This year’s Hillhead 2024 featured a wide range of machinery highlights, including exclusive launches and demonstrations
Hillhead 2024 hosted more exhibitors and live demonstrations than ever before, showcasing the latest machines and technology on offer across a number of sectors.
Thousands travelled to attend the event, which takes place annually at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, Derbyshire in the UK.
With around 600 companies showing off their latest innovations, Hillhead once again proved itself as one of the most iconic quarrying, construction and recycling exhibitions in the events calendar.
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Here are some of the highlights from Hillhead 2024.
Develon
Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, showcased new products for the first time at Hillhead, including the new DX140RDM-7, a 22.5-tonne demolition excavator and the new DD130-7 dozer.
The DX140RDM-7 is the latest addition to Develon’s range of demolition excavators. Like the larger 31 – 51 tonne models, this new 22.5-tonne excavator offers multiple configurations to choose from.
Like the larger machines, the DX140RDM-7 is also available in a dual format utilising a modular boom design and hydraulic lock mechanism, allowing the user to change between different arms for demolition and digging using the same machine.
With the launch of the new DD130-7, Develon has entered the European dozer market, with the model offering a wide range of features providing a productive fine-grading solution for residential and light commercial construction projects.
Develon’s compact equipment also had a strong showing, with the DX27Z-7 and DX55R-7 mini-excavators and DL85-7 compact wheel loader on show.
The zero-tail-swing design of the DX27Z-7 and the reduced radius design of the DX55R-7 models make them ideal for confined space work, Develon says.
Bobcat
Bobcat showcased several new products for the first time at the Hillhead 2024, including the super-compact TL25.60 telehandler, the S650 skid-steer loader and the T86 compact track loader, which just landed in Australia.
As the smallest machine in the range, the new TL25.60 brings the number of rigid-frame telehandlers from Bobcat for construction, rental, and general handling to 13 models.
Bobcat says the TL25.60 has been designed for simplicity of use, excellent stability, optimum comfort, and safe operation in any type of application.
The TL25.60 is powered by a 75hp Bobcat Stage V engine, has a lift capacity of 2,500kg, offers a maximum lift height of 5.9m, and has a maximum reach of 3.3m.
The Bob-Tach carriage (manual or hydraulic) increases versatility by allowing the TL25.60 to utilise attachments designed for the Bobcat loader range, the company says.
Meanwhile, the Bobcat T86 is the most powerful compact loader the company has ever built.
The machine uses a well-proven Stage V-compliant 3.4-litre Bobcat engine, producing 78kW (105hp) at 2,600 rev/min.
Read more about the Bobcat T86 stock in Australia here.
HD Hyundai
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment used the event to launch its two largest Stage V crawler excavators and its heaviest wheel loader.
Tipping the scales at 80 and 100 tonnes respectively, the HX800A L and HX1000A L are heavy-duty excavators designed for quarry and bulk earthmoving duties.
The HX800A L is powered by a 403kW Stage V diesel engine, driving two 504 litres/min hydraulic pumps, while the HX1000A L uses a 469kW diesel engine, powering three 523 litres/min pumps.
The HX800A L is suitable for use with 4.25–5.24 cubic metre buckets, whilst the larger 100-tonne machine will be able to work with 5.4–6.8 cubic metre buckets, the company says.
HD Hyundai also unveiled its biggest wheel loader with the launch of the HL985A.
This 35-tonne loading shovel will be capable of working with 7 cubic metre buckets, which the company says makes it an ideal digging and rehandling machine for the mining, quarrying, and heavy civil sectors.
Powered by a 430.5 horsepower (321kW) diesel engine, the HL985A boasts a bucket breakout force of up to 28,400kgf and a full turn tipping load of 22,950kg in standard configuration.
HD Hyundai also gave customers a first chance to see the recently launched HX-A Series of mini- and midi-excavators.
Powered by low-emission Stage V engines, the eight machines are offered in both conventional and zero-tail-swing designs, to suit a wide range of customers across various markets.
HD Hyundai also recently added a range of HRB silenced hydraulic breakers to their line-up.
The six breakers have been designed to work with carrier machines in the 1.2–26-tonne sectors.
Takeuchi
Popular manufacturer Takeuchi exhibited the latest additions to the 3-Series range of mini and midi excavators.
The new 2-tonne class TB320 was of great interest to visitors. The mini excavator/tool carrier has been designed for multi attachment use, something that has become more and more popular in recent years.
Husqvarna
Husqvarna Construction introduced the new DXR 95, its lightest and most compact demolition robot ever, at Hillhead 2024.
The DXR 95 packs a strong punch, thanks to a high-efficiency powertrain delivering 9.8kW of power and 250 bar of pressure to the end-of-arm tool, Husqvarna says.
Yet, weighing in at around half a tonne, it is small enough to be transported in an ordinary van and steered through narrow passageways, as well as sturdy enough to manage steep inclines at an angle of 30 degrees.
Key features include ergonomic joysticks and knobs, written messages and the ability for operators to choose their preferred language on the large LCD screen.
The versatile robot is ideally suited for a range of applications from underground rock breaking to chimney removal, Husqvarna adds.
Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric’s Automation Systems Division (Mitsubishi Electric) made its Hillhead debut at this year’s exhibition, highlighting how the aggregates industry can cut its energy use and improve plant efficiency.
The company showcased its ICONICS Suite and intelligent control solutions – and attendees were able to find out more about how the software solution organises critical operating information and identifies targeted opportunities for energy reduction.
Case
Case had a wide range of equipment on display at Hillhead 2024 but much of the focus was on the new CX210E-S tracked excavator.
This excavator retains all the power and performance of the standard CX210E yet boasts an increasingly competitive price point and a simplified list of options, says Case.
The company also showcased the new 651G ‘Evolution’ for those in the market for a new wheel loader.
Built to sit between the 621G and the 721G, the 651G boasts increased loading performance, thanks to reinforced front and rear chassis sections, plus heavy-duty axles as standard with a choice of locking differentials.
Visitors to the stand also viewed Case’s battery-powered 12EV, which joined the company’s electric mini-excavators in a growing zero-emission Case line-up.
Brokk
The Brokk 170 and Brokk 200+, among the company’s latest generation of demolition robots, were on show at Hillhead 2024.
This newest generation is resistant to shock, temperature, and vibration, with all new robots and control boxes protected to an IP65 equivalent, the company says.
Brokk’s SmartPower+ generation also includes an 87 per cent reduction in cables and connectors.
It has also introduced a new lightweight control box weighing less than 3kg, which includes tilted joysticks, easier-to-reach features, and faster dual charging.
Lekatech
Lekatech took the opportunity at Hillhead 2024 to introduce its electric hammer technology.
The Lekatech Electric Hammer is powered by new and patented linear electric motor technology and is designed and built to be highly efficient and with a power-to-weight ratio superior to traditionally powered hammers.
Lekatech says it delivers up to 70 per cent energy savings when factoring in overall energy consumption of the equipment and that it provides twice the blow impact energy of a hydraulic hammer of the same size.
Sunward Europe
Two excavators from Sunward Europe made their UK debut at Hillhead 2024 – the SWE 50UF mini and SWE 60UFED excavators.
Building on the success of Sunward’s zero-tail range, which earned an iF Design Award, the five-tonne SWE 50UF mini-excavator, which is positioned between the SWE 35UF and SWE 60UF, features zero-tail swing.
Also new to Hillhead was Sunward’s SWE 60UFED, a six-tonne electric compact excavator which features a high-torque permanent magnet synchronous motor.
JCB
JCB used Hillhead 2024 to showcase its biggest and most powerful X Series tracked excavator yet, the 370X, a heavy-duty earthmover that JCB says brings industry-leading levels of productivity, durability and reliability to the 35 to 40-tonne sector.
Powered by a Stage V/Tier 4F 240kW (322hp) diesel engine delivering 14 per cent more power, the 370X can move 4.5 tonnes more material per litre of fuel than competitive models.
It features the new JCB UX user interface with 10 inch colour touchscreen display and controls, increased hydraulic pressures to boost performance in hard digging, and extended service intervals.
The new model was joined at the show by an extensive line-up of JCB machines, including JCB’s new Dual Drive backhoe loader, new Hydradig with Raptor tilt-rotator, and the prototype backhoe loader powered by JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine.
Agg-Pro
Agg-Pro showcased the largest mobile crusher ever seen at Hillhead during the 2024 event.
The Jonsson L130 is one of five jaw crushers manufactured by Jonsson at its headquarters in Sweden.
Born out of the need to crush Scandinavian granite, it can achieve a crush rate of up to 800 tonnes/h.
Featuring a 13-litre Stage V Volvo engine and a 400kVA Volvo generator, the dual-power design of the L130 significantly reduces operational costs, the company
adds.
Abra Instruments
Arbra took the opportunity to showcase its new Mk 40 exploder, a powerful, lightweight, rechargeable exploder for firing electric detonators. The unit features a strong, waterproof case with carrying handle and is supplied with a wall charger and charging cable.
Webtec
Webtec used Hillhead 2024 to showcase the third generation of its DHT digital hydraulic tester, designed to assist hydraulic technicians with reactive, proactive, and preventive maintenance.
Measuring flow, pressure and temperature, the DHT has a built-in loading valve to simulate load.
The DHT has enhanced display functionality, which is almost three times larger than the previous-generation model.
Rapid International
Rapid International exhibited the enhanced Trakmix 250 track-mounted mobile continuous mixing plant.
Producing up to 250 tonnes/h, the company says Trakmix is fully self-contained and can be set up and mixing in a matter of hours.
Hill Engineering
Hill’s stand showcased its new-version 20-tonne Tefra Connect coupler and Tefra Connect display unit, which the company says is a revolutionary new coupler that can connect any hydraulic work tool safely and automatically from the operator’s seat.
SBM Mineral Processing
SBM Mineral Processing displayed the REMAX 600 impact crusher at Hillhead 2024 to mark the UK launch of the company’s new flagship product.
With an operating weight of around 80 tonnes, the 1400-class impact crusher produces a maximum 600 tonnes/h, which SBM says defines a completely new performance segment in mobile crushing.
The REMAX 600 is powered by a Cummins Stage-V diesel engine and a 520kVA generator or, as an option, is fully electric from the mains.
Wirtgen Group
In an exciting premiere, the Wirtgen Group used Hillhead 2024 to unveil its new generation of Benninghoven burners, including the world’s first burner that can be fuelled exclusively with green hydrogen.
Wirtgen says that Benninghoven not only presents a ground-breaking solution for the highways and road-surfacing markets, but also showcases further technologies for sustainable asphalt production.
The new mobile impact crusher Mobirex MR 100(i) NEO/NEOe also made its debut appearance in the UK at Hillhead 2024.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and a low transport weight, the MR 100(i) NEO/NEOe can be used flexibly, quickly and in a very wide variety of applications, says the Wirtgen Group.
Also celebrating their first appearance at Hillhead were two Vögele road pavers – the MINI 500 compact paver and the Dash 5 generation, SUPER 1900-5(i) Highway Class paver.
CDE
CDE used Hillhead 2024 to debut its most efficient water-management solution to date – the AggMax 252SR scrubbing and classifying system, which combines pre-screening, scrubbing, organics removal, sizing, stockpiling, fines recovery and filtrate removal on a compact chassis.
ProSpare
ProSpare Ltd used Hillhead 2024 as the platform for the UK launch of the STARCLEAN S³, a conveyor belt cleaner and monitoring system that allows continuous contact-based control of the conveyor belt and scrapers.
The S³ operates through advanced touch-based scanning technology, which analyses the movement and surface structure of the belt to detect possible damage and allows reaction before the production process is seriously impaired.
Astec Industries
Following a significant investment in its European factory in Omagh, Northern Ireland, Astec Industries, which has a regional office in Australia, showcased some of its comprehensive product range at Hillhead 2024.
Hillhead 2024 saw Astec double its footprint at the show, displaying its latest fines-recovery plant and rinser screen from the Astec washing solutions division.
The company also showcased a range of units from its mobile and modular crushing and screening divisions as well as a number of tracked mounted and modular jaws, impactors, cone crushers, scalpers and finishing screens.
Read about MPS’s recent expansion of its Astec offering in New South Wales here.
Sany
With a new, larger, and more prominent stand location in front of the quarry face demonstration zone, visitors to the Sany UK stand were able to see the brand new STH1840 telehandler which debuted at the ScotPlant exhibition earlier this year.
The STH1840 is one of the first machines to feature in the Sany telehandler series along with the smaller 14m (STH1440) and 7m (STH742) models, all powered by Stage V Deutz engines.
SMT
SMT used Hillhead 2024 to officially introduce the new Volvo EC230 Electric excavator to the market in Great Britain.
This 23-tonne machine is Volvo CE’s first fully electric model in the mid-sized excavator category, opening up the benefits of zero exhaust emissions and quiet operation to a broader range of construction applications.
Hillhead visitors were able to see the Volvo EC230 Electric in action in the exhibition’s demonstration zone.
EvoQuip
EvoQuip ran live working demonstrations of the brand-new Bison 220R jaw crusher at Hillhead 2024.
The EvoQuip Bison 220R boasts an impressive 820mm x 550mm jaw inlet and has 240MP compressive strength to process a wide range of applications.
EvoQuip says the Bison 220R’s efficient hydrostatic drive system not only optimises fuel efficiency but also enhances performance, complemented by the ability to run the chamber in reverse.
The company adds that with quick setup times, simple intuitive operation and easy maintenance and transport capabilities, the Bison 220R stands out as a versatile and user-friendly solution for various crushing applications.
Read about EvoQuip’s latest offering, the Bison 170 jaw crusher, here.
Edge
The new Edge Screenpro S18 heavy-duty tracked scalper made its UK exhibition debut at Hillhead this year.
Edge says the S18 was designed to operate in the most difficult and demanding applications, including the processing of aggregate, construction waste, sand and gravel, soils and organic materials.
It features interchangeable flip-flow and conventional scalper screens, which the company adds provides unprecedented flexibility.
TWS
Hillhead 2024 provided the backdrop for yet another exclusive global launch, this time in the form of Stream from Terex Washing Systems (TWS), which the company describes as “revolutionary”.
Stream is an innovative data software system that leverages real-time insights to drive machine performance, which TWS says empowers operators with actionable intelligence to boost productivity, minimise downtime and maximise profitability.
Finlay
Finlay unveiled new electric variants of the I-120RS impact crusher and the 883+ scalping screen at Hillhead 2024.
These models were showcased in the working demonstration area, featuring electric-powered technology that enables operation from either a mains electric power supply or a secondary source such as a genset.
The live demonstrations were powered by the new Finlay TG500 genset.
The electric Finlay I-120RS provides the flexibility of a mobile impact crushing and screening plant on one platform, the company says.
Meanwhile, the electric Finlay 883+ heavy-duty scalper is designed to work in primary and secondary screening applications such as quarrying and mining, iron ore, construction demolition waste, sand and gravel, compost, topsoil, and coal.
Telestack
Telestack launched its latest product, the TSR40 radial telescopic conveyor, at this year’s Hillhead exhibition. The company says its latest offering was designed to redefine the landscape of the quarrying sector.
WEG & Technidrive
Industrial equipment manufacturers WEG and systems integrators Technidrive co-exhibited at Hillhead 2024, showcasing Technidrive’s drum-drive solution and highlighting the benefits of the jaw crusher automation system.
Attendees also got the opportunity to explore WEG’s industrial WG50 gearbox line and their Motion Fleet Management (MFM) platform.
RMGroup
RMGroup used Hillhead 2024 to showcase its latest mobile packaging system for aggregates.
Contained within a 40ft shipping container, the CTF-600 bag filling system comes complete with an ABB robot palletising system, bulk hopper with in-feed conveyor and weighing system to process more than 16 tonnes of bagged aggregate per hour.
Terex MPS
Terex MPS launched two new models at Hillhead 2024 – the WG220E portable cone crusher and the WV1400E portable vertical-shaft impact crusher.
Both models are designed primarily for the European market, and are electrically driven, either from mains power or a generator.
A-Safe
Global company A-Safe introduced their latest innovation, the Monoplex Bollard, at Hillhead 2024, which the company says sets a new standard in safety.
Built with layered engineering, the Monoplex Bollard removes the weakest part of a traditional bollard, the steel baseplate.
The bottom layer of the bollard provides protection around fixings, the middle absorbs the shock of the impact and the top layer provides maximum impact resistance and recovery, avoiding damage to the impacting vehicle.
Goodyear
Goodyear exhibited the brand-new Goodyear GP-4D Gen II OTR tyre, a tyre aimed at articulated dump trucks, at Hillhead 2024.
The tyre features an optimised tread design, multiple steel belt carcass construction and a unique tread compound, Goodyear says.
Thwaites
Thwaites revealed the Rotator at Hillhead 2024, a brand new 9-tonne dumper that gives the operator a rotating position enabling 360 degree visibility from the safest seat on site.
The unique function of this Thwaites dumper is that it operates the same way forwards as it does backwards, all enabled by the operator position that can now rotate – hence the Rotator.
Bell Equipment
To mark its 70th anniversary and 40 years as an articulated dump truck (ADT) manufacturer, Bell Equipment went full throttle at Hillhead 2024 where its latest innovation, an autonomous B40E ADT, took part in live quarry demonstrations.
Supplied by technology platform specialists xtonomy, the hardware includes robust radar sensors, high-precision GPS, multi-channel communication systems, and on-board processing hardware to create a drive-by-wire B40E solution.
Read more about the B40E ADT here.
