Top 8 construction news and reviews of 2019

It is hard to believe that another year is almost done and dusted. While 2019 was overall a rather flat year for construction activity, demand for machines is still strong, especially a good versatile unit that could take on the job of several.

From excavators to loaders to dozers, our readers read up on a rather varied range of machinery on our site this year.

Here are the 8 most read news and reviews for 2019 on constructionsales.com.au.

8. Caterpillar announces global operator challenge

Everyone loves a bit of competition. Following a successful operator challenge in Europe, Caterpillar has decided to extend the invitation to operators around the globe.

Those who think they’ve got their Cat machines down pat can have a go at operating Caterpillar branded equipment through a series of challenges which will really test their agility, mental toughness and versatility, as well as their competence with Cat technology in the cab such as Cat Production Measurement and Cat GRADE systems.

What’s in it for the contestants, you ask? An all-expense paid, VIP trip for two to a global Caterpillar facility of his or her choice. Not too bad of an incentive!

7. JCB Hydradig Wastemaster excavator review

JCB certainly likes to think outside the box. It is hardly a surprise then that when JCB’s innovative Hydradig excavator was launched, it quickly became the talk of the town.

For one, it hardly looks like your conventional excavator. JCB has removed the engine from the main body of the machine and instead moved it into the lower chassis away from the house.

By doing so, the house now sits higher to give operators a bird's-eye view of their surroundings, thus giving them the confidence to carry out their work safely and efficiently.

Earlier this year, JCB released the Wastemaster version of the Hydradig which has been specifically designed to suit the recycling and waste-handling industry. We popped by the Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre in Melbourne to have a look and drive one of these machines and came away suitably impressed.

6. Cat launches more efficient D11 dozer

When Caterpillar launches a new product, the whole industry pays attention.

Cat’s new D11 dozer has been given a revamp to offer up to eight per cent better productivity and fuel efficiency compared to previous dozer models.

Some of the new and improved features include new load-sensing hydraulics, high horsepower reverse function and a suite of in-cab technologies.

In addition, the D11’s frame has been improved to give it a longer operating life.

5. Pro Hart painted excavator up for sale

Perhaps it was the headline, or the amazing imagery that sucked readers in.

A Komatsu PC200-7 excavator, painted up in the colours of outback Australia, was put up for sale by plant hire and demolition specialist, Markwell Group, a few months ago.

The excavator was initially acquired by the company in 2002 at a charity auction and has done about 100 hours before it was put up for sale. Markwell Group decided after almost 18 years in the fleet, it is time it went to another good home.

Renowned Australian artist, Pro Hart, transformed the traditional yellow Komatsu machine into a colourful piece of artwork featuring an image of the Broken Hill South Mine and sceneries of the Australian outback.

4. Mecalac 6MCR skid excavator review

This machine is an exca-loader-handler, effectively three machines in one, so it is no wonder that our readers were intrigued by it.

There isn’t a machine on the market like the Mecalac skid excavator. The 6MCR can perform the tasks of an excavator, skid steer loader, and a telescopic handler just by switching around the attachments on the machine.

We were fortunate enough to check one out when it went on a round-the-country tour earlier this year. Perhaps one of the most impressive things about the machine is its ability to travel at speeds of up to 10km/h which, according to the company, is at least twice the speed of a conventional excavator. Combined with a body that can rotate 360 degrees, jobs on the work site such as stockpiling is way faster and more efficient.

3. Full Deere construction range bound for Oz

It was an exciting year for John Deere’s construction arm in Australia as it moved house from Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) to AFGRI Equipment which looks after distribution in WA, and RDO Equipment which looks after every other state in Australia.

At the Diesel Dirt and Turf show in May this year, RDO Equipment announced that it will be bringing the full range of John Deere Construction machinery line into Australia, where before only a limited range was available.

2. 2019 DDT back in May

The Diesel Dirt and Turf show is fast becoming a favourite among tradies, business owners and machinery fans alike.

It started out as a small, local event in 2016, attracting just around 30,000 people and in 2019, had over 61,000 visitors stream through the doors.

It is currently Australia’s premier earthmoving and construction expo and a must-attend for anyone working in the industry. The free entry to the show also meant families are able to bring their kids in for a fun and free day out.

1.  Next-gen Cat 50-tonne diggers unveiled

And our most popular construction story of 2019 goes to…Caterpillar.

In August this year, the company announced the launch of its next generation 349 and 352 50-tonne class excavators which Cat said has been equipped with the industry’s highest level of standard factory-installed technology.

As a result, these rigs were claimed to offer up to 45 per cent more operating efficiency and 10 per cent better fuel efficiency.

The new rigs also offer a significantly improved operator experience overall with new automotive style interiors and a standard range of creature comfort features.