Diggerman Blog, Nick Drew shares Plantworx equipment highlights

The final Plantworx Construction Equipment Exhibition at Peterborough's East of England Showground drew bustling crowds, with many eager to strike deals, ahead of the venue's impending redevelopment.

While many of us had seen most of the new machines on display at various events, there was still plenty of items worthy of a closer look, and a subtle array of brand-new machines and attachments to be seen.

Bobcat

Fresh in the mind from our recent visit to their facility in Dobris, Czech Republic, Bobcat brought along at least a couple of new machines, including the E19e all electric 2-tonne class battery powered mini excavator.

The machine made its world premiere at Bauma in Munich last year and made its UK debut at the EHS show in Coventry earlier this year. The machine builds on the success of Bobcats smaller offering the 1-tonne class E10e which has been well received globally.

Also new on the Bobcat stand was the TL25.60, which is the manufacturers smallest telehandler in the range. This compact machine has a lift capacity of 2500kgs, and is capable of a lift height of 5.9m with a maximum telescopic reach of 3.3m. Power comes from a Stage V emissions compliant Bobcat diesel engine offering a power output 75hp.

Develon

The big news on the DEVELON (Formerly Doosan) stand, was the first public appearance of their popular 14.6-tonne offering the upgraded DX140LC-7K which features a number of improvements over the outgoing DX140LC-7 model.

Most notably visible is the new flattened engine cover, a welcome replacement which replaces the bulbous bonnet fitted on the previous model. The new design has reduced the maximum height of the cover components on the back of the machine from 1285.5 mm and 1320 mm down to a uniform 1070mm right across the back of the machine. Seated in the cab, a glance across the right-hand side and the rear confirms much improved visibility levels. Other improvements include better access to the refuelling pipework, and for the accessing the DEF tank.

Other machines of note on the stand were the new DX63-7, which alongside the DX62R-7 complete the line up of the companies next generation mini excavator line up. The DX85R which was launched at Bauma was also on the stand, while the DX250WMH-7 materials handler was also on display in the demonstration arena.

first public appearance at Conexpo-Con/Agg earlier this year.

Tipping the scales at 2680kgs the 9027FE is powered by a 16.5kw (22.13hp) electric motor and a 20.6 kWh large-capacity lithium-ironphosphate battery.

Out on the demo plot was an example of LiuGong’s 856H-E MAX electric powered wheeled loaders, which has been undergoing a demonstration period in a UK quarry. LiuGong state that there are already 2000 of these machines at work around the world.

On the conventional diesel-powered machine front, LiuGong displayed the new 6-tonne class zero tailswing model the 9057F ZTS.

Takeuchi

Making a big impact on the demonstration plot and on static display were examples of the Japanese manufacturers new 3-Series TB395W wheeled excavator (Rubber Duck) which is the successor to the hugely successful TB295W. The machine was first seen at Bauma, in Munich and then displayed at Conexpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas.

The machine was being put through its paces on the demo plot by long standing Takeuchi owner Owen Mays, who was showcasing the machines versatility, mobility and flexibility which is even further enhanced with the fitment of an Engcon tiltrotator.

Other 3-Series machines working on the demo plot included the 7-tonne class TB370, and the new TB350R which were being put through their paces by father and son duo Neil and John Grainger who are also long-standing Takeuchi customers.

Without doubt, the biggest buzz on the stand (pun intended) was over at the #TakeuchiTime challenge where visitors were invited to take to the controls of the all new TB20e electric mini excavator to stack tyres in sequence against the clock. Takeuchi Time is hosted by the unmistakably talented Dave Vickers, who is a natural entertainer!

Liugong

Electric machines continue to generate a lot of interest on the show circuit and on the LiuGong stand they had two examples from their range to show customers. The 9027FE is the all-electric version of their successful 3-tonne class 9027F diesel powered machine and made its

Sany

Chinese manufacturer Sany, more well known in the UK for its hydraulic excavator range, chose Plantworx for the UK debut of two new generation wheeled loader models the SW305 and SW405, with operating weights of 14.5 and 18-tonnes respectively, and bucket capacities of 2.3 and 3 m3 . These machines are brimming with bluechip components from leading manufacturers such as Kawasaki for the hydraulic pumps, and ZF for the transmissions.

Also making a debut was the all new SY18U zero tailswing mini excavator, which according to Sany, offers the same technology and performance as the existing conventional tailswing models the SY16C and SY18C. An example of the new model was available for visitors to try out on the demo plot, and there was plenty of interest, with visitors prepared to fill in a form before jumping on and a feedback sheet after the demo!

There was fun and games too, with the Sany operator challenge, which featured the recently launched SY19E electric mini excavator, which we first saw at Bauma last year, and earlier this year in the UK at the Executive Hire Show.

Mecalac

Stealing the show on the Mecalac stand and walking away with an Innovation Award for engineering and design, was the all new revolutionary REVOTRUCK site dumper/small ADT, which features a fully revolving cab which is operated by the touch of a button, enabling the operator to have the very best visibility for the job in hand.

The machine is available with two load capacity options, namely 6-tonne or 9-tonne and is powered by a Stage V emissions compliant Perkins diesel engine which offers a power output rating of 74hp, delivering 380Nm of torque @1,380rpm. This is a machine I am definitely looking forward to getting “hands on” with in due course.

Rototilt

The demand for tiltrotator’s around the world continues to grow rapidly, especially here in the UK where the game changing concept has really established itself. At Plantworx Rototilt UK presented the latest RC5 tiltrotator.

The RC5 along with the RC4, RC6, RC8 and the largest tiltrotator on the market the RC9 have all recently been added to the RC family.

The Swedish manufacturer has also introduced the new RCS control system which features a touch screen monitor and all new RC joysticks with plenty of rollers and buttons and a stepless angle adjustment to suit individual operator’s requirements.

Digga Europe

Another winner of a Plantworx Innovation award for engineering and design was the European division of Digga, the Australian headquartered attachment manufacturer who were rewarded for their HALO drilling system.

HALO is without doubt a game changer, and like so many great ideas, it’s a relatively simple concept.

For a long time now, drilling holes efficiently and to exact measurements, has all too often been a two-person job, involving old tools like spirit levels too constantly check the angle of the auger, but with HALO, all that has been eliminated.

With the HALO system the process becomes a one-person job, with the operator only needing to follow the green and red-light for feedback to maintain a correct drilling angle.

Hidromek

One of only two backhoe loaders spotted around the showground was on display on the Hidromek stand. The all new and latest reincarnation of the Turkish manufacturers HMK 102B backhoe, the K4 Series.

The K4 Series is Hidromek’s fourth generation of backhoe loaders and was an award winner at the Red Dot Design Awards 2022, and as if that wasn’t enough, it also picked up the Product Design award at IF Design Awards 2022, these are two of the most valuable design awards globally.

The Stage V emissions compliant K4 machine features an efficient high flow hydraulic system capable of providing maximum breakout force even at low revolutions. Big changes in the cabin include the patented Autotilt seat, which allows the steering wheel to lift up automatically while rotating backwards to facilitate easier access to the backhoe position. The joysticks are integrated into the seat to enable the operator to work comfortably in backhoe and loader positions including the side angles.

Other machines of note on the busy stand were the 62T tracked compact loader and the HMK 230LC 23-tonne class hydraulic excavator.

Engcon Uk

Engcon are ever present at these shows and always have a good live demo going on with many well-known operators running the machines. Once again, the focal point was Collins Earthworks new Volvo EWR170E with full spec Engcon EC-Oil system, which was making its very first appearance in the UK, operated by Will Goldstone.

Digbits

Cannock, Staffordshire based DIGBITS are a family-based business flying the flag for British bucket and attachment manufacturing in the heart of the UK. Once again Marcus Clay and his team were on hand to talk all things attachment related and presented a wide range of equipment.

On the demo plot regular demo owner/operator Dave Stone with his Takeuchi TB370, as featured in the January 2022 edition of this magazine, was on hand to demonstrate his wide range of DIGBITS buckets and attachments.

Sunward

Chinese manufacturer Sunward it’s fair to say, had a stuttering start in the UK market, but are now looking well set up with new management on board and good dealers appointed with more to follow in due course. The machines look to be of good quality and are well appointed in the cab.

Two new models caught my eye on the stand, the high spec SWE155UF-2PB sort tailswing hydraulic excavator which featured a twopiece (TAB) boom, dozer blade and a Steelwrist tiltrotator. The machine which tips the scales at 15,600kgs, is powered by a Stage V emission compliant and fuel-efficient Cummins 3.8 litre diesel engine offering a power output of 93kw. Maximum reach at ground level is an impressive 8,370mm while a maximum dig depth of 5,525mm is achievable.

I’m hoping to get “hands on” with this compact hydraulic excavator in due course for a “First Drive” feature in this magazine.

Also presented on stand was the SWE20FED electric mini excavator which is Sunward’s first electric machine and was launched during Bauma in Munich. The machine features a lithium-ion battery and a three-phase asynchronous motor, according to Sunward the machine can work at full load for 6 hours and can be fully fast charged in less than 2 hours.

Caterpillar

Talking electric machines once more, Caterpillar brought along their new 906 electric compact wheeled loader which is built in the Desford facility in Leicestershire. The machine is effectively the same as the conventional diesel-powered version, with the same cab, loader arms and hydraulics, but in this variant, battery powered.

Caterpillar have developed a 300V system with a 64kWh battery, which will offer around 6 hours of actual working time a day from a single charge. There will of course be a choice of different charging options, making use of single and three phase supplies, and DC charging in due course.

Mini and midi excavators were available to try on the demo plot including the latest version of the Cat 308 CR which features such innovations as stick steer, and ease of use technologies such as Indicate and E-Fence which allows operators of all experience levels to work more effectively and safely.

Grumper

The “Grumper” is the brainchild of an engineering team at Lincolnshire and London based contractors JJ Mac Ltd and is effectively a new selfloading dumper concept. But where this concept differs from traditional self-loading dumpers is that the skip itself is designed to grab the material in a clamshell style movement.

Of course, there have been many self-loading dumpers produced previously, fitted with front mounted loader arms and bucket, which do tend to look vulnerable to damage in the wrong hands, but the “Grumper” with its hydraulically operated grabbing system, is a totally different approach to the concept.

A company spokesman on the stand said there has been a lot of interest in the concept from established dumper manufacturers. The concept could prove to be very popular in countries like Spain and Italy for example, where conventional self-loading dumpers are well utilised.

Kubota

Japanese manufacturer Kubota represented by Kubota UK chose Plantworx as the launch event for the KX085-5 the replacement for the hugely popular KX080-4@2 as featured earlier on in this issue of Earthmovers.

The previous model has been a number one seller in the UK midi excavator market for a long time, and the new KX085-5 will look to build on that long standing success, with the new cab layout and additional features, and as a Kubota spokesman said, “The best, just got better!”.

Kubota also showcased their all-new electric wheeled loaders and electric tracked dumper models.

Manitou

Manitou were leading the charge at Plantworx with a duo of all electric battery powered telehandler models including the compact and highly manoeuvrable MT 625e. This machine has a lifting capacity of 2.5-tonnes and a lift height of 6m, and according to Manitou, can offer the same level of performance as its diesel fuelled counterpart. Buyers can choose from a 25kWh or 33kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Reaching for the sky on the Manitou stand was the new MRT 2660e VISION+ range rotary telehandler which is also totally electric. This machine has a lift capacity of 6-tonnes and an impressive lift height of 26m.

The MRT 2660e which won the Highly Commended award at the Plantworx Innovation awards ceremony in the engineering and design category, is fitted with a 700V/65kWh lithium-ion battery pack, that can offer the same power and performance levels of a machine fitted with a traditional internal combustion engine.

Merlo

Another traditional name in the manufacture of telehandlers Italian company Merlo, brought along something different in the form of the new DM9 site dumper.

This hydrostatically driven machine had previously been revealed at Bauma, but this was the first time we had seen one in the UK. The rigid chassis, 4-wheel steer machine has a maximum load capacity of 9-tonnes and features a rotating seat in the cab with two steering wheels, allowing the operator to drive the machine as a forward-facing dumper, or as a small ADT by driving with the load behind. The skip can be rotated through 180° to allow for three-sided unloading. The transmission is capable of delivering a maximum speed of 40km/h depending on ground conditions.

Miller

North East based attachment manufacturer Miller is a name that has become synonymous with quick couplers over the course of my working life, but of course they also equally well-known for buckets too, and at Plantworx they were launching a new Tilt Ditch Cleaning bucket. This is a whole new design with what looked like a much lower build height and with the tilting rams nicely concealed within the inside of the bucket, preventing damage to the rods, built with Hardox steel it certainly looked a solid piece of equipment.

KINSHOFER/AUGER TORQUE

Among a sea of attachments on the Kinshofer stand was the Auger Torque Cone Crusher bucket. This attachment is suitable for use on machines in the 3- to 10-tonne bracket, and is capable of quickly repurposing rubble into usable hardcore of approximately 40 to 70mm. Tried and tested on excavators, telehandlers, skid-steers and mini loaders, Auger Torque is already reporting considerable success in the UK market with this product. The crusher was put through its paces on the showground by long standing Kinshofer demo operator Ed Butler who reported phenomenal levels of interest is it.

Strickland Mfg

Long established bucket and attachment manufacturer Strickland MFG were showcasing an all-new Tilt Coupler at Plantworx which features a ramless rotation system.