Heavy Equipment Guide's 2023 Top Introductions

CONEXPO-CON/AGG years are always packed with equipment introductions and innovations, and 2023 lived up to that expectation.
 
Battery-electric equipment was introduced into new product categories and size classes in 2023. The roadbuilding sector in particular saw several electric introductions and we feature new electric rollers from both Hamm and Volvo.

There's also a strong emphasis on safety among our 2023 selections, as manufacturers focus on giving operators the best visibility to their work and their work site surroundings.

Compact track loaders are proving more popular than ever, and many new and updated CTLs for a range of job site needs, from high-power attachment performance to simple reliability, were introduced in 2023.

We also spotlight several totally unique equipment solutions that we covered throughout the year – a SENNEBOGEN machine that combines the capability of a telehandler and a wheel loader, a one-machine pothole patching solution from JCB, and bucket-integrated underground utility detection technology from RodRadar.

Learn about all of these and more in our 2023 Top Introductions.

Hamm

Electric tandem rollers

Electrification has come to the roadbuilding sector and Hamm has jumped in with eight 100 percent electric tandem roller models. The HD 10e and HD 12e are each available in four configurations: two vibrating drums, a single vibrating drum and wheels, a vibrating drum and an oscillating drum, and an oscillating drum and wheels. These rollers have been designed to deliver identical operation compared to diesel-powered machines, use energy recuperation, and require 70 percent less hydraulic oil.

CASE Construction Equipment

Backhoe loaders

The return of the Construction King backhoe loaders was CASE Construction Equipment's big highlight at CONEXPO. The Construction King models are available in centre-pivot and side-shift configurations. The first model, the 580SV, has a tool-carrier style front end that is ideal for operators who use the loader end as a primary earthmover. CASE's backhoe introductions were even more expansive beyond the Construction King models, with the introduction of an entry-level Utility Plus machine that has an engine under 75 hp but is designed to perform like a full-size backhoe.

SENNEBOGEN

Telescopic wheel loader

Visibility and toughness are two essential requirements of any machine working in a demolition application. SENNEBOGEN's 340 G telescopic wheel loader combines the features of a telehandler and a wheel loader into one rugged machine that offers better visibility and capability for not only demolition material handling operations, but also other material handling operations, including waste and recycling. The lifting cab gives the operator 360 degrees of visibility around the job site, and the machine can maximize truck loading by compressing the material.

Caterpillar

Compact track loaders

Compact track loaders are a do-it-all workhorse on today's job site and Cat has upped its CTLs' capability with its next generation. The first two models, the 255 and 265, slot into the middle of Cat's CTL line and deliver higher lifting, more breakout force, and a boost in operating capacity compared to the previous generation. Standard hydraulic capacity of these CTLs has been increased to give operators the versatility to use more attachments with standard flow. Both machines are shipped high-flow ready, which can be activated via software, for even more well-rounded capability in high-power applications.

Volvo Construction Equipment

Electric asphalt compactor

Volvo's first electric machine for the roadbuilding sector is based upon the same charging solution as its other compact electric machines. With its integrated on-board charger the DD25 Electric double-drum compactor can charge in as little as three hours. With an off-board DC fast charger it can charge to 100 percent in just over an hour. The compactor is ideal for repairs, patching, and parking lots, and the electric solution is more responsive in speed and vibration than a diesel machine, is more effective at high elevations, and offers more power than its conventional diesel counterpart – with fewer maintenance requirements.

JCB

Pothole repair solution

The painful problem of patching potholes is simplified with JCB's Pothole Pro, an all-in-one pothole repair solution that is totally unique to the industry. This machine has a TAB two-piece boom with JCB's multi-tool (a dedicated hydraulic cropper and a sweeper/bucket with integrated dust suppression), mounted on an X12 Steelwrist tiltrotator. A planer is mounted on the machine's rear skid-steer hitch. This total repair solution can patch a pothole in just eight minutes.

RodRadar

Live Dig Radar

Utility strikes are a multi-billion-dollar global problem that RodRadar addresses with its innovative Live Dig Radar. Live Dig Radar integrates GPR technology into an excavator bucket to automatically detect underground utility infrastructure in real time. Utility location is displayed via an easy-to-understand screen in the excavator cab which the operator can interpret without additional expert analysis. RodRadar has partnered with AMI Attachments to integrate the system into buckets.

John Deere Construction & Forestry

Articulated dump trucks

Operators will experience an all-new cab layout focused on optimizing their comfort in John Deere's two new P-Tier ADTs, the 410 and 460. The latest additions to John Deere's Performance Tiering strategy put additional customization in the hands of the buyer with a range of package options for additional operator comfort, cold weather conditions, debris management, and maintenance and service. Two trim levels are also available providing different options for the mirrors, vehicle lights, exhaust stack, and more.

DEVELON

Dozer

Visibility is vital for dozer operators and DEVELON maximizes their view from the cab of the second dozer in its lineup, the DD130. In addition to the standard rear-view camera, low-profile front pillars, and all-glass doors, DEVELON has made the front engine compartment narrower by moving the electronic cooling system to the back.

Ditch Witch

All-terrain directional drill

Ditch Witch's largest ever all-terrain directional drill, the AT120, is designed to allow end-users to move down from using maxi-rigs without losing productivity. Virtually Assisted Makeup and Breakout (VAM) is new technology that ensures the drill pipe and tooling are at the correct levels observed by the torque gauge during a bore.

Topcon Positioning Systems

Automatic grade control for compact track loaders

Hitting target grade for slope work, grading, landscaping, concrete site prep, and more is simplified with Topcon's 2D-MC automatic grade control for compact track loaders. It installs directly onto grading attachments and uses laser receivers to work with a rotary laser. The user interface via Android device is simple to follow, providing the operator with an easy-to-see "work completed" and "work remaining" visual.

LiuGong

Electric wheel loader

While most electric equipment still falls within the compact equipment category, larger machines targeted to specific applications have arrived on the market. In 2023, LiuGong introduced the 856H-E MAX electric wheel loader to North America. Featuring load-sensing hydraulics; fast, smooth shifting; and a run time of up to 10 hours in light applications or 8 hours in heavy applications, this electric wheel loader is ideal for fixed-site operations where investments can be made in charging infrastructure, such as industrial applications, recycling facilities, and quarries.

Komatsu

Excavator

Komatsu has bolstered the lifting capacity of its PC130 excavator with the introduction of the PC130LC-11, which has a longer undercarriage that increases the machine's lifting capacity by 20 percent. Designed for utility work and small construction jobs, this generation uses 12 percent less fuel compared to the previous model.

Wacker Neuson

Compact track loader

Just because a machine is small doesn't mean that it can't offer great visibility. With the smallest machine in its CTL lineup, Wacker Neuson has focused on offering big visibility to its operators. The ST27, which is designed for tight spaces and low overhead clearance, has a rear-linkage with a new shape that minimizes obstruction of the operator's view.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas

Excavator

Inspired by the strength of the company's mining excavators, the ZX190LC-7 fills a gap in Hitachi's utility class line with a machine that has been developed to thrive in tough job site conditions with a strengthened X beam undercarriage and anti-mud-compaction lower roller design. The HIOS IV hydraulic system increases fuel efficiency by minimizing hydraulic loss and increasing performance. 

Link-Belt Excavators

Excavators

Link-Belt Excavators has launched five X4S series excavators that increase horsepower and fuel economy while improving cycle times by up to five percent. All machines in the line have new features, including custom flow balance, customizable joystick function buttons, new work modes, and precision grade ready components.

Trimble

Machine guidance

Machine guidance and construction surveying just got more accessible with Trimble's entry-level Siteworks Machine Guidance module which can be easily moved between multiple excavators and job sites. Designed for small site and utility contractors, this solution can be used for a variety of tasks including surveying, machine guidance, in-field design, and reporting.

Kubota

Compact track loader

Kubota's new SVL75-3 compact track loader delivers power for smooth and efficient use of a range of attachments. This CTL's Advanced Multifunction Valve in the hydraulic system allows for auxiliary hydraulics that deliver power to the bucket and the loader arm to function together without stalling. A new 74.3-hp Kubota engine powers the machine, and a new Electronic Torque Management System monitors the machine load and optimizes the hydraulic pump output to prevent engine stalls.

Manitou Group

Skid-steer and compact track loaders

Manitou Group revitalized its Manitou- and Gehl-branded compact loaders with six new models: three SSLs and three CTLs, each offered under both brands. Manitou has focused on delivering a reliable lineup of machines with simplified options to meet the end-user's needs while increasing breakout force and fuel tank capacity. All of the new machines have a vertical lift path and Manitou's folding door design. The company's IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system on the CTLs is designed to extend track life.

Brandt

Material handler

Brandt has collaborated with contractors and operators to design a new material handler based on John Deere parts. The new material handler reduces operating costs and machine wear with its energy recovery system and auto-idle/shutdown that maximizes fuel efficiency.

VMAC

Power system

VMAC's 5-in-1 power system for heavy-duty mechanic work delivers five power sources in one 500-pound package that fits on the side pack of a service body. Powered by a Honda iGX800 gas engine, mechanics have convenient access to a 40-cfm rotary screw air compressor, an 8-kW generator, a 250-amp welder, a 300-amp battery booster, and 12 and 24V charger.

GOMACO Corporation

Combination concrete slipform paver and placer/spreader

GOMACO's GP460 combination concrete slipform paver and placer/spreader is built on the framework of the two-track GP4 slipform paver but is designed to do double duty in wider width applications. As a placer/spreader, the machine accommodates widths up to 50 feet, and as a concrete slipform paver it will pave up to 40 feet wide.

Hyundai

Skid-steer and compact track loaders

Hyundai has re-entered the skid-steer and compact track loader market with its first two models, the HS120V SSL and the HT100V CTL. Both of these vertical lift path large-frame machines feature a multi-function joystick, two-speed travel, standard rear-view camera, and delay shut-off for LED lights. Ride Control is standard on the skid steer and high-flow hydraulics are optional.

Takeuchi-US

Compact excavator

Takeuchi's first short-tail-swing 5-ton-class excavator, the TB350R, has a rear swing overhang of just 2.95 inches and is available in both canopy and cab configurations. Designed to be easy to operate and maintain, Takeuchi has given operators efficient one-touch control of common functions in the cab. The wide-opening rear engine service door and a right-side cover that opens overhead provide quick access for inspection and maintenance points.

Bobcat Company

Compact wheel loader

The L95 is Bobcat's largest compact wheel loader and is designed for strong material handling with an electronic hydrostatic transmission that delivers efficient acceleration, easy direction changes, and easy speed control at speeds up to 24 mph. Standard features include flex drive, automatic ride control, high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, and advanced attachment control mode.

Liebherr

Dozer

Liebherr introduced the PR 766 G8 dozer to North America at CONEXPO. This dozer has a high drive for heavy applications on rocky terrain and is optimized for mining. Variable hydrostatic drive and Liebherr's engine management system keep the diesel engine at a constant speed and provide optimum fuel efficiency.

Mack

Vocational truck

The Mack Granite vocational truck has been redesigned with an updated chrome grille and self-heating LED headlights. The new headlights are more durable and brighter than their predecessors, and new integrated amber daytime running lights double as turn signals and make the truck more visible.

Power Curbers

Concrete slipform paver

The SF-3404 full-width, four-track concrete slipform paver from Power Curbers has a uniquely long Oscillating Correctional Beam (OCB) for easily correcting surface imperfections after the dowel bar is inserted. The OCB is 30 inches tall with a 24-inch finishing length for full coverage of the dowel insertion void.