Heavy Equipment Makers Showcase New Tech, Equipment at CONEXPO

Whether you attended CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 from March 14-18 in Las Vegas or stayed home and followed show updates from your smartphone, one thing was abundantly clear: the triennial construction industry tradeshow did not disappoint. Per usual, North America’s largest construction heavy equipment exhibition was brimming with innovation throughout the 3 million square feet of show space.

The nearly 140,000 industry professionals who ventured to the record-attendance tradeshow were able to network with peers, see new and updated heavy equipment, view demonstrations of the latest innovations and hear the latest business developments from their favorite manufacturers.

Specifically, industry-wide themes at CONEXPO-CON/AGG included topics such as new product development, artificial intelligence and automation, new power sources and technological advances in fuel efficiency, productivity and safety. Manufacturers have spent years honing technology to allow contractors to do more with less, to more quickly train new workers and to find ways for construction companies to complete projects more effectively and with fewer emissions.

Construction heavy equipment is our passion at Equipment Today, so naturally, we took our entire team with us to the show, to cover it as thoroughly as possible. Throughout the pages of this issue (and upcoming magazines issues, as well), we’ve highlighted some of the trends and more than 100 products from CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Many manufacturers gave booth tours and product walkarounds, which we filmed on video and recorded for podcasts and wrote several articles about – all of which can be found on our website, ForConstructionPros.com.

There is so much news and updates to share with you about CONEXPO-CON/AGG, it’s challenging to summarize it all in one place. Here, we chose to focus on some of the world’s largest construction heavy equipment manufacturers and what they shared with us at the show. Many discussed new technologies they’ve integrated into their machines and ways to lower emissions. There were several announcements about continued business expansion throughout North America and improvements to the equipment supply chain. In this issue, we are focusing on wheel loaders, while in May, you’ll see more compact track loader coverage and in June: excavators.

Caterpillar

The world’s largest construction heavy equipment manufacturer had one of the largest outdoor demonstration areas at show, at 70,000 square feet, where attendees flocked to see more than 30 new machines, watch the Global Operator Challenge Finals and visit Cat’s Services, Technology and Sustainability hubs.

The company exhibited many new technologies designed to improve uptime and keep costs down. The Cat Command for Loading remote control system for its small wheel loader line was one of the many technologies demonstrated at the show. Cat also unveiled its 950 and 962 Next Generation Wheel Loaders that aim to increase productivity 10% while meeting U.S. Tier 4 Final emissions standards. Meanwhile, Cat Payload is more widely available, as it now comes standard on the 926, 930 and 938 next-gen wheel loaders.

There are new options for the Cat Smart Grader Blade and Smart Dozer Blade. The new external control kit for GB120 and GB124 smart grader blades expands use of these blades to Cat D and D2 series SSL and CTL machines, allowing customers with previous model fleets to run smart blades. The new 3D grade control kit uses existing connections to add automatic blade control to the Cat Smart Dozer Blade. The new external control kit allows operators to run smart grader blades on all D-series and select older Cat machines and includes a third joystick for operating blade raise/lower, tilt, angle and wing functions like smart control for D3 series machines. 

Cat also showcased new mobile apps: Cat Central that can help locate replacement parts and manuals, while the SIS2GO app helps users with maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing Cat equipment. The VisionLink app helps simplify fleet management accounts for contractors, offering asset tracking and more.

At its Sustainability Hub, Cat exhibited four battery-electric machine prototypes: the Cat 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader and 906 compact wheel loader, including AC and DC charging solutions. The Caterpillar-designed batteries are built on lithium-ion Cat technology with a modular design that offers flexible configurations across multiple applications.

To showcase the capabilities of its Cat Remanufacturing services, the company exhibited a rebuilt dozer with a remanufactured engine at its CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibit.

“At Caterpillar, our machines are built to rebuilt,” said Brian Edwards, a senior vice president of Caterpillar who oversees the Cat Remanufacturing Division. “So we design with the purpose of providing multiple lives (for equipment). Not only does that allow them to really maximize their investment, but we focus on the total cost of ownership. We’re constantly trying to provide valuable solutions that lead them to lower their cost of operating every day.”

Another big hit at the Cat booth was the 6-cyl. Cat C13D engine platform, which will offer eight power ratings from 456 horsepower (hp) to 690 hp—340 kilowatts (kW) to 515 kW with up to 3,200 Newton meter of peak torque. Engine-mounted aftertreatment and cooling packs will be available from the factory to reduce installation and validation costs. The C13D will meet the emissions standards of higher regulated markets, such as EU Stage V, U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, China Non-road IV, Korea Stage V, and Japan 2014, with models available for lesser regulated markets, said Dustin Childers, global marketing manager, Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems Division.

CASE

Another manufacturer to unveil several machines was CASE Construction Equipment, which debuted more than 30, including new attachments, technology and more. CASE spotlighted its backhoe loaders, which have been outfitted with new configurations and abilities. Among them, the industry’s first electric backhoe loader, the 580 EV. The machine promises to need less maintenance and emit less noise and emissions than its traditional counterparts.

The company also featured its TV620B compact track loader, one of the largest in the industry, with a 114-hp engine and a 6,200-lb. rated operating capacity. Its heavy-duty undercarriage and heavy-duty 17.7-in. rubber tracks allow for 6.1-psi ground pressure and performance on improved surfaces.

The 3.6 metric ton electric CL36 EV compact wheel loader also made an appearance. Designed to include the benefits of electrification with a small footprint, the machine can be used indoors and outdoors.

“CASE is building on an enviable, 180-year heritage of making a difference in our industry and the world,” says Terry Dolan, vice president — North America, CASE Construction Equipment. “The past three years have led us to the next chapter in our evolution, focused on one goal: to help customers get more work done, easier and more profitably than ever before. We are committed to the promise that no one will outwork us in earning customers’ trust and helping their businesses thrive.”

CASE’s parent company, CNH Industrial, recently acquired Sampierana, to boost CASE’s mini-excavator lineup. CNH also signed an agreement with Tobroco-Giant for sales, distribution and support of CASE small articulated loaders.

CASE has also expanded its CASE SiteConnect Module and launch new programs like CASE TrackCare, an undercarriage monitoring program for the lifecycle care of steel undercarriages.

New Holland

Also owned by CNH Industrial, New Holland Construction had several CONEXPO-CON/AGG product launches of its own. One of the more popular launches was the C330 Vertical Lift Compact Track Loader, with its compact, medium-sized frame. The C330 vertical lift compact track loader, with 68-inch working width and 67-hp engine, features the super boom design, New Holland Construction’s Super Boom lift, with low shoulder positioning and small towers to enhance operator visibility and worker safety on the jobsite.

“The C330 vertical lift compact track loader creates the perfect mix of job versatility and maneuverability on any residential construction and landscape jobsite,” said Ryan Anderson, product marketing manager for New Holland Construction North America. “We can’t wait to get this machine out into the field to showcase how our power management technology and enhanced visibility to get the job done more efficiently performs.”

New Holland also displayed its new D Series backhoe loader, economy-class B75D backhoe loader, its C314 mini track loader and E15X electric power mini excavator.

Cummins

Of note is recent announcements made by engine manufacturer Cummins. At Work Truck Week in March, the company announced the launch of its zero-emissions brand, Accelera. A business segment of Cummins, Accelera will serve as a components supplier and will focus on batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, e-axles, traction drive and electrolyzers. Accelera currently has operations in North America, across Europe and in China, with additional joint ventures that operate in the Netherlands and China.

Cummins also recently announced its X10 diesel engine that will be available in 2026, when it will be compliant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2027 emissions regulations.

“We are committed to advancing diesel technology while our markets and our customers need it to run their businesses. The new X10 has been designed drawing on our decades of experience as a leader in the medium and heavy-duty space,” said José Samperio, executive director, North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc. “We have applied those learnings to ensure the product will perform for our customers and the important jobs they need to do every time.” 

The company is pursuing development of engines that will use diesel, natural gas, gasoline and propane, as well as other sources.

John Deere

Another one of the largest exhibitors at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, with 80,000 square feet of exhibit space, John Deere hosted a large outdoor area with a variety of equipment on hand. Of that space, 10,000 square feet was dedicated to Deere technologies, including SmartGrade and SmartDetect systems.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve introduced a lot of new features, specifically with wheel loaders, when it relates to better visibility on the jobsite and better safety features,” said Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager for John Deere.

SmartDetect uses a camera system with object detection technology, which can discern people from objects. The machine can even automatically slow down when objects enter its path.

Meanwhile, SmartWeigh, which is available on P and X-Tier utility wheel loaders, is a payload weighing system that helps operators hit loading targets and minimize material loss.

Overall, Deere unveiled 36 product launches at the show. One of the highlights was the debut of its new P-tier construction machines, including dozers, skid steers, cold planers, excavators and more. The machines include upgradable technology and improved operator comfort and cab functionality. With EZ Grade in base models with EH controls, as well as optional slope control and 2D laser capabilities, the 450, 550 and 650 P-Tier machines have many technologies available.

All models are compatible with laser receivers, helping to control elevation and slope while using a rotating laser. The P-Tier small dozers with EH controls arrive from the factory with EZ Grade features, however, the owner can upgrade to Slope Control or SmartGrade technology in the future,. As an additional feature, the new 8-in. touchscreen cab display offers navigation of slope control and machine settings on EH machines.

DEVELON

Formerly known as Doosan, DEVELON celebrated the launch of several new machines at CONEXPO-CON/AGG with a ribbon cutting on the first day of the tradeshow. At that event, parent company Hyundai Doosan Infracore CEO Young-cheul Cho said it was DEVELON’s goal to become a top five heavy equipment manufacturer for the North America market by 2025. He said the company has plans to improve its performance in the compact equipment segment and grow its dealer network, as well.  

“This shows our commitment to North American customers,” Cho said.

The company has launched a mini excavator and a compact track loader in the North America market and has plans to add a small dozer to the lineup soon. Plans are also in the works to add electric versions of the machines.

The company announced several new products and upgrades to existing machines at the show. One of the product launches was the 116-horsepower DTL35 compact track loader, the company’s first entry in this product category for the North American construction market.

An existing machine, the DL320-7 wheel loader, which is part of the next-generation -7 Series lineup, for example, received upgrades such as increased bucket capacity, redesigned cab with comfort improvements and fuel-saving technologies. The improved cooling system features wider radiator fin spacing and a reversible fan to clear debris and reduce clogging. And the wider front fender offers better windshield protection. 

Bobcat

A member of the Doosan Group, Bobcat showcased two concept machines at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. The Bobcat T7X is the first all-electric compact track loader and the S7X electric skid steer loader. The S7X is powered by a  60.5-kWh, lithium-ion battery, features electric drive motors and utilizes ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions. It can operate for eight hours and takes 10 hours for a full charge.

Bobcat launched its RogueX track loader at the show. The machine was designed with remote operations and autonomous functionality in mind.

"We challenge what's possible, break new ground and empower people to do more," Doosan Bobcat North American President Mike Ballweber said at the show.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas

Several new and improved machines were rolled out by Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas at the show, including excavators and wheel loaders.

The 33,047 pound, 3.5 cubic-yard Hitachi ZW180-7 and ZW180PL-7 wheel loaders offer standard or high-lift front arms. The ZW180PL-7 specifically has a parallel link arm configuration for fork and tool carrier applications.

“With the three front linkage options, these wheel loaders offer the versatility to handle any application, whether the loader is used to move pallets around the yard, load materials into trucks or manage stockpiles,” said Matt Koester, wheel loader product manager for Hitachi Construction Machinery.

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas

At its 31,000 square foot exhibit at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas displayed and demonstrated a variety of compact excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders and wheel loaders.

The three compact excavators at the show included the HX35AZ, HX40A and HX48AZ, which comply to Tier 4 Final emissions standards and have increased cab visibility and a number of operator comfort features.

The new Hyundai HL985A wheel loader, with a bucket capacity of 9.1-yd³  is designed for use in high-production jobs such as quarrying, aggregates and other mass-volume material handling applications.  

“We refer to the HL985A as a ‘true two-pass’ wheel loader because it can fill one of our HA30 articulated dump trucks with two bucket loads,” said Joe Turnage, Senior Product Manager, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas. “With the addition of the HL985A, the Hyundai wheel loader line includes models that fulfill the needs of every important wheel loader application. At the same time, like every A Series wheel loader model, the new Hyundai HL985A provides the combination of power, performance, fuel efficiency, and operator safety and comfort that successful contractors expect from Hyundai.” 

Green Truck Summit Sessions Welcomed #WTW23 Attendees 

Jennifer Ramsey, president and chief executive officer of Cummins, gave the keynote address at the Green Truck Summit on Tuesday, March 7, highlighting her expansive industry knowledge and providing thoughtful analysis of what she deemed, “the messy middle,” or the time before complete decarbonization occurs in the on-highway trucking industry. Be sure to listen to OEM Off-Highway's exclusive interview with Rumsey here. 

At the semi-annual and much-anticipated work truck industry 2023 economic overview with NTEA director of market data and research Stephen Latin-Kasper, Kasper shared statistics on the United States’ and Canada’s current economic activity, including truck manufacturer production, orders, housing starts, inflation and more. 

The NTEA research demonstrated that a small but likely quick recession may occur in the second half of 2023, but consumer spending is still well above typical recession time expenditures. And, Kasper said, "we are expecting that [consumer expenditure] to continue growing." 

"So, in '23, in all of these big segments of the industry, is expected to be a reasonably good year for sales," Kasper said of the commercial vehicle market. "The primary limiting factor is going to continue to be the availability." 

Isuzu and Mack Launch Medium-Duty Electric Trucks

Both Isuzu and Mack launched medium-duty electric trucks at Work Truck Week, on the heels of Navistar International's medium-duty electric truck launch of 2022. The Isuzu N-Series EV is the first electric from Isuzu to be introduced in the United States market. It has a 19,500-lb. gross vehicle weight rating and will use 20kWh lithium-ion battery packs in configuration options of three, five, seven or nine battery packs. Isuzu leadership predicts the truck will be available for purchase in early 2024. Its all new cab will be featured in the entire Isuzu lineup in 2024 and 2025. 

"The charging infrastructure has grown considerably over the last several years. We have customers that are moving towards carbon neutrality and state and federal programs will reward early adopters," said Shaun Skinner, president and CEO of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. "We're ready for a future with multiple powertrain offerings. Gas, diesel and electric. And that means more power for our customer to choose the perfect truck for their needs." 

The new Mack MD Electric will be available, like its diesel counterpart, in Class 6 and Class 7 ratings. The Class 6 model has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the Class 7 model has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. The MD Electric’s three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor and all on-board accessories are powered by Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) Oxide lithium-ion batteries, either in a 150kWh or 240kWH configuration. The MD Electric can be charged through AC or DC charging units.

Ford Pro and RAM Launch Lighter Duty EVs

Both Ford Pro and Ram launched new all-electric vehicles loaded with features. The new Ford Pro electric model is an all-electric school bus, an ideal EV because of its cyclical routes and ability to return to a home base for charging every day.

Ram estimates its new electric pickup to be available on the market by late 2023. However, this seems rather ambitious, given the persisting supply chain difficulties and tight labor market Kasper referenced in his NTEA work truck industry economic overview, but perhaps those two brands have resources up their sleeves we have not yet seen. 

Erica Floyd, Lori Ditoro and Sarah Webb contributed to this article.