POWERBULLY

Already beginning to make an impact across mainland Europe and the United States after only being launched at the Bauma exhibition in 2022, PowerBully all-terrain tracked vehicles, with low ground pressure and high performance off road characteristics, are set for similar success in the UK and Ireland.

Belonging to the German based Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG range of products, PowerBully machines are suitable for operations in rough, difficult-to-access or remote areas. They are used, for example, for work in the electric utility sector, in the construction industry, for fighting wildland fires or for maintaining oil and gas pipelines.

The vehicles have a minimum ground pressure of just 0.15 kg/cm², enabling them to work on very soft or wet ground. Their gradeability, side slope angle and 0° turning circle also make them a safe and manoeuvrable solution for use on steep slopes, in ditches or at job sites where there is little room to operate.

Available in nine tonne, 12 tonne and 16 tonne weight categories with the best-in-class power and weight carrying capacity, PowerBully machines attracted plenty of interest when they made an appearance in the demonstration area at Intermat 2024 where Awesome Earthmovers saw a PowerBully 12D tracked carrier being put through its paces, giving us just a small glimpse of what it can do, mastering uneven terrain, mud, and other obstacles with ease.

It was there, too, that we managed to catch up with Benjamin Sinnl, Vice President of PowerBully, “When we set out to develop the machines we concentrated on three areas – performance, safety and comfort. Those are aspects that we realised during our demonstrations that customers really appreciate. Our machines offer the highest speeds, highest payloads and the safest cab.”

Powered by a high-performance 6-cylinder Cummins engine, PowerBully track carriers are suitable for transporting personnel, materials and bulk material to job sites that are inaccessible to wheeled vehicles. They can also master steep slopes effortlessly and can be used year round, on almost any surface, and under difficult weather conditions. The track carriers have a payload of up to 16.6 tons and can be equipped with a hydraulically controlled Hardox dump bed as well as digger derricks, cranes, drills, mixers and buckets.

These are the only tracked utility vehicles equipped with a rear drive. Not only does this provide high traction and fuel efficiency, but it also results in a comfortable noise level in the cab, while large windows combined with a 360° camera system and premium LED lighting provides the operator with optimal visibility. Other features include air conditioning, heating, a radio with Bluetooth and a hands-free kit as well as USB connections for smartphone loading – and enough storage space for tools, backpacks, and personal items.

“PowerBully track carriers are suitable for transporting personnel and materials to job sites that are inaccessible to wheeled vehicles…

With a hydrostatic drive that enables precise manoeuvring in challenging environments, the machines stand out for their large running wheels. The steel running wheels each with a best-in-class diameter of 87 cm are mounted on pendulum axles and make it possible for the running gear to optimally adjust to the ground. Also unique in the industry is the suspended cab that PowerBully provides as standard. The hydraulic bearings act as shock absorbers and, in combination with the large running wheels, result in extremely smooth running. As a result, PowerBully operators can maintain a constantly higher speed even on rough ground.

Another plus of the large running wheels is that, compared to smaller wheels, they’re more wear-resistant and don’t require any top rollers. These features are reflected in an increased service life and in optimised maintenance costs.

GROWING DEALER NETWORK

Benjamin Sinnl also revealed that they are in the process of extending their dealer network. “The launch of PowerBully tracked carriers at Bauma 2022 was followed by a series of demonstrations to potential customers all over Europe and the United States, and in parallel, we decided to build up a dealer network in both those regions which is where our initial focus has been,” he said. “There are further markets we want to explore and then we will extend the product line with more models.”

As part of that aim to broaden its PowerBully dealer network across Europe, Waterbrook Machinery Group located at Alton in Hampshire was recently appointed the new exclusive authorised sales and service partner for PowerBully in the UK and Ireland. They will offer PowerBully customers a comprehensive range of services, including sales, maintenance, repair and spare parts.

“When you look at the quality of the machines, it is obvious how much professional work and care has been put into the PowerBully to make them the best they can be,” said Garry Critchley, Managing Director of Waterbrook Machinery Group. “We're really looking forward to working with PowerBully and bringing the machines to market in the UK.”

“What sets PowerBully apart from other machines in the market in the UK is performance, safety and comfort…”

He added: “We have been in the construction industry for many years and have a really strong interest in tracked dumpers and tracked carrier machines, something we have been looking at for a long time. When we came across PowerBully we quickly recognised the quality of the machine and PowerBully’s ethos around customer service and support.

“As many of their values connected with us, we ultimately formed a partnership. What sets PowerBully apart from other machines in the market in the UK is performance, safety and comfort, all of which is massively impressive.

“Aside from the quality of the product and the back- up, it really comes down to relationships. They are great people to work with and we have a very direct and open relationship with them. We work very well together and the key thing that stands out is the focus on the end user.”