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Executive Hire Show Review: “Perfect marriage” The Wacker Neuson product range encompasses approximately 800 items. A selection targeted at the hire industry was displayed on its stand at the Show. On 1 November 2007, the merge of Wacker Group with NeusonKramer was officially completed, creating a global €1 billion turnover business that offers a substantial equipment portfolio, ranging from hand-held tools to compact plant. “The line-up includes equipment from 10kg to 10 tonnes, and the Executive Hire Show provides the ideal opportunity to display a representative selection,” said Andrew Howells, Managing Director of Wacker (GB) Ltd, speaking to EHN during the event. “Our stand reflects the great diversity of the products available, with Wacker equipment being shown alongside red-liveried Neuson machines, although the aim is to eventually establish yellow as our corporate colour. Because the products in each range have their own established and distinct customer bases, the separate sales and marketing functions will initially be retained, with Neuson’s UK base being in Tredegar, and Wacker’s in Waltham Cross plus offices in four other locations, but again the plan is to eventually create an integrated operation, perhaps with additional sites being opened. The merger is a perfect marriage, and gives us a tremendously comprehensive portfolio. Both companies have a history of innovation, and we can significantly develop the market in the UK, particularly for Neuson machines.” Amongst many new products on the stand was a selection of rebar cutters and benders, added to Wacker’s range following its acquisition of the Drillfix business. “This represents a potentially huge market for us and extends our line-up of equipment for working with concrete,” states Andrew Howells. “These are electro-hydraulic tools giving smoother operation and more constant torque than electric models. Dedicated cutters and benders are available, plus a version that can be used for both operations with interchangeable heads, and they can work on 12-32mm diameter rebar.” The tools are described as offering a more efficient and quicker alternative to using cut-off saws or flame cutters, and they produce less noise. More products for this market will be introduced into the UK in the future. Also seen on the stand was the new CRT 48-35L, a 2.44m 35hp water-cooled diesel ride-on trowel, which has a torsion-assist steering system and ergonomically designed twin-lever controls. If run on red diesel fuel, the machine is said to be up to 80% more economical to operate than comparable petrol engined alternatives. The Executive Hire Show display also included 60cm walk-behind edging and doorway trowels available in petrol and electric versions, with folding handles and an integral lifting hook, as well as the BH 24 high-impact petrol breaker, which generates 65 joules of single-stroke power from a tubular piston impacter, and is designed for low HAV and straightforward maintenance. New indirect heaters, which can be used for drying concrete and for event industry applications, were also promoted. Amongst equipment from the Neuson stable on show was the new 6001H hydrostatic drive dumper, a 6-tonne capacity machine with forward or swivel tipping. It has been derived from its manual drive predecessor and and has several Health & Safety features, including a heightened rear chassis for greater visibility, and the fact that there is no gear change mechanism in the operator’s area means access and egress are easier. A low gear is provided for maximum traction in arduous operating conditions. Wacker Neuson is obviously enthusiastic about its expanded line-up. “The combined product ranges total approximately 800 machines,” says Andrew Howells, “enabling us to offer a more comprehensive selection, and allowing hirers to purchase a greater proportion of their fleet from a single organisation.” • T
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707200 Executive Hire News › Archives › March 2008 › Executive Hire Show Review › “Perfect marriage”
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