air-suspension operator’s seat with adjustable armrests, anti-vibration mounts around the engine and cab, cushioned bump stops on the steering cylinders and the aforementioned smoother gear shifting. True independent front suspension as standard not only enhances comfort further but also delivers excellent traction control in the most challenging conditions.

FP McCann’s other Rokbak and Terex Trucks haulers are working elsewhere in the county, at its Craigall Quarry at Garvagh and the Bradleys Quarry at Kilrea. As the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of precast concrete solutions, it also produces ready-mixed concrete, aggregates and asphalt from the Knockloughrim site.

TOPCON HELPS TO SAFELY RELOCATE OLD SALTS RFC

O’Brien Contractors Ltd has used its civil engineering and construction expertise, coupled with its extensive sports development experience, to deliver a complete relocation of the Old Saltleians Rugby Football Club

Commonly known as Old Salts, the club is relocating for the third time in its 84-year history. Plans for the HS2 development run across the existing Old Salts ground, meaning the club’s pitches and clubhouse have moved to a new site in Water Orton, Warwickshire.

With the vast amount of surveying, earthworks and logistics needed on the project, O’Brien Contractors Ltd turned to technology from Topcon Positioning GB. The two companies have a long-standing relationship and, for the past five years, have worked together to integrate Topcon machine control technologies into O’Brien Contractors Ltd’s fleet of excavators and dozers. For this project in particular, O’Brien Contractors Ltd added the new MC-Max machine control solution.

MC-MAX

MC-Max is Topcon’s newest automated machine control system. With increased processing power and reliability, MC-Max is a scalable and portable solution for mixed fleet heavy equipment that can be installed on a wide range of dozers and excavators. It offers flexible mounting solutions, and also features a full array of positioning technologies ranging from slope control to laser to multi-constellation GNSS to robotic total station and millimetre GPS systems.

Tom O’Brien, Director at O’Brien Contractors Ltd, explained: “Health and safety is a major factor on any job we complete but with the scale of the works being carried out between the two sites for Old Salts, we wanted to create an environment with fewer risks for our operatives and engineers to work in. We opted for the Topcon MC-Max machine control technology as it is fitted without

masts, has less cabling and there is no requirement for GNSS receivers or prisms to be installed or dismantled. Ultimately, there’s a reduced need for our team to interfere with the machines, meaning there’s much less risk of an accident occurring.”

REMOTE SITE MANAGEMENT

The O’Brien Contractors Ltd team used Topcon’s Sitelink3D v2 software to effectively collaborate and manage the project. The company is the first in the UK to move to the innovative web-based platform, that provides remote access and support to every machine connected to the system – including file transfers, messaging, reporting and analytics. This means any potential machine downtime is dramatically reduced as issues can be resolved in real time without the need for on-site technical support. Instead, engineers can troubleshoot operator queries remotely and ensure work continues with minimal delay.

O’Brien Contractors Ltd reaped the benefits of Sitelink3D v2, rendering a 3D model in the tendering stages of the project to help demonstrate the works that were to be carried out. The software’s data management ecosystem allowed teams to quickly make alterations to the model to coincide with real-time information throughout the application process, and ultimately gave the team an edge against competitors. Once works had started, an unexpected challenge arose when the team found a difference in ground material that was not detected in the early stages of development – the layer of topsoil at the new site was significantly deeper than it had appeared on initial site surveys. O’Brien Contractors Ltd was able to add the new data into Sitelink3D v2 and plan budgets, timings and resources, automatically synching the new data to the relevant machines working on site with no delay to the plant operations, avoiding an expensive break in the project.

MINIMISING THE IMPACT

Fundamental to the success of the project was the ability for O’Brien Contractors Ltd to carry out the works with minimal disruption and impact to the local environment, given the site’s close proximity to a busy residential area. Using Topcon’s MC-Max and Sitelink3D v2 machine control workflow, the team has been able to synchronise data between the site and office without the need for engineers to travel between the two, with the reduced traffic to site meaning less disruption for local residents.

With the reduced machine hours needed to complete the job when using Topcon machine control, fuel use is greatly reduced meaning lower costs and lower carbon footprint. Furthermore, the increased accuracy of the technologies reduces the risk of costly mistakes and the requirement for reworks.

Tom continued: “This project was a huge undertaking, with the equivalent of 17.3 acres worth of land being relocated from one site to the other. We’ve worked with Topcon for some years now and we’ve always received expert support to maximise the potential of our equipment, and it was no different on this project. Topcon’s team worked closely with us to integrate MC-Max and Sitelink3D v2 – the transition was seamless and we’ve been able to deliver this project on time, on budget and with minimal disruption.”

Andy Flood, Business Manager at Topcon Positioning GB, said: “It’s been brilliant to see the O’Brien Contractors Ltd team use our MC-Max machine control hardware and Sitelink3D v2 software to their full potential. We’ve been able to see firsthand how innovations within our sector are crucial in helping teams carry out challenging works, improving health and safety and, ultimately, allowing contractors to deliver work on time and on budget.”

For more information about Topcon’s technologies, visit: www. topconpositioning.com/en-gb

NI COMPANIES CONTINUE TO INNOVATE DESPITE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

HMRC has published the R&D tax credit statistics for the first full tax year under pandemic conditions which provide interesting reading for Northern Ireland plc.

According to R&D tax credits specialist The Momentum Group, analysis of the latest HMRC figures shows Northern Ireland businesses accounted for £130 million of all R&D tax credits claimed across the UK for 20202021. However, this accounts for just 2.6% of the total number of claims on a national level and only 1.97% of the total monetary benefit claimed. On a percentage basis, this represents no change in comparison to last year.

R&D tax credits support companies undertaking innovative activities and can be claimed by firms operating in any sector if they are seeking to overcome technological or scientific challenges.

Potentially qualifying activities may include designing new or enhanced products or processes; or seeking to use existing processes or materials in an innovative way. The statistics come as the UK government continued recent efforts to counteract perceived abuse of the schemes in the2022 Spring Statement. The proposed new measures are being introduced to focus R&D tax credits to companies undertaking activities in UK and tighten administrative requirements.

Of the 2,355 Northern Ireland claims, 2,025were claimed by SMEs with the remainder claimed under the scheme for large companies. Of those SME claims – an increase of 6.6% from the previous year – 1,795 were under the SME scheme whilst 230 were undertaken by SMEs under the large company scheme.

The average amount claimed by companies in Northern Ireland was £55,202, with the average for SMEs being £41,975. For

SMEs, this represents a significant change in the monetary value of claims from last year, where the average amount claimed was £47,368, a decrease of 11.4%.

Additionally, there has been a serious shift in how Northern Ireland’s larger companies are benefitting from the scheme.

Statistics illustrate a 4.7% decrease in the number of claims, yet the monetary value of these have significantly increased by 14.3%.

RESILIENT

Tom Verner, Managing Director of The Momentum Group, commented: “Despite the severe financial and operational challenges faced over the last few years with the pandemic and Brexit, UK businesses have displayed resilience together with innovative spirit. These properties will be tested again as we now face the global cost of living crisis.

“In our experience, companies often take a medium to longerterm view on the economic cycle but even as budgets tighten, it is important to make use of the available tax incentives including R&D tax credits and plan appropriately.

“As the statistics show however, many companies across Northern Ireland are not aware or fully

optimising the financial benefits available from R&D tax credits.

“The latest figures from HMRC show that, on a directly comparative level, Northern Ireland firms hold their own against the rest of the UK. With wider economic headwinds and uncertainty afoot, it is important that innovative firms do not pass this generous initiative by. Doing so is, effectively, leaving money on the table.”

COVID-19 IMPACT

Andrew Cowan, Technical Director at Momentum, noted that this year’s stats are the first reporting period which would accurately reflect the impact of the pandemic.

“Economic statistics from the pandemic period are met with a mixture of curious intrigue and intense difficulty for statisticians as we seek to interpret data into useful information. There was a 10% decrease in the average value of claims nationwide, therefore it is important to remember that whilst many businesses closed temporarily or permanently during the pandemic, many more continued with R&D programmes with reduced workforces that were often constrained with social distancing measures.

“Factors such as these may have prevented some companies from carrying out their normal levels of R&D activity. Additionally, many of the support schemes that were available, such as furlough and CBILs, could have affected claim entitlements, meaning claim amounts could actually be reduced from what a normal year would entail.”

He continued, highlighting the importance of businesses “pivoting” their operations.

“There were considerable opportunities for companies across different industries and sectors to pivot their business models to assist with the production of medical devices, PPE and the development of vaccines. These companies may have increased their R&D claims compared to previous years, but they may have simply swapped existing R&D activities for the Covid-19R&D programmes.”

Continuing recent trends, London and the South East of England made the highest number of claims over the course of the year, accounting for more than one-third (36%) of all claims and nearly half (49%) of the total monetary amount claimed.

At a sectoral level on a UK-wide scale, the figures show a concentration of claims (62%) in the ‘Information & Communication’, ‘Manufacturing’ and ‘Professional, Scientific & Technical’ and sectors, with this making up 70% of the total monetary amount claimed.

Andrew Cowan added: “The pandemic affected different businesses in different ways.

The ‘Professional, Scientific & Technical’ sector was largely unaffected, likely because of the increased requirement for pharmaceutical and life sciences services, whereas the benefit claimed within ‘Manufacturing’ was substantially reduced, clearly due of prolonged periods of closure and cessation of activity.”

Tom Verner, Managing Director, The Momentum Group.

EDGE INNOVATE: A LOCAL COMPANY WITH A GLOBAL REACH

When County Tyrone based KMC Engineering opened its doors in 1994 no one could have known that 14 years later the family owned company would evolve into EDGE Innovate to become one of the world’s biggest manufacturers and exporters of sophisticated equipment for the quarrying, waste handling and recycling sectors, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes reports.

Today, as it increasingly focuses on the growing environmental sector, EDGE Innovate employs around 170 people directly, and currently exports more than 99% of its products from its stateof-the-art manufacturing facility, having developed a strong presence throughout overseas markets such as North America, Australia, and Middle East.

So, what has contributed to its rapid and impressive success? Comments Managing Director Darragh Cullen: “There are many things that have come together to make the company what it is today, not least our staff and employees – from the shop floor to our sales people, to our marketing department and to our management team.

“We have some excellent managers here, some have been with us for a long time, others are relatively new, providing us with an excellent mix of management skills; it is good to bring in new people with expertise in different sectors who can provide a fresh outlook.

“Our workforce is very loyal and everyone is proud to work here; we have a lot of committed people who believe strongly in the company and the brand we have created. They will go the extra mile for us and for our customers. We are not afraid of change. We don’t stand still, we are always moving forward, questioning our processes and

procedures, always open to fresh ideas and suggestions, always flexible in our approach.”

Ever since those KMC Engineering days when the company was sub contracted to a number of major exporters and manufacturers, the management team has been good at keeping costs under control,

EDGE Innovate staff after their Queen's Award Winners was announced.

in

keeping overheads to a minimum and moving forward in an efficient and productive way.

“Our people have always had a flair for good design and KMC Engineering provided us with a solid base to grow and evolve into EDGE Innovate. Our customers are our sounding board in terms of new ideas and new products; we are very customer driven in everything we do,” says Darragh.

“We have a strong marketing team both locally and internationally and consequently our brand is known and respected in many countries. We are not called ‘EDGE’ for nothing. We strive to give our customers an ‘edge’ in the marketplace over their competition.”

AWARD WINNING

No one, then, perhaps should be surprised that this year has been somewhat special for the company as it was presented with the Queens Award for Enterprise recognising its excellence in International Trade for the second time, having won its first Queen’s Award in 2019, becoming only one of seven companies to achieve two such Queen’s Awards.

“Given the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen, the awards will always be treasured,” adds Darragh who earlier this year met the new King. “When we were invited to Buckingham Palace for the awards presentation, it was the then Prince Charles who hosted the ceremony, as he did back in 2019.

“We view this latest award as recognition of the hard work and resilience of all our stakeholders over the last three years, especially during the time of the pandemic. With staff suffering from covid, isolating and with enforced lockdown, it has been an extremely challenging period. I want to thank our entire team for their help during this time. To our suppliers who have been faced with their own difficulties, thank you for your support. To our customers who have had to deal with long delivery times and increased costs, thank you very much for your patience.”

We mentioned earlier that EDGE Innovate is flexible in its approach to business – and that extends to its product designs; in fact, much of its equipment is produced with flexibility in mind. “Bringing new products to the market on a regular basis is very important,

no more so than in the environmental sector where demands, standards and legislation are changing all the time,” explains Darragh, “which is why we are able to tailor existing products to specific customer requirements; what suits one client in one country may not necessarily so in another, so being able to ‘tweak’ our equipment designs makes it a lot more efficient and cost effective for both us and the customer.”

Of course, the company has a very proactive R&D department, constantly working on new designs and innovations, utilising latest technologies to do so. “R&D has always been an integral part of our business from the very beginning. At the moment, there is a big focus on electrification of equipment, but requirements differ from one country to another in terms of recycling needs and demand for carbon neutral products, so it is always a balancing act. Ultimately, I look forward to the day when there is no diesel powered equipment leaving our facilities.”

DEALER NETWORK

Turning to the dealer network; that is the lifeblood of any company, and comments Tom Connolly, territory sales manager: “Our partners across the world are hugely important. Currently, we have 70 dealers and partners around the world and we maintain and foster a strong positive relationship with all of them. We work as a team, which is another reason for our success.”

Tom has been with the company for over 15 years and has established solid working relationships throughout the dealer

network. He is always seeking out new emerging territories and new partners who would be a good fit for EDGE Innovate and much of his time is spent abroad.

“The big selling points for Edge is the versatility of the machines we have in our portfolio, and being able to focus on a diverse range of applications, especially in the waste and recycling sector – from small operations to multi-nationals, we have equipment that can perform in a variety of different environments and tasks and meet different regional levels of legislation and standards.”

The company’s long term goals is to ensure that EDGE becomes one of the biggest names in the waste and recycling sector in the UK, as it already is in other countries. That process is already underway, with the

Darragh Cullen.

appointment of Red Knight 6 Ltd (RK6) as their exclusive distributor for England and Wales. RK6 are distributors of world leading crushing, screening and recycling equipment for the quarrying, demolition and waste recycling industries throughout the UK & Ireland.

“We have been looking for a partner that will work with us on a long term basis and help drive greater sales throughout the UK. The experience RK6 has and the way they want to work with their partners fits perfectly with what we are looking for to grow our UK business,” said Tom. Adds Paul Donnelly, Managing Director of RK6: “The EDGE Innovate product range compliments the brands we already work with perfectly. We recognise the opportunity for EDGE Innovate in the UK is a huge one and we look forward to delivering similar success to that already seen by our other partners.”

ONGOING INVESTMENT

Three years ago EDGE Innovate embarked on an £8m investment plan to cope with growing demand for its products. A new paint shop and stores facilities have been added, increasing production capacity by 30% and a new Customer Welcome Centre is being established to house its ever-expanding sales, marketing and aftersales departments.

“The new centre will be well utilised as we are constantly welcoming customers here from all over the world, sometimes for product training, other times to let them see our production processes and to get to know them on a more personal basis.”

So, what does the future hold for EDGE Innovate? “We want to continue to grow at a controlled level, placing strong focus on product development, product support and service excellence. As I said, the only real difference between any business is the people who work in it and I believe we have the very best.”

PROGRESSIVE & IMPRESSIVE TIMELINE:

JUNE 2017

EDGE Innovate claim ‘Exporter Award’ at prestigious Made in the UK Awards.

NOVEMBER 2017

FreeFlow 186 wins the “Waste Equipment Innovation” of the Year award from Sustainable Ireland.

MARCH 2018

EDGE Innovate picks up Deloitte ‘Best Managed Company’ Award.

APRIL 2019

EDGE Innovate is honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

MARCH 2020

EDGE Innovate launch two new high capacity waste shredders - VS420 and HS750 at CONEXPO in Las Vegas.

MAY 2020

EDGE Innovate release new track radial stockpiler – the EDGE TSR80.

JANUARY 2021

Launch of new SM186, a versatile wheeled mounted screener.

FEBRUARY 2021

EDGE’S new 37,500ft2 factory began operating with the new facility housing a new stores area, a state-of-the-art paint shop and blasting facility.

JULY 2021

The New EDGE TRT620R, was launched into the market, a trommel offering superior screening.

AUGUST 2021

EDGE Innovate moved to a four day working week with no loss of pay for all production workers, the first manufacturing company in the region to do so.

WORLD CLASS PRODUCTS

AT YOUR DOOR STEP.

Over 30 years experience in the design and manufacturing of Material Handling and Recycling equipment

SEPTEMBER 2021

EDGE Innovate announced as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies 2021 by Deloitte, achieving Gold Standard.

NOVEMBER 2021

Winner of Manufacturer of the Year 2021 at the Mid Ulster Business Excellence Awards.

JANUARY 2022

Launch of the TRM831, EDGE’s largest mobile trommel to date, at America’s leading compost conference COMPOST 2022.

MARCH 2022

The EDGE FTS Radial organic feeder stacker, setting new standards in the turning, blending and stockpiling of organic material.

APRIL 2022

EDGE Innovate was honoured with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, for the second time, having won our first Queen’s Award in 2019.

MAY 2022

Winners of the Manufacturing Excellence Award Large Company at the inaugural Business Eye Family Business Awards.

MAY 2022

EDGE made it onto the 2022 Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies in Northern Ireland for the first time.

JULY 2022

Launch of the new VS420E Hybrid from EDGE Innovate offering significantly reduced CO2 production, reduced operating costs, reduced servicing and a higher percentage uptime for its operator.

We offer a unique and extensive product portfolio

Sorting Stations.

Sorting Stations.

Screen,

Classifiers

of; Slow Speed Shredders, Trommel Screens, Mobile Mounted Stackers, Telescopic Conveyors, Feeders, Screeners, Material Classifiers

of

WORLD CLASS PRODUCTS AT YOUR DOOR STEP.

Over 30 years experience in the design and manufacturing of Material Handling and Recycling equipment in Ireland.

Over 30 years experience in the design and manufacturing of Material Handling and Recycling equipment in Ireland.

We offer a unique and extensive product portfolio consisting of; Slow Speed Shredders, Trommel Screens, Mobile Mounted Stackers, Telescopic Conveyors, Feeders, Screeners, Material Classifiers and Sorting Stations.

We offer a unique and extensive product portfolio consisting of; Slow Speed Shredders, Trommel Screens, Mobile Mounted Stackers, Telescopic Conveyors, Feeders, Screeners, Material Classifiers and Sorting Stations.

Shred, Screen, Separate, Stockpile

Size a vast array of materials with the help of EDGE Innovate.

Shred, Screen, Separate, Stockpile

Size

vast array of materials with the help of EDGE Innovate.

Roofing contractor fined after worker dies in fall from a roof

A roofing contractor has been fined after an employee fell from a roof ladder and died at the scene.

Roof replacement work was being carried out on a domestic property; the employee was climbing a triple extending access ladder on the roof, to reach scaffolding at eaves level, whilst carrying a pile of slate on his shoulder. He slipped and fell to the ground, sustaining fatal injuries.

An investigation found that the interlocking sections of the ladder they had been negotiating did not allow for three points of contact to be maintained, especially when a load was being carried: a single pole access ladder would have enabled this.

The employee had also been wearing loose fitting footwear, which had not allowed for a firm foothold on the ladder. There was no safe means of transporting materials to the roof, which would have avoided the need for carrying loads via the ladder. Had these measures been taken, proper contact could have been maintained and the incident avoided.

The contractor was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay costs of £3,600.

Speaking after the hearing, an HSE Inspector said: “Inexpensive equipment, such as a gin wheel and bucket, could and should have been made available to avoid the need to carry materials up a ladder.

Every employer needs to ensure that they have Employers Liability (Compulsory) Insurance in place to insure against liability for injury or disease to their employees arising out of their employment.”

Construction company fined after worker falls through roof

A construction company has been fined £80,000 after an employee suffered serious injuries falling through a fragile roof. A scaffold tower had been constructed for access to the roof but there were inadequate measures in place to ensure that the work would be completed safely.

The worker accessed the roof, attempting to devise his own ad-hoc working methods which included constructing a makeshift ladder/staging system from wooden planks. Serious deficiencies in the planning and supervision of this work were identified together with the absence of a safe system of work.

There were insufficient measures to prevent a fall or minimise the distance or consequences of a fall such as safety netting.

The makeshift staging provided by the employee was insufficient and failed to prevent a fall through the fragile roof panels resulting in them sustaining serious injuries.

Companies and employees sentenced after worker’s death

Two companies and two people have been sentenced after an 18-year-old construction worker was fatally injured while working on a house-build construction site. Fines and costs totalling £341,900 were imposed.

The deceased and another worker had been tasked with clearing debris from manholes at the house-build construction site. While work was taking place, the deceased’s colleague was asked if he could move the works van to allow another vehicle to pass. However, he was not aware that the other worker who died was lying on the road with his head and torso in a manhole, directly in front of the van.

As the vehicle moved forwards one of the wheels entered the top of the manhole contacting him and he died later as a result of serious crush injuries.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that neither the Principal Contractor nor the groundworks subcontractor had ensured that the work was planned in such a way that workers were not exposed to risks to their health and safety. In addition, workers had not been trained to work in a road, had not been provided with any equipment to ensure the work was carried out safely and had not been provided with any instruction on any safety measures to be used at site.

Waste management company fined after fatal fall

A waste management company has been fined £190,000 after a contractor died when he fell seven metres while carrying out maintenance work.

The experienced maintenance contractor sustained fatal injuries in the fall while working on a mechanical screening and separating plant.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the waste management company failed to ensure that work at height was properly assessed and planned. The company failed to consider and identify how the necessary work at height could be carried out safely to ensure that the risk of falls was controlled.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Matt Tyler said: “Those in control of work have a duty to assess the risks and devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to those undertaking the work. This incident could have been prevented had the work been adequately planned.”

Aggregate Industries Launches Reduced Carbon Asphalt

Aggregate Industries has launched a reduced carbon asphalt that is 100% recyclable and ideal for the construction, repair and maintenance of new or existing highways; Foamix offers a truly sustainable solution for base and binder course layers, and is suitable for use in highways, footways and haunching works.

A cold-mix asphalt that does not require its source materials to be processed with heat, Foamix delivers significantly less CO2 compared to standard asphalt products. There is no compromise on performance, giving equivalent bearing capacity to standard asphalt, with a proven track record for increased cohesion and strength. Containing 92% recycled materials, including 85% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), Foamix promotes a circular economy approach to road construction by reducing the requirement for virgin aggregates. It can be manufactured on site where construction is taking place using Aggregate Industries’ Sitebatch Technologies mobile mixing plants, meaning the team can re-process locally sourced planings from the existing road asset – either on site or at a nearby location – ensuring Foamix can be placed, compacted, and put into immediate use. This significantly minimises HGV movements across the local road network, construction times, user disruption and delivers a significantly lower scheme carbon footprint.

What’s more, Foamix can be laid in one single lift up to 150mm thick using conventional surfacing equipment and laying techniques and does not require any additional specialist labour.

Foamix is being launched under Aggregate Industries’ newly established Surfacing Solutions team, which combines the expertise of the contracting and asphalt divisions to offer contractors and specifiers a whole-chain approach to product specification.

Thomas Edgcumbe, Managing Director for Surfacing Solutions at Aggregate Industries, said: “As a business we’re committed to providing materials and solutions that assist in the immediate and sustained action as we transition to a more sustainable construction industry. We are changing the way we construct and the launch of Foamix is yet another step towards that goal.”

Foamix has already been used as part of a comprehensive suite of materials on the UK’s first carbon-neutral highway construction scheme between the M6, 36 junction and Brettargh Holt roundabout. The works formed part of the estimated £8m award winning A590 Brettargh Holt scheme, which was designed with a low carbon strategy in mind to deliver safer and smoother journeys for road users.

As pavement experts, Aggregate Industries collaborated with AE Yates, Amey Consulting and National Highways to engineer a pavement design and material specification that would unlock significant carbon reductions and cost benefits utilising Aggregate Industries’ bespoke ex-situ cold recycled Foamix solution.

RFID detection system

ZoneSafe uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to create detection zones around vehicles and mobile plant.

Vehicle-mounted antennas detect RFID tags which can be worn by workers, or placed on objects or property. When a ZoneSafe tag enters a detection zone, the vehicle operator receives a visual and audible alert. A vibrating tag also warns the detected worker of an approaching vehicle.

ZoneSafe RFID technology does not require line-of-sight and tags will be detected regardless of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather or poor visibility.

COMPLETELY NEW CORDLESS PLATFORM WITH BUILT-IN CONNECTIVITY

Hilti Group, an innovator of tools, technology, software and services for the construction industry, has launched a new innovation providing the construction industry with a fully-connected tool park experience: Nuron, a more-powerful 22V cordless battery platform.

Launching with more than 70 tools, Nuron is the biggest launch in Hilti’s history, covering areas including building construction, mechanical and engineering, interior finishing, heavy industry and steel and metal work.

After a successful launch in North America, Germany and other key regions for the Hilti Group, Nuron is set to launch in the UK and northern European markets at the end of 2022. Nuron is not just a new set of tools or batteries; it is the future of Hilti’s cordless offering, with the power to make job sites cordless across both light and heavy applications. Launching with an entire ecosystem of 70 cordless new tools, and reengineered all on one 22V battery platform, Hilti is set to change the cordless experience for the construction industry forever.

“We are very excited to bring this new platform to our customers in the UK. From customer feedback on what kind of innovations they would find useful we know this will make a huge difference to their operations in many ways. We are proud to deliver the most comprehensive solutions to solving some of the bottlenecks of construction sites today, increasing productiveness, introducing state-of-the-art data-driven solutions and improving health and safety at the construction sites”, says Sebastiaan Groenhuijsen, Head of Product Marketing Northern Europe at Hilti.

The development of Nuron has taken years of deep research and is based on an in-depth understanding of the industry. One of the most important aspects of developing the new platform was to understand the everyday working conditions of customers including the roadblocks and obstacles they face in their work.

KEY AREAS

Nuron‘s primary value proposition is split into four key areas of innovation. Firstly, the power of one, which sees all tools powered by one single source, the 22V battery, making all batteries interchangeable and compatible with the full Nuron roster. One platform reduces the need for multiple batteries, chargers and corded power sources usually found on construction sites. This makes using tools and the management of them much more streamlined.

A second area of innovation is that the cordless tools provide more power than even corded or gas-powered tools do, thanks to the reengineered batteries. The 22 volt cordless platform delivers high performance, which also enables heavy-duty applications that

were once restricted to corded, gas-powered or higher voltage battery systems. The completely redesigned battery now delivers significantly higher power transfer than corded mains, resulting in higher performance.

The third and fourth areas of improvement are in health and safety and the data driven services that link all Hilti tools to the cloud.

The redesigned tools use real world insights to improve the design and health and safety aspects of the tools. From a practical perspective, tools have been redesigned to weigh less, with ergonomically enhanced grips and improved robustness through shock resistant bumpers. Hilti’s Dust Removal System (DRS) and Active Torque Control (ATC) are available on the Nuron platform with relevant tools. Active Vibration Reduction (AVR), another key health protection and comfort feature, has been expanded to many more tools within the Nuron portfolio.

“We want to provide the construction professionals with the best tools and solutions available. so that they can get on with what they do best, building society’s future infrastructure and doing it in a safe and efficient way”, says Sebastiaan Groenhuijsen, Head of Product Marketing Northern Europe at Hilti

“By linking all Hilti tools to the cloud, we bring our tools into the digital age. By transmitting data to the cloud, our customers can use ON!Track to improve tool park performance and productivity and keep track of tools via tags, ensuring nothing gets misplaced or lost. The data collected includes information such as tool usage, charging location and battery state-of-health, ensuring operators are working with batteries in optimal conditions. All of this information and insight can be used to manage a better functioning and fit-for-purpose tool park.”

Diversity - A Silver Lining for NI Water

NI Water is celebrating having been awarded the Silver Diversity Charter Mark by Diversity Mark. The prestigious award recognises the organisation’s ongoing commitment and continuous progress to advancing Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. The award recognised NI Water for expanding its Diversity and Inclusion focus into the communities it serves, becoming the first company in Northern Ireland to sign up to the UK governments Levelling Up goals to help drive social mobility and equality of opportunity across NI. NI Water are one of only two public sector organisations to achieve the Silver Diversity Mark. They now join 12 other leading NI employers who have also achieved this important standard.

Sara Venning, CEO at NI Water, commented: “Being awarded the Silver Diversity Charter Mark is a proud moment for NI Water, particularly being one of only two

public sector organisations to have achieved this standard to date. The Charter is recognition of how far we have come on our journey to create a culture where everyone is welcome and included, people are valued and respected for who they are and for the contributions they make in delivering what matters to Northern Ireland.

“NI Water is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and playing our part as a large public sector organisation to support social equality within the communities we serve. “I would like to dedicate this achievement to the many people across NI Water who play their part each and every day in making NI Water a great place to work.”

Nuala Murphy, Director of Diversity Mark, added: “Congratulations to Northern Ireland Water on achieving the Silver Diversity Mark Accreditation in recognition for their progress and ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace. “The independent assessment panel noted a very high level of dedication, commitment and ownership to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda across the organisation, championed by real leadership from the top. This has been critical to the level of success and achievements to date.

“We look forward to continuing to support them as they embed their plans in the future.”

Ms Venning concluded: “We are very proud of all the hard work and dedication that has gone into achieving this challenging standard of best practice. We have come a long way but we have more to do and exciting times ahead to get us to gold!”

Pictured (L-R) Nuala Murphy Diversity Mark, Paula Graham, Kerrie Townsend (both NI Water), and Sara Venning CEO at NI Water.

SANY Adopt CESAR Security & ECV as Standard

SANY is the latest machine distributor in the UK to fit CESAR and Emission Compliance Verification (ECV) as standard, to the SANY range of machinery.

The decision to begin fitting CESAR Security and ECV followed an industrywide recognition of the importance of machine security and emission awareness across UK construction sites.

Business Development Director, Leigh Harris commented: “We’re delighted to announce that SANY have joined the CESAR ECV programme. This initiative clearly demonstrates our ongoing responsibility to address the concerns of our customers over the security of their equipment and is an important step forward as we advance the SANY product range here in the UK & Ireland. Also, the ECV system provides another level of identification to quickly deliver emissions information across all of our machines”.

CESAR is the official construction and agricultural equipment security and

registration scheme, owned by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) supported by the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) police, local authorities, equipment manufacturers, the farming community, major insurers and finance companies.

The Official CESAR scheme was established in 2007and has since established itself as one of the best anti-theft systems available and its power as a theft deterrent is well proven. The CESAR system uses a range of state-of-the-art technology to give each piece

of equipment a unique fingerprint that aids with the identification and recovery of stolen equipment, with marked machines twice as likely to be recovered as unmarked ones.

SANY heavy machinery is manufactured across the globe at some of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the industry. The CESAR and ECV system are now being fitted (as of 1st August 22) on the machines arrival into the UK and will be installed across the full range as standard.

Kevin Howells, Managing Director, Datatag said, “During the last 20 years I’ve witnessed the extraordinary growth of the SANY Group and how it has diversified into many key sectors manufacturing some of the best equipment on the market. SANY have looked to adopt the latest technologies and innovations across their ever expanding range and global manufacturing facilities and I’m delighted that SANY have decided to protect their customers machinery by fitting, as standard, the Official CESAR Security Scheme and Programme and to support the important drive towards lower emissions and cleaner air with the adoption of the Industry owned CESAR ECV initiative. We look forward to working with SANY on this and other sectors in the future.”

Ibstock and Earth Friendly Concrete form partnership to support ESG ambitions

Ibstock, a UK leading manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, and Earth Friendly Concrete (EFC) have entered into a new partnership to create ultra-low carbon concrete products. The partnership supports Ibstock’s ambitious ESG targets. Having recently launched its ESG Strategy to 2030, Ibstock is committed to ‘Manufacture Materials for Life’ and improving the environmental performance of its products. Its milestone 2030 target is to achieve 20% of sales turnover revenue from new and sustainable products. With the built environment accounting for 25% of the UK’s carbon emissions, Ibstock is proactively seeking to develop new solutions with improved environmental performance. EFC is more sustainable than traditional concrete, with around 70% less embodied CO2 saving 250kg of CO2 per cubic metre poured. It is made from a binder consisting of industrial waste products, ground granulated blast furnace slag and pulverised fly ash with no Portland Cement.

The partnership will see EFC’s ultra-low carbon, zero cement technology integrated into Ibstock’s diverse portfolio of highperformance building products for the construction industry, including its range of products for the rail, infrastructure and UK housing markets. The technology has performance advantages over Ordinary Portland Cement-based products including improved durability, lower shrinkage, higher flexural tensile strength and increased fire resistance and is the

only zero-cement concrete technology that has been proven at scale on real life commercial projects across the world.

Darren Waters, Chief Operating Officer at Ibstock, said: “As a business at the heart of building, our ambition is to be the most sustainable manufacturer of concrete products in the UK. Collaborating with EFC marks a significant step in achieving this goal as we collaborate and innovate to manufacture materials for life.

“More than ever, customers are looking for products which offer great functionality but also have robust sustainability credentials. In 2020, the Ibstock concrete division invested in a new concrete laboratory at its site in Anstone, Sheffield, to facilitate the development of sustainable concrete that features reduced embodied carbon and therefore has a lower environmental impact. At this advanced facility, we are already developing and testing innovative new concrete mixes that incorporate EFC to ensure we achieve our own sustainability goals, as well as contribute to those of the wider sector, without compromising on quality or performance.”

EFC UK Regional Manager Andy Izod said: “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the UK through this partnership with Ibstock.

“We will not only focus on introducing Earth Friendly Concrete into the wider construction market across a range of projects, regions, applications and supply chains but will also share our groundbreaking technology with partners like Ibstock, which will help them to achieve ultra-low carbon outcomes for their business.”

Since it was launched in 2020, EFC has saved around 2,000 tonnes of CO2 across construction projects. It has been used in several high-profile projects including High Speed 2 (HS2) and Silvertown Tunnel.

Groundforce Training partners with KTC to offer excavation safety training

Groundforce are using KTC Safety, a long established, independent training centre, as a base in Ireland to offer their accredited EUSR training courses.

The Irish centre for Groundforce Training will be based at Kearney Training & Consultancy (KTC Safety) in Ballydavis, Portlaoise, Co Laois. KTC is one of the largest Health and Safety training organisations in Ireland, with one of the largest dedicated training centres in the country.

A total of eight one and two-day courses for accredited EUSR categories 1 to 5 will be on offer, rangingfrom locating utility services and implementing safe digging (excavating) practices, to installing, inspecting and removing timber, steel and proprietary shoring systems.

The opening of the new Irish training centre is in response to increasing demand from the industry for excavation safety training.

Groundforce Ireland director Joseph Lenihan said:

““Groundforce’s new excavation safety and temporary works training courses are a gamechanger for the Irish construction industry. For too many years, the safe installation and removal of safety critical shoring systems has been a grey area for the industry, with accredited training on the use of these systems not readily available in Ireland. This situation creates significant risk on construction sites, as without appropriate training, full competency is not possible.

Benefits

“Now with Irish-based trainers and a newly built training area at KTC’s training centre in

Portlaoise, Groundforce can provide accredited training in this safety critical area. In the past, Groundforce UK have delivered training courses to a number of key Irish contractors and we are confident the industry will appreciate this new local offering and avail of it.” He added: “With the broader area of temporary works becoming an ever more critical aspect of projects, we urge all contractors who are engaged in excavation works to consider the benefits of this training.”

KTC managing director David Kearney said: “We at KTC Safety Ltd are pleased to go into

partnership with Groundforce Training and to introduce a new sector of training and assessment within Ireland.

“KTC Safety Ltd is the one of the largest independent Health and Safety training organisations in Ireland, with a dedicated training centre in Portlaoise, Co Laois. Our facility specialises in the operation of heavy plant in the construction industry and other sectors, therefore we put a high value on safe, appropriate training and certification ensuring that workers can be fully competent as they carry out their roles on site.

“We are pleased to be able to facilitate this excavation safety training at our training centre in Portlaoise, Co Laois. With the combined expertise of KTC Safety Ltd and Groundforce Training we are confident this new aspect of training will be beneficial to the construction industry.”

For more information on the new training facility, go to https://www.vpgroundforce. com/gb/training/courses/ or call 1800800668

DECADES OF EXCAVATION SUPPORT

Groundforce has continued to innovate excavation

for many years. Our team of experts

product

compact telehandler & loader

BOBCAT EXPANDS COMPACT TELEHANDLER & LOADER RANGES

Bobcat has expanded the company’s next generation R-Series range of products with the launch of the new Super Compact TL25.60 telehandler and the new S86 and T86 compact loaders.

As the smallest machine in the range, the new TL25.60 brings the number of rigid frame telehandlers from Bobcat for construction, rental and general handling to 11 models. The new S86 R-Series Skid-Steer Loader and T86 R-Series Compact Track Loader replace the previous 700 and 800 M-Series loaders and complete the current R-Series loader line-up.

Commenting on these new product introductions, Mike Vought, Vice President Product Management at Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said: “Because job sites are becoming ever tighter on space, telehandlers must also become more compact and agile. We have designed the new Bobcat TL25.60 to not only meet this demand but to be the best compact machine on the market. The S86 and T86 are also exceptional machines - the most powerful compact loaders we have ever built, providing even more versatility as both tool carriers and workhorses.”

The new TL25.60 telehandler has been designed for simplicity of use, excellent stability, optimum comfort and safe operation in any type of application.

The TL25.60 is powered by a 75 HP Bobcat Stage V engine. The machine has a rated operating capacity of 2500 kg, offers a maximum lift height of 5.91 m and a maximum reach of 3.31 m. The Bob-Tach carriage (manual or hydraulic) increases versatility by allowing the TL25.60 to utilise attachments designed for the Bobcat loader range.

Florian Hilbert, Telescopics Product Manager EMEA at Bobcat, said: “On top of this Super

Compact format, the cab in the TL25.60 is the same as Bobcat’s top-of-the-range R-Series 18 m model, so customers can be certain they have the most spacious cab in the compact telehandler market. A complementary version of the TL25.60 aimed at the agricultural market will be launched in 2023.”

COMPACT LOADERS

Delivering a higher engine and hydraulic output, the Bobcat S86 and T86 are the most powerful compact loaders the company has ever built. Both machines use a well-proven Stage V compliant 3.4 l Bobcat engine –producing 78 kW (105 HP) at 2600 RPM. Just like all R-Series loaders, the engine is mounted in-line with direct drive, which improves the cooling capacity of the engine and hydraulic components. This change increases reliability in high-intensity applications such as road construction and forestry work.

John Chattaway, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, commented: “The S86/T86 follow on from the very successful introduction of the smaller S66/T66 and S76/T76 loaders. The S86/T86 top-of-the-range models continue the same trend by setting new industry standards in every area, from in-cab comfort and safety to available power and attachment versatility. The S86/T86 take what is possible with compact loaders to a whole new level.”

The S86 and T86 offer a choice of three different auxiliary flow outputs. There is a standard flow configuration providing 87 l/ min for applications such as load and carry, or where low hydraulic flow attachments are used. Bobcat also offers two additional hydraulic performance functions using the new Electronic Displacement Control (EDC) Pump: a High Flow function giving 138 l/ min and a new, industry unique Super Flow function taking auxiliary flow to 159 l/min.

The Five Coupler Block (standard with the Super Flow option) provides a flexible approach to running different attachments.

From one common source, the operator can attach both standard or high flow approved attachments to the smaller sized ½ inch quick couplers. Then when using Super Flow, the use of the ¾ inch couplers allows maximum performance and productivity from the approved advanced attachments.

The new S86 and T86 workgroup design increases the ability to lift more, carry more and reach further. This is achieved by a new workgroup geometry that improves lifting capability throughout the lift arm’s range of motion. When combined with the high hydraulic performance and the lighter and stronger cast-steel lift arm sections, the loaders offer higher capacity throughout the lift cycle – even at full height.

Along with the S66/T66 and S76/T76 models launched over the last two years, the S86/T86 set new industry standards for in-cab comfort. This includes the low noise and vibration levels inside the one-piece sealed and pressurized cab, together with the intuitive SJC controls as standard, and the informative displays. The cab also has an HVAC system as standard and increased operator visibility, which can be further enhanced with the innovative Clear Side cab option. With the latter, 75% of the side windows are meshfree, ensuring an unobstructed view from the cab. Bobcat has also added a rearview camera as standard equipment to the list. In addition to the standard 5 inch in-cab display, Bobcat offers as an option, an advanced 7 inch display that provides even more detailed machine information and unprecedented device connectivity.

New Bobcat Heavy Duty Box Blade for Grading Applications

Bobcat has expanded the company’s market-leading line-up of attachments with the launch of a new Heavy Duty Box Blade, aimed at both 2D and 3D grading applications. The new attachment offers a Plug & Play integrated solution, that can be installed on Bobcat loaders within a minute.

Suitable for use with most of the models in the Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loader ranges, the new HD Box Blade attachment saves time and money while producing a more accurate and higher precision finish grade, even on tough jobsites. The fingertip controls and user-friendly display on the Bobcat loaders also guarantee ease of operation. The HD Box Blade covers all applications - it can be used for rough grading or enhanced with Bobcat’s compatible

laser guided control systems for precision grading. These high-tech systems help the operator maintain the same plane on the graded surface, leading to very high accuracy.

As a result, the new HD Box Blade can be used to level ground effortlessly in roadwork and construction, including creating bases for car parks or pavements. Engineered for maximum precision, no rework is needed while grading.

When it is set up for 3D applications, this new Bobcat solution is capable of grading complex designs on landscaping projects with either GPS or UTS guidance. This increases business opportunities and market share for contractors by increasing the range of projects they can bid and work on. Working in sync with a 3D grading system the HD Box Blade can work on golf courses, sports fields and

other medium-large landscaping projects.

Wheels behind the cutting blade allow the operator to push material more efficiently and quickly. The wheels also enable operation in tight spaces while also improving travel and stability. The increased precision offered by the compact design and rear positioned casters allows grading to take place in corners, around pillars or next to walls. Additionally, the side edges are adjustable to the desired cut depth, maintaining a precise grade. The dual-sided cutting blade allows the operator to push or pull material in either direction - operating in reverse covers tracks for a smooth finish. The blade can also be tilted by up to 20 cm to better manoeuvre the material loads and side angles. With the HD Box Blade attachment, contractors can

expand grading and levelling work as the system is perfect for sub-grading and other surface preparation jobs, saving costs for materials and labour. The adjustable articulation of the grade enables the operator to remain at peak efficiency. Even working on slopes has been made simple – filling in low spots is easier thanks to the wheels being mounted behind. Bobcat has ensured that there is a high-quality standard of durability with its HD Box Blade. The dual-sided and replaceable cutting edge provides a long product life with its hardened steel, as well as its removable option. Optimized for Bobcat machines, this attachment gives more control while providing less ground disturbance and giving the robustness that customers have come to expect.

Groundforce rises to riverside challenge

Groundforce has supplied its KD6 steel sheet piles and modular hydraulic Mega Brace frames to support a deep excavation for housebuilders Ballymore who are building a large mixed-tenure housing development at the village of Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare, on the banks of the River Liffey.

Called River Walk, the project comprises a variety of two, three and four-bed houses plus local amenities, laid out in landscaped grounds between the river and the existing village.

One essential part of the development’s infrastructure is the drainage system, comprising a storage tank and sump to collect foul water and pump it up into the main sewer. Comprising two precast concrete units, this system was installed in two deep back-to-back excavations measuring 13m in length and 8m wide.

“The ground conditions were very challenging,” says Colin Comerford, site foreman for Tower Civil Engineering, which has the contract for all the groundworks and drainage on the project.

“The excavation was only about 30m from the river, so the water table was very high. Plus, the ground is very loose

and sandy down to 3m and mostly just gravel below that,” he explains.

Structural support was therefore crucial in the installation of the two concrete tanks and Tower Civil Engineering turned to Groundforce for a solution. A steel sheet-piled cofferdam was essential to hold back the loose ground but the side-to-side bracing usually employed to withstand the high ground pressures was not an option because the excavation had to be completely clear to allow the two large precast tanks to be lifted in.

Groundforce therefore chose to install its hydraulic Mega Brace frame at three levels around the perimeter of the excavation to support the sheet piles.”The biggest challenge for us was the fact that the two excavations were at different formation levels - 5.81m and 4.75m - so we had to design the Mega Brace frames to suit both levels,” says Groundforce area manager Jason Hunter.

That required a staggered cofferdam using KD6 steel sheets in lengths of 5m and 7m. “The frames also had to be staggered to get the right levels and avoid clashing with the pipes that run through both tanks,” explains Jason.

The gravelly ground and high water table meant problems with flooding in the excavation, which once complete, required construction of an insitu concrete base.

To manage this, Tower Civil Engineering had two dewatering pumps - one 6” and one 4” - running constantly.

The excavation was completed early this summer and the two tanks installed by crane with no difficulty.

“We’re very, very happy with the solution provided by Groundforce,” says Colin. “It all went without a hitch but Jason was always available if we needed help or advice.”

LIEBHERR TRANSFORM: A TAILOR-MADE SOLUTION

The new Liebherr Transform provides tailored solutions that respond to the continuously growing demands on today’s businesses. A range of ingenious upgrades, clever retrofits, machine overhauls and service modifications breathe new life into customers’ existing machines.

Using the latest technology and years of experience, Liebherr brings a combination of sustainability, smart technologies, maximum productivity and cost-effectiveness in one complete solution. This allows existing equipment to reach its full potential.

New service solution includes overhauls, upgrades, retrofits and much more It is inevitable that equipment becomes outdated over time but that does not mean it has to be replaced. As the name suggests, existing machines are transformed using affordable complete or partial machine overhauls, retrofits and upgrades.

This not only saves the increased capital expenditure of investing in new machines, but also reduces the carbon footprint by avoiding the need for new equipment through the extension of the service life. A number of retrofits and upgrades are available which increase versatility and performance, or ensure compliance with more stringent regulations, and so open up a wider spectrum of opportunities. At the same time, operators do not have to get

used to new machines and can continue to benefit from their vast experience with existing equipment. The Liebherr team of expert engineers takes care of the entire planning and implementation of Transform projects – from consultation, through to installation and technical support and service. Companies are under pressure to increase volume and performance, widen scopes, or

reduce emissions and costs, the list is endless. Liebherr Transform helps to lighten the load through a comprehensive range of structural, electrical, mechanical, ergonomic or digital modifications. Through the application of new technologies and expertise, Liebherr machines are transformed for the workplace of the future. They are stronger, faster, smarter, greener, and ultimately...better.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

AWARD CATEGORIES 2022

PLANT HIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR

This Award will be presented to the organisation which offers an extensive portfolio of high quality products, flexible hire options, and respected customer service policies. Entrants should outline how their company provides a level of plant hire expertise that puts them ahead of the competition, eg: product knowledge, distribution network, prompt delivery and collection, equipment options, cost effective hiring and any unique services available. Customer testimonies may also be submitted.

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

This category is open to all companies in the construction, quarrying, waste management and plant & machinery sectors, including dealers, equipment suppliers, service & maintenance agents as well as other associated businesses. Entrants need to demonstrate a high lev el of customer care and support. Customer testimonies will be accepted.

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE AWARD

From Innovative resource management and environmental impact mitigation to biodiversity projects, ethical or charitable initiatives and more, this award recognises those effecting real change from across the environmental and sustainabilty spectrum.

HIGH ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This category is for the individual or company that has achieved outstanding success such as in sales, contract wins, company expansion/development or other areas of business over the past 12 months.

Open to any individual or company currently active in the construction, civil engineering, quarrying, waste management and plant & machinery industries. The entrant must highlight the area in which they operate, level and type of achievement as well as outline any relevant factors or reasons that contribute to that success.

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF THE YEAR

This Award will be presented to the company or organisation who has demonstrated over the past year involvement with major or specialist projects throughout the island of Ireland, Great Britain or worldwide which illustrate high levels of skill within project management, innovation, specialist projects. Customer testimonies may also be submitted.

QUARRY OF THE YEAR

This category is open to individual working quarries, whether hardrock, sand or gravel, where the operator demonstrates safe working practices, the highest levels of pollution control, sustainability, biodiversity, and operational efficiency, while offering a strong portfolio of products and services. Customer testimonies can be submitted.

WASTES MANAGEMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

The Award will recognize individual excellence within the resources and Wastes Management industry, through best practice and innovation across a range of commercial and public sectors.

HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD

This award will be presented to the company that can demonstrate safety management systems leading to zero accidents in the plant, quarry, construction and waste management industries. Criteria to include: health & safety policy relative to the size of the company. Well developed training needs analysis and training provision. Risk assessment procedures. Demonstration of capital investment on the ground for safety.

SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

This category is open to contractors involved in any sector of the industry, including Civil Engineering, Highways, Quarrying, Utilities, Construction and Groundworks. The award will be presented to the contractor who has successfully demonstrated or employed specialist, individual, unique, and/or innovative skills on any project or scheme within the last 12 months.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

This award, for which nominations are now open, will be presented to the individual who has been outstanding in his or her service to the industry, whose personal achievements, accomplishments or initiatives in the construction, quarrying or plant & machinery sectors deserve recognition.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE YEAR

This award is for the company, team or individual who has demonstrated exceptional skills, expertise, design and innovation on a construction project, be it a building, a road, a utility facility or any other similar undertaking throughout the island of Ireland, Great Britain or worldwide.

QUARRY MANAGER OF THE YEAR

This Award will be presented to the individual working within the quarry sector in a dedicated quarry management team.

He or she must demonstrate attention to safe working practice; clear management skills; pollution control, sustainability, biodiversity; examples of working under unique conditions; health and safety practices; and submit details of what makes this individual outstanding in his or her field. Customer testimonies may also be submitted.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY AWARD

This award is for individual /organisations that can demonstrate excellence in enabling a high quality, high value end market product from recycled/recovered materials.

R&D INNOVATION AWARD

This category is open to all transformational and progressive companies with the best examples of how they are harnessing research, development and innovation to further enhance their business operations and impact the industry or environments in which they serve.

Entrants must be able to demonstrate how innovation, scientific advancement or technological development would apply to the following:

1. The introduction of new processes, products or services

2. An appreciable improvement to existing processes, products or services

3. The duplication of existing processes, products or services in a new way

Compelling examples of innovation, advancement or development can range from the optimisation of software design, construction techniques, development of new machinery to the implementation of more effective environmental solutions etc.

DEMOLITION PROJECT OF THE YEAR

This category is for high profile demolition projects that imposed major challenges to successful completion or which required an innovative demolition approach. Entries should demonstrate these challenges and how they were successfully overcome, on time, within budget and with an exemplary safety record. Submissions should include demolition methodology statements, site waste management plans and any other relevant project documentation. Client testimonials concerning the work carried out may also be supplied if possible. Open to all demolition contractors.

CIVIL ENGINEERING COMPANY OF THE YEAR

This Award will be presented to the organisation who can report on successful involvement within a wide variety of civil engineering projects including planning, construction and maintenance of fixed structures or public works throughout the island of Ireland, Great Britain, or worldwide.

The information provided should demonstrate high levels of skill within project management, procurement, innovation and specialist projects. Customer testimonies may also be submitted.

WASTE MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR

People are at the heart of delivering the products, processes and services needed to deliver high performance in waste and resource management.

This award recognises any team that has shown a collective commitment to go above and beyond what is expected in order to deliver top results from a waste and recyclying perspective.

HOW TO ENTER:

Entries should not exceed word count of 1000 words. A minimum of two high res images that best depict your entry to be supplied.

Supporting material can be supplied over and above.

Entries must be made by emailing a Word/ PDF document stating the award category to: helen@4squaremedia.net

Separate award entries to be emailed for each category entered.

Large files can be sent via WeTransfer - email to be sent to helen@4squaremedia.net to advise thereof.

Award Entry enquiries can be made to Helen Beggs - helen@4squaremedia.net

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER, 12 Main Street,

Co. Down BT26 6AE

EXHIBITORS & VISITORS GEARING UP FOR BAUMA 2022

The world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, bauma, is set to be a resounding success, making its welcome return after the Covid 19 pandemic.

Bauma, of course, is more than the world’s leading trade fair: it is the heartbeat of the industry. It sets the pace, energises the market, and drives business, with one paramount goal: to always already focus on the next challenge - because it’s not just about the status quo, but about the future; because it’s not just about individual perspectives, but about the big

picture: the construction, building material and mining machine industry in its full dimension.

It is the largest international meeting place. Its global network and digital touchpoints do not only reach the trade visitors at the exhibition itself, but the entire industry around the globe, a reach that is of benefit to both exhibitors and visitors.

The mining industry, an area where bauma is the leader in Europe, will be well represented once again. Exhibitors will include such industry heavyweights as BHS Sonthofen, Herrenknecht, Komatsu,

Liebherr, Schulte Strathaus and Zeppelin Baumaschinen. Other companies attending the fair will be the Matrix Design Group from the United States, Resemin from Peru, Tesab Engineering and Bruce Engineering from Northern Ireland and Weber Mining & Tunneling from France – a truly international line-up. The mining sector is hardly the only industry that is strongly attracted to bauma. For years now, the trade fair has been viewed as the world’s unmistakable innovation hub thanks to the tremendous

number of innovations that exhibitors present there.

This special position will be underscored this year by the innovation hall LAB0, an area that will include such special areas as the bauma Forum, virtual reality, MIC 4.0, startups and a science hub. Think Big, a programme that promotes talented young people, will also be included as a key issue for the industry.

Over the next number of pages, Plant & Civil Engineer brings you a flavour of what expect over the course of the exhibition…

With a class-leading portfolio of compact equipment designed from the ground up to deliver exceptional results, Yanmar’s latest range is perfectly suited to the rigorous demands of the waste and recycling sector.

Used on sites all over the world, operators benefit from innovative design, state-of-theart technologies and heavy-duty components – guaranteeing impressive durability, unmatched flexibility and total reliability.

An extensive range of factory-fit attachments ensures complete flexibility for the task in hand, with interchangeable high capacity buckets, versatile fork carriers and monoblock breakers all seamlessly controlled from inside the cab.

With two Yanmar units already operational on site, UK-based recycling specialist Alutrade recently invested in a SV60 midi excavator. Fitted with an extended dozer blade and

aftermarket grab attachment, the model was specified to feed the site’s state-of-the-art baling press – collecting and moving loose aluminium cans to the infeed hopper.

High material throughputs and intensive shift patterns meant that only the most robust solution would do. With an X-shaped

undercarriage and unique weight distribution, the SV60 delivers unrivalled lifting capacities and unmatched stability. Designed to minimise fuel consumption and reduce operational emissions, an impressive output of 33.4kW at 2,200rpm ensures the highest levels of power, flexibility, productivity and precision. Adopting Yanmar’s VIPPS hydraulic system, the SV60 delivers the perfect combination of speed, power, smooth operation and balance. Eco-mode and auto-deceleration technology reduce engine emissions, while the ECU manages rpm according to torque and load – further reducing fuel consumption. Alutrade is just one of countless waste and recycling sites using Yanmar equipment to improve efficiencies and maximise productivity. Operations Director Mike George commented: “It’s the reliability – and ability to perform in tough conditions – that keeps us coming back to Yanmar time and time again.”

CDE TO SHOWCASE SOME OF EUROPE’S MOST INNOVATIVE WASTE RECYCLING OPERATIONS

CDE will highlight the role of its technology in supporting the circular economy and zero waste agenda at this year’s bauma.

As the construction sector continues to cope with the availability and cost of raw materials, CDE will demonstrate the potential of construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste to address the challenges facing the sector.

It will be joined on stand by a number of its European customers for a series of round table discussions on the future of recycling, and, as part of the bauma exhibitor forum, will deliver a lecture on the topic of “Creating valuable in-spec products from CD&E waste”.

CDE’s Head of Business Development for North West Europe, Eunan Kelly, observes: “In the current economic and social climate, with materials costs rising, resources depleting, and regulations calling for the adoption of sustainable solutions, we should look to the technology of today to produce the sustainable construction materials of tomorrow; how CDE’s waste recycling solutions in their trademark blue can support the industry to transform CD&E waste into certified, in-spec sand and aggregates.”

Earlier this year, a package of European Green Deal proposals were presented with a view to make sustainable products the norm within the EU internal market. The revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR) emphasises the value of construction to the EU, as a key employer and economic contributor. It does, however, also highlight the adverse impacts the sector has on the environment, as one generating some 30% of the EU’s annual waste and contributing significantly to its domestic carbon footprint and emissions.

The construction industry is a major economic driver; in the EU alone, 25 million people are employed across 5 million companies, according to data

from the revised CPR. So, when the Covid-19 crisis gripped economies and construction output fell to some of its lowest ever levels, it was no surprise that robust recovery plans with clear focus on investments in infrastructure were announced by nations around the world to rebound and stimulate economic growth. However, the cost of raw materials and their availability remained a deepening challenge for the sector. Materials shortages and their rising costs are not entirely symptoms of the pandemic, but they have been exacerbated by it and have become more acute, CDE’s Business Development

Manager for the DACH region, Christoph Baier, explains. “Every day we continue to extract our fast-depleting natural resources to support rapid urbanisation and our modern, technological lifestyles. Essential to this is sand, the second most consumed natural resource after water and the most consumed solid material on earth.”

In April, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) published 10 recommendations to avert the impending sand crisis. It referenced how the use of sand, gravel, crushed stone and aggregates has tripled in the last two decades, reaching an estimated 40-50 billion metric tons per year (UNEP 2019).

“This, in the context of projected increases in global populations and urban living,” Christoph continues, “demonstrates how demand will only rise, while resources will only deplete, unless we adopt long-term attitudinal, regulatory and technological change to ensure not only the sustainability of companies within the construction sector – and with it the livelihoods of those employed within it – but also the sustainability of the very planet. It’s clear the consequences of a linear take, make and waste economy are catching up to us.”

CIRCULAR APPROACH

While Covid-19 economic recovery packages may help to stimulate growth, they must be conditional on building back greener, more sustainably, Christoph adds. “We can set out ambitious plans to build and grow, but we must ask ourselves how sustainable this is without a new approach to how we extract and manage the lifecycle of finite natural resources.”

A circular approach is the only answer, says Eunan Kelly “It can be the means to equip us with the resources needed to supply a sector charged with a key role in the economic recovery while addressing our collective environmental footprint by reducing waste-tolandfill volumes and extending the lifespan of precious natural materials. All the while continuing to supply a resource-intense sector with the materials it requires; materials often trucked out of our urban centres where they are needed most.”

On CDE’s stand, using a combination of 3D animations, 360-degree virtual tours, 3D-printed models and augmented reality, the company will introduce a new way of immersing visitors in its process engineering expertise and some of its most innovative projects and products, including the leading AggMax and EvoWash technologies.

BRUCE ENGINEERING PROMOTES ITS RECYCLING WATERBATH

An established County Tyrone based manufacturer of intelligent washing solutions, with more than 60 years of experience, Bruce Engineering will have a strong showing at bauma 2022.

The company which designs, manufactures, and installs quality sand and aggregate washing equipment globally, will be showcasing the Bruce BWB-SR Recycling Waterbath, a simple, yet effective solution to remove lightweight contaminants from waste products such as construction and demolition waste.

This unit is an operator friendly, mobile and cost-effective package, ideal for a range of otherf applications as well including trommel fines clean-up.

Bruce Engineering was founded in 1958 by James Bruce. Initially, he was involved in the extraction and dredging of sand from Lough Neagh. After selling his share in this business he started an engineering business in Cookstown, Co Tyrone known today as Bruce Engineering Services. The company is now in its 3rd generation and is still owned and managed by the Bruce Family.

For 60 years the business has been involved in the manufacture and installation of static aggregate processing plants throughout Ireland and the UK. It is the only manufacturer in Ireland of Electromagnetic Feeders. These have been installed in various plants throughout Ireland and have also been

sold to other OEMs for inclusion in their processing plants exported worldwide.

In 1991 Bruce were appointed the HARDOX agency for Ireland and it continues to market, sell and process HARDOX for use in its own product lines and it supplies finished genuine wearparts throughout Ireland.

Since the launch of BRUCE Washing it has successful installations in many parts of the world including UK, Russia, Germany, France, Romania, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia, Israel and Singapore, not to mention its own home market of Ireland.

Its presence at bauma will be in partnership with its European Dealer, Metcam ag, and its water treatment partner, Tecnoidea Impianti.

MASTENBROEK TO SHOWCASE ITS LARGEST EVER MACHINE

Mastenbroek, the UK designer and manufacturer of self-propelled trenchers, will reveal details of its largest ever machine. Measuring 33 metres in length and weighing over 100 tonnes, Mastenbroek’s new 1600hp 160/18 trencher is twice the size and weight of the company’s previous largest machine (the 70/80). Designed to suit the needs of a wide range of projects, from constructing cut-off walls controlling ground water movement and pollution containment, to improving compressible soils beneath loaded areas such as storage areas or road and railway embankments, the 160/18 is capable of soil mixing to a depth of 18m and dewatering to nine metres. In order to operate effectively at such depths, Mastenbroek has overcome several engineering challenges. Deep trenching requires a consistent and powerful cutting technique, which can only be delivered by extremely large machines. Developing a machine the size and weight of the 160/18 led Mastenbroek to create a modular design. The 160/18 is, in fact, three units coupled together and can be built or separated on-site using fork lifts alone. As no one unit is wider than 3.6 metres or heavier than 45 tonnes, the 160/18 can be transported without special permits.

The 160/18 is the first Mastenbroek trencher to be powered by dual engines – two16 litre, EU stage five compliant, Volvo Penta TWD1683VE. The dual engine design delivers the required power and allows routine maintenance and servicing without needing specialist parts. However, Mastenbroek had to develop a new control system software to run them in unison.

A further design innovation is found in the 160/18’s new duplex cutting chain, which offers maximum digging force with minimal turning resistance and both high and low-speed ranges, allowing cement or bentonite to be delivered effectively. Measuring 18 meters in length, the 160/18’s digging boom is twice the length of the boom on Mastenbroek’s 70/80.

“The 160/18 is a monster of a machine and dwarfs our previous largest machine, the 70/80,” says Mastenbroek’s commercial

director Christopher Pett. “This new machine is radically different to anything we have made before, and it needs to be to soil mix at depths of 18 metres and dewater nine meters down. As the 160/18 will be used in Europe, Australia and North America, it must be easily transportable. The modular design allows us to export the machine and enables the user to move it from project to project in the same way they would transport a trencher half the size.

“Our engineers have overcome considerable challenges in designing the 160/18, from the modular build, a new duplex cutting chain, the use of two engines through to the electrohydraulic system and controls. We believe the 160/18 is unlike anything else on the market and will make a big difference to contractors undertaking environmental projects around the world.

“The 160/18 is unlike anything Mastenbroek has designed before, and we expect a lot of interest from people visiting Bauma.”

The company will also be promoting its new CT12 Crawler Truck and its wider range of trenchers, which are deployed around the world to assist with agricultural drainage, dewatering, soil mixing and the laying of utility pipes and cables in a wide range of sectors, including renewables.

POWERSCREEN GEARING UP FOR BAUMA WITH GERMAN DISTRIBUTORS

Alongside its German distributors Kölsch and Christophel, Powerscreen will be based in the outdoor area of the exhibition.

The machine line-up will include the high-performance Powerscreen Premiertrak 330 Jaw Crusher and the gamechanging Chieftain 1700X 3 Deck Incline Screen.

The Premiertrak 330 boasts a two-piece grizzly feeder which allows better material flow towards the chamber. User benefits include track mobility for a quick set-up time, and variable crusher speed that allows the operator to fine tune the machine and maximize output.

The Powerscreen Chieftain 1700X is a mid-sized tracked

mobile screen aimed at end users requiring high volumes of finished products in applications including topsoil, coal, crushed stone, recycling, iron ore, sand and gravel. User benefits include a quick set-up time, drop down tail conveyor and the patented 4 bearing screenbox with the ability to switch to a 2 bearing setup in less than 3 hours, making the Chieftain 1700X one of the most versatile units of its size on the market.

Joe Cassidy, Powerscreen International Sales Director, said “We are delighted to be participating in this year’s bauma with our strategic partners Kölsch and Christophel. Both companies have been representing the Powerscreen brand for many

years and offer an extremely professional service to end users of our equipment across the country. We are strongly committed to the German market and look forward to continued success and growth in the region”

Jürgen Kölsch GmbH is a family run business with over 20 years industry experience. Whether it’s a new machine, a rental or used equipment – they offer tailormade solutions to meet the exact needs of their customers. The company prides itself on aftermarket support and has an extensive service & parts offering which spans across Southern Germany.

Sean McCusker, Manging Director at Kölsch said: “We are pleased to welcome our customers back to Bauma and

look forward to showcasing the latest equipment from the various OEMs that we represent.”

For almost four decades, C. Christophel GmbH is another family-owned business that customers in Germany can rely on. As one of the largest dealers in the industry, the company from Lübeck offers reliable mobile equipment solutions for mining and recycling applications. They count on innovative solutions to achieve optimum results - whether it be at the quarry face or in the sand & gravel pit. At the same time, considering shortage and protection of raw materials, recycling of minerals and organics is of great importance to their business. In both industries, the Hanseatic dealer has established great passion for efficient processing.

Rüdiger Christophel, Christophel CEO, said: “We rely on comprehensive and honest advice to enable our customers leading their projects to success. Our experience has shown: honesty and quality is key to best results.”

UNVEILING FIRST EVER ELECTRIC MINI EXCAVATOR

Yanmar is unveiling its first ever electric mini excavator, the SV 17e,electric wheel loader V8e and an electric variant of the CO8 tracked carrier.

This is just the start of a longterm energy transformation programme that will see Yanmar play its part in addressing climate change and adds Damiano Violi, MD of Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA: “Even though our new electric machines are best-in-class, we appreciate that they are a hard sell to customers. While the industry is coming round to electric, it is doing so only very slowly – and that is the case across the whole industry.

“As this summer’s exceptional heat waves showed, the climate is warming and there is no time to lose in making the change to zero emission equipment. But significant challenges in the adoption, use and charging

of electric machines remain, and unless there is widespread government intervention, we foresee ICE powered compact equipment will remain dominant for the foreseeable future. We expect the issue of the slow adoption of electric machines to spark much discussion in Munich.

“After two years of enforced isolation, bauma offers a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with customers, colleagues and competitors. We all come back to the show much changed to how we left last time. At Yanmar CE alone our new Premium Red branding, electric and ICE machines, finance packages and

attachment ranges are just the most visible manifestations of a fundamental transformation of the company, all focused on delivering a class-leading customer experience.

We have plenty to talk about in Munich this October – not least that we are prepared for Today and Tomorrow.”

DOOSAN TO LAUNCH NEW 4X4 DA45-7 ADT

One of several world premieres from Doosan is the launch of the company’s new 4x4 articulated dump truck. Complementing the company’s standard, market-leading range of 6x6 ADT models, the new 4x4 version of the DA45-7 ADT is intended to compete with rigid dump trucks in the 40-tonne class.

The new 4x4 DA45-7 ADT complements the current market-leading range of Stage V compliant 6x6 ADTs from Doosan, which includes the DA30-7 and DA45-7 models with payloads of 28 and 41 tonne, respectively.

In the new 4x4 ADT, the front truck and cab unit is the same as in the original 6x6 model, with modifications being made on the rear dumper unit only. Featuring a ZF EP8-420 transmission, the 4x4 DA45-7 is a two-axle ADT with twin wheels at the

rear, and with a dumper section similar to that on RDTs in the 40-tonne class.

“With superior operation on poorer roads, smoother surfaces and steeper terrain, the aim of our new 4x4 machine is to challenge RDTs in the 40-tonne class, by providing a dumper product that delivers much more than RDTs,” says Beka Nemstsveridze, ADT Product Manager at Doosan.

As well as performing better in conditions that are tough for RDTs, the new 4x4 DA457 ADT has a width of less than 4 m to avoid the need for special transportation and offers a better turning radius than a comparable RDT. The shorter turning radius and the design of the rear dumper unit, which is more suited to carrying flat and heavy rocks, provide particular advantages in the mining and tunnelling industries.

The latter are growing markets for ADTs, and include pioneering, short-term mining projects, quarrying and contract mining industries, especially those in southern Africa, the UK and Australia. Construction and bulk earthmoving contractors involved in roads, dams, airports, landfills and development projects are also large users of ADTs. Together these areas make the ADT market a wide and varied one, thereby ensuring a large customer base.

“The development of our 4x4 ADT was inspired by customer demand and the new 4x4 ADT can meet the needs of markets around the world by offering a compelling advantage to customers with specific requirements. For example, a machine like this might be able to extend the season for a mine that normally has to be stopped for a certain period due to the rainy season,” says Beka Nemstsveridze.

The new Doosan Stage V 4x4 ADT also provides excellent load carrying performance, fuel efficiency, enhanced controllability and high operator comfort, together with improved reliability, durability and reduced maintenance and servicing costs.

BETTER RELIABILITY WITH NEW ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FROM ROTOTILT

Rototilt is launching a new electrical connector, the Q14, to ensure better reliability for anyone using the fully automatic Rototilt QuickChange quick coupler system. A precondition for excavator operators being able to exploit all the benefits of the system is that the technology has a stable electrical contact with the control and excavation systems.

“As excavators become more advanced, we also need electrical connectors that can handle the increased data load without disruptions to operations,” explains Pär Olofsson, Group Manager within Product Development. The new electrical connector has a watertight, protected design, with more poles and larger contact surfaces. Each connection pole can also handle a greater load than the previous model.

“The service life of the new electrical connector is being significantly increased, and the risk of disruptions to operations during the working day is minimised thanks to larger contact surfaces and protective rubber bellows that prevent dirt and water from penetrating. The design also means that the poles are cleaned of dirt and any corrosion during the connection sequence,” says Olofsson.

According to Rototilt, the electrical connector will

entail future-proofing with full backward compatibility. In the design process, they have taken into account the fact that there are going to be more systems and that they will become more technologically advanced. The systems that currently employ a fully hydraulic machine coupler or tiltrotator from Rototilt will have the potential to upgrade to the new electrical connector after its launch.

As one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, SANY has continued to demonstrate strength in recent years despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic. Due to its continual growth, SANY is increasingly investing in Europe with further product lines that are already successful for SANY across the globe. These include telescopic handlers, wheel loaders, cranes, piling rigs and road construction machinery.

At its newly designed exhibition stand, SANY will present the entire machine portfolio currently available in Europe with some of the machines set to become available for the first time in 2023. With this range, SANY is gradually meeting the needs and also the demands of its customers, however, the focus

will be on the comprehensive excavator and wheel loader programme, including a number of new products presented in Europe for the first time.

These include, the SANY SY19E mini excavator with canopy body. It adds a real highlight to the range of SANY excavators. With its battery power for an entire working day, the 2-tonne machine can be used whereverzero emissions and reduced noise levels are required.

Also on display at bauma: the next generation of SANY wheel loaders. The SW305 and SW405 models with their bucket volume of 2.3 / 3 m³ and an operating weight of 14.5 / 18 tonne. SANY will also launch its new telehandler range starting with the STH1440 and STH1840. These new machines have once again substantially raised the benchmark for safety, ease of use, performance, and comfort

with the cab and industrial design coming from Germany.

Completely new to the product range are the road construction machines, which are already operating very successfully worldwide. With models specially adapted to the European market, SANY also wants to conquer this sector. In a first step, single drum rollers and tandem rollers are being tested with powerful graders to follow but road construction companies can still get a first impression of the machines at bauma.

Visitors who want to have a closer look at the quality of a SANY truck-mounted crane or a drilling rig will also find what they are looking for. The electrically driven telescopic crawler crane of the parent company SANY Global will also be on display.

What all machines have in common: maximum reliability, which is due, among other things, to the proven brand-name components and the precisely processed steel construction.

These are machines with an exemplary price-performance ratio, which is topped off by SANY’s 5-year warranty.

GREAT TURN OUT FOR KUBOTA UK CONSTRUCTION DEMO DAY

Kubota UK’s recent construction demo day in the grounds of the Heart of England Conference Centre in Coventry, Warwickshire, attracted plenty of interest, with invited dealers, customers and the Press able to get up close to the manufacturer’s entire mini excavator range

The event formed part of celebrations to mark the manufacturer’s 25 years as the UK & Republic of Ireland’s number one supplier of mini-excavators to the construction industry. It also allowed those in attendance to meet Kubota’s management team and technical experts first hand to talk through the very latest advances in mini excavator technology, and provided an opportunity to interact with the recently appointed Construction

Division Manager for the UK and Ireland, Rob White.

A lively Q&A session saw a range of topics discussed, including the future plans for the UK and Ireland’s best selling mini-excavator

manufacturer and we were also given an insight into potential forthcoming industry trends and technological advancements.

Many who attended the event also took the opportunity to put a variety of mini excavators through

their paces and were also able to learn firsthand from technical experts on how to get the very best from the equipment.

Among those machines was the new KX019-4 SI HGL, Kubota’s first LPG powered mini-excavator, and the KC70H-4e electric track dumper. Utilising the very latest in next-generation low and zero emissions technology, this ‘Smart Energy Solutions’ range has the same proven performance and capabilities of Kubota’s most compact and versatile machines.

Powered by LPG, The KX019-4 SI HGL’s Spark Ignition engine enables dramatically reduced emissions and toxicity in the familiar form factor, while offering the same levels of performance and productivity as the standard KX019-4. Compared to diesel engines, the new excavator emits almost zero particulate matter and reduces nitrous oxide and

hydrocarbon emissions to just 5% of an equivalent diesel engine.

On site, LPG offers a number of advantages over traditional fuels. Refueling is simpler, faster, and unlike diesel fuel, the canisters cannot contaminate the work site through spillages. Kubota’s Spark Ignition engine no longer requires a diesel particulate filter, reducing the need for maintenance, and operates at lower noise levels, while providing the same levels of power as before. The KX0194 LPG’s all-day uptime, quieter operation and 2.5m dig depth ensure the new machine is among Kubota’s most versatile mini-excavators, capable of operating anywhere and at any time of day or night

The KC70H-4e offers the same performance and productivity improvements introduced with the KC70 in a fully electric, zeroemission solution. Its fast charge time and all day continuous run time work hand-in-hand to maximise time on site, while its 700kg load capacity, compact design and low noise engine make the machine perfect for use in any environment at any time of day, including in low emissions areas.

NEW 5-TONNE RANGE

Also there were the three new models in Kubota’s 5-tonne mini-excavator range. Powered by a high power, low emission, Stage V compliant Kubota built engine, the KX060-5, U56-5 and U50-5 all offer impressive digging

force and arm reach, ensuring even the toughest jobs can be completed quickly and efficiently.

Innovative high performance features include a load sensing hydraulic system for smoother operation regardless of load size, float function for easy ground finishing, as well as an autoshift system that offers intuitive control when dozing and turning.

The three models all feature newly designed interiors and exteriors, including a larger and quieter cabin, enhanced insulation, improved visibility, as well as a redesigned exterior to give the machines a modern aesthetic.

Standard features on all three machines include a full-colour,

high resolution seven-inch LCD digital display for better operator control and information, bright LED work lights, H-shaped track for greater stability, as well as a high visibility seat belt and alarm. This product demonstration day certainly was a perfect way to mark the famous eyecatching orange livery brand’s 25th anniversary in the UK. The event was one of a series being held during a 12-month activity campaign throughout 2022 to celebrate the milestone.

COUNTY CLARE CRUSHING CONTRACTOR OPTS FOR MORE METSO CR USHERS AND KOMATSU EXCAVATORS

County Clare based Atlantic Plant Hire not only operates nationwide providing a full range of plant hire, but it also has a busy contract crushing service which is currently carrying out a variety of projects for clients across the country. It recently completed a significant deal with McHale Plant Sales to add a Metso Outotec Lokotrak LT300HP mobile cone crusher and four Komatsu excavators of various sizes to bolster its fleet of around 20 mobile crushers and

screeners, as well as excavators, dump trucks and rock breakers.

Atlantic Plant Hire has been operating since 2005 and work in a lot of quarries around the country, in addition to road construction projects and wind farm contracts.

“We invested in two other Metso Outotec crushers, two LT120s, last year and they have been performing exceptionally well, so we had no hesitation in adding the new Lokotrack to our fleet,” says Atlantic Plant Hire’s managing director Gearoid O’Callaghan. “We also

acquired a Metso LT106 jaw crusher in 2019 and that’s been serving us very well, too. In my opinion the Metso brand is the best in the market.”

Among the contracts the crushers have been working on is the €280m Macroom bypass in County Cork, a 22kms stretch of dual carriageway which is scheduled to open to traffic next year.

“We’ve been dealing with McHale plant sales with depots in Tipperary and Dublin for the last 15 to 20 years. The service and support they

provide has always been excellent so we are very happy to be a repeat customer.”

The robust Metso Outotec LokotrackLT300HP, which is already earning its keep on a road project, is an efficient, versatile and flexible secondary and tertiary track mounted mobile crusher which is easily transported on a low loader from site to site.

Powered by a CAT 403 kW (540 hp) engine, it features the most popular Nordberg HP300 cone crushing unit, which provides optimised performance,

efficiency and high capacity in crushing. The crusher is suitable for crushing hard and soft rocks such as granite, limestone as well as river gravel.

The proven crusher cavity can be selected according to specific application requirements to achieve high capacity, top-end product quality and low wear part costs. The optimised power transmission system, on the other hand, makes the Lokotrack LT300HP extremely cost-effective. Metso Outotec IC process control system enables single-

button start and stop and features in-built troubleshooting as well as various parameter selections. All Lokotrack mobile crushers in the same crushing process can be linked with Metso Outotec IC. Furthermore, the whole process can be monitored and controlled conveniently from the excavator cab with Metso Outotec ICr remote control software.

The Lokotrack LT300HP, which comes in at around 43 tonnes, can be optimised for different needs and applications with a variety of optional feeding and

screening equipment.

An optional integrated screen module is available for producing calibrated end products.

In addition, Lokotrack LT300HP can also be used as part of a multistage plant with different mobile screens.

JAW CRUSHERS

Meanwhile, the two LT120 mobile jaw crushers acquired by Atlantic Plant Sales last year both weigh in at 63 tonnes, feature a Nordberg C120 crushing unit and are powered

by a CAT 315hp engine. These full spec models are fitted with Metrics remote monitoring, ICr remote control, a long main conveyor, magnetic separator, automatic lubrication unit, radio remote control, water

ATLANTIC PLANT HIRE HAS BEEN OPERATING SINCE 2005 AND WORK IN A LOT OF QUARRIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, IN ADDITION TO ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND WIND FARM CONTRACTS.

profile

spraying system, belt protection plate and a rubber lining for the feeder and hopper.

The feed hopper sides equipped with a patented securing system allow the unit to be ready for crushing only moments after arriving onsite. The side conveyor with its excellent stockpile capacity is easy to install on either side of the unit.

KOMATSU EXCAVATORS

As we mentioned, this latest and substantial deal with McHale Plant Sales also included four Komatsu excavators.

“Our operators are big fans of the Komatsu brand,” says Gearoid. “They pack plenty of power, have comfortable cabs which provide an excellent working environment, and are driver friendly; what’s not to like about them.”

The delivery from McHale’s included a 46 tonne Komatsu PC490/LC-11 and two 35 tonne Komatsu PC360LC/ NLC-11 machines, all featuring Komatsu EU Stage V engines which provide a significant reduction in fuel consumption, between 5% and 11% depending on model and engine size, according to the manufacturer.

All feature Komatsu’s auto idle shutdown which automatically turns off the engine after it idles for a set period of time. This feature can easily be programmed from 5 to 60 minutes, to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and exhaust

emissions, and to lower operating costs. An Eco-gauge and the Eco guidance tips on the cab monitor further encourage efficient operations. Thanks to the combination of the silent engine and the cab’s superb sound isolation, these Komatsu excavators are as quiet to operate as the average family car. A large TFT monitor presents a clearer, easierto-use operator interface. Komatsu excavators are also renowned for having what is regarded as the safest cab in the world. A tubular design developed specifically for hydraulic excavators protects the operator in even the most

extreme rollover accident; driver safety is Komatsu’s first priority – and all feature joysticks with proportional control button for attachments, armrest with simple height adjustment, plenty of storage room, a hot and cool box, a magazine box and a cup holder.

MINI EXCAVATOR

The fourth Komatsu in the order was a PC30MR-5, a mini hydraulic excavator with a tight tail swing radius and swing booms that hug the machine to help with work in tight spaces. The PC30MR-5, which has been fitted with a rock breaker, uses up to five percent less fuel than its MR-3 predecessors, with no loss of performance or productivity.

The short-tail PC30MR-5 delivers optimal power and digging speed, even in confined spaces where traditional machines can’t work such as road works and demolition sites. Sturdy and very stable, it guarantees maximum safety and offers complete operator confidence in any working conditions.

A high-definition 3.5” LCD monitor provides excellent visibility. The high-definition LCD panel is less affected by the viewing angle and surrounding brightness, while various alerts and machine information are displayed in a simple format. Useful information such as operation records, machine setting and maintenance data are also provided. The operator can easily switch screens.

“We are well pleased with the Komatsu machines. We are familiar with the brand which has always proven reliable for us,” says Gearoid, “and these four excavators are a great addition to our fleet.”

He adds: “We carry out a lot of our own routine maintenance on all of our equipment, but for the more complex issue we rely on McHale’s who are always quick to respond, which helps keep the potential for downtime to an absolute minimum.”

Tim Shanahan Managing Director McHale Plant Sales with Gearoid O Callaghan, Managing Director Atlantic plant Hire

RIVERRIDGE CHARITY GOLF DAY WELL SUPPORTED

Waste management company, RiverRidge held its annual Charity Golf Day recently at Shandon Park Golf Club, raising over £6,000 for its charity of the year, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

There was a great turnout on the day with 16 teams taking part on what is a gem of a parkland golf course, situated in the leafy suburbs of East Belfast.

The course combines a tough championship layout with some beautifully sculptured holes, great views of the city, and a clever layout which makes this one of the great Irish parkland challenges. The course record is just six under par despite the best efforts of some of the world’s finest golfers. RiverRidge would like to say a big thank you to all those who attended, donated, sponsored holes and prizes, or those who supported in any way. Your contribution will make a huge difference to the charity.

The spirits were high at RiverRidge’s Charity Golf Day which took place at Shandon Park Golf Club

Enjoying the Charity Golf Day are (L-R) representatives from ART Engineering and Cara O’Kane from RiverRidge.

McKinstry Group attended RiverRidge’s Golf Day which raised over £6k for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Pictured are representatives from BCM Security Associates.

The MacAllister McAleese team enjoys RiverRidge’s Charity Golf Day.

O’Connell Tyre and Services attended RiverRidge’s Charity Golf Day.

Waste management company, RiverRidge held its annual Charity Golf Day at Shandon Park Golf Club on Friday 9th September. Raising over £6k for its charity of the year, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

CP HIRE TAKE DELIVERY OF 12 NEW TAKEUCHI MINI DIGGERS

CP Hire has recently taken delivery of no less than 12 new Takeuchi TB216 compact tracked excavators supplied by Newry based Alan Milne Tractors.

With a head office in Coleraine, the family run plant hire company has seven depots located across Northern Ireland and the new driver friendly Takeuchi machines are already earning their keep with customers.

Described as the UK’s favourite mini excavator, the compact 1.6 tonne machines provide operators with a nice blend of power and functionality, having been designed for maximum operator comfort, performance, and serviceability.

“The Takeuchi brand has always been very popular with our customers and in these days of long lead times to have all 12 machines arrive with us in one delivery is testament to

the excellent level of service and support provided by the team at Alan Milne Tractors,” commented Andrew Hutchinson, managing director of CP Hire.

“The new mini diggers are ideal for the rental market and appeal to a wide range of our customers, not least because the machines are very easy to operate, have a comfortable cab with good all round visibility and are strong and reliable.”

Added Ross Milne: “We’re delighted to have been able to supply these new Takeuchi mini diggers to CP Hire. We are confident their customers will be very satisfied with the performance of the machines. CP Hire have always been a pleasure to deal with over the years and we trust our relationship with the company will continue for many more to come.”

It is not difficult to see why CP Hire customers favour the mini

TAKEUCHI TB216 COMPACT TRACKED EXCAVATORS

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diggers

The TB216 has excellent working ranges and a powerful engine for a machine in this weight class. Its extendable track frame

the machine to access sites with narrow width restrictions (extending 9801300mm) with added quick-fit bolt-on blade extensions. The long boom and dipper arm delivers excellent operating performance – breakout force, reach and dig depth for greater productivity. With a dig depth up to 2390mm and dump height of 2705mm with ground level reach to 4035mm, the TB216 outperforms for its compact size, while its powerful traction force makes for excellent turning and travel in challenging ground conditions. Having a top mounted boom cylinder improves excavating visibility and prevents potential impact damage from the bucket or debris contact. All hoses are routed through the boom and arm for an extra level of protection.

"STRONG AND RELIABLE" ANDREW HUTCHISON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CP HIRE

The TB216 cab, which has an easy gas-strut assisted lift window that simply slides into the roof

space, offers up to 20% additional room than competitor models, while its smooth and precise

responsive joystick controls help increase operator comfort and reduce operator fatigue. The machine’s Multi-Information Display is well positioned, with an enhanced illuminated VDU that is easy to read in all lighting conditions, and displays key operator information and machine maintenance alerts. Other features include multi adjustable seat, adjustable arm rests, excellent foot room and folding foot rests and cushioned boom and swing cylinders to help reduce shock and vibration. Rear engine access provides convenient access for daily service checks, with a central cluster of routine maintenance points including hydraulic tank and filters, air and fuel filters and coolant levels and radiator, while battery and electrical components are conveniently located under the operator seat, lockable for added security. A remote gauge is also provided for assistance when refuelling and there’s a self-bleed system for quick restart if the machine runs out of fuel.

Construction Now An ‘Attractive’ Career Path for Young Adults

New research from construction data platform NBS reveals that construction has now become a desirable career path for UK school leavers and young adults, with 56% now considering it an’ attractive’ profession with plenty of prospects.”

NBS quizzed 2,000 18–29-yearolds across the UK regarding construction as a potential vocation, yielding surprising, but refreshingly positive results. This will come as welcome news to a sector that saw job vacancies hit an all-time high (49,000) earlier this year.

Importantly, the survey indicates a distinct cultural shift in attitudes amongst younger generations, in part, helped by the growing number of digital opportunities available and extensive media attention around the sector’s use of industry-leading tech, dispelling the myth that construction is a dead-end career. Russell Haworth CEO of NBS, said: “It’s clear that perceptions around construction are changing. Young people now realise it’s not the dull, dangerous, and dirty job as mislabelled for years by educators and career advisors. It’s great to see such an uptick in interest following some very lean years recruitment-wise. The challenge for the sector now is to jump on this opportunity, we must not miss it as has previously been the case.”

Woman’s Work

The poll included diversityrelated questions and found marked improvement in a sector which has struggled to be inclusive for decades.

Highlighting the fact that construction has been made to be more inclusive, 57% of females also stated that they consider construction to be a generally ‘diverse’ industry. Now over a fifth of women are ‘very interested’ in construction as a career, showing scope

for an influx of female employees following A-level and university results day. However, a similar number are being actively dissuaded by peers and family to take a job in the industry. It shows whilst personal attitudes are changing, sector misconceptions persist, which must be overcome.

Mirudhula Ponraj, 26, a Technical Trainee Assistant at Bellway Homes, said, “It’s interesting to hear that more women are interested in construction. Great strides are being made in terms of inclusion, but we know more work still needs to be done for the sector to represent 21st century Britain. With schemes such as Women into Construction, I’m optimistic that we’ll see more change in the next ten years.

“There’s a misconception that construction is all about muddy boots and strong shoulders, today’s industry is so much more. I studied Building Information Modelling (BIM) at uni. The fifth of women mentioned in NBS’ study looking to enter the industry might be surprised to learn that roles can be incredibly diverse. The next generation now have the opportunity to

work with technical programmes and computer systems, utilising brains over brawn.”

Engineering Success

Dismissing stereotypes that Millennials and Gen Z aren’t interested in highly skilled occupations, ‘Engineer’, particular structural and civils roles, ranked number two when it came to the list of most sought-after jobs. This was second only to ‘Healthcare Professional’ in popularity, ranking higher than ‘Legal Professional’ ‘Teacher’, ‘Designer’ or even ‘Social Media Influencer’.

Drilling down, 8% were specifically interested an architectural career, potentially indicating why so many young people appear interested in making their mark in construction. Almost a third stated a passion for architecture and a similar number wanted to ‘create a better physical’ world, further supporting Gen Z’s growing reputation as the ‘sustainability generation’, regarding greener construction as a route to a lower carbon future

An evolving industry

Over a third flagged they were interested in construction because they see it as an industry

‘going through a massive, positive change’. This might reflect a growing public awareness over the past few years around the sector’s growing diversity, greater digital adoption and greener approaches to business.

Emphasising the impact innovation is having on the industry, three quarters of respondents also recognised that ‘a lot’ or a ‘fair amount’ of technology is used in contemporary construction. Unsurprisingly, salary and earning potential were a main motivator. ‘Good pay’ ranked top of the incentive list, followed by a good home and work balance (2), a respectful working environment (3), interesting work (4) and working with nice people (5).

Train Drain

However, despite an uplift in interest from a younger generation looking to make their way in the industry, another recent study by the Association of Colleges (AoC) found skills shortages amongst staff looking to teach construction are stalling progress.

Putting the problem into context, 85% of further education colleges have struggled to secure staff to teach the relevant subjects. It’s a problem that will need to be addressed should the indicative findings of NBS’s report be borne out in reality and an influx of interest in construction roles occurs over the next six months.

Haworth concludes: “This study has proven to be a litmus test of where the industry is heading within the next twenty years –seeing more women and greater diversity entering the workforce will only continue its upward trajectory. With so much interest from young people our next challenge is turning interest into long and fruitful careers.”

Bobcat Launches New MT100 Mini Track Loader

Bobcat has launched the new MT100 mini track loader, removing the need for manual labour, and replacing the use of wheelbarrows, shovels and hand tools in many applications in construction, demolition, rental, landscaping, agriculture and other industries.

With a standard width of just 904 mm (increasing to 1045 mm with the Wide Track Option providing increased stability and lower ground pressure), the reduced dimensions of the new MT100 provide easy passage through narrow gates and doorways and facilitate work in confined spaces.

The integrated ride-on platform of the MT100 gives the user a wider view to the sides of the machine as well as the bucket cutting edge or attachment. Combined with the track system, the ride-on platform on the MT100 provides a smooth ride for enhanced operator comfort and confidence. The ISO joystick controls on the MT100 are ergonomically designed and provide finely tuned precision – so controlling the machine is safe, easy and comfortable.

John Chattaway, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, commented: “With the MT100 mini track loader, users can travel and work in the tightest spaces where other machines cannot. The MT100 should not be underestimated - it does serious work: from cleaning up under conveyors at quarries and waste sites to digging, trenching, tilling and moving materials and more on construction and demolition sites. The MT100 also offers the attachment versatility of larger Bobcat compact loaders.”

Outstanding Specifications

Despite its compact size, the MT100 mini track loader still delivers a rated operating capacity of 460 kg, a tipping load of 1314 kg, a powerful breakout force and a lift height of 2057 mm. The moveable counterweights (CWs) system adds even more capability and allows the user to tailor the lift capacity or ground engagement depending on the application. As standard, the counterweights sit in the front undercarriage to provide optimal ground engagement. Moving them to the rear

uprights increases lift capacity to 485 kg and the tipping load to 1387 kg when needed.

The Stage V, 25 HP engine on the MT100 works efficiently to drive the work equipment. The track drive and powerful 41 l/min auxiliary hydraulics ensure the MT100 can be used for multi-function work, carried out using the many different attachments available.

In fact, whether constructing, demolishing or landscaping, the MT100 shares many of the same attachments found on the company’s smaller loaders using the same standard Bob-Tach attachment system.

There is also a common industry interface available for hooking up to other equipment that customers may have in their fleets.

Tracks Help

The tracks on the MT100 allow travel over established surfaces, with less worry about repairs and costs associated with surface damage. With a ground pressure of 36 kPa (5.25 psi), the standard 180 mm narrow tracks provide good protection for most turf and finished surfaces. The optional 250 mm wide tracks further reduce the ground pressure to 30 kPa (3.97 psi). The MT100 also has a class-leading ground clearance of 205 mm, that makes working over and around obstacles safer and easier for demolition and landscaping tasks.

New JCB Fastrac iCON ‘Utility’ Has Even Greater Capabilities

JCB has launched a new ‘utility’ version of the Fastrac 4000 series highspeed tractor with all-new electronics that deliver higher levels of performance and convenience while giving operators unprecedented choice in the way they set-up and control their machine. All Fastrac tractors are unique in being equipped with powerful external disc brakes and selflevelling axle suspension at front and rear. The 175hp to 235hp 4000 Series models, which are available to ‘utility’ specification for highways, airport and other applications, also feature multimode four-wheel steering. The new iCON models have more advanced control software for the stepless transmission, making it easier than ever to operate the tractors in work and when travelling at up to 60kph on the road, while the fully-integrated ISOBUS implement control option adds new capabilities. Inside the cab, the iCON armrest console and touch-screen display provide outstanding flexibility in control allocation and operator information, while further improving the operator’s all-round view from the two-seat Command Plus cab, which has improved heating and ventilation.

The ‘utility’ version can be equipped for winter and summer maintenance tasks, operating rear-mounted, front-mounted and deck-mounted equipment – individually or in combination – for applications such as snow clearance, salt spreading and roadside vegetation control.

Features include a DIN-standard mounting frame for highway snow ploughs, snow blowers and powered sweepers; a stability control system to keep the tractor level when operating heavy long-reach vegetation mowers; and a purpose-built rear deck frame for quick mounting and demounting of specialist spraying equipment and salt spreaders.

The rear deck is fabricated with a steel frame and aluminium chequer plate covering, with built-in mud guards formed from stainless steel; operators can quickly remove a sprayer or spreader by lowering the tractor’s suspension after deploying support legs and disconnecting quick-release mounts and electrical and hydraulic couplings. As standard, the tractors are finished in high-visibility orange rather than traditional JCB yellow, and are available with block pattern tyres for routine use on tarmac, concrete and other hard surfaces, as well as the familiar agricultural pattern for maximum off-road traction.

At the heart of the Fastrac iCON models is a new electronics infrastructure that enables a host of modern technology features to be fully integrated as standard or optional equipment.

The seat-mounted armrest console carries a 12in colour touch-screen display providing comprehensive vehicle information and the facility to set-up systems such as front and rear equipment hitches and the tractor’s hydraulics, as well as ISOBUS-compatible equipment.

Flexible allocation of hydraulic functions to the new main joystick and its five buttons, proportional spool valve fingertip levers, and an optional auxiliary joystick means controls can be set-up (and saved for recall) according to the type of equipment being operated and individual operator preferences.

The 12in touch-screen display, meanwhile, provides access for drag-and-drop spool valve and tractor control allocation, vehicle information, remote camera view (connectors are at the front, rear and side of the tractor), and ISOBUS applications.

Using the Fastrac’s stepless transmission has been made easier with Smart Transmission Control, which allows the operator to set a ground speed and leave the tractor to decide the best combination of engine speed and transmission ratio for changing loads both on- and off-road.

Rokbak & one of the world’s fittest women join forces again!

Like the haulers she appeared alongside a year ago to highlight their power, strength and reliability, Ali Crawford only gets better. Fresh from being crowned the world’s fittest woman over 45, she recently returned to Motherwell to put an RA40 through its paces and help celebrate the brand’s first anniversary.

In the latest video – which is live on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn – she talks about her experience filming the brand video and how she has more in

common with Rokbak and its machines than you might think!

Initially chosen to reflect the tough, powerful characteristics and values she shares with the Rokbak brand, Ali has gone on to enjoy even greater success over the past year, officially becoming the World Number One in her age category after an exceptional performance at the CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

“Even though I’m in my forties now, I feel like I’m getting stronger and fitter every year, rather than older,” says Ali. “So, I can definitely relate to another

Scottish champion that is in better shape than ever after 80 years of continual improvement and hard work! These impressive machines and what they stand for, how robust and reliable they are, really align with me as a person – I feel like the human version of an RA40!”

Despite living relatively close to the Rokbak factory, Ali had no previous experience with articulated haulers, so found the first video shoot an extremely enjoyable and eye-opening experience. “I hadn’t known what to expect but it turned out to be so much fun,” she grins.

Women in Construction Suffer ‘Praise Penalty’

As over two-thirds of female employees feel they deserve more recognition, how can construction companies do more to meet female employees’ recognition needs?

According to a recent study, female employees are suffering from a ‘praise penalty’ at work. Female employees are 34% more likely than their male counterparts to experience mental health issues, such as stress or burnout, due to not having their efforts at work sufficiently acknowledged. Some 71% of female workers feel underappreciated.

The Employee Recognition Survey –conducted by virtual team building and virtual escape room specialists Wildgoose – surveyed employees from 133 different UK companies. It asked them whether they receive enough praise and appreciation in the workplace, how they would react to a lack of recognition and how companies could better meet their ‘recognition needs’.

Around 13% of UK construction employees are female according to the ONS. Despite this imbalance, societal pushes to address it are gradually taking effect – Randstad research found there was a 9% increase in the number of women entering construction management roles between 2018 and 2021. Plus, this year construction firms and major-project clients like HS2 have pledged to work with non-profit advocacy group Women in Construction to accelerate an improved gender balance in the sector. However, employers must focus on retention as much as recruitment, with almost half (47%) of construction workers citing the male-dominated culture as

a reason why so many women leave the industry. For the female employees already in the construction sector and with a new wave of female talent entering, it’s vital for companies to ensure their approach to employee recognition includes all members of the workforce.

As well as affecting employee mental wellbeing, failing to recognise and value employees can also negatively impact the company itself. Over the last year, 42% of underappreciated female employees said their productivity has dropped, while 38% said they’ve lost faith in the management team and the company’s core goals.

Respect & Feedback

What form of recognition do female employees want?

Data from the Employee Recognition Survey emphasises the importance of regular meetings and one-to-one time for female employees: 57% want private recognition through regular, in-person meetings with their managers. 54% would like respect from colleagues, alongside regular feedback. Female employees value these things more than receiving a higher salary than the industry standard – which was cited by 43% of female respondents.

Public recognition from above also counts for a lot: around a third (32%) of women have a preference for regular public appreciation or shoutouts from management.

Commenting on the findings, Wildgoose managing director Jonny Edser said: “Everyone wants to feel valued and appreciated for the work they do, so

Ali Crawford.

“I had a brilliant time, doing various fitness exercises around the machines to help illustrate their qualities was amazing.

recognition really is a basic need at work. And with more employees now working away from the office, companies have to take a step back and make sure remote employees feel equally recognised.

“It’s clear that many UK companies aren’t providing their employees with enough recognition – and firms should realise that can affect their bottom lines. When organisations fulfil the ‘recognition needs’ of their workforce, the result is motivated, engaged employees, who are less likely to be off through poor mental health.

“Here at Wildgoose, we offer a mix of in-person, hybrid and virtual events to help boost team morale and encourage relationships between colleagues and managers. Time and again, clients tell us that it really works.”

Kasia Richter, founder at the Wellbeing Strategist, said: “Praise is a form of recognition and acknowledgement, which is a basic human need. We all want to be seen, heard and witnessed. Some of us are more sensitive and have a greater need to be praised than others. If a person strongly identifies himself/ herself with the job, it becomes even more important to acknowledge them, their efforts and their achievements.

“Recognition of employees is one of the most powerful ways to motivate them and improve the quality of their work, as well as making them loyal. And allowing employees to be heard and feel supported can go a long way to showing employees they’re valued.

“It can be achieved by creating a culture of open communication, transparency and fairness. Communicating requirements, providing support when necessary, encouraging self-discipline and self-mastery: all this will strengthen your workforce and keep employees feeling valued.”

APRD MACHINERY: THE ATTACHMENTS EXPERTS

Gary O’Shaughnessy knows a thing or two about excavators. He’s been driving them for over 20 years and now heads up his own company, APRD Machinery, established in County Kildare just four years ago, during which time he has become known as ‘the attachments expert,’ and not without reason.

Having grown up on a busy farm, he was a quick learner when it came to tractors, diggers and other machinery, more often than not repairing or even rebuilding damaged equipment himself, along with his father.

Today, APRD Machinery is a distributor in Ireland and the UK for Wolf Technik, who manufacture high quality and durable screening and mixing buckets for excavators and wheeled loaders in the 1.5 tonne to 70 tonne range. APRD is also the sole Irish distributor

for OilQuick hydraulic quick hitches for excavators, wheeled loaders, material handlers and forklifts, from 1.5 tonnes to

120 tonnes, as well as OilQuick tilt rotators for excavators.

“Having spent so much time in the industry, mostly in the cab

of an excavator, I can easily identify with my customers needs,” says Gary. “Having so much in common with them is a big bonus when it comes to growing my business.”

And grown it has, with a customer base that stretches from landscape gardeners and civil engineering companies to demolition contractors and plant hire outlets. “This is a ‘people’ business and I enjoy getting out and about serving the needs of operators up and down the country. It’s all about providing reliable customer service.”

He adds: “I sold my first Wolf Technik screener bucket in February 2021 and several months later delivered an OilQuick hydraulic coupler, and I haven’t looked back since. Things were a little tough during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, but business across the board has been picking up once again.”

APRD source best-in-class products to make sure that the attachments you buy for your machine are the best available on the market. The company uses decades of experience to pinpoint the factors that matter the most to the people that own and operate the attachments, and deliver on those factors.

TERRASTAR BUCKETS

Take Wolf Technik’s TerraStar Compactline buckets, for excavators between 11 tonnes and 22 tonnes and for wheel loaders from 8 tonnes. They are designed for heavy and continuous use and are ideally suitable for all recycling and reusing of materials. Backfilling of pipe and sewer trenches are just as much a part of these specialties as mixing, sifting and aerating soil and compost –especially in wet or peaty soils. With three or four 4 shaft options available with cutting widths of 1000mm, 1500 mm and 1800 mm, all buckets have patented shaft coupling so you can change between mixing, screening, crushing, soil stabilisation, and all feature low-maintenance bearings and chain drive.

The TSC.154 model, for example, never ceases to amaze operators, with its high throughput. It only needs between 20 and 30 seconds for a content of 1.25 m3. With 50 fillings, this results in well over 60 m3 per hour. The possibility to change the shafts quickly and easily makes the Terra-Star Compactline series unique in the market, especially for customers with different tasks on changing construction sites. The TSC is an excellent machine for use in liquid soil production, soil improvement for mixing in lime or other aggregates, and

even for excavating heavily stony soil. Due to the sturdy housing of all TSC separators, attaching it to excavators well over 20 tonne is not a problem. Maintenancefree bearings and chain boxes filled with fluid grease, in which the drive chains run, round off this holistic concept.

Meanwhile, the TerraStar Ecoline bucket for excavators and wheel loaders is equipped with the patented Wolf shaft couplings for quick shaft changes directly at the construction site. It is designed with various cutting widths for excavators from 1.6 tons. With the options of either 3 or 4 shafts, it is ideal for separating and mixing topsoil as well as building rubble. Damp soils pose no problems for the

Ecoline, which is equipped with a highly efficient hydraulic motor.

OILQUICK HITCHES

As we mentioned, APRD is also sole distributor across the island of Ireland for OilQuick’s worldleading quick coupler systems which enables operators of excavators, material handlers and wheel loaders to connect and disconnect hydraulic attachments automatically without leaving the cab.

The operator can change between various work tools within a few seconds, such as a hydraulic hammer, steel or concrete shears, sorting grapple, hydraulic magnet, compactor, sorting bucket, tilt bucket or tiltrotator.

The hitches feature OilQuick LockSupport (OQLS), an advanced, user-friendly driver support for safe and secure attachment switching on excavators. It is available for all nine sizes of OilQuick fully automatic quick couplers.

“Safety of construction staff and operators is of the utmost importance to us,” says Gary. “So, our understanding and experience helps us bring machinery attachments to the market that ensure safety as a priority. Our range of products also reflects the focus we have put on environmentally friendly construction, recycling and processing materials on site, and reducing overall carbon footprint.”

RELIABLE SUPPORT

Operators, of course, cannot afford the luxury of unnecessary downtime, so when something goes wrong, which is rare, you need to have good back up and support – and APRD prides itself in providing exactly that for its customers.

“We maintain a well-stocked store of parts for both our Wolf Technik and OilQuick customers and being centrally located in Kildare we can respond quickly to the needs of our customers no matter where they are. That said, as has been proven time and again, the brands that we supply are engineered to the highest standards, which ensures that the risk of breakdown is completely minimised.”

Jurgen Wolf, Managing Director, Wolf-Technik and Gary O'Shaughnessy, APRD.

Kilwaughter Minerals Commits Almost £5 million to Capital investment

Kilwaughter Minerals Limited has announced a two-year capital investment programme totalling £4.7 million.

The money will fund a range of projects with a focus on improving capacity and efficiency, reducing the company’s carbon footprint, and enhancing its market-leading position in the construction and agriculture sectors.

The initiative includes the construction of additional warehousing, updated plant and machinery, and a new blending plant that was completed earlier this year.

The company also plans to further improve its office facilities at their headquarters at Kilwaughter, near Larne, and their distribution and office facility in Cork which is ideally placed to serve their growing

customer base in the Republic of Ireland. These investments are in addition to recently completed enhancements at their St Helens facility and a newly opened business centre at HQ in 2021.

Kilwaughter services a growing customer base with products

such as through-colour renders, external wall insulation systems, soil health conditioning minerals and livestock bedding lime solutions to control bacteria.

Gary Wilmot, CEO, Kilwaughter Minerals said: “As we seek to remain at the forefront of our

industries and the markets that we serve, investing in our capital infrastructure remains an ongoing commitment for Kilwaughter.

“These investments cover projects taking place across 2022 and 2023, many of them designed to ultimately enhance the experience of our customers and also the environment and opportunity for our team.

“Demand for our products is increasing so we must plan for future growth and development, aligned with our commitment to sustainability.

“Among our capital spend is the purchase of a more efficient stone drying system that will help us to reduce carbon emissions while also improving production efficiency.”

Kilwaughter Minerals CEO Gary Wilmot.

LET EC-OIL DO THE DIRTY WORK, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

Make standing in the mud and rain disconnecting hydraulic attachments a thing of the past.

Stay safe in the warmth and dry of your cab and let EC-Oil do the dirty work.

You also save lots of time, but that’s just an added bonus. Read more at: engcon.com/ecoil

COMBINATION OF CAT 444F2 & ENGCON TILTROTATOR DRIVE

E FFICIENCY & COST SAVING FOR DARREN DAY

For those of you who have seen Engcon UK at any shows or dig days you will probably recognise Darren Day as one of their demo team, but Darren’s engcon journey started several years ago with his first tiltrotator.

Back in 2017 just after the Plantworx Exhibition 2017 Darren, the owner of Bayleaf Enterprises, a family business based near Newmarket, started by his late father Graham in 1976 specialising in equestrian work, ordered his first engcon - an EC206 for his then Bobcat E62 ordered from his

old pal Mark Payne at Kellands Plant Sales in Bridgwater. More recently, he had a new EC206 with a gripper on a Doosan DX63.

Sensing some changes in the market including the increased cost of fuel, changes to the use in red diesel and transporting his machine Darren has made the huge leap to a 180° backhoe this time with a Cat 444F2. This comes with a brand new EC209 tiltrotator (for machines from 7.5t to 11t), GRD45 gripper cassette, DC2 controls, EC-Oil fully automatic quick coupling system on the top and bottom of the tiltrotator, full engcon QSC hitch control for increased safety when changing attachments and a plethora of engcon attachments he has acquired over the past few years. He had this to say about the decision to move away from his tracked excavator: “With the obvious hike in fuel being the elephant in the room I jumped ship from my 6t setup as having money tied up in a tractor and low loader didn’t sit well, with an additional machine to fuel and setup time, sometimes I was spending half a day to get from job to job, ie, get tractor and trailer, go get/load digger, move digger and unload , 9 times out of 10 nowhere to park tractor on site so taking it away. Then again in reverse after finished contract. “Plus, I was bought up on the backhoe. The convenience is the biggest factor,

Darren Day, Owner of Bayleaf Enterprises.

arriving on site and cracking on! My 6t setup was running at 6 ltrs an hour, my Cat is showing 5.5 on the computer.”

NO BRAINER

With so many choices of tiltrotator on the market in the UK now, we asked Darren why he stuck with engcon. Not being one to mince his words Darren said: “Sticking with Engcon was an absolute no brainer for me, all the years I’ve been using their units has been a great experience, great backup and service! Why kill the goose….”

Darren went on to talk a little bit more about the increase fuel saving with this new setup.

“I’m currently running at the 5.5ltr/p/h mark, according to the digger’s computer, half a litre less than my 6t setup, and without the additional machine needed to move it from site to site.

“I’m absolutely convinced that the introduction of a tiltrotator on a backhoe will bring them back into favour, especially for owner operators. I admit that I was sceptical about the benefits of the idea of a tiltrotator on a backhoe but having a little go on the 4CX of Robin Webber’s convinced me that it brought something to the party.

TIME SAVING

“I’m surprised each day how differently I approach the jobs I’ve done for many years on a backhoe, the lack of repositioning and little things like having to keep adjusting the rear stabilisers to get the angle you need.

Time saving adds up at an alarming rate, and that goes hand in hand with the fuel savings.”

He adds: “I’m sure that the doubters of the tiltrotator are now starting to eat humble pie and are finally getting the fact that they’re not a gimmick that removes skills of the operator, they’re actually the future and bring a whole new skill set to the industry. The future is here.”

Clive Latimer, Managing Director, Trailertek and Phil Eaglestone, Plant & Civil Engineer.

TRAILERS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER WHATEVER THE LOAD

With a network of 11 dealers across the island of Ireland, Brian James Trailers is famous for its quality and user friendly trailers which include plant, tipper and car transporters. We recently paid a visit

to one of those dealers, the County Armagh based Trailertek which was established in 2010 by Managing Director Clive Latimer to find out more about the brand new 2022 Connect range.

Awaiting us was a three axle 5.5m long flatbed Connect ready to be loaded up with a compact Avant Tecno 460 wheel loader kindly ‘borrowed’ for the day from dealers Essener Equipment.

The Avant Tecno safely negotiated the high grip loading ramps which feature a locking system to ensure they didn’t move during the process. It was then secured on the trailer which has multiple tie points allowing for easy and safe strapping of the Avant, while the machine stop bar ensured the weight was evenly distributed. That done, with the loading ramps easily removed and stored under the bed, and the trailer hitched up to our Nissan Navara, we headed out on to the open road to learn more about the Connect and why it has become so popular with so many.

With the new ‘click & clamp’ feature with auto-adjusting locking posts and twin clamping, we found towing a pleasant, smooth and quiet experience, taking in busy main roads and less congested rural routes. It was also extremely easy to manoeuvre, despite its length, and stable, too. Its lightweight structure meant the pulling power of the Nissan wasn’t challenged at all.

The Connect heavy-duty trailer range, rated at 2600kg, 3000kg and 3500 kg, comes with a host of features as standard and available in eight lengths - from 2.7m to

6m - and five widths, so there’ll be a model to suit whatever your requirements; you even have a choice of five body colours (red, yellow, grey, black and blue) to reflect your corporate business identity.

The strength of Connect is more than skin deep, though. Super-strength steel used in the main chassis fabrication is complemented by two additional longitudinal beams just below the 18mm thick phenol ply anti-slip centre bed.

The stylish, fully sealed strobing effect LED lamps are highly visible even in bad weather and on the new 2022 Connect are multivolt compatible with 12/24v allowing them to be used with trucks, vans and other

vehicles. They are protected by a bodywork housing preventing direct wheel spray.

What we like about the Connect range is its versatility and flexibility. While it starts as a flatbed, it can easily be transformed into whatever you want it to be, with the addition of options such as drop sides, hydraulic tiltbed, loading ramps and side extensions.

Many of the options use unique ‘Click & Connect’ technology and have been designed to be added or removed with as little effort as possible.

Other options which may not always be used, such as winches and loading ramps, are located so that they don’t impede on the bed,

axle and wheel options can also be chosen to provide a wide range of configurations, with wheels that range from 13”, 12” and 10”, all of which makes Connect ideal for both specialists and those who have constantly changing requirements.

It can be a robust workhorse during the working the week transporting tractors, compact mini diggers, mowers and heavier pieces of equipment - and a race car trailer at the weekend!

ROTOTILT & CULLION PLANT SERVICES MAKE A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Celebrating 15 years in business, Cullion Plant Services are the sole all-Ireland dealer for Rototilt Tilt Rotators and attachments; it’s a product range that continues to grow in popularity as more and more operators begin to appreciate the many benefits of a tiltrotator.

It is eight years since County Tyrone based Cullion Plant Services took on the Rototilt franchise and in that time the dealer has significantly grown the brand’s market share across Ireland, with increasing numbers of operators opting for this innovative and versatile tiltrotator. Tiltrotaters from Rototilt virtually transforms an excavator into a flexible machine that opens up the opportunity for operators to take on more challenging tasks; not only can they get those tasks completed faster, and more efficient, but with less manpower such is the product’s versatility. Rototilt’s tiltrotators are robust and reliable thanks to their cast rotor housing which is both stronger and lighter than welded alternatives. The specially designed guard for the hydraulic

motor is integrated with the cast rotor housing and protects it against impact and shocks from beneath. Rototilt’s tiltrotators are oil filled and the advantages

over grease are numerous, including continuous lubrication, better heat dissipation, a longer service life, particle removal, fewer lubrication points and

cleaner components, the latter simplifying maintenance.

Rototilt’s central lubrication system offers convenient tiltrotator lubrication. It is designed to be connected to the machine’s central lubrication system and features an easily accessible interface on the mount. The system also simplifies manual lubrication if the machine lacks a central lubrication system. Self-lubricating bushings on the cylinder attachments mean fewer lubrication points and consequently simpler maintenance. All Rototilt cylinders feature load management as standard, which increases workplace safety; the load is secure, even in the event of a hose rupture.

INNOVATIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS

With Rototilt you can choose the control system that optimises your excavator and contributes to increased performance, better handling and more options for settings. The Innovative Control System, ICS, is a smart control system that features a clear and simple display that quickly gives you overview and control. With the

ergonomically designed handle you can control tilting, rotation and any extra function during the same excavation movement. Choosing the pulse function, for example, will help you to quickly and evenly spread the material. You can also get individual operator settings and smart troubleshooting that even suggests corrective actions.

An important ICS function is the safety solution SecureLock. With a built-in sensor in the quick coupler, you get a warning both on the display and with

an audio signal if anything is wrong with the tool coupling. Continuous monitoring ensures that the tool remains locked in place. The safety lock also lets you know when tools are worn and require attention. For dual hydraulic circuits common on smaller excavators, TLE (Tilt Lock Extra) is an attractive and cost-effective control system alternative; it also works with larger excavators with dual circuits and can be complemented with SecureLock.

TO THE FUTURE

Looking at the year ahead, Cullion Plant Services has set its sights on further strengthening Rototilt’s position in this part of the world in addition to offering invaluable technical training along with sales training. Regarded as attachment and equipment specialists, Cullion Plant also provide a growing customer base with a comprehensive sales, service and installation package, all in house with fully equipped

PLANT

service vans and highly trained technicians that cover the whole of the island of Ireland.

“We have a great customer base to which we offer a huge thanks for their support and continued custom over the last 15 years. “We also thank our brilliant suppliers for all their support and backup and look forward to many more years of collaboration as we look forward to the future and progressing with the market and the new products that come with it.”

INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH ANNUAL GOLF DAY

Held at the beautiful Shandon Park Golf Club in Belfast, the Institute of Quarrying NI Branch’s annual golf day was the first major event since Breedon Ireland’s Ballystockart Quarry Manager, Patrick O'Connor, was appointed Chairman – and he attracted plenty of support on the day.

The event was staged recently just ahead of the branch’s Stonecrushers’ Ball being held later this month; it had to be postponed last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Shandon Park Golf Club is a gem of a parkland golf course, situated in the leafy suburbs of East Belfast, and proved a challenge for some of the IoQ members, but not all of them, who were hoping to break the course record of just six under par!

Consistently regarded as having the best parkland greens in Northern Ireland, the course combines a tough championship layout with some beautifully sculptured holes, great views of the city, and challenging greens. Plant & Civil Engineer has captured some of the highlights of the day on camera…

Jezebel safety solutions Team.

Conexpo Team.

CMS Cepcor Team.

Orica Team.

Conexpo Team.

Gibson Bros Team.

MPANI Team. Breedon Tile Team.

CRH Team.

CRH Team.

Scotts Fuels Team.

Bruce Engineering Team.

CDE Team.

Fining Team.

IPAF launches enhanced accident reporting dashboard

Members and non-members who log data in the IPAF accident reporting portal at www.ipafaccidentreporting. org are now able to access improved dashboard functions that allow them to track their own safety statistics against the wider industry, following extensive work behind the scenes to enhance and updated the portal’s user interface.

Brian Parker, IPAF Head of Safety & Technical, comments: “Until now, IPAF offered a limited interface for viewing reports via the portal, with logged-in users only able to view charts ranking the incidents reported by company as a proportion of the total, which allowed rough benchmarking against overall industry trends.

“However, after extensive development work, we are

pleased to announce that those using the incident reporting dashboards can now apply multiple filters that will give a snapshot of member company incidents entered against all database entries, which of course are completely anonymised so no company or individual can be identified.”

Falls from the platform, electrocution and platform overturns are the most common type of incidents leading to serious injuries and deaths over the past ten years, according to the latest Global Safety Report, containing analysis of anonymised data collected via the portal.

“IPAF’s accident reporting has been going for ten years; currently we are receiving around 600 reports a year from more than 40 countries worldwide – a leap forward from where we were

in the early days,” Parker says.

“By offering a quick and simple way for member companies to tailor their own database readouts, we hope this will assist in making those activities safer, giving something back to our members in the rental industry who have been enthusiastic supporters of IPAF’s accident reporting since day one.”

Peter Douglas, CEO & Managing Director of IPAF, says: “We use the incident database to inform all the work we do at IPAF –including updating our globally recognised training and forming the basis of our worldwide safety campaigns, such as the current Don’t Fall For It! initiative aimed at reducing falls from the platform.

“The latest trends show we need to challenge ourselves as an industry: Is there more we could do to reduce these numbers? We hope that powered access

stakeholders around the world read the annual IPAF Global Safety Report (www.ipaf.org/ accident), now available in all core IPAF languages, to understand key trends and benchmark their own safety actions.

“We need more data from across all sectors of industry, from as many countries as possible; especially via easy on-the-spot incident reporting through the ePAL app. We hope this empowers people to report accidents and near-misses, which too often go under-reported.”

Mark Keily, QHSE Director at Sunbelt Rentals UK and Chair of IPAF’s International Safety Committee (ISC), which helps verify and analyse the anonymised data, adds: “These new tailorable incident dashboards along with the IPAF Global Safety Report allow industry stakeholders to review their own working practices to ensure they have robust safety systems and adequate risk control measures in place. They’re useful tools in the box for IPAF members.”

Wrekin Launches New Range of Triple Seal Aluminium Recess Covers

A new range of triple seal aluminium recess access covers and frames, designed to accommodate a range of flooring finishes - including popular porcelain paving, which has seen a recent surge in demand - has been launched to market by Wrekin Products.

Available through merchants nationwide, the new range of 27mm standard depth aluminium covers and frames have been designed with performance and aesthetics in mind. This means that merchant teams do not have to compromise on the demands of either, due to the strong, corrosion-resistant aluminium finish which blends in seamlessly with the surrounding flooring, whilst protecting against odour and egress. This is in addition to preventing dirt and contaminants penetrating – all thanks to the clever integrated neoprene triple seal solution.

Paul Shaw, director of fabricated steel at Wrekin, said: “As with all Wrekin products, merchants can be assured that the aluminium recess covers meet the high standards expected by both specifiers and contractors.

“The added benefit of aluminium is that it is a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel, which can be four to five times more expensive. It is also highly compatible with different types of floorings, including popular porcelain paving, so we are really pleased to be able to offer competitive alternatives for merchants and their customers that can tick so many boxes. Not forgetting how high performance this range is, the three integrated triple seal solution ensures resistance to gas, water, and grit ingress. Altogether, this is a fantastic addition to our range and one we know will

help merchant teams to meet increased contractor and specifier demand.”

Threaded Keys

Coming ready packed with threaded keys for easy lifting through screw holes, merchants can sell as a complete solution for contractors who can rely on the range for both internal and outdoor specifications, suitable across a variety of sectors, including residential, education, health, leisure, and retail.

Simon Turner, commercial director at Wrekin, said: “We have been able to invest in this product due to strengthening our manufacturing supply chains to meet market demand. So far, take up of the aluminium recess covers has been fantastic and we look forward to maintaining our strong distribution network so that merchants can always count on Wrekin.

“We are proud to support trade counter teams with both at point of sale and after sales care for added peace of mind. We also offer training courses to equip merchants with the latest product and installation knowledge needed to support their customers.”

waste

Registration and reporting key to success

Joseph Doherty, managing director at Re-Gen Waste, believes that registration and reporting hold the key to the future success of the recycling and waste management industry

There are many changes underway in the recycling and resource management industry.

The UK’s first Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being delayed by 13 months. Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme will start in August 2023 and I believe that a number of DRS issues need to be addressed so that the other three nations, namely England, Wales and Northern Ireland, can learn from the system.

For example, the DRS in Scotland will include glass. The plans for Wales are also that glass will be part of the DRS while the schemes in England and Northern Ireland will not include glass. In addition, the DRS in Ireland excludes glass.

Data date

In Re-Gen we’ve been moving towards the real-time capture and monitoring of data using the latest Artificial Intelligence systems and working in partnership with industry leaders. Consideration needs to be given to whether Northern Ireland, England and Wales will go down the digital DRS path. A digital DRS will record materials then credit or refund householders through an app and provide opportunities for higher levels of recycling and the associated analysis. There will need to be a modulated fee for DRS material. There is a cost involved in collecting and processing the material; the higher proportion is on collections while the less significant part is on processing.

At present, commercial companies that don’t register with the Environment Agency are charged a fee – currently £110 per year – to address non-compliance. One needs to ask why commercial companies aren’t registering

their materials as non-reporting is holding the Packaging Recycling Note (PRN) prices high. Registration underpins the regulatory change and will likely impact the market positively.

I see that applying these non-compliance fees is holding back the Environment Agency because if every company was registered, the market would be open and transparent. Rather than issuing the ‘fine’, the Environment Agency could be using its powers to develop the systems, structure and guidance for the benefit of the resource management industry and to support local authorities.

The new PRN system will have a higher penalty for late registration. This should be welcomed by the industry unless it creates a false economy and an artificial value to materials. I also wonder if it will go far enough.

The table below shows the obligated data reported on 6 June 2022 in comparison to the same period for 2021.

PaperGlassAluminiumSteelPlasticWoodOther

6/6/2021 data 3,978,9002,258,824203,859435,8201,852,682953,95022,522

7/6/2022 data 4,097,9142,138,366201,776403,0441,843,6001,052,71722,516

Potential obligation addition 103,428195,6405,45340,19554,849 599

Glass melt 140,861 non-melt54,779

This data shows the quantity likely to be missing from unregistered producers. The reality is that it is likely to be significantly higher as 2021 data was based on 2020 when the UK was experiencing the Covid19 lockdowns. The 2022 data, based on 2021, should see growth anyway. If we take account of the theoretical missing data, it leaves both glass and plastic recycling

significantly below where we need to be in order to meet the target. Some companies may contribute 100k tonnes of glass and 30-40k tonnes of plastic to the targets but, to date, they haven’t been included in the data. I believe there must be a lot of tonnage still to be registered. PRN doesn’t cover the full net cost recovery if DRS materials end up in the recycling bin.

One thing for certain is that regardless of companies’ compliance with registration schemes, the additional costs which will be introduced as a result of PRN/EPR will be passed on to householders. This could see an extra £40-50 per year being paid at the checkout and the average ‘supermarket shop’ will increase again.

Waste Management Giant Buys JCB 427 Wastemaster

Ireland’s largest biomass provider has purchased a brand-new JCB Stage V 427 Wastemaster wheeled loading shovel as part of its commitment to pursuing renewable energy.

Crumlin-based McKinstry Group is moving into the export market with a new site in Belfast where it will be processing over 100,000 tonnes of biomass per year.

Supplied by dealer Dennison JCB the 427 Wastemaster wheeled loading shovel has been specifically tailored for the waste and recycling sector

to provide unrivalled levels of productivity, comfort and safety.

McKinstry Group CEO Darren McKinstry said: “We buy JCB equipment because it is always reliable, and the aftersales and back-up is excellent. JCB is crucial to our group operations. Our relationship with Dennison JCB is a big factor in our decision to purchase JCB machines.

“The 427 Wastemaster is working as part of a fleet including a JCB Teletruk and a JCB 56080 and it is performing very well. The machine is perfectly sized for the application we

need it for which is loading and dealing with biomass and it is doing the job very well.”

The JCB 427 Wastemaster is powered by a Cummins Stage V engine which has excellent lowend torque. A variable geometry turbocharger provides increased performance at low engine speed for improved tractive effort. The JCB 427 Wastemaster offers superior protection for machine and operator in the most challenging conditions.

The ROPS and FOPS compliant JCB CommandPlus cab provides superb visibility inside and out.

McKinstry Biomass Ltd is part of the McKinstry Group and is Ireland’s largest biomass provider. The recent acquisition of a waste processing site in the Belfast Harbour Complex will enable McKinstry to export processed waste wood product via cargo vessels to potential new customers on the UK Mainland and European destinations, significantly expanding its Biomass operation.

Construction commences on £30 million Resource Recovery Park

Recycling company Re-Gen has started work on its £30 million circular economy resource park in Newry which will involve 250 people in the construction of the new manufacturing and industrial units. The project will secure the company’s 300 jobs in Newry and County Armagh.

The eight-acre site in the Invest NI Carnbane Business Park will accommodate a number of operations including the manufacture of solid recovered fuel (SRF), making products from dry recyclables, a garage, and engineering workshop. A research and development unit will be located as well as a four-storey office block and new headquarters for the Re-Gen Group comprising Re-Gen Waste, Re-Gen Robotics and Connex Offsite.

Joseph Doherty, Managing Director at Re-Gen, said, “This is an exciting development for the Re-Gen Group. We consulted widely on our plans to allow the

community to have their say and our design team has taken their comments on board in developing the proposals for the site. This has been a very constructive process.

“Employing special mechanical manufacturing processes, we will be producing SRF as a fossil fuel replacement on the site. We are

progressing R&D trials and we will also develop products from dry recyclable material such as paper, plastic and glass on the site.” Materials placed by householders in their blue, green and black bins are valuable resources to Re-Gen and the company has become industry leaders

in developing the market for aluminium, glass, paper, cardboard, plastics and steel.

“We have a dedicated business development team working with Councils across Great Britain and Ireland to process their recycling materials,” added Mr Doherty.

“Recycling resources is important, and we are committed to developing the circular economy of paper, card, plastic and glass. We will continue to work with manufacturers and outlets in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. Our focus is on innovation and developing manufacturing facilities that close the recycling loop, create jobs at home and ultimately boost the Northern Ireland economy.

“We take environmental quality standards very seriously and work closely with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in order to operate our materials recovery facility.”

Workplace Transport Inspection Campaign - Waste premises

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will be carrying out a workplace transport inspection campaign at waste premises across Northern Ireland.

The inspection campaign will run throughout Autumn 2022. HSENI Inspectors will be conducting focused inspections to assess the management of workplace transport risks.

The inspection campaign will target three key areas required to manage workplace transport effectively:

Safe Site

• Is there a traffic management plan in place?

• Are pedestrians and vehicles adequately segregated?

• Are measures in place to ensure persons hand sorting waste are physically segregated from vehicles?

• Are appropriate one-way systems in use?

Safe Vehicle

• Are measures in place to ensure vehicle all-round visibility?

• Are procedures in place to carry out pre-use checks and to report defects?

• Have statutory examinations been completed for vehicles used for lifting?

• Are vehicles provided with horns, lights, reflectors, reversing alarms where necessary?

Safe Driver

• Do drivers hold adequate licenses / training certificates for the vehicles they are authorised to drive?

• Is there a program of driver refresher training in place?

• Are there measures in place to prevent drivers falling from heights during sheeting / loading activities?

Speaking on the upcoming campaign, Brian Pryce, HSENI Principal Inspector commented: “Unfortunately workplace transport continues to be an area responsible for fatalities and major injuries in workplaces. Beginning in October our Inspectors will be visiting private waste sector premises throughout Northern Ireland to ensure effective controls are in place to manage the risks associated with workplace transport.”

HSENI Inspectors will be providing information and advice during the inspection campaign. Where significant risks are found Inspectors may take enforcement action in order to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation to ensure that the risks are properly managed.

Practical guidance on how you may manage work-related transport risks on site can be found in HSG136 -

‘A guide to workplace transport safety’. This is available at: Workplace transport safety HSG136 (www.hse.gov.uk)

Aidan Doherty (Non Executive Director), Joseph Doherty (Managing Director), Celine Grant (Commercial Director), Colin Doherty (Operations Director) and John Doherty (Director of Organisation and Business Development).

EURO AUCTIONS CONTINUES TO SHOW SOLID PERFORMANCE

The recent sale at the Euro Auctions flagship sale site in Leeds, showed a solid £42 million hammer total, as smashing the record for the greatest number of excavators ever sold at a Euro Auctions sale with 769 machines going over the ramp Market confidence was still high at the recent four-day sale at Europe’s largest auction site in Leeds with 5000+ lots going over the ramp. With a hammer total of just over £42m this sale was a staggering 25% up on the same sale in August 2021, showing confidence in the auction process, and sellers realising strong prices with lots of fresh kit in the sale which pleased buyers. The floor total for the sale was just over £12m with online sales being £30m representing 71% of the total sale, and the total for the timed-ring auction being £600,000. Registered vendors for the sale numbered 531, from 22 countries, with over 11% of buyers being first-timers and new to Euro Auctions. In addition, at this sale, the numbers of lots on sale were 10% over the same sale in August 2021, with the average lot price up by 25%

MARKET TRENDS

Chris Osborne, Sales Manager at Euro Auctions comments on the August 2022 sale: “Leeds has now firmly established itself as the premiere auction site in Europe for construction plant, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment. Repeatedly Euro Auctions is able to and bring to market over 5,500 lots at each Leeds sale and we continue to consign good fresh, late, low hours equipment, and multiple compliments of ‘new to 48-month-old’ machines. The equipment is out there, and the sales managers at Euro Auctions are finding it!

“With high demand from the market, prices were strong at this August 2022 sale, and over the same auction 12 months ago demand was higher, prices were better, the levels of stock for sale were greater and demand from around the world was more evident.

“Very fresh low hour machines, e.g. less than 2 years old and up to 2,000 hours are achieving particularly strong prices right now and are the closest alternative to new equipment, as certain models are still unavailable. This is a great opportunity for Euro Auctions customers globally to buy really good kit that normally they would not have access to.

“Articulated dump trucks are also in particularly high demand right now. There is a shortage of trucks globally, with very long lead times for new models, particularly from Cat and Volvo, so again, prices are strong now for fresh low hours models. We saw that with the 2019 Cat 730’s and the 2019 Volvo A30G that made fantastic money for the sellers. The theme was the same with older trucks throughout the range still achieving higher prices than we had anticipated. Excavators of all models were also in high demand, and we had good stock across all makes and models.

UNDERLYING REASONS

“Looking at the market as a whole there were reasons for the results of this sale. With the market starved of new stock over the last 24 months, production from OEMs is moving again with brand-new machines now coming out of the dealerships fulfilling orders. We had 769 excavators at this sale, which is an alltime record. Many of these machines will have been entered into the auction by a consignor taking delivery of new stock, or dealers that took these machines in as part exchange.

“We are delighted that so many businesses in the UK have faith in Euro Auctions to maximise the return for their used equipment through our simple but very effective auction process.

“Talking to a number of plant hire customers, we are hearing that fleet utilisation figures which have been particularly high over the last 2 years are starting to reduce a little, this is nothing excessive but just dropping back to pre-pandemic kind of numbers. Many large national fleets have been running at 95% utilisation for the last couple of years and are now seeing this drop back

to perhaps 80-85% which historically was more normal. Now with prices strong in the market, and auctions selling well, operators are turning to Euro Auctions, taking offhired machines, putting them over the ramp and converting dead stock into cash.

“With the high utilisation figures many businesses have grown their fleets over the last couple of years. Now as they take delivery of new machines, when they can get hold of them and, not selling their existing units as they usually would have, there is excess stock in the market. With the current slight slowdown and reduced utilisation, this is allowing our customers the chance to re-adjust their fleet profile. I am seeing many of them turning their inventories of plant and machinery into cash through Euro Auctions and putting that money back into their businesses. This is a smart way to raise capital right now. With prices strong, sellers are paid out quickly, stock is holding its value and when operators want to buy new machinery, we have great choices of makes, models, and types and can help them to re-stock.

RECESSION

“We cannot ignore the ‘R’ word and many in the industry are talking about recession. With interest rates rising, with the cost of raw materials set to rise, with cautiousness in the market, the auction is still a sure way for businesses to liquidate assets, and to be able to turn ‘iron-into-cash’.

“With our global network of buyers Euro Auctions markets hard into those countries where specific equipment and machinery is required for particular projects. We now offer vendors multiple options when selling a piece of plant or machinery, including physical sales, online sales, the 24 Hour Marketplace, and offsite sales dedicated to a large consignment of machinery from a single vendor.”

“Finally, back to this August sale: there were many gems making very good money. Articulated dump trucks stood out as making particularly strong money across the board, with mini diggers also strong.”

plant sales

Specialist

Adler K600/150 sweeper for Murphy’s

Service, from

Plant Services.

Dieci Pivot T80 delivered to Rosmor Truck and Plant Hire in Jenkinstown by Alan MIlne Tractors Newry.

A

Engcon EC02b for AK Building Services & Groundworks, from Ballyward Plant Services.

A new Komatsu PC138US-11 sold to Phillip Wilson Drainage from WAC McCandless. Pictured is Geoffrey Wilson.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 - John Graham Construction Ltd, Hillsborough sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

230LC working hard for Kevin Cross Civils from Kattrak.

Package of New Komatsu PC138US-11 machines sold to Connaught by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

2 new Yanmar VIO50 machines joint the Haven hire fleet from Crumlin Plant Sales.

New Fully Electric Merlo ewoker sold to Murphys by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

A new Komatsu PC210LC-11 sold to O’Kane Group from WAC McCandless.

A new Engcon EC209 for P Davidson, from Ballyward Plant Services.

2 New Case CX145D supplied by Cowan Bros to Gill Group, Donegal.

Aoife Lennon took delivery of her new Dieci 40.7 Agri Plus from Ross Milne of Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

A new JLG ES1932 delivered to McCusker Demolition from WAC McCandless.

Hitachi ZX210LC-7 - R O’Donnell Plant & Civil Ltd sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A new Giant G5000tele and attachments for David Delaney, from Ballyward Plant Services.

A new Komatsu PC138US-11 & PC210LC-11 sold to Meehan Homes from WAC McCandless.

Bell B20E - R O’Donnell Plant & Civil Ltd sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

2 new Yanmar VIO26 machines for Haven hire supplied by Crumlin Plant Sales.

New

farms

McHale

Z45XC delivered to Shannon Airport from Sleator Plant.

New Komatsu WA480-8 sold to Joe McGrath By McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Hitachi ZX33U-6 & ZX26U-6 - Quality Excavations Ltd, Athboy sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

New Komatsu 901XC sold to Foley Timber by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Komatsu PC360LC-11 sold to Scratnagh Developments by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

New Case CX37C supplied by Cowan Bros to David Steele, Dungiven.

New Merlo Roto50.26S Plus sold to Grange Construction by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

New CX26C supplied by Cowan Bros to K-Scape, Ballymena.

Ian Lewis from Lewis Paving taking delivery of his SY18 from Sleator Plant.

MFL Plant taking delivery of Genie Z62 from Sleator Plant.

A new Engcon EC214 for S Jameson, from Ballyward Plant Services.

A new Dynapac CA3500D sold to Adman from WAC McCandless.

Hitachi ZX135US-7 - O’Keeffe Civil Ltd, Arklow sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A New Takeuchi UK TB230 picked up by Allen Murney of Kilkeel Co Down from Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

Hitachi ZX225USRLC-7 - J & S McKee Ltd, Portglenone sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

New Case CX145D supplied by Cowan Bros to Joseph McMenamin & Sons, Donegal.

BARDEN DEMOLITION from Kattra.

Alister McClintock sales executive from Sleator Plant handing over the Rokbak RA30 to Liam Warnock (foreman from JD Excavations) from Sleator Plant.

A new Giant GT5048 for S McCartan, from Ballyward Plant Services.

sales

TB230

to L&S Swift Plant Ltd in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh by

MIlne Tractors Newry.

Advance Second 230LC added to their fleet from Kattra.

Hitachi ZX130LCN-7 - Paul Carey & Sons Ltd sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A new Giant G5000 for G Shine, from Ballyward Plant Services.

Tracey Concrete collecting Rokbak RA40 from Sleator Plant.

One of a package of new Merlo P40.17 telehandlers sold to Castle Quarry by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

Ian Lewis from Lewis Paving & Landscaping taking delivery of his Mecalac TA1EH from Sleator Plant.

Part of a package of new Komatsu PC26MR-3 sold to TLI by McHale Plant Sales Ltd.

New Yanmar VIO27 for Cavan hire supplied by Crumlin Plant Sales.

Iron Designs in Co. Armagh took delivery of this New TB216 with Hydraulic Hitch from Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

New CX19C supplied by Cowan Bros to Marc McShane, Eglinton.

New Case CX130D supplied by Cowan Bros to LMC Drylining Ltd, Claudy.

Ex-Demo 145LCSR supplied to Ian McGregory Plant from Kattrak.

A new Komatsu PC138US-11 delivered to HQ Groundworks from WAC McCandless.

New CX60C supplied by Cowan Bros to Brickkiln Skip Hire Ltd, Londonderry.

New Yanmar VIO17 machines for Mick Hickey supplied by Crumlin Plant Sales.

Hitachi ZX225USLC-7 - Pod-Trak Ltd sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

New Takeuci TB219 and Dieci Smart 20.4 delivered to Kelly Point Hire in Warrenpoint by Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

Hitachi ZX33U-6 - Donlon Civil & Building Services, Sligo sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

Young

Clyde

Hitachi ZX19U-6

Mar

Bobbie Cousins of Kilkeel took delivery of his New Takeuchi TB290-2 from Alan Milne Tractors Newry.

Kearns & Murtagh Ltd

Ashbourne

Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland

Co. Meath, Ireland

Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77

New Schmitz Bulk Tipping Trailer, 70 cubic yard, step frame design, steel galvanised chassis, roll over cover, grain hatch and sock, sealed tail board, front lift axle, ina stock, available immediately.

2022 Faymonville 4 axle 9ft wide, heavy duty spec on 19.5” wheels, trough, extendable, double flip ramps, BPW axles, greaser, marker boards, available with immediate delivery IN STOCK

New Faymonville 4-axle hydraulic widening bed low loader, extendable in width from 2.54m to 3.2m at the push of a bu on, also extendable in length, double ip hydraulic ramps, rear steer axles, hydraulic rear legs, full spec. In stock available immediately.

2022 Schmitz 8.2m tipping trailers, standard size and higher side wall for waste etc, steel body, galvanised steel chassis, front lift axle, auto dump on suspension, manual cover, sealed tail board, fully thermal insulated in stock also. available with immediate delivery IN STOCK

New Faymonville 4 axle fixed bed low loader, two rear steer, double flip ramps, marker boards, 9ft wide plus out riggers, coming into stock within 2 weeks. Available on short delivery (same spec as trailer shown)

New Schmitz Cargobull insulated tar spec pping trailer, 8.2m, steel body, electric cover, front li axle. In stock available immediately.

New Faymonville MAX 3 axle step frame low loader, double flip ramps (timber or grid floor), in stock available immediately.

New Schmitz Cargobull Aluminium pping trailer 9.6m, electric cover, rear steer axle, front li axle. In stock available immediately.

2022 Faymonville 4 axle 9ft wide, choice in stock, extendable with trough, or full extension no trough, double flip ramps, hydraulic rear support legs, marker boards, top spec, available with immediate delivery, IN STOCK

New Schmitz tipping trailers, in stock & on short delivery times, various specs, 8.2m steel 1460mm side or 1860mm side, manual or electric covers, various other options available.

www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

O’Donnell & Co. has been supplying and distributing quality plant equipment to the island of Ireland since 1970.

have helped dig, demolish, forest, excavate, carry, cultivate, harvest, import, export, engineer, pave, save, landscape, power, lift, load and dump all over Ireland.

machine

supply