At last– a long awaited return

D&Ri looks ahead to two major shows for our sector taking place in the coming weeks – Plantworx in the United Kingdom and Steinexpo in Germany.

The past few years have been littered with cancelled or postponed trade shows as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath kicked in.

Some events were luckier than others. Germany’s huge Bauma exhibition – scheduled for Munich in April of last year – eventually took place six months later.

The smaller, but still significant in its own sector, Recycling Aktiv has managed to restore the balance by hosting two shows in less than a year.

For others, the wait has been more protracted.

Not least for two shows taking place this summer after delays which, when added together, total a decade.

First up is Plantworx, happening in the United Kingdom in June. Last time it welcomed the public, in 2019, it had just moved to a new venue, at the East of England showground in Peterborough. But a follow up event in 2021 proved impossible, and – because Plantworx runs on an alternate schedule with another UK exhibition at Hillhead in the north of England – 2022 was also a non-starter. Now after five years it is back.

Germany’s Steinexpo has been on the sidelines even longer.

Because it happens every three years, its previous incarnation was in 2017, when it attracted over 50,000 visitors.

LIVE DEMONSTRATION

So it is not surprising that the organisers of both shows are viewing their approach with enthusiasm.

By the end of March, Steinexpo had 268 exhibitors registered, with more than 300 expected by the time it starts on 23 August.

Common features of previous Steinexpos returning in 2023 include the live demonstration area, which will feature major machinery brands and what the organiser describes as a “stadium atmosphere”, while a second demonstration area will feature attachments and other accessories.

The indoor area will be divided into two sections, each focusing on a specific theme.

Before then, Plantworx will have already taken place. It too will feature around 300 exhibitors.

They include DEVELON, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment, which will be exhibiting for the first time in the United Kingdom.

Several of the products on display will be seen for the first time in the UK. These include the new DX63-7 (6 t) and DX85R-7 (8 t) mini-excavators, while a DX250WMH-7 material handler will feature in the demonstration area.

Together with the DX62R-7, the DX63-7 is one of two new 6 tmini-excavators from Develon, completing the roll out of the next generation of machines from the company, with a new shared global styling design. Both models are powered by the D24 Stage V-compliant diesel engine providing 44.3 kW (59.4 HP) of power.

The Steinexpo site in Germany will reopen to visitors in August after the show was twice postponed because of Covid

PHOTO: STEINEXPO

Bobcat’s T86 compact tracked loader, which will be shown at Plantworx

PHOTO: BOBCAT

The DX85R-7 reduced tail swing (RTS) excavator uses a newly improved upper structure platform offering increased durability and robustness and a different boom swing cylinder layout resulting in an increased boom swing angle of 60°.

The bucket digging force of the DX85R-7 is 6.7 t and this is combined with a traction force of 6.6 t, while travel speeds are a mobile 2.9 km/h (1.8 mph) in the low range and 4.8 km/h (2.98 mph) in the high range.

Steelwrist’s X02 tiltrotator will be heading to Plantworx in June.

PHOTO: STEELWRIST

BOBCAT will also have several new products on show at Plantworx for the first time. These include the 5,087 kg (11,214 lb) T86 compact tracked loader, which is described as the most powerful machine of its kind that Bobcat has ever built.

If has a rated operating capacity of 1,780 kg (3,924 lb) and a tipping load of 3175 kg (7,000 lb). Using a Stage V compliant 3.4 l Bobcat engine that produces 78 kW (105 hp) at 2,600 rpm, the T86 can be configured for the first time with three different auxiliary functions.

SANY will take its largest-ever stand to showcase its latest range of excavators and wheeled loaders, along with a host of technologies designed to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety on construction sites.

TAKEUCHI UK has expanded its 3-Series excavator range with the new TB350R shorttail swing compact excavator, the company’s first 5 tclass short-tail model.

To be launched in the UK at Plantworx, the TB350R has a rear swing overhang of 75 mm (3 in) and weighs 5,095 kg (11.232 lb).

Another exhibitor, ROTAR ENGINEERING has launched the Fully Integrated Quickcoupler Adapter.

The company said this eliminates the need for adapter plates, extra engineering costs, and installation of hydraulic lines, providing a “Plug & Play” solution.

The adapter is fully dedicated to the original components of the quick coupler manufacturer – OILQUICK, STEELWRIST or LEHNHOFF – and features an optimised center of gravity, weight reduction, and less fuel consumption. The adapter’s 3D hydraulic routing design, OEM manufacturing, and integration of all components and hydraulic lines make it more reliable and easy to maintain, with a clean design that eliminates visible hydraulic hoses.

New additions to the STEELWRIST range in time for Plantworx include, the SQ50 range of quick couplers and tiltrotators for midsized excavators, and the X02 tiltrotator for excavators up to 2.5 t.

The X02 is accompanied by a complete range of work tools resulting and incorporates several innovative design solutions.

Available in both direct mount and sandwich configurations, all models come with a hydraulic locking S30 attachment coupler with integrated front pin hook. ■