Exhibiting this year at Hillhead – the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling equipment exhibition – Pilot Crushtec will showcase its latest generation TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V mobile crusher while accelerating its drive to build a stronger European distribution footprint.
Taking place from 23 to 25 June 2026, Hillhead is set to attract around 20,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors. For Pilot Crushtec, the event marks a significant step in its international growth strategy, according to Sales and Marketing Director Francois Marais.
“We want to make a big statement about our latest model TwisterTrac VS350E which complies with the European Union’s Stage V emissions regulations,” Marais says. “Secondly, we are actively looking to engage with potential distributors for both the TwisterTrac and our broader product range – mobile and static.”
Hillhead visitors will have the opportunity to physically inspect a brand-new TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V unit which will be the highlight of Pilot Crushtec’s stand at M3 in the show’s well known ‘crusher alley’. This UK expo draws visitors from across Europe, making it an ideal platform for Pilot Crushtec’s ambitions beyond its traditional markets.
Marais says the decision to exhibit was driven by the company’s growing installed base in Europe and the United Kingdom.
“The very first Stage V TwisterTrac we sold last year went into the UK, where we have historically supplied a number of previous models,” Marais explains. “We have also supplied machines into eastern Europe, so there is an established machine population; this adds to the confidence of both customers and potential distributors.”
James Atkins, Product Specialist at Pilot Crushtec, points out that the TwisterTrac VS350E has over the years proven itself as a robust and productive platform. More than 100 units have been supplied globally, with the majority operating outside South Africa.
“The Stage V version builds on this track record, bringing the design into compliance with strict EU regulations,” Atkins says. “The unit carries full CE certification, so customers get all the benefits of a tried-and-tested design but in a package that meets European regulatory expectations.”
Key elements of the Stage V configuration are its Volvo Penta engine and dual-power capability. This allows the machine to run efficiently on its onboard generator set, or from a grid electricity supply – an increasingly important consideration in emissions-regulated markets.
In parallel with its product focus, Pilot Crushtec will use Hillhead to engage with potential distribution partners.
“We are seeing growing direct sales activity into Europe and that is driving our need for local partners,” Marais says. “We are looking for distributors with strong service capability and a solid reputation, who can both grow the market and support the customers that we already have in the region.”
