Sterling Returns to Hillhead – 2026 Exhibition

Published on: 10th June 2026

From 23–25 June 2026, the quarrying, construction and recycling industries will once again gather at Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, Derbyshire, for Hillhead 2026 – the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling equipment exhibition. Held within a live working quarry environment, Hillhead offers a unique opportunity to see the latest machinery, equipment and transport solutions operating in real-world conditions. With more than 600 exhibitors and almost 20,000 visitors expected, it remains one of the most important events in the calendar for operators, fleet managers and industry professionals.

Sterling is pleased to be returning to Hillhead 2026, where visitors can find the team on Stand A25.

Showcasing the Enhanced Megaload Beavertail Plant Body

Taking centre stage on the Sterling stand will be the latest evolution of the Megaload beavertail plant body.

Developed for operators transporting heavier machinery and equipment, the enhanced Megaload builds upon Sterling’s proven design with a series of engineering improvements focused on strength, durability and load security.

Whilst the Megaload name is already well established across the industry, Hillhead 2026 provides the perfect opportunity to showcase how the Megaload has continued to evolve in response to customer feedback and operational demands.

Key enhancements include:

• Deeper angle side rave manufactured from 150 x 75 x 10mm S355 high-grade steel
• Heavy-duty double flip ramps
• New Traction Bars (patent pending) fitted to slopes and ramps
• Heavy-duty wheel plates for improved support during loading
• 8-tonne recessed lashing rings
• Reinforced heavy-duty headboard

These developments have been engineered specifically for fleets transporting excavators, dumpers, rollers and other heavy plant machinery where durability and operator confidence are critical.

Improving Grip, Loading Performance and Operator Confidence

One of the most significant developments on the latest Megaload is the introduction of Sterling’s new Traction Bars.

Positioned across the beavertail slope and ramp sections, the bars are designed to improve grip and traction during loading and unloading operations. This is particularly beneficial when handling tracked machinery such as excavators, where maintaining positive contact on the ramp surface is essential.

Combined with the heavy-duty wheel plates and robust ramp design, the new Megaload offers improved loading performance in demanding site conditions, helping operators load machinery safely and efficiently.

For transport managers responsible for plant movements, these improvements provide added confidence that vehicles are equipped to handle increasingly diverse and demanding equipment requirements.

Built for Heavy-Duty Plant Transport

Plant machinery continues to grow in size and capability, placing greater demands on transport equipment.

The latest Megaload has been developed with this in mind. From its upgraded structural components to enhanced load restraint provisions, every aspect of the design has been engineered to support the realities of modern plant transport.

The inclusion of 8-tonne recessed lashing rings and a reinforced headboard further strengthens the body’s capability, ensuring operators have the secure anchorage points required for safe transportation and compliance with load restraint best practices.

Why Hillhead Matters

Unlike traditional exhibition venues, Hillhead takes place within an active quarry environment, allowing visitors to see equipment performing real jobs under real conditions. This practical approach has helped establish the exhibition as one of the most respected events in the global quarrying, construction and recycling sectors.

For Sterling, it provides the ideal setting to discuss the challenges facing plant transport operators and demonstrate how modern beavertail truck bodies are evolving to meet those demands.

Whether you’re operating a plant hire fleet, managing transport operations, or specifying new beavertail plant bodies, Hillhead offers a valuable opportunity to compare solutions, discuss industry trends and see the latest innovations first-hand.

Visit Sterling at Stand A25

If you’re attending Hillhead 2026, visit Sterling at Stand A25 to take a closer look at the enhanced Megaload beavertail plant body and speak with the team about your fleet requirements.

From heavy-duty plant transport through to specialist beavertail truck body solutions, Sterling continues to deliver transport equipment engineered for reliability, durability and performance in the toughest operating environments.

We look forward to seeing you at Hillhead 2026.