Diesel Dirt and Turf smashes visitor records

It was a new beginning for the Diesel Dirt and Turf show in 2021, with a new venue and new setup that have paid off handsomely for the event.

The show moved from Panthers Penrith Rugby Leagues Club to the Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek, which provided larger exhibition grounds, more parking spots and easier navigation, show organisers said.

The event was held from April 9 to 11 this year, after a year of hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This expo is by far the biggest show I have ever seen held here, and certainly the biggest crowd we have ever seen,” said Sydney Dragway Maintenance Manager, Market Easthope.

DDT acknowledges exhibitor efforts at the event by handing out stand and product awards. This year, JCB took out the award for the best large stand while Kerfab was awarded the best medium stand. The best small stand award went to International Greenkeepers Association and the award for best booth went to Hydraulic Steels. Engcon was presented the award for the most innovative product.

Another key feature of the show each year is the Takeuchi excavator challenge which provides a platform for top gun contractors to show off their skills. This year’s daily winners were Matt Anderson, Ryan Rayner and Ryan Burgmann.

Exhibitors and visitors alike expressed their delight in being able to get involved in trade events like the DDT and be able to meet people face-to-face again.

“This Expo is unbelievable and the new site is amazing. This event brings the whole industry together,” said Managing Director of Norm Engineering, John Pesch.

“It's great to see all the new attachment products and machines in one place, and it's also great to hang out together and experience the wonderful camaraderie of this earthmoving industry.”

Landscaper, Jason Hodges, best known for his 16-year stint on Better Homes and Garden, dropped by the Diesel Dirt & Turf and said the Expo is more like a country field day, but conveniently located on the outskirts of Sydney. 

“For those many contractors who may not wish to travel several hours to a country field day, Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is a great opportunity because it’s right on their doorstep and it’s on at the weekend, which makes it easy for people to get here,” he said.

“Diesel Dirt & Turf is serious business, but at the same time it is a lot of fun. The Expo is entertaining for people who are in industry and also enables them to bring along their families.

“It is fascinating to see the huge variety of machinery on display. I enjoy visiting to see what is new because I have a little excavator and am interested in seeing what’s new, even in push mowers and whipper snippers.”

“I am also always interested in seeing how I could do the job more easily to make sure my body is going to last longer,” he added.