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CONEXPO 2026: The Biggest Excavator News from Las Vegas
If there was one category that dominated the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 show floor, it was excavators. From 56-ton crawler debuts to nine-model next-gen rollouts, nearly every major OEM arrived in Las Vegas with something new to dig with. Here's what actually happened.
THIS WEEK'S STORY
Komatsu brings an electric swing to the mainstream
Komatsu showed up with one of its strongest equipment lineups in years, and the star of its excavator story was the PC365LC-11 — a machine it bills as the only excavator in its class with a fully electric swing system.
The dedicated electric swing motor improves swing speeds and operational efficiency, reducing cycle times in multifunction applications and delivering up to a 15% increase in productivity. An ultracapacitor stores an additional 70 electric horsepower for acceleration when the engine is in ultra-low idle, providing instantaneous power to the work equipment on demand. The ultra-low idle state reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%. Mark Allen Group
That's a rare combination — more output and less fuel at the same time — and it was drawing attention on the floor all week. Komatsu also brought its PC220LCi-12, which was released to the North American market in September, with upgrades hitting every aspect of the machine: operator comfort, the engine, hydraulics, work equipment, performance, maintenance, technology and durability. Equipment World A third, unnamed new excavator was also unveiled at the show.
Develon launches four new Dash-9 models
Develon rolled out four new excavators at CONEXPO 2026: the DX230LC-9, DX260LC-9, DX360LC-9, and DX400LC-9, ranging from 53,000 to 95,000 pounds. The new models feature redesigned cabs, electro-hydraulic controls, new Develon diesel engines with up to 20% more power, and an 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to predecessors. Equipment World
The safety technology in the Dash-9 series is worth calling out specifically. The new around-view monitoring camera system increases visibility from the previous system's 270 degrees to 330 degrees around the excavator. An AI-powered human-detection system distinguishes between people and objects, with a radar range of 20 feet. If someone enters within 13 feet of the machine's swing radius or travel path, it will automatically decelerate. If they move within 6.5 feet, it comes to a complete stop. Equipment World
Develon is part of HD Construction Equipment, the holding company formed after Develon and Hyundai merged. The new company has set an ambitious target of $10 billion in sales by 2030 — a 95% increase from 2024 — and is betting on its Dash-9 Series Develon excavators and Hyundai's next-gen HX Series to drive that growth, especially in North America. Equipment World On the opening day of CONEXPO, the company hosted an "Unveiling Showcase" to debut next-generation medium-to-large excavators in the 23–40-ton range, with Hyundai introducing five new HX Series models and Develon introducing four. PR Newswire
Volvo debuts its biggest excavator yet — but you'll have to wait
Volvo Construction Equipment debuted the EC560, an all-new 56-ton crawler excavator, at CONEXPO 2026. Designed for heavy infrastructure, quarry, and aggregates applications, the machine targets top-tier performance in its weight class with a massive 6 cubic yard bucket, 3% more digging force, 10% more swing torque, and a heavier counterweight. It won't be commercially available until early 2027. Volvo Construction Equipment Volvo was in the midst of what it described as its biggest launch period ever, bringing nearly 20 machines to the show, with 14 of those being new models or first looks. Equipment World
New Holland goes all-in on mini excavators
New Holland introduced five new diesel-powered mini excavators at CONEXPO: the E12D, E19D, E30D, E38D, and E60D, ranging from 1.3 to 6 metric tons. All feature zero tail swing. Standard features across the lineup include first and second auxiliary hydraulics, pattern changers, rearview cameras, and LED work lights. Every model also comes with a free seven-year subscription to myNewHollandConstruction telematics for monitoring machine performance, location, and health. Equipment World The new models join the previously released E42D and E50D, bringing the D-Series to nine machines in total, including two electric units. For Construction Pros
Link-Belt keeps it practical with the 245 X4S
On the mid-size end, Link-Belt introduced the 245 X4S, a 27-metric-ton reduced-tail-swing excavator with a 160-horsepower Isuzu engine that does not require a diesel particulate filter. The machine features Link-Belt's electronically controlled hydraulic pump system with Spool Stroke Control, and a new Customizable Hydraulic Flow Balance that lets operators adjust flow to their preference and reduces arm drift when maneuvering heavy attachments during a swing. Equipment World The 245 X4S also comes ready for Precision Grade, allowing owners to add IMU sensors and 2D machine guidance kits with less time and labor.
The bigger picture
What stood out across all these announcements wasn't just horsepower or dig force — it was the convergence of autonomy, AI-assisted safety, and electrification happening simultaneously across the excavator category. Whether it was Komatsu's ultracapacitor-powered swing, Develon's auto-stop safety radar, or Volvo's 56-ton workhorse built for the next decade, the message from every major manufacturer was the same: the excavator is getting smarter faster than most people expected.
— MachineryBrief
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