Mastenbroek Ltd: ‘Bulldog’ Trencher Makes a Big Impact in the US

Mastenbroek Ltd, based in Boston, Lincolnshire, is a leading company specialising in designing, manufacturing, and supplying advanced trenching technology and equipment. With a rich heritage spanning several decades, Mastenbroek has established itself as a pioneer in the industry, delivering innovative solutions for the agricultural, construction, and utility sectors. The company's commitment to quality, engineering excellence, and customer satisfaction is evident in its extensive range of products renowned for their durability, precision, and efficiency. Employing around 70 people, Mastenbroek serves a global market, continually pushing the boundaries of trenching technology to meet the evolving needs of its diverse customers. Mastenbroek's latest innovation, the Bulldog, is making its debut in the United States. This state-of-the-art machine is showcasing its impressive capabilities on Highway 20, just north of Ukiah, California.

The Bulldog: Tailored for North America

The Bulldog is 38 feet 7 inches (10.9m) long and is designed to work in confined areas. Its forward discharge conveyor system retracts to give an 8 foot 2 inch (2.5m) width, making it easy to transport. Borrowing much of Mastenbroek's engineering prowess from the existing 17/17 trencher, the new Bulldog features a US EPA Tier 4 final compliant Volvo 8-litre engine, combining power, efficiency, and low emissions. The new diesel hydrostatic drive system powers the enhanced digging mechanism, achieving the six-foot trench depth required by US cable-layers.

“We call it the Bulldog for the American market because, relatively speaking, it's a small, compact, but very powerful machine and very British. The name has really caught on,” says Commercial Director Christopher Pett.

“This year, the first machine landed in California and will be used to trench in renewable electric cables. We anticipate many more orders to flow for many years.”

The Bulldog also features an offset cutting head and forward swing conveyor, making it ideal for operations in cities and highways where restricted access and excavated material must be loaded onto trucks for removal offsite. A steerable undercarriage enables curved trench lines, and the track lift allows the machine to straddle raised pedestrian walkways.

"The Bulldog has been designed with the needs of companies laying underground power cables along the west coast of America firmly in mind," says Chris. Our 17/17 has proven incredibly effective in Europe, performing similar roles required in the United States. That's why we based the Bulldog on that platform. Introducing a new engine, enhanced digging mechanism and hydrostatic drive system ensures the Bulldog delivers impressive performance daily."

 

Unveiling at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023

Chris unveiled the American Bulldog at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, where Mastenbroek expressed gratitude to the UK Department of International Trade for allowing them to attend the event. As the leading designer and manufacturer of self-propelled trenchers and crawler trucks, Mastenbroek used North America's largest construction trade show to unveil the Bulldog, a compact yet incredibly powerful trencher designed to meet the needs of utility cable and pipeline layers.

 

The Bulldog in Action

The Bulldog is currently trenching up to 5 feet deep and 10 inches wide to install three 2-inch diameter conduits for fibre optic cables. This project highlights the Bulldog's precision and efficiency in creating trenches for vital infrastructure. The excavated dirt is efficiently transported off-site by trucks, fed by the Bulldog's front swing conveyor, ensuring a clean and streamlined process. Once trenching is complete, the trench is backfilled with a cement slurry, allowing the highway to be immediately reinstated.

This deployment marks a significant milestone as the first Bulldog from Mastenbroek to arrive in the United States. Its performance is being closely monitored, and it is already proving to be a game-changer in the field.

Mastenbroek's team is currently in Sacramento with Pape Ditch Witch West, conducting product training for their field service technicians and sales team. This training ensures that their partners are fully equipped to maintain and operate the Bulldog, providing our clients with the highest level of service.

 

DBT Support: A Catalyst for Mastenbroek’s Export Success

Attending trade exhibitions has been a cornerstone of Mastenbroek’s export strategy. With support from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), recent visits to ConExpo in Las Vegas and Bauma in Munich have been instrumental in securing a new dealer in the USA and achieving significant export success.

"Setting up a meeting at Bauma with our potential dealer was a crucial step," explains Chris. "We then followed up by participating in the DBT trade delegation to ConExpo last year. This support was invaluable."

Chris continues, "We are very grateful for the support from DBT. The costs of attending major international exhibitions, including travel and accommodation expenses, have skyrocketed since COVID-19. The funding helps us manage our budget and mitigates the risks associated with attending. We’re a small player compared to giants like Caterpillar and JCB, and this support helps us stay competitive."

Sarah Dudley, an ITA with the DBT in the UK, is crucial in providing businesses with tailored support and expert advice. Her responsibilities include offering one-on-one assistance, facilitating access to major buyers and supply chains overseas, and organising sector-specific workshops and trade missions, particularly for businesses outside London. Maintaining an ongoing dialogue with International Trade Advisor Sarah Dudley helps Chris stay informed about local, regional, and international news and events. When Mastenbroek recently secured a contract to supply equipment to Colombia, a new market for the company, Chris sought guidance from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). 

"Sarah made the necessary introductions, and I was able to meet the DBT team at the British Embassy in Bogota. Having expert local contacts is invaluable when navigating challenging new markets."

 

UK Export Academy

Even as an experienced exporter, Christopher has found the UK Export Academy to be particularly beneficial. Attending the Masterclass ‘How to Generate More Business from Trade Show Exhibitions’ provided valuable insights into optimising his time spent exhibiting overseas.

"The session covered critical areas such as attracting attendees to our stand, converting interest into qualified sales leads, raising brand awareness, and delivering measurable results. Although we've been doing exhibitions for many years, being challenged and gaining new ideas is always beneficial."

Chris concludes, "We’re very grateful for DBT advisers' support in the UK and overseas. The funding helps us manage our budget and mitigates the risks associated with attending important international exhibitions. We’re a small player in this sector, and the support helps us remain internationally competitive."

DBT's strategic support has enabled Mastenbroek to expand its international presence and secure valuable partnerships. Through ongoing advice, funding, and access to resources like the UK Export Academy, Mastenbroek continues to thrive in the competitive global market.

 

Mastenbroek continues to lead the way in trenching technology, providing innovative solutions that meet the demands of a changing world. For more information about the Bulldog and other trenching solutions, visit their brand-new website here.