CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 roundup: earthmoving equipment highlights

Every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG rolls into Las Vegas, introducing construction professionals to the latest innovations. Equipment and technology that will shape the future of the industry were shown across more than 3 million square feet of exhibit space by roughly 2,000 exhibitors. 

Connectivity, ease of operation, and productivity-boosting technology features were common among earthmoving introductions. Notably, 2D machine control is now included as standard on many new machines, which will make operators faster and more accurate and help new operators learn quicker on the job. 

OEMs are designing equipment that delivers greater power, expanded capability, and more attachment versatility while reducing fuel consumption. 

Take a look below at some exciting new earthmoving equipment introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, including excavators, dozers, and motor graders.

Volvo CE EC560 excavator

Volvo CE previewed its new EC560 excavator. This 56-ton machine bridges the gap between existing size classes in Volvo’s next-generation excavator lineup and can handle the biggest bucket in its size class at 6 cubic yards. The EC560 features an operator-centric design, including a completely reimagined cab and Human Machine Interface (HMI) with the robust durability required for mass excavation and material transport.

Cat D8 XE dozer

The latest addition to Caterpillar’s Next-Generation dozer range offers the fuel-saving maintenance-reducing benefits of electric-drive powertrain technology. The new D8 XE is Cat’s second medium-sized dozer with electric drive. 

Instead of a conventional toque converter, the D8 XE’s Cat X15 engine drives a generator, which in turn powers an electric motor connected to the final drives. This system provides constant power to the ground for faster, more efficient material movement. 

In tune with CONEXPO’s theme of advanced technology, the D8 XE also features a technology package that includes Stable Blade, Blade Load Monitor, Steer Assist, Traction Control, and Slope Indicate.

DEVELON -9 series excavators

DEVELON introduced its -9 Series excavators to North America at CONEXPO. The first four models — DX230LC-9, DX260LC-9, DX360LC-9, and DX400LC-9 — have been redesigned with productivity-boosting features, such as Advanced Lift Assist, breaker assist, and a new weighing system to ensure trucks are loaded to the optimal and safe capacities. The new excavators offer up to 8 percent greater fuel efficiency and up to 20 percent increased engine output to move more material at a lower cost. 

In addition to the boost in productivity, DEVELON has added several advanced safety features to the new series, including a smart 360-degree camera system with an AI-powered human detection system. The Active E-Stop automatically stops the machine function if a person gets too close, and Virtual Walls prevent the machine from striking power lines or underground obstacles.

John Deere P-Tier mid-size excavators

John Deere’s New Generation 210, 210, and 260 P-Tier mid-size excavators fit squarely into the 20-metric-ton class, offering heavy-lifting power, smooth hydraulic controls, and integrated technology for added safety and precision for tasks like trenching and truck loading. 

For tasks like trenching and truck loading, John Deere has refined hydraulic turning for fast, smooth cycle times. Hydraulic response can be adjusted with speed and control nodes to match the application or operator preference. 

Technology features include EZ Control, simplifying the control of the boom, arm, and bucket, making lifting and craning smoother and more intuitive for operators. The new auto laser catch feature, part of the new 2D Grade Control System, assists the operator in maintaining vertical reference. The laser catcher mounted on the machine breaks the plane of the rotating laser on the job site, and the operator does not need to stop and press a button on the joystick to maintain the vertical reference.

Cat 319 Next-Generation compact radius excavator

Cat’s all-new 319 Next-Generation compact-radius hydraulic excavator is designed to meet the growing demand for agile machines that offer ample lifting power in a compact footprint. Bridging the gap between Cat’s 315 and 325 models, this 19-20 ton machine offers more versatility for contractors that need a short-radius excavator in between the most common size classes. The 319 provides greater lifting power than a 15-ton machine without forcing operators to size up to 25 tons. 

At 2.8 metres, the 319’s undercarriage is wider than the 315’s. This wider base delivers extra stability for precision when using tiltrotators and boosts lift capacity by 7 percent while remaining comfortably within 3 metres, simplifying transportation logistics.

Hyundai Next-Generation HX excavators

Hyundai’s Next-Generation excavators, including the HX230, HX260, HX300, HX360, and HX400, feature fully electro-hydraulic (EH) controls that make them run more smoothly while increasing productivity by at least 22 percent. These excavators are powered by new DX Series Hyundai engines, which deliver a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption. 

With the EH System, everything from the joysticks to the pumps is electric, eliminating the hydraulic loss that occurs in traditional systems, which facilitates precise and smooth operation. Hyundai has also added joystick steering, spring-strength-adjusted lever controls, and an optional straight-travel pedal. 

The five new models also feature strengthened upper and lower structures that have been tested to withstand external shocks and heavy loads. Hyundai has also made the boom and arms more durable by increasing the box size on the booms and redesigning the arm structure.

Komatsu Next-Generation dozers

Show attendees got an exclusive preview of two next-generation Komatsu crawler dozers designed to increase productivity in site development, road construction, and mining. The D61PXi-25 dozer with 3d Intelligent Machine Control (IMC 3.0) and the D175AX-10 large production dozer address the skilled labour shortage by moving material more economically with enhanced fuel efficiency and controllability. Both models integrate Komatsu’s broader digital and life-cycle support solutions, including Smart Construction Solutions, Komatsu Care Programs, and Komatsu Genuine Parts. 

The mid-size D61PXi-25 is a fully redesigned dozer that delivers a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption, 10 percent greater productivity, and 18 percent increased blade capacity. The D61PXi-25 is Komatsu’s first dozer with IMC 3.0. New to IMC 3.0 for dozers is Auto Steering, which holds the machine to a line when grading, and Temporary Blade Hold to maintain blade position even when the machine loses GPS signal. The D61PXi-25 will share a common user interface with IMC 3.0 for excavators, making it easier for operators to switch between machines. 

The D175AX-10 large production dozer features a new main frame, track frames, powertrain, cab, and blade system. Horsepower has been boosted by 26 percent to 450 hp, and fuel efficiency has been increased by 15 percent. The new dozer moves 25 percent more cubic yards per hour and has a 35 percent tighter turning radius. The new steering system enables pivot, power, and spin turns without sacrificing blade load. The eight-roller track and updated undercarriage configurations are engineered to deliver durability and ride quality in heavy-production environments.

Liebherr Generation 8 R 924 and R 945 crawler excavators

Liebherr’s presence at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 focused on its ability to push boundaries in machine performance. Its Generation 8 crawler excavators feature new technologies designed to improve efficiency, precision, and safety. They include Bucket Fill Assist, a real-time on-board weighing system, and Liebherr’s Skyviwq 360-degree camera system, which eliminates blind spots. 

Also standard on the Generation 8 R 924 and R 945 crawler evacators is the Liebherr Power Efficiency mode, which optimizes hydraulic and engine performance to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. The integrated Leica 2D guidance system offers high-precision control and can be upgraded to 3D-ready configurations.

CASE E Series short-radius crawler excavators

CASE showcased two short-radius additions to its E Series excavator lineup — the 15-ton CX145E SR and the 27-ton CX255E SR — that offer the digging power and breakout forces needed for heavy-duty work in tight spaces. 

The improved hydraulics provide a customizable hydraulic flow balance for precise arm-in, boom-up, and swing functions. Selectable free-swing functionality provides operators with greater stability when lifting and placing swinging loads. Additionally, operators can adjust the power to the task using four fuel-efficient work modes and up to 10 throttle settings. 

Connectivity is built into these new models, which feature a new bidirectional modem for 2-way communication telematics. Fleet managers and operators can leverage diagnostics, assistance, and software updates to power predictive maintenance and minimize downtime.

John Deere SmartGrade P-Tier Motor Graders

John Deere displayed its new P-Tier motor grader lineup with its Next-Generation SmartGrade technology. SmartGrade allows the operator to navigate between 2D and 3D solutions on the updated G5 10.1-inch touchscreen display. Using 2D or 3D solutions outside the centre saddle position allows for precise grading in nontraditional configurations. 

Automation features increase productivity and precision. The newest addition, cutting-edge wear, allows operators to place the blade on a level surface to set a baseline and then validate the cutting-edge wear of the blade at any time.

Link-Belt 245 X4S excavator

Link-Belt debuted a new compact excavator with a reduced tail swing that is ideal for operators who need stable lifting power while working in confined spaces. 

The 245 X4S has a 160-hp engine and four selectable operator modes — Lifting, Eco, Power, and Speed Priority — that match machine performance to the demands of the job and help with managing fuel consumption. Lifting mode increases hydraulic pressure for smooth, precise placement, Eco mode optimizes fuel efficiency during excavation work, Power maximizes productivity and heavy-duty cycling, and Speed Priority prioritizes faster cycled times and response for applications requiring quick movements. 

Smart features come factory-installed on the new excavator. Advanced technologies, including Digital Level, Height and Depth Alarms, and an integrated Payload System, further streamline job site accuracy. The machine arrives Precision Grade ready, reducing the time and labour required to install IMU sensors and Machine Guidance kits.