Heavy Equipment Guide's 2024 Top Introductions

While revisiting equipment and technology introductions from the past year, three themes dominated: agility, efficiency, and the operator experience. These themes were common across sectors, including earthmoving, roadbuilding, lift and access, aggregates, and more. 

In 2024, OEMs introduced machines and entered new equipment categories with an emphasis on maximizing versatility and utilization — whether through easy customization, ability for a single machine to do the job of two, compact design, or automation of functions. This attention to agility can give you the flexibility to respond to labour shortages, space-restrictive job sites, and timeline pressures.

While decarbonization via equipment electrification has remained a hot topic across the industry, and once again appears among our Top Introductions, in 2024 OEMs heavily emphasized making their diesel-powered equipment more efficient — a benefit for operators in the cab and for bottom lines. Optimized electro-hydraulics, hybrid drives, and machines and attachment solutions that reduce the need to reposition are all represented. 

Retaining operators and training new ones remains an industry challenge, and OEMs have stepped up to make getting in the cab as attractive as possible. Many of our 2024 Top Introductions feature assistance technologies, emphasize a comfortable environment with excellent visibility, and have simplified, intuitive design that reduces fatigue for experienced operators and gives novice operators the confidence to excel. 

Our picks for Heavy Equipment Guide's 2024 Top Introductions represent a range of new solutions designed to respond to your pressures and pain points — we hope you enjoy exploring them with us.

Volvo Construction Equipment

Volvo kicked off the biggest update to its excavator line in 20 years with six medium and large models introduced this summer and added two more mid-size models in the fall. Optimized electro-hydraulics, a smart cooling system, and engine speed regulation all contribute to an increase in fuel efficiency and give operators what they need to complete precise, efficient work. Keeping those operators comfortable is more important than ever, and Volvo has made the new work environment attractive to retain them. New safety features, an improved interface, and the newest generation Co-Pilot combine to give operators confidence and comfort on long work days. In 2024, Volvo also introduced a specialized version of the L180H wheel loader targeted to aggregates applications. A long boom, new counterweight, and bigger tires give the L180 3-Pass Rehandler the ability to quickly and efficiently load trucks.

Takeuchi-US

Takeuchi entered two new product categories in North America this year with its first crawler dumper and first wheeled excavator. Driven by the demand for agility, the TCR50-2 crawler dumper is designed for moving material on challenging terrain and in confined spaces and is versatile for both rough-terrain environments and urban use. The dumper bed rotates 180 degrees, reducing the need to reposition. Takeuchi's first wheeled excavator available in North America is the 23,424-pound TB395W. Combining the power operators expect from a tracked machine with the versatility of roading between job sites gives contractors and municipal end users the flexibility to efficiently complete diverse tasks.

Liebherr

Liebherr has introduced new technology to the PR 776, the world's biggest hydrostatic drive dozer. Liebherr remote control, LiReCon, provides the option for operators to work remotely, ideal for keeping them out of hostile environments. Previously available on Liebherr's smaller dozer models, new Operator Assistance Systems for the PR 776 include "Free Grade" for active blade stabilization during fine grading and "Definition Grade" for automatic blade positioning on 2D grades. "Auto Blade Pitch" stores blade positions for the operator to recall with a button push.

John Deere Construction & Forestry

Electric variable transmission (EVT) E-Drive on John Deere's two new hybrid X-Tier production class wheel loaders replaces the torque converter and traditional transmission. Paired with a JD9 diesel engine, the E-Drive on the 744 X-Tier and 824 X-Tier provides instant power while simplifying operation. Hybrid E-Drive reduces fuel costs — an attractive benefit lowering the total cost of ownership over the life of the machine. In 2024, John Deere also significantly expanded its P-Tier compact loader lineup, introducing five new models of skid-steer and compact track loaders along with new powered attachments and new technology features. The new technology simplifies attachment management and improves the operator's view from the cab.

Kubota

Kubota's flagship compact excavator received a big update in early 2024. The 8-ton KX080-5 has been redesigned to give operators a new, quieter cab environment that maximizes comfort on the job site. Smoother operation will reduce soil spillage. A two-pump load-sensing system allows operators to easily perform simultaneous operations, while auto-shift meets the needs of the terrain to provide smoother simultaneous operations when dozing and turning.

Dynapac

Dynapac's 8-ton tandem asphalt roller, the CC2200 VI, is part of the company's new range of 8- to 10-ton articulated tandem rollers. The vibration of compaction is loud and can be hard on the operator's body when running a machine all day. Dynapac's SEISMIC technology addresses this discomfort while maximizing compaction quality. Active on both drums, SEISMIC reduces vibration and energy consumption by automatically detecting the optimal frequency for the compacted material and constantly monitoring variations in the asphalt layer, adjusting to temperature conditions.

CASE Construction Equipment

The first commercially available electric backhoe loader, the 580EV, minimizes energy and maximizes responsiveness, ideal for operators working in utilities installation and construction applications. Based on the 580SN diesel-powered model, CASE has considered every element of operation that would affect energy efficiency and has refined this electric backhoe to give operators the performance they expect from their machine. It uses an automotive charger and can deliver eight hours of run time on a single charge. It has four-wheel drive with two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps to feed the loader, backhoe, and steering systems to minimize energy consumption.

Vermeer

Quieter operation, a compact footprint, and simplified ease of use address common job site challenges for utility installation contractors. Vermeer's redesigned D24 horizontal directional drill not only checks these boxes, but also features automated rod exchange (ARE) technology that reduces the operator's workload and maximizes wear component life. ARE technology eliminates up to 19 manual steps and reduces the risk of human error. Operators can choose between 400 feet or 480 feet (122 m or 146 m) of 2.375-inch Firestick drill rod, and the D24's stakedowns feature tiered shark teeth and a rotation speed of up to 60 rpm — nearly triple its predecessors.

Wirtgen

Wirtgen's new compact milling machine has a cutting width of up to six feet, ideal for milling applications in urban environments with limited room for manoeuvrability. A front loading design delivers high-performance on restricted job sites, and digital assistance and levelling systems ensure that a single operator can get the milling job done.

MEC

MEC's unique DualReach 85-J boom lift can switch between telescopic and articulated operation to handle jobs that would otherwise require two separate machines. The flexibility to switch modes for different work-at-height needs reduces the number of machines needed on site, simplifying asset management. Both configurations have a 91-foot working range.

Bobcat

Bobcat has entered the backhoe loader market in North America with the long-reaching B760. Intended to minimize footprint while maximizing reach in congested areas, this backhoe loader is friendly for novice operators with ease-of-use features including automatic return-to-dig, ride control, and pilot controls.

Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas

Hitachi introduced an extensive range of excavator updates across size classes and applications throughout 2024. New models include compact, medium, large, and super long front excavators. Hitachi has improved durability of the undercarriage and boom on the six models added to the ZAXIS-7 medium and large excavator line. Redesigned cabs reduce noise levels and improve airtightness, while next-generation hydraulic systems paired with Isuzu engines provide operators with reliable power while using less fuel.

DEVELON

DEVELON entered the CTL market with a powerful 115.3-hp model optimized for use with a range of powered attachments. Standard features, including ride control, return-to-dig and attachment positioner, bucket shake, auto self-levelling, torsion suspension, and a rear-view camera give operators a premium experience out of the box.

Manitou

Manitou's newest telehandler is designed for easy transportation between job sites and manoeuvrability in tight spaces with excellent visibility from the cab. Versatile for a variety of applications, this telehandler has a universal skid-steer quick attach system and full-power ground-engaging telescopic boom.

Power Curbers

Power Curbers' new enclosed cab option for the 5700-D curb and gutter machine gives concrete contractors a unique opportunity to provide their operators with a climate controlled environment that protects them from the elements. A glass floor insert gives the operator full visibility to the mold and the finished concrete. The cab reduces noise exposure for operators and shields the control panel, eliminating glare and maintaining a cooler temperature.

Steelwrist

Tiltrotators are big investments and Steelwrist has recognized that not all contractors need full tiltrotator functionality, but can significantly benefit from the rotation capability. To that end, Steelwrist introduced its first rotor couplers as part of its complete tiltrotator lineup relaunch this year. The XR7 and XR20 give operators 360-degree rotation of the attachment without the need for a specialized tiltrotator control system. The XR7 is for four- to seven-ton excavators, and the XR20 is for 14- to 20-ton excavators.

Topcon Positioning Systems

Topcon's MC-Max Asphalt Paving and MC-Max Milling solutions offer modularity, simplified configurations, and advanced feature sets for paving professionals. MC-Max is highly customizable and easy to upgrade as contractors' needs change. The entry level 2D systems follow references, such as a string or curb, while the automated 3D upgrade will provide improved road smoothness.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar has continued the complete relaunch of its compact loader line with eight more models including the first skid-steer loaders in the lineup. The new 285 and 285 XE are the biggest CTLs Cat has ever produced with lift height up to 146 inches, tilt breakout force of 13,920 pounds, and ROC of 4,719 pounds on the 285 and 4,816 pounds on the 285 XE, both with counterweight.

Kioti Tractor

KIOTI Tractor entered the robust CTL and SSL markets with the TL750 CTL and SL750 SSL. An open cabin design is standard on both machines while an enclosed cab is an available option. Both machines are designed for reliability in pushing and lifting with a vertical lift path and 10.8-foot height to hinge pin. Self-levelling is standard and ride control is optional.

Komatsu

Komatsu has introduced a range of four demolition excavators, previously available in Europe, to the North American market. The 80-ton PC490HRD-11 features Komatsu's K100 boom change system which makes set-up and switching between six different configurations easy. Oversized quick couplers on the hydraulic lines minimize back pressure and oil heating without restricting oil flow, while hydraulically powered pins inside the main boom structure reduce the risk of damage during reconfiguration.

JCB

JCB re-entered the North American tandem roller market with two new Vibromax models, the CT160 and CT260. JCB has focused on introducing simple-to-operate machines that will be intuitive for new operators or renters. Vibration turns off automatically at certain speeds so that inexperienced operators don't over-compact. JCB has shaped the new rollers to make getting on and off the machine easier, to improve manoeuvrability and visibility, and to reduce the vibration to the operator's seat.

Magni

The 3-tonne TH 3.6 is the smallest fixed telehandler in Magni's lineup, providing an option for work in tight spaces while more than capable of handling uneven terrain. This compact telehandler features an LMI (load moment indicator) that continuously monitors the machine to prevent overload, and operators will appreciate the new compact cab that is based on Magni's larger telehandler models.

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America

Hyundai entered the dozer market with its first two models, the 10-ton HD100 and the 15-ton HD130. Operators will appreciate an unobstructed view to the blade on both dozers. The HD130 is available in two configurations, LGP (low ground pressure) or XL. A parallel ripper and towing bar are available for both machines, and a forestry cabin guard is available for the HD130.

Sakai

Sakai introduced its Guardman safety technology to North America at World of Asphalt 2024, showing the technology on the new 79-inch SW884ND double-drum asphalt roller. Guardman is integrated into roller hydraulics during production and detects whether pedestrians or objects are behind or in front of the roller, providing alerts to the operator and automatically slowing and breaking the machine.