PHPD previews the PLANTWORX construction machinery exhibition taking place on 6-8th June in Leicestershire.
The 3rd biennial Plantworx Construction Machinery exhibition takes place at its established home at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire from 6-8th June 2017. Over 320 exhibitors have signed up for the event with 100 of the exhibitors making their show debut.
At Plantworx visitors can see machines and tools being put through their paces on one of the many demonstration areas around the show. Visitors with the correct operators’ licences and PPE are invited by many of the manufacturers to ‘have a go’ on their machines and test out the latest in earthmoving machinery in working site conditions.
However, the event is not just about the ‘big kit’ – the show has plenty of smaller machines and equipment, which is designed to be used on residential construction sites where working space can be restricted. Visitors are promised ‘all that a housebuilder & property developer would need for safe and productive site’.
Colin Evison, Head of Innovation at Bam Nuttall is on the judging panel for the Plantworx Innovation Awards. He said, “Plantworx presents contractors with a vast array of the latest construction plant and equipment on display and being demonstrated all in one place. It enables us to keep up to date on the very latest additions to the construction industry so that we may continually improve the way we deliver and maintain infrastructure.”
Amongst the 320 exhibitors here are a small selection well worth a visit:
JCB
One of the most significant new machine launches in recent months was the JCB Hydradig, which was officially launched at Bauma Munich last year – the first machine came off the production line in September 2016. Plantworx is the first UK show where visitors will be able to see the machine in action.
According to JCB the Hydradig 110W is a ground-breaking digging, lifting, loading and tool-carrying machine for urban construction, highway maintenance and municipal operations. Key features include: excellent operator views around the machine, a low centre of gravity to allow stable lifting and excellent travel speeds up to 40km/h between job sites, all-wheel steer enabling maximum urban usability and ground level access to all maintenance points.
Kubota
Kubota will be showing its latest mini-excavator the KX027-4, a compact excavator that, according to the company, doesn’t compromise on power and performance and is suited to small to medium jobsites.
The 2.6 tonne excavator can be used for towing and is available in two models. The Standard KX027-4 model for general excavation jobs, whilst the High-Spec model utilises AUX oil flow with proportional flow control and Auto shift for greater versatility and performance to meet the needs of any job.
Hook Up Solutions
The Hooka is a compact crawler which has taken the industry by storm. ‘Size matched’ to bulk bags and pallets – at only one metre wide, yet with a lift and carry capacity of 1.5 tonnes, it offers builders and landscapers access for delivering materials into the heart of sites. It features ‘load-lock’ technology that transforms the payload into ‘ballast’ thereby eliminating the threat to machine stability and personnel caused by a traditional forklift’s ‘suspended load’. Hooka also covers contractors’ legal duty to minimise manual handling, thereby saving risk and liability.
Recent clients include Canals River Trust and Kier Construction. Alongside tonne bags and pallets, Hooka has installed 200kg glass ‘curtain wall’ panels, 400kg road plates, 3 metre concrete posts, and rootball trees.
Niftylift
UK based, Niftylift is one of the largest manufacturers of mobile elevating work platforms in Europe, is making its Plantworx debut.
One of the highlights on the Niftylift stand will be the new Nifty 120T: a compact and manoeuvrable trailer-mount that can be towed easily by a small commercial vehicle or a pick-up. With a 12.2m working height and 6.1m outreach, it utilises a telescopic upper boom to give up-and-over access to hard-to-reach locations, as well as low-level outreach where it’s often needed most.
TRUXTA BENDI
The TRUXTA BENDI mini dumper will also be making an appearance at the show – the machine is all about manoeuvrability and is well suited to working in areas with limited space.
Available in two sizes there is the BENDI 300 AND BENDI 450, with a skip capacity of 300kg or 450kg. The mini dumper offers excellent load capacity in and around sites with a generous payload capability it also easily manoeuvres up steep ramps and rough terrain.
The new 4×4 mini dumpers provide easy access even in the tightest corners. At just 850mm wide and has an articulated chassis to help it corner with minimum effort. The unit weighs in at 200kg and is available in petrol, diesel or there is a battery powered unit offering a quiet environmentally friendly option.
Further companies visitors can see at the show include Caterpillar, Volvo, Takeuchi, Kubota, Case Construction Equipment, BOMAG & Terex.
The 3rd biennial Plantworx Construction Machinery exhibition takes place at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire from 6-8th June 2017. A full exhibitor list and more information on the show can be found here.
Visitor registration is now open and it’s free – click here.
