Over 100,000 visitors are heading to Las Vegas to this year's CONEXPO. Image: CONEXPO

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 has debuted its TUL compact utility loader. Image: Caterpillar

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 WA485-11 wheel loader. Image: Komatsu

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 is highlighting its D Series mini excavators. Image: CASE

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’s new ECR225 excavator. Image: Volvo CE

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.

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