DDT 2018 smashes records

Leading heavy equipment trade show, the National Diesel Dirt and Turf expo wrapped up in style about a fortnight ago, having pulled in over 76,300 people through the gates over three days.

According to organisers, the number smashed previous years’ attendance by a whopping 75 per cent, cementing the show’s position as Australia’s premier earthmoving industry event.

The free-to-attend event ran from April 13 to 15 at the Penrith Panthers ground in Penrith, NSW.

Visitors came from all around the country and across the globe, with significantly higher numbers this year from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia; as well as new and returning industry representatives from Japan, Germany, USA, Sweden, Malta, Italy and China.

Over 200 exhibitors displayed their services and wares at the event, with some reporting excellent sales figures and a good amount of leads to keep them busy over the next 12 months.

This year, a number of awards were handed out to exhibitors for best stand set-ups and innovative machinery displayed.

The HMS Group took home the Best New Product award for its remote-controlled fire-fighting robot; while Kinshofer, Kobelco and Boss Attachments all bagged awards for their outstanding stand designs.

Pickles Auction managed to sell over two million dollars worth of machinery at the expo, with a ninety per cent clearance rate and over 300 bidders taking part in the auction.

An attraction at the show every year is the Operator’s Challenge in which contestants stand a chance to win a trophy and lucrative cash prizes by showcasing their earthmover operation skills.

The ASV Positrack Challenge was won by Luke Burgmann of Romba Turf, while the excavator challenge was won by Gavin O’Reilly.

The National Diesel Dirt and Turf show will return for its fourth event next year, with dates yet to be announced.