This is a subscriber-only article
Over 4,000 visitors from all corners of Ireland made the trip to the recent Construction and Quarrying Machinery Show (CQMS) at Molloy’s Quarry, Tullamore, Co Offaly.
One of Ireland’s largest construction and quarrying events, the show took place on Friday and Saturday 11 and 12 September.
The biennial CQMS event was initially postponed from April to July earlier this year and later rescheduled to September due to COVID-19 restrictions.
From stone crushers to wash plants, dozers, dump trucks and excavators, 85 exhibitors showcased approximately €60m worth of equipment over the two-day event.
In addition to the stationary exhibits and trade stands, there were two live demonstration zones – one for construction and the other for quarrying.
Despite the many challenges presented in pulling off a show in the current climate, CQMS event director Brian Coogan was satisfied with the event.
“This year’s event marks our fifth CQMS show. There was a great atmosphere at the show, it gave a great chance for people to connect and finally meet face to face again.
“A lot of our industry aren’t big into the likes of Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Instead, many of the stakeholders in our sector like to do business face to face,” said Coogan.
“COVID-19 did have an impact on the event. Based on initial Government restrictions, we advertised the event strictly as no-vaccine, no-entry. Although restrictions were eased before the event took place, this did hamper attendance which was down by almost half on the last such event over two years ago.
“We also had a reduced number of exhibitors, which was largely down to limited supplies of dealer stock. This continues to be a big issue for the industry, all of which is stemming from a shortage of componentry.
“However, the event is a homegrown show, which is focused on showcasing the latest equipment in the sector. After all, 85% of the world’s crushing and screening equipment is built in Northern Ireland.
“There has been a great response from the trade to the show. There was a lot of business done for machines which were on display.”
The dates for the next show have already been set and see the event moving back to its April slot in 2023. Here, we look at some of the show highlights for the agricultural sector.
Komatsu WA80M-7
Alongside a host of equipment, McHale Plant Sales exhibited this Komatsu WA80M-7 wheel loader. Powered by an in-house four-cylinder Komatsu 69.7hp engine, the loader features an automatic hydrostatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels.
Optional differential lock axles can be activated for extra traction force, while a speed restriction of 20km/h or 30km/h and additional working lights are available on request.
Its open hydraulic system features a 64l/min capacity. With an operating weight of up to 5,990kg, a 130l fuel tank, the loader has a lift capacity of 3.2m to the hinge pin. The WA80M-7 has a list price of €70,000 plus VAT. 
Worky Quad SSQ15D
Meath-based SME Plant Sales is the Irish importer of the Italian-manufactured Cast Worky Quad mini skid-steer loaders. On display at the show was the SSQ15D.
The unit sources power from a two-cylinder, 14.8hp Kubota diesel engine. Petrol-powered equivalents and an electric version are also available. The machine is hydraulically driven using a Casappa-sourced pump (flow rate of 25l/min). This pump powers both the Poclain wheel motors and the loader’s linkage.
With an operating weight of 684kg, SME says the SSQ15D featured is certified to lift 380kg. Equipped with a set of pallet forks, it is priced at €16,500 plus VAT.
Kubota R090
Twelve months ago, Kubota launched two new models of its small wheel loaders, the R070 (50hp) and R090 (60hp). The R090 was exhibited at the show by FJS Plant in Kildare.
With a lift capacity of 2,160kg, the R090 weighs in at 4,945kg. Fitted with Kubota’s own four-cylinder Stage V engine, it is married up to a 20km/h dual-range hydrostatic transmission. Front and rear axles are fitted with differential locks. Both models offer the same maximum lift height of 3.23m, while the R090 has a flow rate of 67.2l/min.
Both models are offered with a digital dashboard and an adjustable armrest as standard, while air conditioning can be specified. Prices start at €47,000 plus VAT. 
Herbst Agri Crusher
Based just outside Omagh, Co Tyrone, Herbst is well known for its range of agricultural products. In 2005, the firm expanded into the quarrying, mining and recycling industries. This paved the path for its Agri Crusher, which was released in 2014.
The unit is built on a heavy-duty chassis and 50km/h running gear. Its crushing chamber is directly driven by the tractor’s PTO. Protection is provided via shear bolt on the PTO shaft. The jaw box is 700m x 400m and has the capacity to handle material up to 35cm (14in) and crush it down to sizes ranging from 40mm to 100mm (1.5 to 4in). A 6ft hopper sits on top of the jaw box, which is fed with a digger or loading shovel. It has a starting price of £36,000 (€42,177) plus VAT.
Sany SY80U
Imported and distributed in Ireland by Sleator Plant, the Antrim firm showcased a range of Sany excavators from 1.6t up to 32t. The SY80U short-tail-swing excavator was one item that took centre stage on the stand.
With an operating weight of 8,800kg, the excavator sources power from a 72hp Yanmar four-cylinder diesel engine (Stage V).
The unit features a digging depth of 4,535mm, a digging reach of 7,290mm and a swing radius of 2,435mm.
Its Bosch Rexroth variable-piston-pump with load-sensing control features a flow rate of up to 193.2 l/min.
The Chinese manufacturer is beginning to make inroads into the European market and claims to have sold 320,000 excavators in the past 10 years.
With a five-year warranty, a hydraulic hitch and three buckets, the SY80U is priced at €60,000 (£53,000) plus VAT.
SHARING OPTIONS: