CECE Congress 2026 will bring more than 150 senior figures from Europe’s construction equipment industry to IET Savoy Place in London from 27 to 29 October.

With the UK hosting the biennial Congress during Phil Layton’s presidency of CECE, the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) is leading delivery of the event on behalf of the Committee for European Construction Equipment.

Ahead of the Congress, Layton has outlined why he believes the industry needs to come together at a time of economic uncertainty, changing regulation, skills shortages, technology investment and global competition.

Why CECE Congress matters in 2026

Layton describes the Congress as one of the few opportunities for the European construction equipment industry to step away from day-to-day pressures and take a wider view of the forces shaping its future.

“Manufacturers are dealing with economic uncertainty, changing regulation, skills shortages, technology investment, global competition and a rapidly shifting political landscape,” he said. “Those issues affect every business, but they cannot be solved company by company or country by country.”

The event is intended to bring together manufacturers, association leaders, economists, technical experts and policy voices, giving delegates a chance to compare experience and consider how the industry should respond.

Create, Innovate, Inspire

The theme for this year’s Congress is Create • Innovate • Inspire, with each strand focused on a different part of the industry’s future.

For Layton, Create is about finding better ways to solve problems, develop people and build value. Innovate is about turning ideas into industrial advantage through more productive factories, capable machinery, stronger supply chains and better use of data. Inspire focuses on the people the sector needs to attract and retain, from engineers and technicians to digital specialists, operators and future leaders.

The programme will include Jason Bevan, former Head of Creative Development and Vice President of European Marketing at Warner Bros. Pictures, who will discuss creativity, innovation and how organisations respond to change, including the growing role of artificial intelligence.

A dedicated panel will also look at skills, education and attracting new talent into the sector.

Economics, leadership and industry competitiveness

The Congress programme will cover geopolitical volatility, the outlook for European manufacturing, industrial competitiveness, technology, leadership, skills and market conditions.

Joe Nellis, Emeritus Professor of Global Economy, will examine the global and European economic outlook. Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Hill, a former British Army officer whose career was cut short by a life-changing injury sustained on operations in Afghanistan, will close the first day with a keynote on resilience and leadership.

Sessions will be moderated by Riccardo Viaggi, Secretary General of CECE.

Why London?

Layton believes London is the right setting for a Congress focused on an international industry facing international issues.

“The UK remains an important manufacturing, engineering and construction equipment market, and hosting the Congress here is an opportunity to bring European colleagues together at a time when the UK-EU relationship, trade, regulation and industrial competitiveness remain very much on the agenda,” he said.

Alongside the conference sessions, a Welcome Reception at IET Savoy Place will open the Congress, while the Gala Dinner will take delegates onto the Thames for an evening cruise through central London.

A place to compare ideas and look ahead

Layton says delegates should leave with a clearer understanding of the environment their businesses are operating in, practical ideas they can apply and new industry contacts.

“No business should be setting its strategy based on headlines, assumptions or a narrow view of its own market,” he said. “The Congress gives people direct access to informed perspectives on the issues influencing our sector across Europe.”

He added that the value of the event also lies in the conversations between manufacturers, associations, suppliers, policy experts and industry partners away from the formal sessions.

“For anyone serious about construction equipment, London is the place to be in October.”

CECE Congress 2026 takes place from 27 to 29 October at IET Savoy Place, London, and is open to CEA members and non-members.

Merlo UK has supported more than 220 engineers and dealer personnel across the UK and Ireland this year through its expanding technical training programme.

Delivered at the company’s purpose-built training centre in Ringwood and through dealer locations across the UK and Ireland, the programme is designed to build technical expertise, promote safe working practices and prepare engineers for current and future Merlo machines.

As machinery technology continues to develop, Merlo UK says ensuring dealer engineers have the knowledge to diagnose, maintain and repair equipment remains a key part of its customer support and aftersales offering.

Hands-on training at Merlo UK’s Ringwood centre

The Ringwood training centre opened in 2021 and was purpose-built for practical technical training. Engineers have access to dedicated machines, specialist training rigs and dismantled machine components, allowing them to work with Merlo systems away from the pressure of a live customer breakdown.

The programme currently includes 25 technical courses, with more set to be added as new products and technologies are introduced.

Training ranges from foundation courses for engineers new to Merlo equipment through to advanced modules covering hydraulics, driveline systems, electrics and diagnostics. Courses can also be tailored around individual roles and experience levels.

Training Manager Sam Bowles leads the programme, drawing on more than a decade of experience in agricultural and construction equipment engineering. He works with Merlo dealers to keep training aligned with the machines, systems and challenges engineers encounter in the field.

“Every engineer is at a different stage of their career, so it’s important our training reflects that,” said Shaun Groom, General Manager at Merlo UK. “Sam has built a programme that grows with our engineers. As new products and technologies are introduced, the training continues to evolve, giving engineers new opportunities to develop throughout their careers.”

Specialist training for Merlo ROTO telehandlers

Among the specialist courses is Merlo UK’s ROTO telehandler training programme. The week-long course moves from machine operation into system understanding, diagnostics and fault finding, giving engineers an in-depth understanding of one of Merlo’s more advanced product ranges.

BAGMA-accredited courses are also available, enabling engineers to gain the qualifications required to undertake Thorough Examinations and support dealers with machinery inspections and compliance checks.

Merlo UK says feedback has been strong, with its technical training courses achieving an average satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from approximately 400 participant responses.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing engineers return to training and watching their confidence grow,” said Bowles. “Having worked as an engineer myself, I understand the realities of diagnosing and repairing machines in the field, and the difference practical, hands-on training makes in helping engineers build both confidence and capability.”

Preparing dealers for new Merlo technology

Bowles has also spent time at Merlo Group’s headquarters in San Defendente di Cervasca, near Cuneo, Italy, receiving training on the manufacturer’s latest machines and technologies. Working with Merlo’s technical and training teams in Italy allows new product knowledge to be brought back to dealer teams in the UK and Ireland.

That includes preparing engineers to support electric models and increasingly advanced machine technologies as they enter the market.

“We’re constantly developing and updating our training programmes to ensure our dealers are ready to support both current and future products,” Bowles explained. “The industry is evolving quickly, and it’s important that engineers have the knowledge and confidence needed to support customers as new technologies emerge.”

The programme forms part of Merlo UK’s continued investment in its dealer network at a time when skilled engineers remain in high demand.

“Behind every productive machine is a skilled engineer,” said Groom. “The success of the programme is a testament to the commitment of Sam and the wider team, as well as the enthusiasm of the engineers taking part. Seeing attendees return, develop their skills and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to support that development across our dealer network.”

Volvo electric construction equipment is being put to work on a municipal demolition project in Nuremberg, Germany, where the city is testing how zero-emission machinery can fit into normal day-to-day site operations.

The work is taking place at the former Sauerbrey nursery in the city’s Westpark area and follows Bavaria’s first public tender for a CO₂-free demolition project. Metzner Recycling GmbH is carrying out the demolition with support from Robert Aebi Nuremberg, using a fleet of battery-electric construction machines and trucks.

Volvo electric fleet tackles Nuremberg demolition

The machinery on site includes a Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavator, Volvo ECR18 Electric compact excavator and Volvo L20 Electric compact wheel loader. A Volvo Trucks FM Electric hook-lift truck is also supporting the project.

For the City of Nuremberg, the job is intended to demonstrate that lower-emission public works can move beyond pilot schemes and into normal procurement. By including zero-emission requirements in the tender, the city has created a live test of how electric construction equipment can be used on a conventional municipal project.

Andreas Krieglstein, Mayor of Nuremberg, said the demolition marked new ground for the city and highlighted the role municipalities can play in reducing the environmental impact of both construction and deconstruction work.

Standard site power keeps the electric machines working

One of the most significant parts of the Nuremberg project is the charging arrangement. Rather than relying on purpose-built charging infrastructure, the electric machines and vehicles are being powered from standard construction-site electricity.

That matters because it gives the project a more realistic link to everyday demolition and construction work. The approach was inspired by an earlier fully electric deconstruction project at Siemens’ headquarters in nearby Erlangen. Following a visit to that site, Nuremberg’s Public Space Service Agency saw the potential to apply the same principles to a municipal tender.

Michael Metzner, Managing Director of Metzner Recycling GmbH, said the key was to plan the equipment, logistics and energy supply together from the start so the job could run reliably within normal site routines.

Alongside eliminating local exhaust emissions from the electric machines, the project is also reducing noise around the site. With residential properties close to the former nursery, lower machine noise and reduced exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides are practical benefits for the surrounding area.

Demolition materials kept in the loop

The project is not only focused on the machines. The former nursery forms part of a wider redevelopment that will eventually turn the area into public green space, while demolition materials are being separated so suitable material can be recovered and returned to the value chain.

That approach brings circular-economy principles into the demolition process, with the site being used as an example of urban mining and more resource-efficient construction. Rather than treating the demolition arisings simply as waste, recoverable material is being identified for further use wherever possible.

A practical test for zero-emission public works

For Nuremberg, the wider aim is to show other local authorities that zero-emission construction requirements can be written into public tenders and delivered with commercially available machinery.

Peter Bauer, Segment Leader at Volvo Construction Equipment, said the project demonstrates that CO₂-free demolition can work on real construction sites, with standard site electricity helping make the approach practical and easier to replicate.

The Westpark job gives contractors and municipalities a useful real-world example of how electric excavators, loaders and trucks can be combined on a demolition project while also addressing noise, local emissions and material recovery.

Read more construction equipment news, machine reviews and site reports from Awesome Earthmovers.

Specialist demolition and recycling contractor J. Mould is using a Kobelco SK550DLC-11 demolition excavator to dismantle the former O2 headquarters in Slough, helping the contractor separate more than 15,000 tonnes of material for recycling while tackling the site’s demanding high-reach work.

The project for industrial property developer SEGRO involves taking the former 250,000 sq ft O2 campus down to ground level, clearing the site and preparing it for future development. With its concrete-framed car park, office building and distinctive glass and steel pavilion, the job requires both careful deconstruction and extensive material processing.

Segregating more than 15,000 tonnes for recycling

Sustainability is a major part of the demolition programme. More than 15,000 tonnes of material is being segregated, including light and heavy iron and alloy materials recovered from the site’s structures.

Concrete and hardcore are also being processed on site. J. Mould is using a Kobelco SK850LC-10E with a mechanical pulveriser to remove contaminants such as reinforcing steel before the material is fed through the company’s Finlay J-1170 jaw crushers.

The resulting aggregate is then transported to another J. Mould project in Slough, where it is being reused to raise the level of pad foundations.

Site Manager Stuart Townsend explains that the 24-week project initially required the underground car park to be exposed, with materials in the void processed and the area backfilled before heavier demolition equipment could move in.

Adding the SK550DLC-11 alongside another high-reach machine in the company’s fleet has helped J. Mould increase the speed at which different materials can be processed.

Kobelco SK550DLC-11 takes on the high-reach work

The Kobelco SK550DLC-11 can be equipped with 6.1m or 8.7m arm attachments, providing working heights between 21.5m and 27.5m.

That reach has allowed J. Mould to work progressively down through the triple-height O2 building.

The excavator is paired with a Genesis GXT 225R rotating shear, weighing 2,400kg. Its 457mm jaw opening and cutting geometry provide the capability required to tackle the building’s substantial steel framework.

J. Mould also has a basement arm that can be fitted for other applications once the high-reach phase of a demolition project is complete.

The attachments connect to the main boom using Kobelco’s NEXT joint system. Director Jay Mould sees that modularity as an important advantage.

“The modular attachments give great versatility. They allow the machine to be used even when the high reach work phase has finished.”

Designed around the demolition operator

For operator Adam Marshal, several demolition-specific features make a difference during long shifts.

LED work lights positioned on the attachment and cab improve visibility in poor conditions, while the demolition cab can tilt through 30 degrees, allowing a more natural viewing position while working on higher structures.

Adam also highlights the air-suspension seat and straightforward illuminated controls as features that improve comfort throughout the working day.

Easier transport between demolition sites

Despite an operating weight of around 64 tonnes, the SK550DLC-11 has been configured with transportability in mind.

Its counterweight can be removed, allowing J. Mould to move the excavator between projects using its own low-loaders and HIAB rather than relying on third-party transport.

An object-handling hook supplied as standard also enables the machine to lift its own ultra-long attachment, removing the need for a separate loading crane while dismantling or preparing the excavator for transport.

According to Jay, the machine can arrive on site and have its counterweight, arm and attachment installed within around 30 minutes.

That flexibility is particularly important for a contractor whose work can require specialist demolition equipment to move regularly between projects.

A growing Kobelco fleet for J. Mould

The SK550DLC-11 forms part of a much wider relationship between J. Mould, Kobelco and UK dealer Molson Equipment.

J. Mould now operates 17 Kobelco machines, with Jay highlighting fuel efficiency as one of the benefits the business has consistently noticed across the fleet.

The relationship with Molson also extends beyond excavators. J. Mould previously purchased two Finlay crushers from the company, reflecting an approach in which demolition, material separation, crushing and recycling increasingly form part of one integrated operation.

At the former O2 headquarters, that combination of specialised demolition equipment and on-site processing is helping J. Mould dismantle the structure while recovering and reusing as much material as possible.

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The Terex Ecotec TSS 390T Plus is a new tracked slow-speed shredder designed to broaden the range of materials operators can process while retaining the key design principles of the established TSS 390.

The biggest change is more space through the shredding chamber. With an increased 820mm discharge channel, Terex Ecotec has developed the TSS 390T Plus with bulky material and high-volume reduction firmly in mind.

Combined with revised hopper geometry, a standard 18-tooth shaft and quick-release product conveyor, the result is a machine aimed at recycling applications where flexibility and straightforward servicing are just as important as controlled output size.

Increased chamber clearance

The defining difference between the TSS 390 and the new TSS 390T Plus is its increased chamber clearance.

A higher 820mm discharge channel provides additional space for large, coarse and bulky shredded material to move through and clear the machine.

Terex Ecotec says this expands the shredder’s application flexibility, particularly where operators need significant bulk volume reduction but still require the ability to produce a controlled piece size.

The hopper has also been revised with increased capacity and improved geometry, allowing longer and bulkier material to enter the shredding chamber more easily.

For operators working with inconsistent or difficult feed material, reducing restrictions through the feeding and discharge process could be one of the TSS 390T Plus’s most important changes.

18-tooth shredding shaft as standard

The TSS 390T Plus uses an 18-tooth shaft as standard, reflecting its emphasis on bulk volume reduction.

The configuration provides increased torque at each tooth tip, making it particularly suited to tougher applications and situations where a coarser shred is required.

Operators requiring a different finished product can instead specify an optional 36-tooth shaft.

Like the existing TSS 390, the shredding chamber uses a hydrostatically driven shaft with full-speed reverse.

Customisable shredding programmes can be used to help clean the shaft when working with difficult materials, reducing material wrapping around the shaft and helping maintain throughput.

Adjustable countercomb for output control

Material sizing can be further controlled through the TSS 390T Plus’s hydraulically adjustable countercomb.

Operators can alter the countercomb position according to the required piece size and application.

Two operating modes are available.

In release mode, the system is intended to allow uninterrupted shredding, while fixed mode can be used where achieving a more precise finished piece size is important.

The shredding chamber also features double-sided access to simplify maintenance and help reduce downtime.

Quick-release product conveyor

One particularly practical feature of the TSS 390T Plus is its new quick-release product conveyor system.

The conveyor has been designed so that a single operator can remove it within minutes without requiring tools.

Rather than simply improving transport or setup, the main advantage is service access. Removing the conveyor quickly gives maintenance personnel better access to areas of the machine that might otherwise be more difficult to reach.

For recycling operators where shredder availability directly affects production, relatively simple serviceability improvements like this can be significant.

Developed from the TSS 390

Rather than starting with a completely new machine architecture, Terex Ecotec has retained many of the features already used on the TSS 390 and developed the Plus model around applications requiring additional material clearance and capacity.

Conor Hegarty, Business Line Director for Terex Ecotec, says development of the machine was influenced heavily by customer feedback.

“The TSS 390T Plus is the result of extensive customer feedback and has been carefully engineered to retain the core design principles that made the TSS 390 successful.”

According to Terex Ecotec, the machine has been tested across a range of different applications ahead of its introduction.

The TSS 390T Plus also receives updated machine styling and a revised colour scheme as part of its introduction.

Who is the Terex Ecotec TSS 390T Plus for?

Based on its specification, the most significant reason for choosing the TSS 390T Plus over the existing machine is its ability to accommodate larger and bulkier material.

The combination of the higher discharge channel, revised hopper, standard 18-tooth shaft and adjustable countercomb makes bulk reduction the clear focus, while the optional 36-tooth shaft provides flexibility for operators requiring a different output.

Terex Ecotec has therefore avoided completely reinventing the TSS 390. Instead, the Plus model develops the established concept in areas that matter when dealing with more challenging feed material.

For recycling operators looking for a tracked slow-speed shredder capable of handling bulky material while retaining control over finished piece size, the TSS 390T Plus is an interesting addition to the Terex Ecotec range.

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The Omega J1065T tracked jaw crusher promises a different approach to mobile crushing, replacing conventional diesel-hydraulic drive systems with electric motors while retaining the flexibility required for quarrying, mining and recycling applications.

At Fox Group’s Preston operation, the J1065T has been put to work processing material as part of a wider drive to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising productivity.

For a business already heavily invested in recycling and the circular economy, it represented an opportunity to test whether electric crushing could work effectively in a demanding production environment.

Omega J1065T electric drive system

One of the J1065T’s most significant features is its electric drive arrangement.

Every major operating component, including the feeder, jaw crusher, main conveyor and fines conveyor, is powered by an electric motor.

Power can be supplied either by the machine’s onboard generator or through an external mains electricity supply. This dual-power arrangement allows operators to use the crusher where electrical infrastructure is not yet available before switching to mains electricity when the site permits.

At Fox Group’s Preston facility, the J1065T was initially operating from its onboard generator, with plans to connect it to mains power once the necessary infrastructure was in place.

The arrangement also allows other machines within a crushing train to be powered through the J1065T.

Fuel consumption reduced from 25 to 10 litres per hour

The strongest evidence for the electric-drive concept comes from its performance in operation.

According to Omega dealer OnTrax Equipment, the previous diesel-hydraulic crusher at the site consumed approximately 25 litres of fuel per hour.

With the Omega J1065T running from its onboard generator, consumption had fallen to around 10 litres per hour, representing a reported saving of approximately 15 litres every operating hour.

OnTrax calculated the resulting annual fuel saving at around £25,000 to £30,000.

Further savings were expected once Fox Group could connect the machine directly to mains electricity, with potential operating-cost savings estimated at approximately £36,000 annually alongside a substantial reduction in servicing requirements.

The electric drive also brings another advantage within the enclosed area where the crusher operates: reduced noise and fumes compared with the machine it replaced.

Jaw crusher specification

Electric drive is only useful if the crusher itself can deliver the required production.

The J1065T features a 1000mm x 650mm jaw opening, with a heavy-duty shaft and bolted mainframe.

Crusher speed can be adjusted between 270rpm and 310rpm, allowing the setup to be adapted according to the material and application.

Material is fed through a 3.8m³ hopper constructed from Hardox 400, while the declined vibrating feeder incorporates a stepped grizzly section designed to improve material flow. The feeder is also Hardox lined for operation with abrasive and demanding material.

The discharge conveyor uses a 900mm-wide belt together with an overband magnet and motorised head drum pulley.

For applications involving reinforced material, the conveyor can be hydraulically raised and lowered to provide additional rebar clearance. It can also be lowered or removed from the machine when required.

Designed for straightforward site setup

Omega has also paid attention to the practicalities of transporting and setting up the J1065T.

The tracks use proportional hydraulic control, while the hopper incorporates hydraulic folding and locking plates.

Importantly for operators, the relevant setup procedures can be carried out from ground level, helping make the crusher quicker and more straightforward to prepare for work.

Omega J1065T at Fox Group

Fox Group operates across demolition, earthworks, remediation, aggregates, concrete, asphalt and civil engineering, with recycling forming an important part of its business.

Its Preston wash plant alone processes more than 500,000 tonnes of excavation waste each year, producing sands and gravels for reuse in construction.

For Fox Group director Paul Fox, the appeal of the Omega crusher was therefore not simply the prospect of using an electric machine, but doing so without sacrificing production.

“For us, this crusher strikes the right balance between sustainability and productivity.”

He added that reducing fuel use and emissions while maintaining throughput made the machine a strong fit for the business.

After several months operating at Preston, the J1065T provides an interesting real-world example of how electrically driven mobile crushing equipment can reduce reliance on diesel while still giving operators the flexibility of an onboard generator when mains power is unavailable.

For recycling businesses looking to reduce fuel use without immediately committing to a fully grid-dependent crushing operation, that dual-power approach could be one of the Omega J1065T’s most useful characteristics.

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Demolishing a former two-gigawatt coal-fired power station is a major undertaking even before the work moves below ground. At Eggborough Power Station in North Yorkshire, DSM Demolition faced everything from 80-metre cooling towers and a 198.5-metre chimney to huge reinforced concrete foundations, buried cooling-water pipes and challenging ground conditions.

Awesome Earthmovers revisited the project to see how DSM was tackling one of the most substantial demolition, remediation and re-engineering contracts in its history.

From power generation to demolition

Eggborough Power Station near Selby began generating electricity in 1967 and comprised four 500MW units. After changing ownership several times, the station stopped generating power and ultimately closed in September 2018.

DSM moved onto the site in 2019 following extensive consultation, coordination and planning.

The early stages included clearing material from the coal yard, asbestos removal and preparing the station’s eight 80-metre-high cooling towers for demolition. Weighing around 11,000 tonnes, the towers were brought down in two phases using high-velocity explosives.

The coal bunker building, known as Bunker Bay, followed, together with the turbine hall and sections of the boiler house. The final explosive demolition included the station’s 198.5-metre (650ft) chimney stack and main boiler house.

Crushers were subsequently brought onto the site to process and recycle concrete and heavy foundation material generated during the works.

Heavy demolition equipment at Eggborough

DSM deployed a substantial mixed fleet for the project, including demolition-specification excavators and specialist attachments.

Machines used during the works included 250-tonne high-reach excavators, 90-tonne Hyundai HX900Ls, Hyundai 380s, Hitachi ZX690s, a Kobelco SK210 hybrid excavator and several Kobelco SK300s.

Concrete pulverisers, shears, grabs and other demolition attachments were used across the site.

During the later slab and foundation removal phase, DSM was operating around 30 items of plant ranging from 25-tonne to 90-tonne excavators, supplied by Molson Group.

Breaking out Eggborough’s foundations

Although the above-ground demolition was immense in scale, much of the project’s difficulty lay beneath the surface.

The size, depth and strength of the power station foundations required DSM to invest heavily in nine-tonne hydraulic hammers and Steelwrist equipment to maximise the productivity of its larger excavators.

Maintaining breaker availability was also essential. Spare units allowed attachments to be swapped out for preventative and corrective maintenance without unnecessarily interrupting production.

Another major challenge came from the station’s cooling-water infrastructure. Large steel pipes were encased within the concrete, with sections containing eight 1.8-metre-diameter pipes positioned side by side.

Because the pipes sat within the water table, their tops had to be cut open before they could be filled with Class 6A aggregate to create a dry earthworks formation layer.

Re-engineering the site

Ground conditions created an entirely different set of challenges.

The presence of Sherwood Formation sandstone was advantageous because of its free-draining characteristics and its ability to recover after becoming slurry during wet winter conditions.

Working around the water table was less straightforward. DSM also had to condition the sand between layers so that material could achieve the required 95% air-void specification, keeping it within the optimum moisture content envelope long enough to pass testing.

At the time of the Awesome Earthmovers visit, DSM forecast approximately 162,000m³ of raw concrete movement, 350,000 tonnes of aggregate movement and 549,000m³ of disturbed sand re-engineering.

Combined, the project involved material movement on an enormous scale, with concrete breakout alone expected to reach around 350,000 tonnes.

More than demolition

Eggborough demonstrates the wider scope of modern demolition contracting.

DSM’s work extends beyond structural demolition into decommissioning, dismantling, asbestos removal, contaminated-land remediation, recycling and complete site regeneration. The company also operates its own environmental division and has held a full asbestos licence continuously since 1990.

DSM is a sister company of regeneration specialist St Francis Group, which acquired the Eggborough site.

For Awesome Earthmovers, the project offered a close look at what happens after the spectacular explosive demolitions are complete: months of heavy excavation, concrete processing, foundation removal and ground engineering required to transform a former power station into land ready for its next use.

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A distinctive Hidromek HMK230LC excavator is proving there is much more behind its eye-catching appearance than just a memorable paint scheme, as Porteous Groundworks puts the 24-tonne machine to work on demanding ground conditions in Cornwall.

Awesome Earthmovers travelled to Hornblower Heights near Falmouth, where the family-run contractor was excavating foundations for a new 30-home development for Devonshire Homes.

Supplied by Hidromek dealer MPS Southwest, the HMK230LC has quickly become one of the most recognisable machines in the Porteous fleet thanks to its custom pink equestrian-themed wrap — earning it the nickname “HidroPony”.

A Hidromek HMK230LC with a difference

Porteous Groundworks was established by Ben Porteous and has grown rapidly into a mixed fleet of excavators, dumpers, rollers and other construction equipment.

Ben’s sister Sophie Porteous primarily works as a buyer for the business but can also regularly be found operating machinery.

When she was given responsibility for the design of the new Hidromek, Sophie chose a scheme that reflected both her love of horses and a wider message about encouraging more women into construction.

“I chose the colour pink deliberately because I wanted to make a statement that there is a place for women to get involved in the construction industry,” she explained.

The design was developed with Jason McCullough of MPS Southwest before Tavy Signs in Tavistock completed the wrap using satin pink, digitally printed graphics and gloss pink chevrons.

The finished excavator drew plenty of attention when it appeared at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Hard ground puts the HMK230LC to work

Away from the showground, the Hidromek has had to prove itself in much more demanding surroundings.

At the Falmouth development, Porteous Groundworks was working in particularly hard ground, including excavating large rocks while preparing the site and foundations.

Main operator Brad Burchell, who also works as site supervisor, had been running the HMK230LC for several months when Awesome Earthmovers visited.

“We are constantly digging out massive rocks, but the machine deals with that really well and is also great for grading and generally tidying up the ground,” he said.

Brad also highlighted the smooth controls and cab environment, including full air conditioning and a reclining, air-suspended heated seat.

For Porteous Groundworks, that combination of digging capability and controllability has made the machine useful across both heavier excavation and more precise finishing work.

Why Porteous Groundworks chose Hidromek

The HidroPony is not the company’s first HMK230LC.

Porteous Groundworks first became interested in Hidromek after trying a demonstration machine around two years earlier. Since then, several HMK230LC excavators have joined the fleet.

The company points to build quality, reliability and fuel efficiency as key reasons for continuing to invest in the model.

The latest machine was supplied with a three-year, 4,000-hour warranty and forms part of Hidromek’s H4 Series.

Hidromek HMK230LC specification

Power comes from a 172hp Isuzu 4HK1X engine, which operates at 1,900rpm at maximum torque and can be boosted to 2,000rpm when additional power is required.

The excavator uses a two-pump Kawasaki hydraulic system, with Hidromek stating that hydraulic movements are 7% faster than on previous models.

According to the manufacturer figures contained in the original feature, the H4 Series machine is also claimed to deliver a 17% productivity improvement and 21% increase in efficiency.

Visibility has been another area of focus.

Side and rear cameras are fitted to help reduce blind spots, while additional LED lighting improves visibility when working in low-light conditions.

Safety equipment includes an automatic starting horn, swing warning system and travel warning system, together with red handles and warning labels intended to make key safety points more visible around the machine.

Operator comfort on long working days

For operators spending long periods in the cab, Porteous Groundworks has also found plenty to like about the HMK230LC’s working environment.

Brad described the controls as smooth, while the heated, air-suspended seat and climate control help make long days more comfortable.

That matters on a machine being asked to move between heavy excavation, rock digging, grading and finishing duties throughout a project.

The result is an excavator that has become a regular part of Porteous Groundworks’ expanding fleet rather than simply a one-off purchase.

Dealer support from MPS Southwest

The relationship between Porteous Groundworks and MPS Southwest has also played an important role in the contractor’s continued investment in Hidromek equipment.

MPS Southwest has supported the business since its early days, with the Porteous family highlighting the dealer’s service and willingness to help whenever support is required.

For a rapidly growing contractor, that dealer relationship has become an important part of the overall ownership experience.

The HidroPony may attract attention because of its striking appearance, but our visit to Cornwall showed that the machine’s real value lies in its day-to-day performance.

From breaking into difficult ground and handling large rocks to grading and general site preparation, the Hidromek HMK230LC is earning its place in the Porteous Groundworks fleet — while delivering a message that ensures it stands out wherever it works.

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A Kobelco ED160-7 Blade Runner equipped with a Steelwrist tiltrotator has allowed landscaping contractor A&B Gardening to tackle a wide variety of tasks with one machine on a major private estate project near Luton in Hertfordshire.

Purchased from Molson Equipment, the unusual 14-tonne-class machine has been used for everything from earthmoving and grading to lake work, forestry and landscaping — reducing the need for multiple machines and operators.

Awesome Earthmovers caught up with A&B Gardening Managing Director Ben Jepps to find out why the Blade Runner has become such an important addition to his fleet.

One machine for a wide range of work

Ben has worked in landscaping and groundworks for more than 15 years, with experience ranging from grounds maintenance and forestry to operating construction equipment.

The Hertfordshire project called for that full range of skills.

Work included building up and reshaping areas of the estate, levelling ground, redistributing subbase and screened topsoil, woodland management and dredging lakes before creating new islands.

Around 2,000 tonnes of silt also had to be removed from one of the lakes.

Normally, such varied work could require several different machines. Bringing the Kobelco ED160-7 Blade Runner onto site allowed Ben to take a different approach.

“It’s more than a one-trick-pony machine,” he told us. “I’m looking at it as a long term investment. Its ability to do so many jobs is good for business efficiency and means I can get work done on time.”

Why Ben chose the Kobelco Blade Runner

Interestingly, Ben had not originally been looking for a Blade Runner.

After being referred to Molson Equipment by another landscaping company, he contacted Sales Director Stuart Butler while considering the replacement of some older equipment.

His original requirement was for a forestry-specification 14-tonne excavator.

After visiting Ben on site and learning more about the range of work A&B Gardening undertakes, Stuart suggested the Kobelco ED160-7 Blade Runner instead.

“As soon as Ben told me about all the different projects he was working on, I knew that this machine would suit his needs,” said Stuart.

For Ben, the additional versatility justified moving away from his original plan.

“Once Stuart suggested the Blade Runner, it made complete sense with everything we were doing,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer to do everything with one machine. Yes, I’m paying a little more, but getting a lot more from it.”

Six-way blade adds dozer capability

Central to the Blade Runner concept is its six-way Power, Angle and Tilt blade.

The blade can be angled 25 degrees left or right, allowing material to be pushed away from the machine’s direction of travel. It can also tilt by up to 455mm on either side, making it useful for applications including slope grading, ditch work and forming culverts.

Self-levelling and float functions can be controlled from a thumb button on the joystick.

The blade has a stated capacity of 1.6m³, while the excavator offers a 0.7m³ ISO-heaped bucket capacity and digging force of 105.4kN.

According to the machine specification, digging cycle time is reduced by 10% compared with the previous model, while output is increased by 10%.

Steelwrist tiltrotator adds further versatility

Ben’s machine takes the concept further with the addition of a Steelwrist tiltrotator.

The unit provides unrestricted 360-degree rotation together with 45 degrees of tilt in either direction, significantly expanding the range of positions in which buckets and other attachments can be used.

The ED160’s attachment mode can also adjust machine settings to suit the selected tool.

For a contractor moving between excavation, landscaping, grading and forestry applications, that flexibility is a major part of the machine’s appeal.

“Rather than having to have two machines — a dozer and excavator — I can have one man and machine to do everything,” said Ben.

“It is game-changing in increasing our efficiency and productivity, all without the challenges of having to recruit more staff.”

Undercarriage designed for difficult terrain

The ED160-7 also benefits from a reinforced lower structure suited to the type of varied ground conditions Ben regularly encounters.

Its track motors are normally associated with 20-tonne-class machines, while the crawler tracks are curved and plated to help minimise damage when turning on finished ground.

The machine also provides 455mm of ground clearance, helping it negotiate uneven surfaces.

For A&B Gardening, the combination of a strong undercarriage, excavator upper structure, six-way blade and Steelwrist tiltrotator has created a machine capable of moving rapidly between very different tasks.

Ben describes the specification as unlike anything else he had considered.

“No one else makes anything like it,” he said. “It’s a really cool spec and is different and unique from anything out there.”

First Kobelco leads to another purchase

The ED160-7 was Ben’s first machine purchased from Molson Equipment, but it was soon followed by a Kobelco SK10SR-2E.

Ben also worked with Molson on a distinctive pink and white finish for the Blade Runner in memory of his partner’s mother, who had passed away from cancer.

Dealer support has proved equally important.

When a problem with the diesel tank cut-off threatened to interrupt work, Ben contacted Stuart and a technician was on site the following morning to resolve the issue.

For a growing landscaping business taking on increasingly ambitious projects, the Blade Runner has ultimately provided more than just another excavator.

Its combination of digging, grading, dozing and attachment capability has allowed A&B Gardening to approach complex projects with fewer machines while retaining the flexibility needed to move quickly between very different types of work.

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A specially built CASE low-ground-pressure excavator combining components from two different machines is helping Terra Firma Environmental carry out peatland restoration work on some of the most sensitive and difficult-to-access terrain in the Lake District.

Awesome Earthmovers caught up with the machine at work near Thirlmere, between Keswick and Grasmere, where Terra Firma Environmental was operating on a remote, wet hillside as part of a peatland restoration project.

Rather than choosing a standard excavator, the Lancashire-based contractor worked with CASE Construction Equipment and dealer Dennis Barnfield Ltd to develop a machine specifically for its unusual operating requirements.

A CASE CX60D and CX70E combined

Terra Firma Environmental specialises in upland restoration projects across the UK, where access can be difficult and conventional construction equipment is not always suitable.

For this application, the company wanted an excavator around the six-tonne mark with good reach, relatively low overall weight and an undercarriage that could be adapted to produce extremely low ground pressure.

After considering several machines, director Andy Barnes identified the CASE CX70E as a strong starting point.

“We liked its shape and the size of the undercarriage and knew that carrying out the necessary modifications would be relatively straightforward,” he explained.

The final solution, however, went considerably further than simply fitting wider tracks.

CASE’s Special Projects Department created what is effectively a two-in-one excavator, combining the upper structure of a six-tonne CASE CX60D with the chassis of the seven-tonne CASE CX70E.

Hayden Bale, Product Specialist/Demonstrator for Northern Europe at CASE Construction Equipment, explained:

“Basically, what we ended up with was a combination of two machines, the upper structure being a six tonne CX60D with a seven tonne CX70E chassis.”

The standard 450mm track pads were also replaced by much wider 800mm pads, dramatically reducing the machine’s ground pressure.

Low ground pressure for sensitive peatland

That low ground pressure is essential for Terra Firma Environmental’s work.

At Thirlmere, the company was working on behalf of Cumbria Wildlife Trust as part of a wider peatland restoration programme intended to improve biodiversity, carbon storage, water quality and flood resilience.

Damaged peat can release stored carbon and lose its natural ability to hold and filter water, making restoration work increasingly important.

Terra Firma’s work includes blocking historic peat drains, constructing bunds to retain water and re-profiling damaged peat faces to prevent further erosion.

Operating heavy equipment on this kind of surface presents an obvious challenge.

“Because we are operating on soft and very sensitive terrain we need machines with a low ground pressure – somewhere in the region of 2 to 3psi – to prevent any unnecessary damage,” said Andy.

The wider tracks and specially configured undercarriage allow the CASE excavator to travel and work across ground where a conventional machine could cause unacceptable disturbance.

Built for remote working

Dennis Barnfield Ltd completed further modifications at its Lancashire workshops after the machine left the CASE factory.

These included quick-release couplings for the hitch and a welfare kit mounted on the cab roof, reflecting the isolated environments in which Terra Firma Environmental regularly works.

A spillage kit was also installed because of the environmentally sensitive nature of the sites, providing equipment to contain or deal with any potential fuel or oil leak.

For Terra Firma, however, specifying the right machine was only part of the equation.

The company has worked with Dennis Barnfield Ltd for more than eight years and says dealer support is particularly important when machinery is operating miles from conventional road access.

Aftersales support far from the road

The Thirlmere project demonstrated just how remote these sites can be.

Andy explained that simply reaching the edge of the working area could take around an hour from the main road, while parts of the site extend another six or seven kilometres into the landscape.

That makes rapid dealer support very different from attending a machine working on a conventional construction site.

“Operating in remote areas it is essential we have a back-up service that we can depend on when something goes wrong,” he said.

Where possible, Dennis Barnfield’s team helps Terra Firma diagnose and resolve straightforward issues over the telephone, avoiding the considerable time required for an engineer to reach the machine.

For more serious problems, however, engineers will make the journey to site.

Dennis Barnfield Ltd has represented CASE since 1983, making it the manufacturer’s longest-serving UK dealership, and Tom Barnfield says that commitment to aftersales service remains central to the business.

A purpose-built excavator for an unusual application

Our visit to Thirlmere showed why specialist contractors sometimes need to look beyond standard factory configurations.

By combining the CX60D upper structure, CX70E chassis and 800mm track pads, CASE and Dennis Barnfield have produced an excavator specifically suited to Terra Firma Environmental’s demanding work.

The result is a compact machine capable of reaching and operating on exceptionally soft terrain while keeping ground pressure within the narrow range required for sensitive peatland restoration.

For a contractor whose machines can find themselves kilometres from the nearest road, the project also demonstrates that specialist engineering and dependable dealer support can be every bit as important as the excavator itself.

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Rental.one’s Komatsu PC33E-6 electric mini excavator is proving how battery-powered construction equipment can fit into everyday urban groundworks, with Norwegian contractor Landskaps Entreprenørene AS putting the three-tonne machine to work in central Stavanger.

Awesome Earthmovers caught up with the PC33E-6 during a visit to Norway, where it was being used on the construction of a new entrance to a modern development in the country’s fourth-largest city.

Supplied on long-term hire by Rental.one, the zero-emission, low-noise mini excavator is being used for tasks including excavation and moving materials around the site.

Electric construction equipment for urban groundworks

Landskaps Entreprenørene carries out groundworks including digging, drainage, site excavation and road construction for projects ranging from sports facilities and town squares to other public and private outdoor spaces.

The company has more than 100 employees and places a strong emphasis on environmental performance. As an Environmental Lighthouse certified business, reducing emissions from its equipment is a natural part of that approach.

That makes the Komatsu PC33E-6 particularly well suited to the type of work we saw in Stavanger.

Its compact dimensions allow it to operate where larger excavators would be impractical, while its electric powertrain makes it particularly useful in built-up areas where exhaust emissions and machine noise are important considerations.

Rental.one seller Vidar Skarås was also on site during our visit.

“The Komatsu PC33E-6 is ideal for working in built-up areas and outside of standard daytime hours because of its quiet and emission-free operation,” he explained.

The project also places an emphasis on reusing materials, including stone and concrete recovered from the site.

Komatsu PC33E-6 joins Rental.one’s 4,000-machine fleet

The PC33E-6 has joined Rental.one’s growing fleet of around 4,000 pieces of equipment, including more than 250 excavators of varying operating weights, 50 wheel loaders and 35 dump trucks.

Komatsu is one of the rental company’s most important equipment brands, supported in Norway by long-standing dealer Hesselberg.

For Rental.one, adding electric machines is not simply about replacing diesel equipment. Machines such as the PC33E-6 can also help the company meet the increasingly strict environmental requirements being placed on construction projects in Norwegian cities.

That potentially opens up applications where low noise and zero local exhaust emissions are becoming important parts of the equipment selection process.

Battery runtime and fast charging

At the heart of the PC33E-6 is a large-capacity lithium-ion battery system paired with an electric powertrain.

On this application, the machine can work through a full shift before requiring a recharge. According to Vidar, a complete charge takes around two hours, allowing charging to be carried out overnight or topped up during periods when the excavator would otherwise be standing.

The battery pack also serves another purpose by acting as a counterweight. According to the original machine specification, this can increase lifting capacity by up to 30% compared with the PC33MR-5.

Rental.one says feedback since adding the machine to its fleet has been positive, with operators finding its performance comparable with the diesel-powered alternative.

Designed around the operator

Moving from diesel to electric has not resulted in an unfamiliar operating environment.

The PC33E-6 features an air-suspended seat and adjustable proportional controls for precise attachment operation, while operators can select from eight working modes depending on the task and load.

A 3.5-inch LCD monitor provides machine information, with a separate rear-view monitor helping visibility around the rear of the excavator.

The main display has also been adapted for the electric powertrain, providing information including battery charge, current power consumption and other energy-related operating data.

There are maintenance differences too. The air-cooled electric motor removes the need for some of the coolant-related checks associated with conventional combustion-engine equipment and eliminates concerns about engine oil or coolant leaks from the electric drive system.

Where electric mini excavators make sense

Our visit to Stavanger highlighted the type of environment in which electric compact equipment could increasingly earn its place.

The short-tail Komatsu PC33E-6 combines compact dimensions with low operating noise and zero local exhaust emissions, making it particularly relevant to contractors working around city centres, public spaces and other sensitive locations.

For Rental.one, machines like this also give customers such as Landskaps Entreprenørene another way of meeting increasingly demanding environmental requirements without moving away from the type of compact excavator they already use every day.

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MB Crusher has highlighted how contractors in India and Australia are using crusher buckets to process demolition and excavation material directly on site, reducing transport movements, disposal costs and reliance on imported aggregates. The two infrastructure projects demonstrate how hydraulic attachments fitted to existing excavators can provide an alternative to bringing additional crushing plant onto site, particularly where space, logistics or tight construction programmes create operational challenges.

Large civil engineering and infrastructure schemes often generate substantial volumes of concrete and excavated material. Traditionally, this waste may be loaded into trucks, transported to a recycling or disposal facility and replaced with purchased aggregate. That process adds haulage costs, increases traffic around the project and leaves contractors exposed to delays caused by vehicle restrictions, material availability and environmental regulations. By processing suitable material at the point of excavation or demolition, contractors can retain greater control over production while reducing the number of journeys entering and leaving the site.

One example comes from the six-lane Kacchi Dargah–Bidupur bridge project in India, where a road construction company is demolishing part of a structure and managing the resulting concrete. An MB Crusher BF90.3 crusher bucket, mounted on a TATA Hitachi EX215 excavator, is being used to reduce demolition material from blocks measuring approximately 250mm to an output size of around 60mm. The processed aggregate can then be reused during the continuing construction works without being transported away from the project. Using the excavator already available on site also helps simplify fleet requirements, as the carrier machine can return to conventional digging, loading or earthmoving duties when the crusher bucket is not required.

A second application can be found near Melbourne, Australia, where Austrak Management & Consulting Pty Ltd developed the Somerton Business Park. Extending for more than one kilometre, the logistics development provides direct links to the region’s principal highways and airports. Material produced through excavation and concrete demolition was processed using an MB Crusher BF120.4 crusher bucket fitted to an excavator working on the scheme. The recovered aggregate was subsequently reused in the construction of internal roads and other infrastructure throughout the business park.

Keeping the concrete within the project reduced the need for off-site disposal and replacement aggregate deliveries, while helping work continue without unnecessary interruptions. This approach can be particularly valuable on major infrastructure and earthmoving projects, where a shortage of trucks or delays at disposal facilities can affect several stages of the programme. Fewer vehicle movements may also reduce fuel use, emissions, road congestion and disruption around neighbouring communities, although the achievable savings will depend on the site, material and transport distances involved.

Crusher buckets can offer contractors and plant hire businesses a flexible method of adding material processing capacity without purchasing or mobilising a separate crusher. As the attachment operates through the excavator’s hydraulic system, carrier compatibility, hydraulic flow, operating weight and attachment requirements must all be considered when selecting the correct model. Output size and production rates will also vary depending on the material, loading method and condition of the concrete being processed.

For fleet operators, the potential benefits extend beyond waste reduction. Reusing suitable material can improve machine utilisation, limit double handling and reduce spending on haulage, tipping fees and virgin aggregate. It may also help contractors maintain control of material quality and availability across road construction, demolition, groundworks, quarrying and infrastructure projects. The Indian and Australian applications show that, on some sites, the most efficient material movement is the one that can be avoided entirely.

Scottish civil engineering and groundworks contractor Kilmac Ltd has expanded its surveying capabilities with a major investment in Trimble off-machine construction technology supplied by SITECH UK & Ireland. The package includes six Trimble SPS720 robotic total stations, six Trimble R780 GNSS rovers and six Trimble TSC710 data collectors running Trimble Siteworks software, allowing survey teams to work across several large projects simultaneously.

The new equipment complements Kilmac’s existing Trimble machine control systems, creating a connected construction technology ecosystem spanning the office, site survey teams and earthmoving machinery. By linking design information, survey data and machine guidance, the contractor aims to improve accuracy, increase productivity and give project teams greater visibility over work as it progresses. The investment should also reduce manual setting-out, minimise rework and help operators complete excavation, grading and drainage tasks more efficiently.

SITECH UK & Ireland has worked with Kilmac for more than four years, supporting the company as it has gradually introduced digital construction workflows across its operations. The latest investment completes Kilmac’s move towards a wider suite of Trimble Civil Construction Technology, with Trimble Business Center and WorksManager providing additional connectivity between office-based teams, field personnel and machine operators.

Liam Payne, Technical Sales Consultant at SITECH UK & Ireland, said: “SITECH has worked closely with Kilmac for over four years, helping to broaden the scope of the company’s technology adoption. This most recent investment completes the company’s transition to a full suite of Trimble Civil Construction Technology, delivering a fully connected site for maximum productivity.

“It’s great to see continued investment in connected site technology and digital construction workflows across Scotland, and we look forward to continuing to support the Kilmac team, who have been early adopters in much of the technology we now see as essential across the industry.”

The equipment will support Kilmac’s growing workload across Scotland, including its involvement in the £76 million Clackmannanshire Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2027. Kilmac’s work on the project includes large-scale earthmoving, surface water and foul water drainage, service tracking and landscaping. Combining survey technology with machine control allows design information to move more consistently between the project office, site engineers and construction equipment, helping excavation and grading work remain within the required tolerances.

The use of GNSS rovers and robotic total stations also gives Kilmac’s survey teams greater flexibility across projects with different accuracy requirements and site conditions. GNSS equipment can provide fast positioning over large working areas, while total stations support precise measurement where satellite reception may be restricted or tighter tolerances are required. Trimble Siteworks running on the TSC710 data collectors enables site teams to access designs, record measurements and complete setting-out tasks in the field.

For contractors carrying out earthworks, roads, foundations and drainage, connecting survey and machine control technology can improve machine utilisation while reducing unnecessary fuel use, material movement and repeat passes. More accurate excavation and grading can also lower wear on construction equipment and attachments, while helping fleet operators maintain productivity and control the total cost of ownership across increasingly complex projects.

Bert Hope, Procurement Director at Kilmac Ltd, said: “Kilmac is proud to continually evolve alongside the needs of the industry and, as such, our relationship with technology has continued to develop and grow. Working with SITECH has not only enabled us to integrate Trimble technology into all facets of our operation, but to benefit from ongoing training and 24/7 support to ensure we are able to deliver projects on time and within budget.”

Founded in 2004, Kilmac delivers earthworks, drainage, road construction, foundations and hard landscaping across several sectors. Its latest technology investment reflects the growing use of connected surveying, machine guidance and digital project management systems among civil engineering and groundworks contractors seeking greater control over productivity, accuracy and project costs.

Screencore has appointed RME Solutions as its official distributor in France, expanding sales and aftersales support for its range of mobile crushing, screening and materials handling equipment. RME will supply Screencore crushers, screens, trommels and mobile conveyors throughout the country, while also providing spare parts, servicing and technical support to quarrying, recycling, demolition, construction and waste management customers.

Designed and manufactured in Northern Ireland, Screencore’s equipment range has been developed around mobility, straightforward operation, productivity and energy efficiency. Although the manufacturer has supplied machines into France since its formation, the partnership with RME is intended to provide customers with stronger local support throughout the ownership of their equipment. The two companies believe Screencore’s compact material processing machinery will complement RME’s existing portfolio of quarrying and recycling equipment.

“RME’s Managing Director, Benoit Roglet, and his team are the benchmark in France for professionalism and customer service,” said Screencore director Ciarán Ryan. “It was very easy to choose RME because they have the industry knowledge, focus and expertise to take the Screencore offering to the next level in France. The Screencore range will integrate synergistically with the existing RME product lines, which will offer a comprehensive set of solutions to RME’s customers.”

RME specialises in the sale and hire of construction equipment used for crushing, screening, sorting, shredding, cleaning and general material preparation. Its customers include quarry operators, recycling facilities, demolition contractors, public works businesses and industrial sites. Alongside complete machines, the company supplies scalpers, concrete crushers, pre-processing equipment, flotation tanks and other specialist systems. Machinery is available to purchase or through short and long-term rental agreements, giving contractors and fleet operators greater flexibility when selecting equipment for individual projects.

The French distributor also provides spare and wear parts for crushers from a range of manufacturers, as well as support for new installations and the modernisation of existing processing plants. Its engineering team works with customers to identify equipment suited to the required material, production target and site conditions. Through its partnership with Screencore, RME will now be able to offer additional mobile processing solutions for applications where transportability, fuel efficiency, ease of use and rapid deployment are important.

RME operates throughout France, with coverage extending across northern, central, western, eastern and southern regions, including Normandy, Brittany, Île-de-France, Pays de la Loire, Burgundy, Auvergne, Aquitaine, Rhône-Alpes and the Mediterranean coast. The distributor is already showcasing several Screencore machines around the country, with a number of equipment sales announced following the start of the partnership.

“Everyone at Screencore is looking forward to working with Benoit and his team,” Ryan added. “I would like to welcome RME to the global Screencore family, and I look forward to working with the company to ensure that customers across France maximise their screen and/or crusher investment.”

The appointment forms part of Screencore’s continued international expansion. Supported by a growing global distribution network, the manufacturer plans to broaden its range of mobile crushing, screening, conveying and material processing equipment over the coming years.

National Pile Croppers has expanded its hydraulic attachment range with the launch of the new PC 400, a purpose-built pile cropper designed for precast concrete piles measuring between 300mm and 400mm. Developed for piles containing four or more reinforcement bars, the attachment has been engineered to provide contractors with a compact, mobile and productive solution for removing unwanted concrete while leaving the exposed rebar largely undamaged.

Weighing just 550kg, the PC 400 can be operated by a 6-tonne excavator, allowing civil engineering and foundation contractors to carry out pile cropping using smaller construction equipment that may already be working on site. The attachment removes approximately 250mm of concrete during each cropping cycle and uses four hydraulic rams and specially developed blades to penetrate beyond the reinforcement and into the centre of the pile. This is intended to produce a cleaner break and reduce the amount of manual trimming required afterwards.

The new machine is the latest result of National Pile Croppers’ ongoing investment in research, development and in-house manufacturing. According to the company, feedback from major civil engineering contractors and its own field technicians played an important role in shaping the final design. “Although we are very proud of the PC 400, we cannot claim that it is all our own work,” said National Pile Croppers director Lee Aston. “We’ve worked closely with some of the biggest civil engineering companies in the world to add features that make the PC 400 a safer, more efficient and more productive solution. I also need to thank our technicians in the field, as they’ve channelled feedback directly based on their real-world site experiences. It is this unique partnership that has enabled us to deliver high-quality manufactured solutions with the features that are really required when cropping in the field.”

Despite being a recent addition to the company’s attachment range, the PC 400 has already been used on a project completed by contractor Careys for Holcim. National Pile Croppers said the attachment delivered strong productivity and was straightforward to operate, while its compatibility with a 6-tonne excavator meant that existing machinery on the project could be used. “The PC 400 proved itself on this project. Careys reported high levels of productivity and ease of use,” said Aston. “Being able to use it with a 6-tonne excavator meant that cropping could be undertaken with existing equipment on site. The cropping was completed in a timely and efficient manner, with the concrete and rebar able to be recycled and reused in line with Holcim UK’s environmental goals.”

National Pile Croppers has also developed a new range of chisels specifically for the PC 400. Manufactured in-house, the chisels are designed to penetrate the pile, break the concrete into manageable sections and leave a cleaner finish that requires little or no additional tidying. Once the pile has been cropped, the removed concrete section can be lifted away from the reinforcement, helping contractors separate and recycle the concrete and steel safely.

“The PC 400 further benefits from a new range of specifically manufactured in-house chisels, designed not only to penetrate the pile, but to leave a clean finish with little or no tidying up,” Aston explained. “The new chisels effectively break up the concrete into pieces, while the cropped unit can then be lifted easily from the pile, enabling the cut-away concrete to be removed and recycled safely.”

The PC 400 is now available to hire or purchase throughout the UK, with an international launch planned for the coming months. National Pile Croppers supplies pile cropping equipment from its depots in Burton-on-Trent and Stevenage and has continued to expand its presence across Europe, North America and Australia. Established in 2015, the company designs and manufactures its pile cropping attachments in-house, offering equipment for individual foundation, construction and civil engineering applications.

INTERMAT has published a new special report examining how economic pressures, decarbonisation targets and changing workforce demands are reshaping the European construction equipment industry. Entitled “The construction industry rising to the challenge of sustainability”, the publication arrives ahead of INTERMAT 2027, which will take place in Paris from 21–24 April. The exhibition will focus on sustainable construction solutions and technology, bringing together manufacturers, contractors, rental companies, equipment suppliers and other businesses involved in construction, earthmoving, demolition, quarrying, mining and materials handling.

The report is built around the economic, environmental and social elements of sustainability that will guide the 2027 exhibition. It reflects the work of five major trade associations — C-MAT, EVOLIS, DLR, FFB and FNTP — which are collaborating to support the industry’s transition while protecting competitiveness. Much of the content draws on discussions held during the Sector Day on 29 January 2026, when French and European construction stakeholders shared practical experience, concerns and expectations surrounding the changing equipment market.

Economic sustainability is presented as the foundation of any workable transition. Construction equipment manufacturers, plant hire businesses and contractors are being asked to reduce emissions while dealing with higher machinery prices, additional regulatory requirements and pressure to maintain productivity. The European Union’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 provides a clear direction, but the route towards it remains complex. Businesses must invest in lower-emission machines and new technology without creating operating costs that make projects or fleets financially unviable. The report also argues that stable regulation will be essential, allowing fleet operators and manufacturers to make long-term investment decisions with greater certainty.

Demand for low-carbon construction equipment remains another obstacle, as electric machinery and other alternative-energy solutions can carry a higher initial purchase price than conventional diesel models. Public procurement could therefore have a significant influence by giving greater consideration to emissions, energy use and environmental performance when contracts are awarded. Equipment finance and rental will also be central to widening access to cleaner machinery. According to Philippe Cohet, chairman of DLR, around 80% of machines are now leased, highlighting the importance of the rental sector in helping contractors adopt newer equipment without carrying the full capital cost. “INTERMAT provides an opportunity to share experiences, highlight existing solutions and, above all, identify the conditions under which they can be rolled out across the sector, with business models that are sustainable in the long term,” said Guillaume Schaeffer, Director of the INTERMAT trade show.

Environmental sustainability is expected to be one of the exhibition’s most visible themes, with the industry increasingly moving towards multi-energy construction sites rather than relying on a single replacement for diesel. Battery-electric machines are already gaining ground in compact equipment, where shorter working cycles, lower energy requirements and easier access to charging can make electrification practical. Trials have also shown the potential for electric construction machinery to cut both exhaust emissions and noise, which can be particularly valuable on urban projects, indoor demolition work and sites operating close to residential areas.

For larger excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks and other heavy equipment, the route to lower emissions is likely to involve a broader mixture of technologies. HVO, or hydrotreated vegetable oil, is identified as an immediately available option that can lower emissions from compatible internal combustion engines while allowing businesses to continue using existing machinery. “Carbon-free energy sources remain scarcer than oil. This means sectors must be organised and decisions made based on applications,” said Xavier Neuschwander, Chair of the FNTP’s Technical and Innovation Committee. That application-led approach recognises that the energy requirements of a compact excavator on an urban site are very different from those of high-production earthmoving machinery working long shifts in a quarry or mine.

C-MAT, EVOLIS, DLR, FFB and FNTP have also established the CINERGIC consortium to coordinate industry discussions around energy supply and use on construction sites. Dialogue between the consortium and public authorities has already helped secure €20 million in financial support for electric machinery. However, the report stresses that reducing emissions is not solely dependent on replacing equipment. Driver assistance systems, improved machine utilisation, eco-driving techniques and tighter control of unnecessary idling can all cut fuel consumption and operating costs across existing fleets. “Environmental sustainability also depends on changing practices, such as driver assistance systems, eco-driving, usage rates, and managing idling,” said Davy Guillemard, President of C-Mat. Guillaume Schaeffer added: “INTERMAT has established itself as a key venue for scaling up: a space where solutions and innovations are showcased, compared and discussed collectively, with a view to clarifying the conditions for rolling them out.”

The third area covered by the publication is social sustainability, with recruitment and skills shortages continuing to affect contractors, equipment dealers and manufacturers. France’s construction sector requires more than 210,000 new recruits each year, yet almost three-quarters of those vacancies are considered difficult to fill. The report argues that the problem is partly linked to outdated perceptions of construction work, despite modern machinery, automation, advanced hydraulics, digital controls and operator assistance systems making many roles more technical and less physically demanding. Increasing the number of women working in construction is also identified as an important part of widening the available talent pool.

“To attract young people to these professions, we need to give a clearer picture of how they are changing. These are now more modern, less physically demanding jobs that value initiative and independence,” said Jean-Claude Fayat, First Vice-President of EVOLIS and President of the FIM. Artificial intelligence is expected to accelerate that change further, particularly through predictive maintenance systems capable of identifying potential machine faults before they result in downtime. For fleet operators, this could improve equipment availability, maintenance planning and total cost of ownership, while creating new technical and data-focused roles within the industry.

Construction businesses are responding through updated training, more structured support for new employees and broader recruitment policies. “Companies are much more open in their recruitment practices. We’re seeing people from different backgrounds join us as they change careers, and that’s a real asset to the sector,” said Sébastien Ramé, Vice-President of UMGO-FFB. INTERMAT plans to support this work through the INTERMAT Academy and by opening the exhibition to the general public on Saturday 24 April. “Sustainability also depends on the ability to adapt roles, attract new talent and support skills development. INTERMAT brings these changes to life, particularly through the INTERMAT Academy and the special opening to the general public on Saturday 24 April. This broader perspective is essential for providing long-term support to the sector,” emphasised Guillaume Schaeffer.

By combining machinery demonstrations, technical discussion and practical examples from across Europe, INTERMAT 2027 will aim to show how lower-emission equipment, alternative fuels, digital technology, plant hire and workforce development can work together. For contractors and fleet owners, the challenge will be to adopt solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising machine productivity, reliability, operator comfort or long-term profitability.

Hyundai Construction Equipment has appointed Peter Sebold as its new Key Account Manager for Europe, strengthening the manufacturer’s focus on major contractors, plant hire companies, fleet operators and international customers across the continent. Sebold moves into the position from a product management role within Hyundai and succeeds Christophe Lecarpentier. Having joined the business in 2019, he has gained extensive experience in sales support, distributor training, product launches, marketing activity and industry events, while also working closely with Hyundai’s dealer network and customer base. Before joining Hyundai, he held senior sales, marketing and product management positions with several leading construction equipment manufacturers.

“This role represents a natural evolution of my professional journey, bringing together the knowledge, experience, industry insight and personal values that I have gained over the years,” said Sebold. “Having worked closely with our product team, dealer network and with customers across Europe, I look forward to building even stronger relationships with some of our most important fleet owners, construction groups, rental companies, industrial operators and international accounts.”

The appointment comes as Hyundai continues to broaden its construction equipment offering beyond its established excavator and wheel loader ranges. The manufacturer has renewed its focus on compact machinery, including skid steer loaders and compact tracked loaders, while also developing more specialised equipment for demolition and materials handling applications. The recent launch of Hyundai’s Next Generation crawler excavators has further raised the company’s profile within the European heavy equipment market, where contractors and fleet operators are increasingly assessing machines on productivity, hydraulic performance, operator comfort, emissions, attachment compatibility and total cost of ownership.

Sebold’s new role will involve working with customers that often operate large and diverse fleets across multiple sites, regions and countries. For these businesses, machine purchase price is only one part of the decision-making process, with fuel consumption, servicing requirements, parts availability, uptime, residual value and dealer support all influencing long-term operating costs. Reliable support is particularly important in demanding sectors such as earthmoving, demolition, quarrying, mining, plant hire and materials handling, where unplanned downtime can quickly affect productivity and project profitability.

“Customers are looking for more than just machines,” said Sebold. “They expect reliable partners, who can support their business through increased productivity and uptime, while focussing on sustainability and innovation. My objective is to position Hyundai as a preferred strategic partner for key accounts across Europe, by delivering customer-focused solutions, competitive total cost of ownership, best-in-class service and support and innovative technologies that will help customers to improve efficiency and profitability.”

With his knowledge of Hyundai’s machinery range, dealer organisation and customer requirements, Sebold will act as an important link between major fleet operators, distributors and the manufacturer’s internal teams. His appointment reflects Hyundai’s intention to develop closer long-term relationships with key accounts while continuing to expand its construction equipment range and support capabilities across Europe.

Fitzgerald Plant Services has reached a major landmark in its journey with SANY UK, celebrating the sale of its 500th SANY machine.

The milestone machine has been delivered to HV Energy & Civils Ltd, a fast-growing contractor working across renewable energy and civil engineering projects throughout the UK. For Fitzgerald Plant Services, better known as FPS, the sale represents more than just another machine leaving the yard. It is a clear sign of how far the dealer has come with the SANY brand and how strongly the machines are now being received by contractors on the ground.

SANY has continued to gain traction in the UK market in recent years, helped by a product range that offers modern specification, strong value and the backing of a growing dealer network. For contractors working in demanding sectors, the appeal is straightforward: capable machines, competitive running costs and support that keeps sites moving.

For HV Energy & Civils, that support has been a key part of the decision to continue investing in SANY equipment through FPS. The company has been trading for around a decade, with more than 35 years of industry experience behind it, and works nationwide on renewable energy and civils projects where downtime is simply not an option.

The relationship between HV Energy & Civils and FPS began in early 2025, when the contractor placed its first order for an SY305 excavator and two SY135 machines. That first investment quickly led to more orders, including a pair of SY80 excavators, followed by further additions to the fleet including a telehandler. More machines are already on order, underlining the confidence the business has built in both the product and the dealer.

As workloads have increased, particularly around renewable energy infrastructure, HV Energy & Civils has had to grow its fleet quickly and carefully. The business needs machines that can move between applications, work across different sites and be backed up by a supplier that understands the pressure of live projects. In that respect, the combination of SANY machinery and FPS support has proved to be a good fit.

The machines have been praised for being modern, straightforward to operate and easy to maintain, while FPS has been credited with providing responsive aftersales support across multiple project locations. That level of backup is often what separates a good machine purchase from a strong long-term partnership, particularly for contractors working to tight programmes.

For FPS, reaching 500 SANY machine sales is a proud achievement and a strong reflection of the trust customers are placing in the brand. Sales Director Simon Richards described the milestone as an important moment for the business, highlighting both the strength of the SANY product range and the confidence customers have shown in Fitzgerald Plant Services.

He also pointed to HV Energy & Civils’ rapid fleet growth as an example of how SANY machines are supporting the changing needs of the UK’s renewable energy and civil engineering sectors.

The 500th sale comes at a time when the demand for productive and reliable construction equipment remains strong across infrastructure, utilities and energy-related works. Contractors are under pressure to deliver faster, safer and more efficiently, and that is pushing buying decisions towards equipment that offers both performance and long-term value.

SANY UK continues to build its presence through its dealer partners, with FPS playing an important role in supporting customers across its territory. The wider SANY range now covers excavators, telehandlers, wheel loaders and cranes, giving customers access to a broad line-up of machines backed by parts, service and technical support.

For Fitzgerald Plant Services, the 500-machine milestone is a marker of progress, but also a platform for further growth. With HV Energy & Civils continuing to expand its fleet and more contractors looking at SANY as a serious option, the partnership between manufacturer, dealer and end user looks set to keep gathering momentum.

Takeuchi has expanded its compact track loader range with the launch of the new TL11R3, a rugged radial-lift machine designed for contractors, plant hire fleets, landscapers, groundworks teams and operators needing strong hydraulic performance in a compact package.

The TL11R3 becomes the sixth model in Takeuchi’s compact track loader line-up and is now available for sale and rental through Takeuchi dealers worldwide. Built around durability, operator comfort and attachment versatility, the new machine has been developed to work across a wide range of applications, from grading and loading to forestry, site preparation, material handling and high-flow attachment work.

For construction equipment users, compact track loaders continue to prove their worth on sites where traction, stability and low ground pressure are essential. With rubber tracks, strong breakout force and the ability to run a wide range of attachments, machines like the TL11R3 offer contractors and fleet operators a highly productive alternative to wheeled loaders or skid steers in more challenging ground conditions.

“The TL11R3 brings together the features and capabilities customers are looking for in a modern compact track loader,” said Clay Eubanks, Director of Global Sales for Takeuchi. “The machine’s electric-over-hydraulic controls with selectable pattern and adjustable sensitivity provide operators with greater precision and customisation, helping them work more efficiently and comfortably throughout the day.”

One of the key updates on the TL11R3 is its electric-over-hydraulic control system. Operators can switch between ISO and H control patterns through the in-cab monitor, allowing the machine to be set up around personal preference or fleet requirements. Arm, bucket and travel sensitivity can also be adjusted, giving the operator more control when carrying out fine grading, loading or precision attachment work.

The machine can also be fitted with optional self-levelling in both lift and lower functions. This automatically keeps the bucket or attachment level as the loader arm is raised or lowered, helping with load handling and improving control when moving material, pallets or other attachments.

For low-clearance environments, Takeuchi has added an arm height limit feature. This prevents the loader arm from rising above a predetermined height, helping to protect the machine, attachment and surrounding structures when working inside buildings, under canopies or around overhead hazards.

Attachment capability is a major part of the TL11R3’s appeal. The compact track loader is available in both standard-flow and high-flow hydraulic configurations, with flow rates and attachment presets adjustable from the cab. In high-flow specification, the TL11R3 delivers up to 153 litres per minute, or 40.4gpm, of auxiliary hydraulic flow.

That output makes the machine suitable for demanding hydraulic attachments such as mulchers, cold planers, stump grinders and other power-hungry tools. A 14-pin connector is also available to increase compatibility with electrically controlled attachments, while 14-pin detent allows continuous power to be supplied for uninterrupted operation.

The TL11R3 comes with a mechanical universal quick hitch as standard, while a hydraulic universal quick hitch is available as an option. For plant hire companies and contractors switching between buckets, forks, grapples, brooms, planers and specialist attachments, quick coupling and hydraulic flexibility can have a direct effect on productivity and machine utilisation.

Takeuchi has built the TL11R3 around a radial-lift arm design, which is well suited to digging, grading and dirt work. Radial-lift machines typically deliver strong mid-range reach and high breakout performance, making them popular for pushing, cutting, backfilling and working close to the machine.

The new compact track loader has an operating weight of 5,435kg for cab models, a rated operating capacity of 1,240kg and a bucket breakout force of 35.4kN. Its robust steel construction includes a one-piece, purpose-built, fully welded frame designed to provide strength, rigidity and protection for the engine and hydraulic components.

Ground clearance is 315mm, helping the TL11R3 deal with uneven terrain, soft ground and challenging site conditions. The undercarriage uses heavy-duty sealed rollers with metal face seals to keep dirt and debris out, while double-reduction planetary drives and 450mm tracks provide traction and stability.

Power comes from a 78.8kW, or 105.7hp, engine that meets EU Stage V and EPA Tier 4 emissions standards using a DOC, DPF and SCR after-treatment system. For fleet operators and contractors watching both emissions compliance and total cost of ownership, that combination of power, durability and serviceability will be key.

Inside the cab, Takeuchi has focused on comfort and visibility. The TL11R3 features a six-way adjustable high-back suspension seat and an eight-inch touchscreen display, giving the operator access to machine vitals, rear camera view, Bluetooth radio, HVAC controls and other machine functions.

A 270-degree rear-view camera is also available, improving visibility around the machine. On busy construction sites, yards, demolition projects and confined working areas, better awareness around a compact track loader can make a real difference to safety and operator confidence.

The TL11R3 can continue working with its overhead roll-up door open or closed, regardless of loader arm position. That will be welcomed by operators who need regular cab access or prefer the flexibility of working with the door open in certain applications.

Maintenance access has also been kept practical. A lockable hood, steel rear door and integrated bumper help protect key components, while the rear door provides access to a swing-out cooling module for easier cleaning and inspection. In dusty, muddy or debris-heavy environments, simple cooling pack access is important for uptime and long-term reliability.

Takeuchi Fleet Management comes as standard, giving owners remote access to machine data including location, utilisation, maintenance status and diagnostics. For plant hire companies and fleet operators, this data can help improve service planning, reduce downtime and support better fleet management.

The machine also features Takeuchi Access Management, allowing keyless start and operator access control. That added security can be useful for rental fleets, larger contractors and businesses operating multiple machines across different sites.

“The TL11R3 reflects Takeuchi’s commitment to delivering equipment that combines performance, reliability and ease of operation,” said Eubanks. “Whether customers are grading, loading material or using a variety of attachments, this compact track loader is engineered to provide the capability and confidence they need to be productive in a wide range of applications.”

With strong auxiliary hydraulics, modern controls, solid undercarriage design and a cab built for long days on site, the TL11R3 gives Takeuchi another serious option in the compact track loader market.

For contractors, plant hire fleets and owner-operators looking for a versatile tracked loader that can handle dirt work, attachment use and demanding site conditions, the new Takeuchi TL11R3 brings added choice to an increasingly important machine class.

JCB’s attempt to set a new world hydrogen land speed record has moved from the drawing board to the runway, with the company’s Hydromax record car now built and undergoing full testing in the UK.

The 32ft machine, powered by two JCB hydrogen internal combustion engines, is being prepared for a record attempt at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. Testing is currently taking place at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, where the car has already reached 177mph with Wing Commander Andy Green OBE behind the wheel.

JCB first revealed the Hydromax project at its World Headquarters in Staffordshire on 12 May 2026, setting out its ambition to challenge for a Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, or FIA, world hydrogen land speed record. Just over a month later, the car is complete, running and being put through a detailed UK test programme before being flown to the United States.

The project is more than a headline-grabbing speed attempt. It is also a high-profile showcase for JCB’s hydrogen engine programme, which has seen the British manufacturer invest £100 million into the development of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines for construction equipment and earthmoving machinery.

JCB has already put hydrogen-powered diggers into production, and the Hydromax uses two production-based JCB hydrogen engines similar to those now being used in the company’s construction machines. Together, they produce a combined 1,600bhp.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has spearheaded the company’s hydrogen engine investment, said: “Twelve months ago this car was a set of drawings being discussed by a room full of engineers. Today it is a reality and on wheels, running, and being tested in the UK. The team has done a wonderful job to get us to this point. Our focus now turns to the real challenge: setting a world hydrogen land speed record in Bonneville.”

The first technical partner meeting for the Hydromax project took place on 5 June 2025, bringing together JCB, Prodrive, Ricardo and Xtrac. Almost a year to the day, the car completed its first run under hydrogen power at RAF Wittering, marking the start of the testing phase.

That test programme is not simply about top speed. The team is working through shakedown runs, hydrogen refuelling drills, pit-stop rehearsals, tyre changes and full system checks. Every procedure completed in the UK is one less unknown when the team arrives on the Salt Flats.

JCB Engineering Director Ryan Ballard, who is leading the project, said: “More than 150,000 hours of work has got us to this point; the next phase is where we find out what the car actually does, not what we think it will do. Every run, every refuel and every tyre change we complete in the UK is one our team won’t be doing for the first time on the Salt Flats. Our goal is simple: to arrive at Bonneville fully prepared, with a car and a crew that know exactly what they are doing.”

The engineering behind the Hydromax is impressive. Around one kilometre of wiring runs through the car, while 3D-printed components have been used extensively to save weight and manage packaging. The crankshaft is the same component used in JCB’s 448 hydrogen and diesel engines, underlining the production-based nature of the powertrain.

Keeping the engines alive at full power is one of the biggest technical challenges. The pistons alone need one litre of cooling oil every second, which is as much oil flow as the rest of the engine combined. Specially developed exhaust valve technology has also been used to cope with the temperatures generated by 1,600bhp of hydrogen combustion.

Each titanium turbo compressor spins at more than 150,000rpm at close to 300°C, moving the equivalent of a standard bathtub of air every half-second. Yet despite the performance, the exhaust output remains central to the message behind the project. On a full record run, JCB says the Hydromax will use just over two kilograms of hydrogen and produce 18 litres of water.

For the wider construction equipment industry, the record attempt comes at a time when manufacturers, contractors, plant hire companies, quarry operators and fleet owners are all looking closely at emissions, fuel use and total cost of ownership. Battery-electric machinery is growing in several size classes, but JCB has been clear in its belief that hydrogen combustion has an important role to play, particularly for heavier machines and high-utilisation applications.

Hydrogen internal combustion engines allow manufacturers to use familiar engine architecture while removing diesel from the machine. For contractors and fleet operators, that could offer a practical route to lower emissions while retaining the durability, refuelling speed and working patterns expected from conventional construction machinery.

The FIA has welcomed the progress of the project. FIA President H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “JCB Hydromax’s first official test marks an important milestone on the road to a new hydrogen land speed record. This is a big achievement and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Lord Bamford and the entire JCB team. Through this world record attempt JCB is pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation and hydrogen technology, demonstrating the role motorsport can play to advance the future of mobility. I look forward to seeing the project continue to develop ahead of its world record attempt in August.”

At Bonneville, the Hydromax will be driven by Andy Green, the fastest man on earth. Green holds the outright land speed record at 763.035mph and remains the only person to have broken the sound barrier on land. He was also the driver of the JCB Dieselmax, which set the FIA world diesel land speed record of 350.092mph at Bonneville in August 2006, a record that still stands.

JCB now intends to go back to the same famous Salt Flats with a lighter, more powerful and faster machine. The ambition is not only to set a world hydrogen land speed record, but also to beat the 350mph achieved by the JCB Dieselmax.

Following testing in the UK, the team will head to Bonneville for SpeedWeek, the world-famous land speed racing event run by the Southern California Timing Association. The team will then remain at the Salt Flats to pursue officially recognised FIA world records.

The Hydromax project also comes as JCB prepares for a major expansion in North America. The company is set to open a new $500 million, one million sq ft factory in San Antonio, Texas. The 400-acre site will employ around 1,500 people and manufacture machines for the US market.

JCB has a long history of using speed records to showcase engineering. In 2019, the JCB Fastrac was crowned the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191mph. In 2014, the JCB GT set the world record for the fastest backhoe loader at 72.58mph. Before that, the Dieselmax put JCB firmly into the land speed record books.

Now, with the Hydromax, the British manufacturer is using the world of high-speed engineering to draw attention to one of the biggest challenges facing construction equipment: how to reduce emissions without losing the performance, productivity and reliability that heavy machinery users depend on.

If the record attempt is successful, it will be another major achievement for JCB. More importantly for the industry, it will put hydrogen combustion technology firmly in the spotlight at a time when contractors, quarry operators, demolition businesses, plant hire fleets and heavy equipment manufacturers are all weighing up the future of machine power.