Bauma 2022: what’s in store for the rental sector?

Even the world’s largest trade fair didn’t escape the vagaries of the pandemic. The last triennial event took place in 2019, busting previous records with a total of 3,700 exhibitors and 620,000 visitors from 200 countries.

A render of Hyundai stand’s Techzone, where digital initiatives will be on show. (Photo: Bauma)

As well as raising the bar on attendance, that event is remembered with nostalgia, given what followed, mere months later. When Covid-19 hit, few could have seen that the virus might linger long enough to threaten Bauma 2022; but as history relates, that’s what happened.

When will Bauma be held?

Initially, Bauma 2022 was to be held in April, but was rescheduled amid ongoing uncertainties about Covid-19. With anticipation now primed, momentum around this year’s Bauma – taking place from October 24 to 30, 2022 at the Neue Messe München (Munich) – is well underway.

This year’s fair will be a very different event – there will be some absences in Munich this October, including JLG, Atlas Copco Power technique, CNH Industrial (Case Construction), Volvo CE and JCB. Despite that, the anticipation is high.

“There might be fewer people there, but ‘fewer’ is a relative term,” one industry representative told IRN at the Bauma ‘Media Dialog’ press event in Munich in late June. “It will still be crazy.”

What new products will be shown at Bauma 2022?

The thronging stands will show significant product releases from most OEMs. Just one example is Bobcat’s new S86 R-Series Skid-Steer Loader and T86 R-Series Compact Track Loader, which replace the previous 700 and 800 M-Series loaders and are described as “the most powerful compact loaders the company has ever built.”

Komatsu’s PC88MR-11 midi-excavator. (Photo: Komatsu)

Bobcat will also present concept machine the T7X, described as the world’s first all-electric compact track loader whose 62-kWh lithium-ion battery pack can give four hours of continuous use.

Elsewhere Komatsu will show its recently launched Stage V PC170LC-11 excavator, in a “two piece boom” configuration, the PW98MR-11 tight-tail excavator, featuring low fuel consumption and improved operator comfort, and the Komatsu PC88MR-11 midi excavator.

Digital innovations such as Komatsu’s Smart Construction Retrofit Kit will also be demonstrated; the kit provides ICT functionality to an existing hydraulic excavator, as well as data insights that improve site productivity.

What can visitors expect at Bauma 2022? World’s largest trade show returns later this year

Meanwhile Hyundai Construction Equipment (HCE) will display 23 machines including a new mini excavator range in operating weights of 1.7 to 5.5-tonnes. Its stand will also feature a ‘Techzone’ showcasing tech and digital innovations.

The A Series mini excavators’ features include a new hydraulic system for all models over 4 tonnes, with load-sensing technology and a variable displacement pump for smoother operation. A highlight of the Hyundai stand will be a preview of a concept hydrogen fuel cell-powered wheeled excavator.

Wacker Neuson has confirmed it will present an extension of its zero-emission offering – typified by the The WL20e wheel loader model, which is the first purely electrically operated wheel loader from the OEM - along with a focus on digital solutions.

Meanwhile Ausa, the Spain-headquartered material handling specialist, will introduce the D301AHG, its new 3,000 kg dumper, which features improvements in dumper design and equipment, including a 12% increase to the heaped capacity of its skip.

Bobcat describes the T86 R-Series Compact Track Loader, as among “the most powerful compact loaders the company has ever built.” (Photo: Bobcat)

France headquartered Manitou’s stand will feature the latest Gehl AL (Articulated Loader) and Manitou MLA (Manitou Loader Articulated) machines; it will also display the ULM/GCT, available under the Manitou and Gehl brands.

The super compact telehandler – which took out Rental Product of the Year award at the European Rental Awards 2022 - is light enough to be transported on a small trailer.

Austrian OEM Palfinger will present access e-mobility initiatives and is also showing digital initiatives including Fleet Monitor for fleet managers, and the Operator Monitor app for truck drivers and crane operators.

Sinoboom’s “largest-ever” stand will feature electric-powered MEWPs from its product offering, featuring new and upgraded slab and RT scissor lifts, articulating and telescopic boom lifts and vertical mast lifts.

Specialised products for mining and power sectors

Epiroc, the Swedish manufacturer of mining and infrastructure equipment, will introduce a smaller version - suitable for carriers of 15-28 tonnes - of its V-shaped drum cutter released in April, for trenching and quarrying.

Epiroc is introducing a smaller version of its V-shaped drum cutter. (Photo: Epiroc)

Wirtgen Group will show global new releases and updates across its brands.

Among them, Vögele’s Super 1900-5 and Super 2100-5Highway Class pavers and the latest AB 500 and AB 600 extending screeds will also be on display; as will electrically-powered HD CompactLine tandem rollers from Hamm, targeting zero-emission and low noise compaction projects.

Another new Wirtgen Group release, the Mobirex PRO mobile impact crusher from Kleemann, features an electric drive system with the option for connection to an external power supply, enabling materials processing with low energy consumption per tonne.

On the power front, Spain’s Himoinsa will present its range of ‘Mobile Power’ products, including battery power storage systems, lighting towers and gas and diesel generator sets with stage V engines. Himoinsa will also showcase new products in gas power generation.

Zeppelin Rental will focus on new low-emission technology via its sustainable ecoRent program, including the electrically powered eSprinter, an emission-free LED floodlight mast system, and a tracked scissor lift with hybrid drive.

Zeppelin’s rental solutions in focus

Zeppelin Rental+ app in action. (Photo: Zeppelin)

Zeppelin Rental will focus on new low-emission technology via its sustainable ecoRent program, including the electrically powered eSprinter, an emission-free LED floodlight mast system, and a tracked scissor lift with hybrid drive.

“A highlight also awaits visitors with our so-called ‘Rentagon’. Designed as a world of experience, it provides an impressive insight into our portfolio and also focuses on sustainable and digital solutions for efficient construction site operations,” says Peter Schrader, COO of Zeppelin Rental.

Zeppelin will also be showing its Rental+ app which follows the principle of car sharing.

“With Rental+, we create the possibility for major projects to independently rent and return selected construction machinery and equipment – 24/7 and without any of our employees on site,” says Benjamin Höck, Head of Digital Business & Partnering at Zeppelin Rental.