Construction Equipment News

KOBELCO has released the SK130LC-11 excavator in North America. The SK130LC-11 is the first model to be introduced as part of KOBELCO’s next generation of excavators, the Generation 11, which bring power, productivity and efficiency to new heights. The new KOBELCO SK130LC-11 maximizes job productivity with its nimble movement and outstanding digging power. This revolutionary model delivers a dynamic digging force of 24,818 lbs. to achieve leading-class work volume, even while minimizing fuel consumption. The SK130LC-11 is equipped with independent travel, a KOBELCO exclusive feature that allows the machine to move, lift and swing simultaneously without experiencing loss of power. Furthermore, automatic swing priority instantly delivers full swing power during combined operations without switching modes.

Caterpillar has added three new compact wheel loader models to the lineup, each with significant design enhancements: 910, 914, and 920, the latter replacing the 918M. New options are available, and certain features available only as options on former models are now standard. All the new models are available in a high-lift configuration, and the 914 and 920 are available in an aggregate-handling configuration.

Two new Cat Next Generation wheeled excavators – the Cat M314 and M318 – feature multiple design updates that boost machine efficiency and lower long-term operating costs. Advanced hydraulics more efficiently power attachments, including Cat tiltrotators to increase machine flexibility at the jobsite.

Built with the next generation cab, powerful engine meeting the current emissions standards and automatic features to elevate productivity, the new Cat 725 articulated truck sets the market standard of excellence for articulated trucks. The new 26.5-ton (24-tonne) payload 725 truck retains the renowned reliability and durability of the 725C2, while increasing performance for customers engaging in heavy and general construction, mining, quarry and aggregates, landfill, waste and industrial applications.

The new Cat D7 dozer offers high drive undercarriage design, increased performance and the broadest choice of easy-to-use technology features to help you get the most from your bulldozer. A fully automatic 4-speed transmission offers optimal fuel and dozing efficiency, plus ease of operation.  At 265 hp (197 kW) and an operating weight of 65,644 lbs. (29,776 kg), the new D7 dozer replaces the D7E. 

Building on the same base machine platform as their successful predecessors, the new Cat D1, D2 and D3 Next Generation small dozers feature styling changes, technology enhancements and a new low-emission fuel-efficient engine that provides significant value for the customer. The D1, D2 and D3 Next Gen dozers replace the D3K2, D4K2 and D5K2 models, respectively, and the new series offers the same specialty model options as in the past.

Caterpillar announces five new backhoe loader models operating in the 14-ft and 15-ft size classes. Building on the success of the Cat F2 Series backhoe loaders, the new line consists of the Cat 415, 416, 420, 420 XE and 430 models, replacing the 415F2, 416F2, 420F2, 420F2 IT and 430F2 machines respectively. The new Cat backhoe loaders offer similar model platforms throughout the line to deliver component commonality and operating similarities throughout range. These machines display the new Cat Trade dress and nomenclature, which removes model suffixes.

The new Cat GRADE with 3D for motor graders allows contractors to realize the improved grading efficiency, accuracy and productivity of automated grading systems without the limitations associated with GPS masts. The new integrated mastless grade system can be installed and calibrated at the factory on new machine orders or as a field retrofit for existing models in customers’ fleets. Retrofit kits are available for pre- and post-2019 M Series models equipped with or without the Attachment Ready Option (ARO).

The new Cat 140 GC motor grader is designed to combine high performance with low owning and operating costs. The 140 GC's powerful Cat C7.1 engine, 6F/3R automatic power-shift transmission (which eliminates the inching pedal), and precisely designed hydraulic system ensure balanced performance in all operating situations. An ECO operating mode and demand-fan reduce fuel consumption, and extended maintenance intervals further reduce operating costs. Operators of all skill levels quickly achieve high production with the 140 GC, and options that include adjustable seats and efficient heating/cooling systems guarantee comfort.

Vermeer is enhancing its stump cutter product line with the introduction of the patent-pending Vermeer cutting system (VCS). The VCS incorporates a new tooth design that helps reduce pocket rotation and a cutter wheel that reduces material from recirculating during operation. The VCS is available now on select new Vermeer stump cutters and will soon be available across the entire line, as well as an option for many existing models.

The new Cat 325 hydraulic excavator features a compact radius design, making it ideal for working in tight spaces. It delivers premium performance with integrated simple-to-use technologies to reduce operator fatigue and boost efficiencies up to 45 percent compared to previous models. The new excavator also offers reduced fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs, and improved operator comfort at a low cost-per-hour performance.

Offering superior performance in a compact design, the new Cat 315 Next Gen excavator features a new powertrain, technology and simplified maintenance to boost performance, efficiency and productivity. Built with a spacious new cab design, the new excavator delivers a more comfortable working environment than the 315F L and 314F L (Japan) models it replaces. The compact design gives operators the confidence to dig, swing and dump in space-restricted jobsites.

Caterpillar launched two new 13-ton class Next Generation excavator models – the Cat® 313 and 313 GC – with new features that elevate machine performance, increase efficiencies and lower owning and operating costs. The new 313 excavator boasts increased power and a range of standard Cat technologies designed to boost operator efficiencies by up to 45 percent. The new 313 GC model lowers maintenance costs by up to 25 percent, making it the right fit for rental, municipal, and general all-around excavating applications requiring dependable performance and low operating costs.

The Next Generation Cat 395 excavator offers contractors up to 10 percent more production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the industry leader it replaces, the 390F.

General Equipment Company introduces the new 262H EPIC Series two-man hole digger. It offers a lightweight, long-lasting design that is well suited for both homeowners and contractors in a wide variety of industrial and construction related digging projects. Like other hole diggers in the EPIC Series, the 262H product design raises the bar for performance, ease of use and safety.

Vermeer has introduced the D220x500 S3 Navigator horizontal directional drill. With the ability to be configured for large-diameter water and utility installs in urban areas, as well as challenging pipeline work, the Vermeer D220x500 S3 delivers up to 54,000 foot pounds (39,828.2 Nm) of torque at a spindle speed of 36 revolutions per minute, 240,400 pounds (1069.4 kN) of thrust/pullback, and fluid flow rates of up to 350 gallons per minute (1324.9 L/min) if the onboard pump is selected.

Volvo Construction Equipment is proud to launch Volvo Active Control, an automated grading machine control system, now available on the EC220E, EC250E and EC300E crawler excavators in North America. The system allows operators to get the right depth and angle easily, reducing grading times by up to 45%.

John Deere unveiled a new factory-installed Premium Circle option for all G-Series, GP-Series and SmartGrade motor graders. This industry-leading option features a fully sealed bearing and pinion design, reducing maintenance costs and downtime, while also significantly boosting circle torque and speed.

John Deere expands the L-Series Wheel Loader lineup with four new utility models, the 444L, 644L, 644L Hybrid and 724L. The new wheel loaders incorporate several customer-driven improvements to boost performance and productivity, including a redesigned Z-Bar loader linkage, an updated, ergonomically designed cab, electrohydraulic (EH) controls and a more robust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Bobcat has enhanced its compact excavators with the new R2-Series compact excavators. R2-Series pack the digging power of a larger machine into a compact frame that can fit into compact jobsites. Plus, new R2-Series excavators have been redesigned to deliver enhanced performance, control and efficiency. The first R2-Series excavators to launch will include the Bobcat E42 and E50 compact excavators. Additional R2-Series excavators from Bobcat will be introduced at a later date.