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5 mins

PLANTWORX PREVIEW

Awesome Earthmovers Recommends

Merlo UK will return to PlantWorx 2025 with an expanded stand on Avenue B, presenting its complete line-up of construction machinery. The display will highlight performance, comfort, safety and sustainability, with hands-on access to models ranging from compact telehandlers to heavy-lift and high-reach ROTO machines, alongside Merlo’s range of versatile dumpers.

Headlining the stand is the Gold Award-winning eWorker 25.5, Merlo’s fully electric telehandler. Offering a 2.5-tonne lift capacity, 5m lift height and 8-hour runtime, the eWorker delivers zero-emission operation with compact dimensions and low noise output, making it ideal for indoor, urban and night-time applications.

In the demo zone, Merlo will present:

ROTO 50.35SPLUS with operator platform for working-at-height demonstrations.

P40.13 showing chassis side-shift and frame levelling for precision placement.

CINGO M600TD-E – fully electric tracked dumper from Merlo’s Generation Zero line.

CINGO M12.3-EVO HANDLER 400 – 400kg capacity, 3.4m lift height tracked handler with telescopic boom, servo joystick controls and multiple attachment options.

Merlo’s UK team and dealer network representatives will be available to provide technical advice, highlight key features and discuss solutions for productivity, emissions reduction and advanced handling applications.

PlantWorx Innovation Award Shortlisted X-Watch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, will be showcasing its newly launched X-Watch MK2 system, recognised for its technical excellence and industry-first features. Launched earlier this year, the MK2 is the first safety system in its category to achieve PLd certification for the civils market, raising the benchmark for operator protection and machine control.

The system combines height, slew, and RCI (Rated Capacity Indicator) functions into one smart touchscreen interface, offering precise and reliable control on site. The MK2 is X-Watch’s fastest, smartest system yet. It’s 30% quicker to install, making it ideal for high-volume rollout, with a simplified design that retains all the safety features of the original MK1 – including height and slew restriction, RCI, and full compatibility across the XW1 to XW5 range. The system is more compact and user-friendly, with precision proportional motion control (patent pending), a multilingual interface, and telematics readiness built in. MK2 offers improved integration via the Xwatch Safety Gateway and fewer in-cab components. It integrates directly with leading OEM displays to reduce cab clutter and installation time – future proofing machines for a more digital, sustainable site.

Visitors to the SANY stand can explore a range of 20 machines, including the newly launched SY10U microexcavator. The SY10U (1-tonne operating weight), is the company’s first micro digger, powered by a modern Kubota diesel engine delivering 8.8 kW of power. This ultra-compact machine with zero tail swing has been specially designed for the smallest job sites and confined working areas, with expanding undercarriage (745 -1100 mm) and adjustable dozer blade for maximum versatility.

Also premiering at the event will be the brand new 2 tonne SY20C, SANY’s smallest mini excavator that features air conditioning as standard and the reduced tail swing SY60U, from the 6-tonne class. Optimised for compact construction sites and demanding applications, the 42.4 kW Yanmar engine of the SY60U ensures a powerful performance while keeping emissions low and is a practical addition to theSY60C, which is also used in construction, landscaping, and urban job sites.

SANY will also display its full range of electric excavators, all equipped with modern lithium on phosphate (LFP) batteries, and top of the range SANY equipment as standard.

Plantworx will be the place to see the extensive Takeuchi 3-Series line-up of excavators with plenty of new models.

Making its first appearance at the show is the 2-tonne TB320, with up to 4 auxiliary ports for multiple tools, this new model has specialist contractors operating multiple attachments in mind.

Also making an entry will be the new TB370W launched earlier in 2025. With a 7.5-tonne weight class and very compact size for a wheeled excavator, Takeuchi make a welcome return with a high-spec road-ready rubber duck. A highlight will be the first UK introduction to a range of new fully electric machines.TB10e, concept -weighing just 1180kg with a dig depth of 1755mm featuring expanding tracks, reduced tail, folding ROPS and comes with on board and optional off-board rapid charger.

Con Mech Engineers forge new strategic partnerships to expand their innovative product line at PlantWorx. Con Mech Engineers are returning to PlantWorx with an expanded product range this year, thanks to several strategic distribution agreements with global manufacturers.

At this year's stand, the company is promoting its Blademaster range and is thrilled to announce that they have secured distribution agreements with BS Track Undercarriage and Dozco Rock Breakers.

The new partnerships mark a significant enhancement in Con Mech Engineers’ offerings. Bernard Nestler, General Manager at BS Track, said, “The UK market should have access to undercarriage components made of UK Steel. Our partnership will allow UK customers to buy high-quality track groups that perform well. Con Mech Engineers is the ideal distributor due to its reputation for supplying high-quality wear parts manufactured in the UK.”

Similarly, NG Bangur, Director of Dozco, added, “The strategic partnership with Con Mech Engineers aims to expand Dozco’s presence in the UK market and provide customers access to its high-quality rock breaker range which focuses on customer satisfaction and cutting-edge technology. Dozco is confident that with its international standard high-quality Rock Breakers at a most competitive price & joining hands with Con Mech Engineers, whose commitment to delivering top-notch customer service and vast network perfectly aligns with Dozco's core value that will redefine the Rock Breaker Segment.”

Two years ago, MPS Southwest Ltd. from St. Austell, an excavator and attachments dealer, started selling RotoTop and other attachments from German manufacturer Holp in England and Wales.

Together, Holp and MPS Southwest Ltd. will be exhibiting at Plantworx 2025. They will showcase the whole range of RotoTop which is available for excavators with a working weight from 1400 lbs up to 45 tons. Also, other attachments such as de VarioBucket, ProfileBucket and MultiGrip will be there, these special buckets help to get work done more efficiently, especially when used in combination with the RotoTop.

This article appears in Issue 27

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This article appears in...
Issue 27
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WELCOME
We’re only a month away from the Awesome
THE PERFECT PACKAGE
Steelwrist UK, SMT Great Britain (SMT GB), exclusive dealers of Volvo Construction Equipment, have proved to be a perfect combination for Porteous Groundworks, one of the leading contractors in the South West of England who recently took delivery of a brand new top of the range Volvo EC260 FL5 excavator.
THE BLUE WONDER
If you like your heavy kit big, unique
TARMAC RAMPS UP PRODUCTION
THANKS TO ZAPPSHELTER
A BOOST FOR THE BASIN
After growing up close to the Red River in the Haynesville Basin, LA, it was devastating for Denzil Blount to see rising flood waters impact his local community. Working in the construction sand industry, he got talking to his neighbour, Marcus Morton, about what they could do to combat this problem.
BLUE MACHINERY APPOINTED GB DISTRIBUTOR FOR MAGNA
Blue Machinery is proud to announce its appointment as the distributor for the Terex MAGNA brand across Great Britain. This strategic agreement means that Blue Scotland, Blue Central, and Blue Southern will now supply the full MAGNA product portfolio within their respective territories.
HARD WORK made easy
The SANY 305C is a 30-tonne all-rounder capable of ensuring stable operations day in, day out.
CONFIDENCE INSPIRING
CASE CONSTRUCTION
EASY DOES IT... with ROTOTILT
Mastering new technology as it emerges in the
ADVANCING CIRCULAR CONSTRUCTION
ALLU’S NEW SCREENING BUCKET TRANSFORMS ASPHALT RECYCLING
AN AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS STORY
Dalger Civil Pty Ltd invests in another JCB JZ140LC
Astrak: Powering a New Global Era in undercarriage & wear Parts.
Established in 2003 by Richard Paterson, Astrak initially focused on the niche market of excavator rubber tracks. From these local beginnings, the business has expanded dramatically over the past two decades to become a significant global player.
ASTRAK
The decision to rebrand is underpinned by a
INTRODUCING OPEN-S
Open-S is the open standard for fully automatic quick couplers for excavators, giving machine operators and contractors around the world the freedom to combine machine couplers, tiltrotators and tools from compliant manufacturers. It builds on the established symmetrical S standard.
A PROUD HISTORY OF INNOVATION
Since 1986, Rototilt has been at the forefront of tiltrotator manufacturing, offering machine couplers, system solutions, and service to the global excavator market. The company’s commitment to innovation and engineering has helped it provide tailored solutions, enhancing flexibility and efficiency for its customers.
RAISING STANDARDS, PROMOTING INNOVATION
Founded in 2005, Steelwrist has grown from a small company into a global leader in tiltrotators, quick couplers, and work tools that enhance the versatility of excavators. The company has been a major driver behind the Open-S standard, which promotes compatibility across different manufacturers’ products.
Wheatway Solutions push for continued innovation
Back in June of this year, Wheatway Solutions became the first British manufacturer to join the Open-S Alliance. The company, best known for its Gyru-Star screening buckets, is currently in the process of developing an interface for hydraulic quick couplers designed specifically for Gyru-Star attachments.
Kinshofer Supports Aims of Open-S Alliance
Kinshofer GmbH, which continues to encourage technological development,
VOLVO CE CHAMPIONS SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY WITH OPEN-S
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has been a pioneer in the construction sector, leading the way in safety and efficiency. In 2021, Volvo CE became the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to support the Open-S initiative, further cementing its commitment to operational standardization.
25 YEARS ON AND STILL GROWING
Part of a group of companies generating in excess of £250m per annum, Midlands-based Collins Earthworks has been managing major earthmoving and civil engineering projects throughout the UK for 25 years.
PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION IN TEXAS
In the ever-changing market of construction in Texas,
SETTING SOLID FOUNDATIONS
There has been a requirement for the construction of a new, special needs school in Gloucester for many years. With funding secured, the council has recently broken ground on the stunning new development in the Wheatridge area of the city.
GIVING MACHINES A SECOND LIFE
How Dubai powers the Global Market for Used Construction Equipment
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE OF WORK
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN ELECTRIFIED WORK FUNCTIONS
XE135E RETURNS
Experience the Power and Intelligence of a 15-Ton Star Excavator
DEEPLY COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE
Cummins and Komatsu share a vision of a cleaner mining industry
BIG SITES BIG DATA BIG TECH
How integration platforms keep large-scale sites digging in the right direction
MAKING CONCRETE WASHOUT EASIER AND SAFER
Concrete waste management is a critical part of maintaining a safe, compliant and environmentally responsible construction site.
SHOWCASING THE BEST IN CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND INNOVATION
From the 23rd to 25th September, Newark Showground will host over 300 exhibitors. PlantWorx 2025 will be an encapsulation of the future of the construction industry.
Awesome Earthmovers Recommends
Merlo UK will return to PlantWorx 2025 with
KRAMP BRINGS THE GOODS...
1951, Varsseveld, The Netherlands; Dutch entrepreneur Johan Kramp
WHAT TO EXPECT...
With Plantworx 2025 just around the corner, the Awesome Earthmovers Operator Challenge is gearing up to be one of the most exciting events of the exhibition. Taking place from 23rd to 25th September at the Newark Showground, the competition will showcase the impressive skills of operators from across the UK. The best part? The challenges aren’t just about speed, skill, and precision; it’s all about having fun too!
THE CHALLENGES
This year’s challenges are designed to test every operator’s skill, precision, and control. Sponsored by some of the biggest names in the industry, each challenge promises to be as entertaining as it is challenging. Here’s what’s in store:
MEET THE SPONSORS
JCB needs no introduction. Founded in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford in Uttoxeter, JCB has revolutionized the construction equipment sector. The company remains family-owned, employing over 11,000 people worldwide. From their famous backhoe loader to the latest X Series tracked excavators, JCB is at the forefront of the industry. For this year’s event, every machine will be a JCB, ensuring top-notch performance and cutting-edge technology on the challenge area.
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