CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 saw five days of innovative product launches, major company announcements, enlightening educative sessions, and countless networking opportunities. The Expo drew over 139,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from March 14 – 18, 2023 – making it the largest trade show in North America, with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread over 3 million square feet of exhibit space.
From India around 31 companies, namely Puzzolana, Propel, Hailstone, BKT, Dozco, Dantal Hydraulics, and many others presented their Made in India products to the world markets – all of which received a lot of enquires.
India is poised to become a key export hub for construction equipment on account of reforms in the emission and safety standards in the equipment manufactured in the country. The cordial relations between India and EU, ASEAN, and the Americas, are also factors that complement India’s growing stature as an export hub.
In fact, India is already exporting its domestically manufactured equipment not just to its neighbouring countries Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, but also to major markets like the Southeast Asian markets, Africa, Middle East, EU, UK and US. The construction equipment export business is expanding because the industry is making products that are finding ready acceptance in advanced markets for their global quality standards.
“Leading up to the show, we were pacing right on track with our 2020 attendance numbers, which was just over 130,000, so we were extremely positive,” Dana Wuesthoff, AEM vice president, exhibitions & event services, said during the event.
“The innovations in the construction industry unveiled during the show will help construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth,” said Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar’s senior vice president and CONEXPO-CON/AGG show chair.
At a Glance
- 3+ million net square feet of exhibits (10.5% larger than 2020).
- 139,000+ registered attendees (6% increase over 2020).
- 2400+ exhibitors from 36 countries, including 603 new-to-the-show exhibitors.
- 24,000+ international registered attendees from 133 countries.
- 91,000+ scans of badges to access 190 education sessions.
- 600+ global media from 33 countries.
Sustainable Technology Products & Practices on Display
Volvo Construction Equipment showcased several electric and autonomous products, like its EC230 electric excavator pilot, its Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and its HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler.
Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48-600 volts.
Zoomlion debuted with an exhibit of 23 products in 7 major categories, presenting innovative achievements and the excellence of Made in China products. Exhibits included hoisting machinery, concrete machinery, earth-moving machinery, industrial vehicles, and other categories. All the products boasted outstanding advantages in performance, quality and technological innovation, corresponding to the needs of American customers. In addition, m-tec, a subsidiary of Zoomlion in Germany, also participated with its dry-mix mortar equipment.
Tadano’s innovations under the Tadano Green Solutions initiative, included the new battery-electric GR-1000XLL EVOLT Rough Terrain Crane and the new Auxiliary Power Unit for the GR-800XL-4. GR-1000XLL EVOLT delivers the same performance and 100-ton (90.7-tonne) capacity as its diesel counterpart, with the added benefits of zero exhaust emissions and low noise at jobsites. By adding the APU to the crane to operate the air conditioning and cabin power supply during standby, the use of fuel is 25% less and engine emissions are reduced.
Tadano also added two new Truck Crane models to their line up in the United States and Canada in 2023, the 120-ton (108.8-ton) Tadano GT-1200XL-2 and 80-ton (72.5-ton) GT-800XL-2. The exhibit also included recent introductions of the Tadano AC 4.070-2 All Terrain Crane and three GTC Series Telescopic Boom Crawlers. Rounding out the equipment display of models introduced since ConExpo 2020 were the compact AC 2.040-1 All Terrain Crane that delivers a strong lifting chart and impressive carrier with excellent gradeability and acceleration, plus the versatile GR-1300XL-4 Rough Terrain Crane offering an impressive 184 ft (56 m) boom length and self-removing counterweights.
Hyundai Construction Equipment exhibited products that are 50% larger in volume, with a full showcase of its state-of-the-art equipment, green technologies and solutions. The company exhibited 28 models including its 1.8T mini electric excavator and 15T hydrogen wheel excavator. It also demonstrated remote control operations of a wheel loader located in Georgia 1,800 miles away through an interactive station at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Hyundai Doosan Infracore presented Concept-X2 - the upgraded version of its unmanned, automated solution, Concept-X. A live demonstration took place at its demo pit with a dozer applied with the latest Concept-X2 technology. The 1.7T mini electric excavator was also exhibited. There was a separate booth for the engine business where its electric models were showcased including the H2ICE and EV battery pack planned for commercialization in 2025.
LeeBoy displayed its largest tracked paver 8680 to date that is filling a demand in the market between commercial and highway class pavers. Other products introduced were the 8608 asphalt paver equipped with an efficient narrow conveyor management system and ideal for heavy commercial paving and large volume jobsites; the new electric Maximizer 2 Distributor designed to give users consistent and reliable heat for spraying emulsion in a way that helps contractors reduce their carbon footprint; and their first prototype electric paver with the 8520C E-Paver in collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Powertrain Control Solutions (PCS).
Visitors also viewed aerial work platform specialist Skyjack’s new SJ120 E, a zero-emissions mast lift with a 30% improvement in duty cycle. Asphalt recycling equipment from Pavement Recyclers LLC and VSS Macropaver uses different processes for recycling asphalt, keeping it out of landfills.
Concrete contractors also got in on the green trend when they checked out Holcim’s ECOPact concrete that can eliminate carbon emissions entirely in some instances. Holcim was also the winner of the inaugural Contractors’ Choice for the Next Level Awards.
Construction professionals looking to maximize their energy efficiency explored Kubota’s V3307 Micro-Hybrid engine for installing in their existing equipment, and saving fuel with the attachments they use, like Rototilt’s Rototilt Control system. Contractors working in disaster recovery will save up to 600 sand bags per barrier (and not worrying about disposal should it become contaminated) with Rapid Barrier Systems’ water-inflatable barriers, not to mention the fuel needed to haul it on and off site. Demolition contractors can reduce waste and preserve still-usable material with Aquajet’s Hydrodemolition robots at the Brokk booth that can help remove damaged concrete while leaving still-good concrete and rebar reinforcement intact.
Wacker Neuson launched two new utility track loaders - the SM 60 and SM12. These utility track loaders (also called mini skid steers, compact utility loaders or stand-up skid steers) are designed for landscaping projects, light site work, grading, auguring, general material handling and more. The step-up and go concept makes operating the SM series of machines easy to use and extremely productive.
According to Wacker Neuson, compaction is another place where low-efficiency engines can be replaced with battery-operated equipment, as they showcased a number of electric tools, including a battery-powered, reversible plates.
Small engine specialists Briggs & Stratton brought its Vanguard brand’s swappable lithium-ion batteries for attendees to test. And Redline Detection showcased its battery coolant and leak detector. B3C Fuel Solutions brought products that will help contractors eliminate waste by restoring emulsified/damaged oil, and make sure that the lubricant that does find its way into the environment is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Waste2Water brought solutions to help equipment operators keep waste and chemical-laden water out of the environment. AT&T’s Equipment and Machinery Solutions will help track its actual Scope 1 emissions versus their targets.
FPT Industrial, manufacturer of low environmental impact solutions, presented its full range of Tier 4 Final and Stage V, 2.8-to-16 liter engines. Renowned for high performance, flexibility, reliability, and maximized uptime, these highly productive and efficient engines can be used across several applications (off-road, and power generation) in a fully sustainable way since they are compatible with renewable diesel fuels (HVO).
Road Widener LLC, a leading manufacturer of road construction equipment, offered its patented FH-R material placement attachment, which provides contractors with 50% reduced labor at 1/5 of the cost of traditional self-propelled equipment. Additionally, the remote-controlled design of the attachment allows the operator of the host machine to control the attachment via remote control — enhancing safety by eliminating the danger of additional workers standing along the jobsite.
Yanmar launched its entry as a comprehensive compact equipment solutions provider with a new line of compact track loaders: TL65RS, TL75VS, TL80VS and TL100VS. These construction-grade machines feature the company’s performance, efficiency, technology and reliability standards. Ranging from 67 to 103.5 hp, the new compact track loaders can meet a wide range of customer needs.
LiuGong launched 8 brand new machines including 856HE MAX Electric Wheel Loader – the first electric wheel loader; 995F Excavator – a new 95-ton excavator; 915Fcr Excavator with a GRYB tilt rotator and grading bucket – a workhorse; 6612E Roller – the newest roller ready to grade whatever one needs; and TD-25M Dozer – a world-class dozer, and many more products.
Vita Industrial gave live demonstrations of its Vita Load Navigator (VLN), which uses a powerful system of sensors and air thrusters to automatically stabilize loads and prevent them from spinning. The company showed how the VLN can increase safety, efficiency, precision, and profitability. The Vita Load Navigator uses aviation sensors to detect load position, wind speed, and more than 1,000 other data points per second. High-powered air thrusters dynamically adjust loads within milliseconds with up to 1° accuracy. The unit can be controlled via remote for precision lifting.
The main highlights of Goldhofer were: A STZ-VL4 (3+1) lowboy trailer with flip axle and deck inserts, the »P12 PLUS« highway trailer recently introduced specifically for the US market, and an »ADDRIVE« 2.0 combined with the FTV 850, the global leading wind turbine blade carrier built by Goldhofer.
McCLOSKEY International unveiled their fresh look branding and new colour scheme along with new product launches at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2023. The increasingly urgent search for carbon-neutral and emission reduced sustainable products has led McCloskey to develop a number of options for its customers, including electric and dual power (hybrid) alternatives. A highlight was the brand’s first heavy-duty J4 jaw crusher in the United States; the ultra-efficient S190 dual-power portable vibratory screener; and the ST100TVR stacker which is said to reach new heights in sustainability, efficiency and fuel savings with its dual power option and lift axle option, allowing it to switch from track mode to radial mode in seconds.
The other new models on display were McCloskey’s I4C impact crusher, bringing the power and productivity of an 1125mm impactor to a compact footprint for maximum manoeuvrability; the I54Rv3 brings high quality and high-production capacity to mobile impactor applications; and the new ESS-300 tracked primary shredder capable of effectively and reliably shredding a wide range and type of material.
McCloskey’s allied brands, McCloskey Environmental and MWS Equipment, were also showcased along with the company’s broad offering of aftermarket support and service solutions.
PALFINGER introduced innovations such as emission-free solutions, smart technologies, and assistance systems to successfully meet the challenges of the future. Highlights included the new FHS Series of Truck-Mounted Forklifts, knuckle boom cranes, and bucket and mechanics trucks equipped with service cranes.
Terex, parent company of Genie, announced to move 10 of the company’s access equipment production lines to its facility in Monterrey, Mexico, later this year. The news follow Genie’s announcement in 2021 that it would close its Oklahoma facility and shift its telehandler production to Mexico. Product lines that will be shifted include a range of the company’s scissor lifts that are currently being produced in China, as well as some of Genie’s vertical mast lifts from its Redmond, WA facility. Additionally, all telehandlers will eventually be manufactured from the Monterrey plant, as well. The product line changes will be implemented over the next 18 to 24 months, but will also negatively impact production volumes and manufacturing efficiencies in 2023.
Manitou introduced 5 new MTA series telescopic handlers. The new models - MTA 642, MTA 842, MTA 1055, MTA 1242 and the MTA 1255 - are designed to deliver premium performance and operator satisfaction. The range starts at the 74-hp MTA 642 with 6,000 lbs. capacity lifting up to 42 ft high and goes up to the 127-hp MTA 1255 that lifts 12,000 lbs. up to a maximum lift height of 55 ft. Two new models — the MTA 842 and the MTA 1055 — feature both a 74 hp and 127 hp option to give fleet managers the flexibility to add the telehandler that best matches their service preferences (the 74 hp models require no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet emissions standards).
JCB showcased its hydrogen-burning engine (the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment) on the international stage for the first time with a debut in North America. The UK manufacturer has a significant investment in green-hydrogen production, and while a hydrogen fuel cell is capable of generating electricity without combustion, modified diesel engines can burn hydrogen as fuel in what some say could be a method of generating clean horsepower for heavier-duty applications.
The JCB engineering team has made enormous strides in a short space of time to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine and it already powers a JCB prototype backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic hander. The prototypes demonstrate that hydrogen-combustion engines can be developed quickly starting with existing diesel engines and can be installed in the same chassis and use the same supporting systems, such as cooling systems, as their diesel counterparts.
JCB has one of the construction industry’s largest portfolios of electric equipment. Its diesel-powered machines emit 50% less CO2 compared with those manufactured in 2010 and that its clean diesel engine technology was also showcased in Las Vegas.
Case displayed over 30 new machines at the show. The company is betting big on backhoe-loaders with the addition of 5 new models plus the return of an iconic product name which long-time customers will quickly recognize: the Case 695SV Construction King backhoe-loader with side shift Construction King. The company emphasized that the new models are additions to the N Series line and not replacements.
Now available in North America are the Utility Plus and the 580SV Construction King center pivot models. Rated 74 hp, the Utility Plus has a maintenance-free emissions system that does not require a DPF or diesel exhaust fluid. Built for simplicity, it has a large cab with optimized sightlines to work areas; a choice of pilot or mechanical controls; and premium options such as an Extendahoe or one-way auxiliary hydraulics on the dipper.
The 97-hp 580SV Construction King sees the return of a tool carrier-style front end to the Case backhoe-loader. It includes a hydraulic quick coupler and currently comes in a center pivot model, with side shift to be rolled out later this year. It can also be optioned up with features such as the Extendahoe and Auto-Ride Control.
Later in 2023, the company will introduce the 695SV Construction King in a center-pivot or a side-shift version. The 695SV Construction King incorporates four-wheel steer and equally sized tires, with crab steering ability. The machine also includes the parallel lift tool carrier-style loader arms for more intense material handling operations.
“The construction and fluid power industries have continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years,” said Marcia Klein, Treasurer of Casappa Corp., and show chair of IFPE. “We’re proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build.”
The rapidly advancing technology in construction was a consistent theme at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 – be it a new electric earthmover, alternative fuels, or autonomous machines. The Expo also featured 190 expert-led sessions on wide-ranging topics such as construction safety, equipment technology, and sustainable building practices. Two new successful features at the 2023 event: the Community Zone which served as a place for attendees to connect with peers and network with suppliers, and the Next Level Awards program.
The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE will be held in March 3-7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Held every three years, the show features the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the construction industry, as well as industry-leading education.
