DDT 2019 pulled in the masses

Over 61,200 visitors flocked to this year’s National Diesel Dirt and Turf show in Penrith, NSW, despite a soaking wet opening day.

The show, which is one of Australia’s largest earthmoving expos, ran from May 3 to 5 this year. Organisers said they are happy with the turnout despite the show being held outside school holidays for the very first time since its inception in 2016.

A decent number of exhibitors even reported best year sales as well as plenty of follow-up and demo calls for the months ahead, according to organisers.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the show plays a huge part in advancing the Western Sydney economy.

“The Expo is not only helping to drive the economy in Western Sydney; it is helping to drive the economy throughout Australia,” he said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase this region’s expertise in earthmoving engineering and construction.

“It’s fantastic to see so many global brands exhibiting right here in Penrith.”

A number of awards were handed out at the show including best stand awards to exhibitors acknowledging their effort in presenting their businesses to the masses.

The winner of the Best Large Stand went to Doherty Australia, which also scooped up the Best Overall Stand title.

A Most Innovative Product award went to ShawX Manufacturing for its EJECTX product, which is essentially a truck ejector body with a horizontal hydraulic ram in the middle that pushes material along the body as the tailgate lifts for material to be pushed out. Judges agreed that was a more effective way for moving material on-site as opposed to a conventional tipper.

Over $100,000 in prizes were handed out to lucky show-goers with prizes including a Kanga loader, a GreenMech woodchipper, a Toro ride-on mower and more.

The National Diesel Dirt and Turf show is expected to make a return in 2020.