Next month Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, in Derbyshire, England, will once again host the world’s biggest working quarry exhibition, and with no fewer than 525 UK and overseas companies booked into Hillhead 2018, this year’s event will be 10% larger than ever before, easily surpassing the 476 exhibitors that attended in 2016. Show director Richard Bradbury explained: “Growth has come from additional outdoor space created at the top end of the site and the Registration Pavilion, which has doubled in size and will host 90 companies this year. A record number of demonstrations are also being planned and we are looking forward to opening our doors to the industry from 26–28 June.”

The following selection provides a sneak peek of just some of the new companies, plant, equipment, systems and services that visitors will be able to see on display at Hillhead 2018.

Bell Equipment says it will be showcasing the largest range of articulated dump trucks on the market at this year’s Hillhead show. The company’s evolved E-series line-up now comprises machines ranging from the compact B20E to the heavyweight B60E. Visitors to the Bell stand will also be able to discover more about the new B30E 4×4. With its shorter wheelbase, this new machine is more manoeuvrable than its six-wheeled counterpart, and with the absence of a third axle tyre wear is reduced, making it a cost-effective yet efficient machine.

Celebrating 40 years since the launch of the company’s construction equipment range, Doosan will be showing its latest generation of excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks, with Hillhead 2018 providing the platform for the UK launch of several new product developments, including a new version of the company’s 30-t DA30 ADT. The company has also announced a number of new safety and ergonomic features on all six of its large wheel loaders, and has implemented a restyling of all models in the range, with a modified colour scheme and more dynamic curved lines designed to reinforce the robustness and power of Doosan loaders.

Lined up on static display on Hitachi Construction Machinery’s stand at Hillhead 2018 we will be the new Hitachi ZW330-6 wheel loader alongside the ZX530LCH-6 and ZX690LCR-6BE crawler excavators, whilst the company’s heavyweight ZX890LCR-6BE tracked excavator will be put through its paces in the face demonstration area.

JCB will highlight its brand new 20-t 220X tracked excavator. Over a four-year development period, the company has undertaken an intensive programme of X-series component and product testing to achieve increased levels of build quality and provide maximum operator comfort, durability and reliability in operation. Several variants of the machine will be shown on the stand and in the demonstration area, including models in demolition specification. The new X-Series excavators will feature alongside other machines from the company’s extensive product range, including: the JCB 7T-1 front-tip, hi-viz site dumper; the Hydradig 110W; and the JCB Pilingmaster backhoe loader.

MIT, suppliers of industrial driveline components, will be displaying the new HP500 wet clutch power take-off (PTO) system from Twin Disc and HTV700 hybrid electric driveline system, designed and manufactured by Transfluid Italy. Launched earlier this year, the heavy-duty HP500 PTO delivers 500hp at 1,800 rev/min and is well suited to driving pumps, grinders, crushers, dredgers, chippers, shredders and heavy-duty drilling. Showcasing the green credentials of hybrid technology, the Transfluid HT700 system allows the end-user to operate in three modes – electric propulsion; engine propulsion; and booster. In electric mode, the unit operates with zero emissions and minimal vibration, while booster mode delivers extra torque by increasing acceleration via the electric motor.

First-time exhibitors OKO will be showing its strongest tyre sealant to date – Mining X-tra Heavy Duty – which has been successfully tested to –52°C in Siberia and is officially approved by Norilsk, one of the world’s largest mining companies, in tyres as large as 62in. The sealant is sold to heavy-duty vehicle fleets in over 80 countries. The company will also be launching OKO LifeLong, a free-flowing wheel and tyre life extender liquid. It uses state-of-the-art nanotechnology to actively clean and prolong wheel rims by coating them with a molecular film at all times. The bright green UV LifeLong product also alerts operators to sidewall tyre cracks and bead/rim/O-ring leaks so that these can be repaired before they cause problems. It is available in 25- to 220-litre drums as well as 1,000-litre intermediate bulk containers.

Pioneer Pump, one of the world leaders in the design and supply of high-performance, portable and permanently installed pumps, will be showing its brand new 150SMS dewatering pump and the new compact and lightweight 300SLC. Featuring Pioneer’s high-flow 12in pump, built into a redesigned canopy with reduced footprint and improved accessibility, the new 300SLC is designed to work under the most challenging applications.

SMT GB, the exclusive distributors for Volvo Construction Equipment products in Great Britain, will be showing the new L260H wheel loader, ECR355E excavator, EWR170E and EW220E wheeled excavators for the first time in Great Britain, while Volvo CE’s largest machines – the A60H ADT and EC750E excavator – will be at work in the demonstration area. In addition, the Volvo-powered Man Engine will be making a special guest appearance at this year’s show. Standing at 10 m tall, this giant mechanical puppet is not to be missed!

On display for the first time at a UK show will be the new Terex Finlay J-960, J-1160, I-120RS mobile crushers, whilst from the screening range Terex Finlay will be showcasing its 674 inclined screener and 883+ heavy-duty screener. In addition, the TC-65, TC-80 and TC-100 tracked conveyors from the company’s expanding line of mobile conveyors will be on display. Terex Finlay will also be previewing four brand new products in advance of their global market launches during 2018, while, in the working demonstration area the new I-120 impact crusher and 883+ triple-shaft impact screener will be working in tandem in conjunction with the new TF75HL high-level conveyor.

Visitor registration is open for Hillhead 2018, which takes place June 26–28 at Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, in Derbyshire, England. Put the dates in your diary and pre-register for your free entry at: www.hillhead.com