The Break Fast Show #949

In today’s show: CASE demonstrates its autonomous wheel loader; Liebherr is in the pink; moving mountains with a big Shantui dozer; and six decades of backhoe loaders with JCB and JC Balls.

PLUS in Mark’s Morning Monologue: Did we learn nothing from the asbestos catastrophe?

Join host Mark Anthony LIVE for The Break Fast Show – the ONLY daily LiveStream built exclusively for demolition, construction, and equipment fanatics worldwide.

Breaking news. Expert views. Unmissable videos. Raw opinions. If it matters in the industry, we’re talking about it – LIVE.

Test your knowledge with the Mystery Machine, have your say in the Question of the Day, and don’t miss Mark’s Morning Monologue – a no-holds-barred take on the hottest topics.

And when the show’s done, the conversation’s just getting started. Stick around for The Craic, our legendary after-show chat!

Set your alarm. Grab your coffee. It’s time to break fast, and to break new ground.

An end of two eras…

When the curtain came down on the European Demolition Association Annual Convention 2025, it did so not just on a superb Study Tour and conference; it fell also upon not one but two industry eras.

The event marked the end of Stefano Panseri’s unifying EDA presidency; and it also marked the beginning of the end of the industry career of Caterpillar’s demolition specialist, Gilles Ronnet. Two very different men; two very different roles; and yet both can walk away safe in the knowledge that they each made a positive and lasting impact on the global demolition industry.

Stefano Panseri followed in the formidable footsteps of his father – Giuseppe – whose EDA presidency reshaped (and maybe saved) the European Demolition Association. Yet Stefano Panseri somehow emerged from the long shadow cast by his father to make the presidency his own.

In some ways, Stefano Panseri is a contradiction. He has a passion for demolition that only an Italian could possess; and yet his presidency was one of quiet, studied humility. His was a calming voice at a time when the industry – still trying to shake off the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns – craved stability. While some in the industry were determined to go it alone and adopt an “every man for himself” approach, Panseri brought people together.

As a demonstration of his unifying approach, the EDA Study Tour included a fact-finding mission to Panseri’s company, Despe. During that visit, Panseri threw open the doors to his company to competitors and delegates alike. No trade secrets; no restrictions to access; just a sharing of information in the hope of advancing the sector for the greater good.

But the EDA Study Tour also acted as a demonstration of Panseri’s humility. The tour was a prolonged farewell; a swan-song for his three-year presidency. As a result, each step along the way was an opportunity to give thanks for Panseri’s presidential contribution. Each time, he deflected any praise; bouncing it back to the various Study Tour hosts and to the delegates in attendance. Time and time again, he reminded those present that the success of his presidency was not his, but the industry’s. It was that statesman-like approach that will see his presidency go down as one of the most memorable in EDA history.

While Panseri was passing the chains of office to his successor, Caterpillar’s Gilles Ronnet was preparing to do likewise as he eases toward a well-deserved retirement.

During his time as Caterpillar’s demolition specialist, Ronnet achieved that rare accomplishment. He evolved from being a supplier TO the industry to become an integral part OF the industry.

For many years, he delivered his product knowledge and expertise in a quiet manner that was less salesmanship and more valuable insight and knowledge. Many equipment manufacturers – Caterpillar included – claim to be the partner of their customers. Gilles Ronnet embodied that notion. He wasn’t just the representative of a major equipment manufacturer, he was a source of knowledge, of wisdom, and of help and assistance.

I consider myself fortunate to have spent many hours in the company of both Stefano Panseri and Gilles Ronnet. In very different ways, both men were great company; always engaging and constantly welcoming. I’d like to think that I will have the opportunity to spend time with them again in the future.

Thankfully, both for me and – more importantly – for the industry, both Stefano Panseri and Gilles Ronnet pass their respective batons to individuals that share the same level of industry passion and commitment. Panseri’s EDA presidency passes to Patrick Frye of Cardem; Gilles Ronnet hands over to Jean-Christophe Etienne. Both men come to their new roles with considerable expertise and experience; and they will, I am sure, make an industry impact of their own in the years ahead.

But as Panseri and Ronnet step back, they both do so with their heads held high. And, most importantly, they do so leaving the industry demonstrably better than they found it.

Standing with the industry brotherhood

Back in 2016, I wrote a book called A Site for Sore Eyes in the immediate aftermath of the Didcot A Power Station collapse. I gave the profits of that book to three of the four bereaved families impacted by that tragedy (the fourth family politely declined). I sold more books overseas than I sold here including many to people that were barely able to read English. They didn’t buy the book to read it. They bought it as a demonstration of unity.

When I was threatened in my own home over something I had written, I received dozens of phone calls, emails and text messages. The majority of those came from outside of the UK.

I can find myself at a conference or exhibition in Italy, Germany, Spain or Sweden. Even though I don’t speak the local language, I get by because – like my hosts – I speak the universal language of demolition and construction.

There is a reason for all these things. Construction – and, by association – demolition – is a global brotherhood (sorry ladies. I didn’t name it). Within that brotherhood, we all speak the same language, regardless of where we come from. And there is an unwritten understanding that if you attack one man or one woman in this industry, you attack us all.

Which goes some way to explaining why what is happening in the US right now cuts so deep and feels so personal, even though it is happening thousands of miles away.

This article continues on Demolition Insider. Please use the link below to access this article FOR FREE.

The Break Fast Show #948

In today’s (oddly political) show: We’re making a strong CASE Down Under; saving time with the JCB backhoe loader; the sustainability of remanufacturing mining equipment; and Orange vs Green and Gold – Donald Trump’s war against John Deere.

PLUS in Mark’s Morning Monologue: I stand with the global construction brotherhood.

Join host Mark Anthony LIVE for The Break Fast Show – the ONLY daily LiveStream built exclusively for demolition, construction, and equipment fanatics worldwide.

Breaking news. Expert views. Unmissable videos. Raw opinions. If it matters in the industry, we’re talking about it – LIVE.

Test your knowledge with the Mystery Machine, have your say in the Question of the Day, and don’t miss Mark’s Morning Monologue – a no-holds-barred take on the hottest topics.

And when the show’s done, the conversation’s just getting started. Stick around for The Craic, our legendary after-show chat!

Set your alarm. Grab your coffee. It’s time to break fast, and to break new ground.

Overlooked Overload

There is a story about England’s World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore. During a training session, the England coach – Sir Alf Ramsey – yelled HALT and everyone froze in their positions. Without looking around, Bobby Moore knew precisely where everyone was; his own players and opposing players alike. It is said that his exceptional peripheral vision allowed him to see and pre-empt attacks even before they began, making him the supreme defender.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt had a unique genetic makeup that contributed to his astonishing physical attributes, such as muscle composition and body structure. For example, he had a high proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibres, which are crucial for explosive speed and power. The fact that he was six feet five and made almost entirely of legs didn’t hurt either.

American swimmer Michael Phelps arms extend an incredible 80 inches tip to tip. He is also double-jointed, his ,size-14 feet reportedly bend 15 degrees farther at the ankle than most other swimmers, turning his feet into virtual flippers.

But, in addition to these physical attributes, Bolt, Phelps and Moore shared one common ability that truly set them apart from their peers. Focus. A single-minded determination that allowed them to be the world’s fastest man, the greatest ever Olympian, and the first and only English man to hold the Jules Rimet trophy aloft.

Each of them operated and excelled in their respective fields of endeavour without distraction. Unlike the modern machine operator.

This article continues on Demolition Insider. Please use the link below to access this article FOR FREE.

The Break Fast Show #947

In today’s show: Behind the Build – Delivering a Liebherr R 9150, we’re headed Down Under to check out the CASE 821G wheel loader, we’re heading into the forest in the company of John Deere, and golf course construction made easy with Caterpillar rental equipment.

PLUS in Mark’s Morning Monologue: Cognitive Overload and the loss of focus that could put operators at risk.

Join host Mark Anthony LIVE for The Break Fast Show – the ONLY daily LiveStream built exclusively for demolition, construction, and equipment fanatics worldwide.

Breaking news. Expert views. Unmissable videos. Raw opinions. If it matters in the industry, we’re talking about it – LIVE.

Test your knowledge with the Mystery Machine, have your say in the Question of the Day, and don’t miss Mark’s Morning Monologue – a no-holds-barred take on the hottest topics.

And when the show’s done, the conversation’s just getting started. Stick around for The Craic, our legendary after-show chat!

Set your alarm. Grab your coffee. It’s time to break fast, and to break new ground.

Sanctuary or Silo

The cab of a modern demolition or construction machine is a model of ergonomic excellence; a soundproofed, dust-suppressed, wi-fi connected, Bluetooth-enabled paradise built around a seat more comfortable than anything you might find in a typical home.

These is a place for everything; and everything is in its place. Each joystick is perfectly within reach and contoured to fit snugly in the human hand. Each button is pleasingly tactile; each in-cab display intuitive, easy to navigate and well-positioned.

And yet, the way in which those cabs are viewed and perceived by those that occupy them varies wildly from man to man, machine to machine, site to site and project to project.

To some, that cab is a haven; to others a Hell. It is either a silo or a sanctuary.

This article continues on Demolition Insider. Please use the link below to access this article FOR FREE.

The Break Fast Show #946

In today’s show: Why Shannon Plant chose Takeuchi; first impressions of the JCB 145XR excavator; Caterpillar makes the grade; and we’re heading back to Bauma to find out more about the Komatsu PW75 midi wheeled excavator.

PLUS in Mark’s Morning Monologue: Silo or Sanctuary – How a machine cab is a haven for some, and Hell for others.

Join host Mark Anthony LIVE for The Break Fast Show – the ONLY daily LiveStream built exclusively for demolition, construction, and equipment fanatics worldwide.

Breaking news. Expert views. Unmissable videos. Raw opinions. If it matters in the industry, we’re talking about it – LIVE.

Test your knowledge with the Mystery Machine, have your say in the Question of the Day, and don’t miss Mark’s Morning Monologue – a no-holds-barred take on the hottest topics.

And when the show’s done, the conversation’s just getting started. Stick around for The Craic, our legendary after-show chat!

Set your alarm. Grab your coffee. It’s time to break fast, and to break new ground.

Out of Pocket

It’s late. You’re on your way home after a tough week. The motorway zooms past in a blur as headlights bounce off the rain-slicked tarmac, causing you to squint your eyes.

You’re concentrating on the road ahead, on getting yourself home safely. But there’s something else playing on your mind. You’re thinking about the hydraulic hose that went pop mid-morning. That cost you £98.00 because, yet again, your company doesn’t have an account.

The receipt is still in the glovebox. Your bank balance is in the red. Your mortgage is due in four days. And you know that you won’t be reimbursed immediately because it’s the weekend.

This isn’t about wages. This is about the money you spend to keep your company moving. The cash that leaves your hands, your debit cards, your overdrafts. Money you may never see again.

These are companies turning over millions. Multinationals. Firms with slick logos and websites full of waffle about sustainability. But behind the curtain? It’s lads like you buying the f**king milk.

Let’s talk about that, shall we?

This article continues on Demolition Insider. Please use the link below to access this article FOR FREE.

The Break Fast Show #945

In today’s show: An unfamiliar name in the grader business; we’re on the whisky trail with Liebherr; JCB comes up smelling of roses for the Chelsea Flower Show; and how Caterpillar is driving towards an electric future.

PLUS in Mark’s Morning Monologue: Out of Pocket – How workers and operators are helping prop up the finances of the industry.

Join host Mark Anthony LIVE for The Break Fast Show – the ONLY daily LiveStream built exclusively for demolition, construction, and equipment fanatics worldwide.

Breaking news. Expert views. Unmissable videos. Raw opinions. If it matters in the industry, we’re talking about it – LIVE.

Test your knowledge with the Mystery Machine, have your say in the Question of the Day, and don’t miss Mark’s Morning Monologue – a no-holds-barred take on the hottest topics.

And when the show’s done, the conversation’s just getting started. Stick around for The Craic, our legendary after-show chat!

Set your alarm. Grab your coffee. It’s time to break fast, and to break new ground.