CONEXPO-CON/AGG visitors are seeing several machinery world-premieres and equipment demonstrations as the huge show gets underway
The largest construction show in North America, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is currently underway in Las Vegas.
The event covers global construction, aggregates and ready mixed concrete industries, with a vast array of new machinery and technology on display.
Held every three years, CONEXPO features product concentration areas and specialised exhibit pavilions, plus a comprehensive education program with seminars which emphasise industry issues and trends, management and applied technology.
Below are some of the highlights of the show:
Caterpillar
For the first time ever, Caterpillar has built its own arena at CONEXPO – Operator Stadium, outside on Festival Grounds – featuring the largest collection of Cat equipment on display at the event
Visitors are also experiencing in-the-dirt demos at the Operator Stadium, with the latest lineup of products from Caterpillar being put to the test.
The area will also serve as the site for the Global Operator Challenge Finals, where some of the world’s best equipment operators will compete in a series of obstacles to see who will be crowned the ultimate champion.
Amongst machinery releases, several new Cat models have joined the ranks, including the 253 compact track loader, 319 compact radius excavator, the one-tonne 301 CR mini excavator and D8 XE dozer.
Caterpillar’s first compact utility loader marks the company’s entry into this segment, with the four-tonne TUL100 offering a 918kg rated operating capacity.
Cat Industrial Engines is giving CONEXPO attendees a sneak peek into the future of Cat engines, including hybrid technologies.
Caterpillar subsidiary Perkins Engines is showcasing new solutions, such as the Perkins Ecoplus oil filters.
Komatsu
Komatsu is highlighting several of its new machines at its CONEXPO booth, including the PC220LCi-12 excavator, which combines a redesigned operator environment with factory-integrated intelligent machine control.
The redesigned cab is 28 per cent larger than the previous model, with operators also benefiting from a larger touchscreen monitor, and automatic profile recognition for up to 50 users.
Komatsu says a new high-output engine and electronically controlled hydraulics also deliver more lifting capacity and greater digging force.
Powered by IMC 3.0, the PC220LCi-12 helps maintain grade, prevent over-digging and improve accuracy through features like auto grade assist, bucket angle hold and minimum distance control.
Standard KomVision with human detection and rollover alerts further enhance situational awareness.
Komatsu’s WA485-11 wheel loader is also on display, with increased engine power, lower fuel consumption, and extended maintenance intervals compared to the WA480-8.
Offered in a yard loader configuration, it provides a 3-pass match ideal for loading aggregate and other materials into on-highway trucks.
This specialised package includes a heavier counterweight, wide low-profile tires and rims, a reinforced frame, and a 5.5 cubic metre.
Komatsu’s PC365LC-11 3DMG hybrid excavator includes an electric swing motor and the closed-centre load sensing system, which delivers hydraulic power to the excavator for immediate high-performance, smooth and precise operation.
CASE
CASE has over 40 machines at its booth at CONEXPO, which includes 20 new or upgraded models.
Highlights include new D Series 3-ton mini excavators, a new midi excavator and new models to the E Series full-sized excavator lineup – the CX145E SR and CX255E SR. The TL100EV electric mini track loader is an example of CASE’s expansion into electric offerings.
New G Series compact wheel loaders with operator-friendly cab improvements are being represented by the 321G and 421G, along with upgraded large wheel loaders featuring operator-assist features like AutoDig and rear object detection. Show attendees will also be able to preview two new N Series dozers – 650N and 850N – expected to arrive in the US in late 2026.
CASE booth visitors can also view the 651G XR extended reach wheel loader and the 721G XT tool carrier model, both featuring increased attachment versatility with a dual-interchange coupler for ISO and JRB 416-style attachments. The 651G will also include a new feature launching in 2026: a factory-standard four-corner strobe light system with customisable strobe patterns and colours. Additionally, CASE is showcasing a 921G large wheel loader American flag display model with a special edition wrap.
Alongside the new equipment, CASE is spotlighting milestone machines, including the first J.I. Case Signature Edition 580 Super N backhoe loader and the heavy-metal inspired Hetfield Limited Edition TV450B compact track loader, based on a one-of-a-kind machine designed for Metallica frontman James Hetfield. A 580EV electric backhoe is also on display.
Volvo CE
Volvo CE has debuted its ECR255 short swing crawler excavator, which will replace the ECR235E. Volvo CE says the new model will provide a seven per cent increase in lifting capacity because of its redesigned structure and heavier counterweight and a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.
The new Volvo ECR255 excavator’s advanced electro-hydraulic control system includes a smart cooling system and engine speed regulation for higher torque at a lower rpm. This means smoother, more responsive operation, less opportunity for the loss of energy, and up to 10 per cent less fuel consumption compared to the ECR235E. Features include auto-idling, automatic engine shutdown and customisable work modes.
With Volvo Active Control, its boom and bucket movements can be automated for faster, more accurate digging and grading, helping operators complete tasks up to 45% faster and reducing fatigue. The floating dozer blade and the ability to set boundary limits and boom and swing priority functions make the ECR255 well-suited for complex work on confined jobsites, it adds.
John Deere
John Deere and its subsidiaries have unleashed 24 world and market premieres at CONEXPO. These include a new generation of wheeled cold recyclers and soil stabilisers from the WR X-Tier series, and Vögele has launched the latest generation of Dash 5 pavers for the North American market.
On its construction equipment side, John Deere released its new range of SmartGrade motor graders ahead of the show, which includes the 620, 622, 670, 672, 770, 722, 870 and 872 P-Tier models.
There have been world premieres in the 10 ft. class: the Vögele Super 2000-5 X tracked paver and the Super 2003-5 X wheeled paver with the completely redesigned VR 600 screed with rear-mounted extensions and the VF 600 with front-mounted extensions.
Kleemann is presenting the Mobiscreen MSS 1102 Pro scalper – a new Pro Line screening plant being shown on the North American market for the first time. This is designed for processing materials at rates of up to 750 t/h and is ideal for use in quarries.
Astec
CONEXPO serves as the stage for the world premiere and first public reveal of several Astec machines from its new global product line.
This includes the A60 jaw crusher, which Astec says reflects its commitment to innovation and direct customer feedback, and the SF20 mobile screen – bringing a modern design, simplified operation, and advanced telematics to finishing applications.
Additionally, the Ranger I35 mobile horizontal shaft impactor has launched, which is designed for versatile performance on smaller job sites. With easy transport, simple operation, and a small footprint, the machine is well-suited for construction, landscaping, aggregate applications, and plant and tool hire operations.
Astec’s 36125T mobile SuperStacker is also on display, featuring a 125ft (38.1m) telescopic conveyor with throughput rates at up to 880 tonnes per hour.
Alongside these machines, Astec has also launched BTI’s AST Series hydraulic breakers and the BTI Breaker INTEL teleoperation system, while CONEXPO also marks the first time Astech showcases TerraSource products within its booth, following the recent acquisition.
Diamond Mowers
Attachment manufacturer Diamond Mowers, distributed in Australia by Colbrook Industries, is stepping into new territory with the introduction of its multifunction DM360 boom mower.
While it has historically targeted the governmental roadside mowing market, the company says the DM360 is expanding its reach to include contractors who face the same safety and productivity demands.
Available in 25-ft (7.6m) and 30-ft (9.1m) boom lengths, the DM360 features a rotating cab, excavator-style joystick controls, a universal skid-steer plate and dedicated lower hydraulics.
With panoramic roof glass and clear vertical sightlines, the DM360 eliminates overhead blind spots and improves visibility under bridges and roadways. Adding to the safety of the machine, polycarbonate shields are provided as standard on the front and side windows, and a Level II FOPS roof guard shields operators from falling debris.
CONEXPO attendees will get to see the DM360 capabilities firsthand and speak with product specialists about municipal and contractor applications at Diamond Mowers’ booth.
LiuGong
LiuGong’s 820TE electric wheel loader is a highlight of its CONEXPO booth, showcasing the latest innovation in its environmentally friendly lineup.
The 6.5-tonne electric loader has a rated load capacity of two tonnes and features a 1.2 cubic metre bucket, enabling it to handle a range demanding materials. With a 60kW charger, the machine can be fully powered in just 70 minutes.
Alongside this, LiuGong will display its 19.8-tonne 856T wheel loader – powered by a fully compliant Stage V Cummins 225hp (165.5kW) B6.7 engine and featuring a 3.5 cubic metre bucket – and the new 4215D motor grader, which has the same engine at its core.
The hydraulic power-shift transmission offers six forward and three reverse speeds, with travel speeds up to 44km/h.
Hidromek
Turkish manufacturer Hidromek, distributed in Australia by Onetrak, is exhibiting a mix of crawler excavators, backhoe loaders, a wheel loader and a grader model, highlighting some of its flagship models.
Excavators on display at Hidromek’s booth include the 17-tonne HMK 145 LC SR short-radius model, 21.9-tonne HMK 210 LC, 23.7-tonne HMK 230 LC and 32.2-tonne HMK 310 LC models.
Hidromek says its H4 series excavators are designed with larger bucket capacities and faster movement capabilities compared to its predecessors.
Two of its backhoe loader models are a highlight of the booth, including the HMK 102 B Alpha and HMK 62 T mini tracked backhoe loader.
With its improved hydraulic system and high oil flow, Hidromek says the HMK 102 B Alpha provides high breakout forces even in low revolutions.
Hidromek adds the compact nature of the HMK 62 T makes it well-suited to narrow spaces, sensitive areas and agricultural fields.
The HMK 635 WL wheel loader and HMK 600 MG motor grader will round up Hidromek’s exhibit.
ALLU
Attachment manufacturer ALLU has launched its new excavator-mounted concrete screening and crushing bucket, which is designed to crush demolition rubble on-site – including material that typically causes slowdowns and rejections.
Designed for excavators in the 25-45 tonne class, the attachment crushes demolition rubble such as concrete, bricks, and asphalt.
It targets scenarios where bringing in a separate mobile crusher is inefficient, helping contractors process material where it’s generated.
The bucket can also be used to increase a mobile crusher’s capacity by pre-crushing and feeding with the same attachment at demolition or recycling sites.
It features a changeable counter blade setup that supports output sizes of 0–50mm and 0–100mm.
A heavy-duty frame structure features on the bucket with a 40mm cutting edge and 30mm side cutters, designed to withstand breakout forces of large excavators.
Mack Trucks
Mack Trucks has the new Mack Granite and Mack Keystone at the show, which it says “significantly advance Mack’s vocational truck lineup”.
“Today represents one of the most significant product launches in Mack’s 125-year history,” Mack Trucks president Stephen Roy says.
“The all-new Granite and Keystone embody everything Mack stands for: legendary durability, uncompromising performance and a commitment to our customers who depend on these trucks to get the toughest jobs done. We’ve completely reimagined our vocational lineup from the ground up, bringing the same level of innovation we delivered with our Pioneer and Anthem models to the vocational market.”
The Granite is the first vocational truck to feature an Electronic Park Brake (ePark Brake) with rollaway protection in conjunction with auto release when shifting into gear.
Lingong
Lingong Group has made its first global appearance as a consolidated brand at CONEXPO, bringing together its subsidiaries Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery (SDLG) and Lingong Heavy Machinery (LGMG).
CONEXPO marks the launch of LGMG’s new global service brand LGMG ProCare as well as new product lines spanning loaders, aerial work platforms and industrial vehicles, with a focus on new-energy powertrains and intelligent control platforms.
Topcon
Topcon has released new 3D machine control technologies, functionalities, and safety features for earthmoving and paving applications, as well as geomatic technologies for surveying and building construction applications.
3D-MC Edge is a new feature within the 3D-MC environment engineered to focus directly on a machine’s cutting edge, while GTS-M1 robotic total station for machine control is a next-generation instrument that tracks a 360-degree prism mounted on heavy construction equipment for precision-intensive applications or in environments where satellite-based positioning is not feasible.
The Topcon Awareness System is an AI system utilising digital cameras mounted to construction vehicles to detect movement or obstructions.
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