The Off-Highway Podcast

Off-Highway Podcast - with Jiri Karmazin

In this episode, Alastair talks with Jiri Karmazin (also known as the "Loader Guy") who is a consultant with his own business, Karma4U, for manufacturers and companies working in the construction machinery space.
He discusses with us the changes he has observed in the industry by example of loaders evolving from their basic use, to now being multi-use tool carriers, a trend seen with many products. He highlights the potential difficulties and challenges with having a product that fits all, over products that suit specific needs and requirements of various customers and applications.
We also touch upon topics such as electrification, Chinese vendors entering the market and the difference in cultures in the manufacturing space.
Connect with Jiri on LinkedIn or via email: karma4U@outlook.cz
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Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off Highway Podcast - with Tom Chaldecott (Knox Thomas)

On today's episode, the topic is all about certification and compliance, as Tom Chaldecott (Senior Machinery Safety Consultant at Knox Thomas) talks with Alastair about CE marking, safety standards and how to navigate certifying your off-highway machinery.
Visit Knox Thomas' website for more information: https://knoxthomas.co.uk/
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Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Tatiana Minav (Tampere University)

In today's episode, Alastair has a chat with Tatiana Minav, Associate Professor at Tampere University.
Tatiana specialises in electrification and hydraulics, and we discuss today how Tampere University approaches efficiency vs productivity when it comes to electrification of off-road machinery, and how they work with OEMs to tackle challenges the industry faces.
Find out more about the IHA (Innovative Hydraulics & Automation, Tampere University) - Web: https://research.tuni.fi/iha/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovative-hydraulics-and-automation/
Reach out to Tatiana directly: https://www.tuni.fi/en/people/tatiana-minav
Save the date - connect at the Scandinavian International Fluid Power Conference in 2027: https://events.tuni.fi/sicfp2027/
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Music: Mocha Music, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - With Akihiko Adachi & Daniel Grant (Kubota Holdings Europe B.V.)

This episode of our Off-Highway podcast took place at Bauma 2025 in Munich, with Akihiko Adachi (President, BU Engine Europe) and Daniel Grant (Manager Marketing Intelligence, BU Engine Europe) of Kubota Holdings Europe B.V.
We dive into the world of Kubota Engines, talking about their perspectives on alternative fuels, decarbonization and the evolving demands of the industrial market. We discuss the significant changes in the market since the previous Bauma, including a shift towards internal combustion engines with alternative fuels.
An important point is the need for customer-driven solutions and the power of partnerships in developing successful products.
Tune in to our podcast to hear more and discover Kubota's strategies for working with OEMs and their exciting future ahead.
Visit Kubota's web page: https://www.kubota.com/
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Music: Mocha Music, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Allison Lackenbauer (Turntide Technologies)

In this episode, Alastair talks with Allison Lackenbauer, Product Evaluation Lead at Turntide Technologies.
Our discussions today dig into the journey of an OEM through electrification and things to be aware of along the way. Allison notes, it's important to think about what you are trying to achieve, rather than just the specification of the machine.
We also talk about how flexibility is needed, as things may change over the years needed to prototype a machine and the "definition of done" is worth revisiting as the development progresses.
For more information on Turntide Technologies and their offerings for OEMs, reach out via their website: https://turntide.com/
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Music: Mocha Music, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Alexandre Meyer (Forsee Power)

In this podcast episode, Alastair speaks with Alexandre Meyer, Product and Market Manager at Forsee Power.
The episode delves into the topic of batteries, specifically for off-highway applications. Alexandre explains the various battery chemistry types, their strengths and limitations, and which types serve which applications better than others.
We also look at the current typical use of battery types within off-highway and how this can be developed.
NOTE: this episode shows a short presentation on-screen, to access the presentation slides please click here.
For more information on Forsee Power, please visit: https://www.forseepower.com/
Interested in working with Forsee Power? To be prepared, the company recommends providing "a clear USP of FP which is the secured supply of innovative cells, as [they] work with top 10 cell makers in China, Korea, Japan & Europe (i.e. Toshiba, LG, CALB as public partnerships) but [they] remain cell-agnostic. [Forsee Power] always validate 2-3 cells for one product so there is no hard stop in the supply."
** Music: Mocha Music, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Clayton Franklin (EPCA)

On today's episode, Alastair talks with Clayton Franklin, Founder and Chief Engineer at EPCA (Electric Power Conversions Australia).
Clayton talks about his background in engineering and designing renewable energy system, before starting EPCA and focusing on battery electric mining trucks, and the achievements with these.
We discuss the advantages of electric trucks over diesel, particularly in the mining industry - including cost savings and less maintenance as well as environmental benefits. Clayton also gives us his insight on the current state of the mining industry, market trends and the benefits of transitioning to electric.
NOTE: This podcast includes a video that is discussed on screen, for the full video please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4r9TqXZPg4
Visit EPCA's website: https://www.epca.net.au/
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Music: Mocha Music, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Paul Muller (Perkins)

In this episode, Alastair welcomes Paul Muller, Technical Sales Manager at Perkins, into our studio.
Perkins' approach to energy transition explores a range of different technologies, such as drop-in fuels, hybridization, alternative fuels and full electrification.
We discuss the need for a customer-centric approach and working with OEMs to find the best solution for their specific needs, and understanding real-world machine usage through data collection. We talk about the need for technology-neutral legislation to drive innovation.
Paul also chats with us about Project Coeus, which focuses on multi-fuel capabilities and hybrid systems.
For more information on what Perkins offer around energy transition, visit: https://www.perkins.com/advancedpower
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Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Ken Gray (Dig Robotics)

This week, Alastair sits down with Ken Gray, Co-Founder and Chief Performance Officer of Dig Robotics.
Ken shares with us his career journey from working at Caterpillar to where he is now at Dig Robotics and talks about his passion for engineering and machine development.
Enhancing operator performance is one of the key topics discussed in this episode - with innovations in machinery to provide real-time feedback to improve efficiency and productivity. We also discuss integration of kinematics, machine vision and AI, and the importance of understanding customer needs and delivering value to them.
Join us as we delve into the world of excavation technology and learn how Dig Robotics is paving the way for a more efficient and innovative future in the construction industry.
Dig Robotics specialises in improving excavation productivity with their guidance and control system technology. Find out more: https://www.digrobotics.com/
 
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Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Off-Highway Podcast - with Ville Eskelinen (Hevtec)

This week, Alastair is joined by Ville Eskelinen, CEO and Co-Founder of Hevtec.
What is the future of electrification in off-highway?
We talk about ideas around hybridization and the benefits and challenges of different hybrid systems, as well as the importance of understanding customer needs and providing tailor made solutions for electrification or hybridization. Industry collaboration is also a topic within our discussion, aswell as the potential of hydrogen and challenges it faces.
Hevtec specializes in electric and hybrid driveline design and integration. For more information, visit their website: https://www.hevtec.fi/
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Stock Photography: ABCDStock, Courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.