Heavy equipment show returns after three-year absence

BY PETER CAULFIELD – The Pacific Heavy Equipment Show is taking place Sept. 19 and 20, 2014 at the grounds of The Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre (TRADEX) in Abbotsford, B.C.

It is the first time the show has taken place since 2011.

"At one point, the show was on a two-year cycle, but it changed to a three-year format with the change in the industry in B.C.," said spokeswoman Moira Pellerine.

Pellerine said between 6,000 and 8,000 people are expected to attend.

"If you were to go to the show, you would be able to see a lot of heavy iron," she said.

"You would also get to see some equipment being demoed, as well as seminars, entertainment, Show and Shine, and Ride and Drive."

Attendees at the  heavy equipment show also receive registration for TRUXPO, which is billed as Western Canada’s largest trucking and logistics show.

It is taking place at the same time at TRADEX.

"TRUXPO is mainly about big highway trucks, with all the big OEMs," said Pellerine.

"However, we have managed to add smaller trucks, such as dumps, inner city courier, service trucks, as well as the larger pick-ups. So it’s a good mix and certainly of interest to the construction market."

Pellerine said there will be 80 heavy equipment exhibitors at the heavy equipment show.

Darren Brook, dealer manager with Inland Kenworth in Langley, B.C., said his company is bringing six machines to the show: Case wheel loader, two Case skid steers, Case compact excavator, Link belt excavator and Link belt material handler.

"The equipment we are bringing will have a lot of the new features to improve operator comfort and ease of maintenance," he said.

"Some features include rear view cameras, improved visibility and, best of all, some models have the Case ProCare (factory-provided standard heavy machine coverage)."

Shannon Claypool, sales representative with Van-Ed Equipment in Surrey, B.C., said his company will be exhibiting a variety of attachments and specialty equipment for excavators, backhoes and skid-steer loaders.

"We will be bringing hydraulic hammers, Hopacs, vibratory rippers, bucket crushers and a full line of pulverizers and shears," Claypool said.

"In addition, we will have dust suppression equipment, debris blowers and a full line of hydraulic shut-off valves and specialty fittings."

Westerra Equipment also of Surrey, B.C. will be promoting a variety of products, including a sampling of the  D.I.C.E. (Doosan Infracore construction equipment) lines.

"We will also have a lot of new equipment in our booth showcasing the Tier 4 engine and systems, new ergonomics, telematics, and new models for 2014/2015," said Westerra spokeswoman Sandy Gerber.

"The new equipment includes the Bobcat 1Million Special Edition Loader, Doosan Construction DX235LCR, Vermeer Tier 4, eco idle Brush Chipper, all new Vermeer landscape/tree care and contractor equipment, new Stihl 4 mix system emission reducing saws, Bobcat Tier 4 Toolcat and Bobcat Mini Excavator E35i."

Attendees of the Pacific Heavy Equipment Show will also be able to take in the TRUXPO keynote presentation by Michael "Pinball" Clemons.

Clemons is a former all-star running back for the Toronto Argonauts, as well as Grey Cup-winning coach, president and CE.

He is now vice-chair of the football club.

A man of character and spirit, Clemons is known as much as a motivational speaker as he is for his accomplishments on the field.

He inspires audiences by demonstrating what it means to beat the odds and encourages them to use teamwork to achieve their goal.

For more about the Pacific Heavy Equipment Show or to register visit www.masterpromotions.ca/Previous-Events/pacific-heavy-equipment-show-2014/.