Excavator: These are the new features

Excavator: These are the new features

Kuhn/Komatsu PC 220LC-12/PC 220LCi-12: Put customer benefits first

The excavator models “PC 220LC-12” and “PC 220LCi-12” from Komatsu Europe are intended to combine the highest aesthetics with intuitive operation, unique ergonomics, extreme fuel efficiency, lowest emission values, maximum performance, a revolutionary level of digitalization and a variety of safety measures. The at Kuhn construction machines The excavators available are the result of Komatsu's long-standing commitment to innovation and excellence, says Paul Dickinson, product manager at Komatsu Europe.

"To develop the next generation PC 220LC and PC 220LCi models, we visited customers on numerous construction sites in accordance with our corporate philosophy of 'Creating value together', asked about their needs and took the findings with us to our technology and development departments. We developed concepts, had them tested by customers, refined and tested again. Through this interplay of listening and developing, we can now Bringing machines to market with incredible customer value,” emphasizes Dickinson.
Both models are equipped with a powerful 129 kW next-generation engine from Komatsu and an electronically controlled hydrostatic drive. According to Dickinson, this results in an 18 percent reduction in fuel consumption, meaning customers save approximately 2.1 liters of fuel per hour and pay lower operating costs compared to the previous model. In addition, the CO₂ footprint is reduced due to the low emissions per ton of material handled.
The integrated hydraulic system, with larger hydraulic cylinders and a powerful hydraulic pump, ensures an increase in tearing and breakaway forces by seven percent. This simplifies digging operations and enables faster material handling, significantly reducing the cost per ton. The advanced hydraulic system also enables fast movements and ensures ideal response. According to the manufacturer, the machine can be operated intuitively, which enables relaxed work.
The new “P+” operating mode also contributes to increasing the productivity of the machine. This can increase productivity by 18 percent and fuel efficiency by as much as 20 percent, thereby reducing costs, increasing performance and ensuring a quick amortization of the acquisition costs.

Develon DX140RDM-7: High stability during demolition work

The demolition excavator “DX140RDM-7” from Develon offers customers the choice between different configuration options for different project requirements with an operating weight of 22.5 tons. For example, the multi-purpose version is suitable for other tasks on the construction site in addition to demolition work.
However, the monoblock version with a fixed, non-replaceable demolition boom is only available for this model. Alternatively, Develon offers the DX140RDM-7 as well as the larger machines with a boom changing system with a hydraulic locking mechanism. This allows for flexible use by allowing operators to switch between booms for demolition and digging work.
The monoblock version of the DX140RDM-7 with the fixed, non-replaceable boom significantly expands the working range of the demolition excavator. The attachment allows work at a height of up to 14 meters. Develon recommends a maximum tool weight of 1450 kilograms in this configuration. On the DX140RDM-7 with a two-meter extension, the maximum pin height of the demolition boom is even 16 meters. The two meter extension is available as an optional extra.
An innovative design of the quick coupler in the multi-purpose version would allow operators to complete different jobs on the same project with the same machine because they can easily switch between the demolition and earthmoving booms. A special transport trestle and hydraulic and mechanical quick couplings also make changing the boom easier. To complete the process, locking bolts are then hydraulically moved into position.

Zeppelin Cat Operator Challenge: Show your skills

The Zeppelin Austria branch in Fischamend, Lower Austria, was the focus of a “Cat Operator Challenge” at the end of July 2025. Participating construction machine drivers from all over Austria were able to compete in their skills and show off their entire skills. As part of the competition there were three different challenges to overcome; time and flawless handling played a major role in the competitions. The program included skills competitions with a “Cat mini excavator 301.8” in the form of a ball maze game, a “Cat wheel loader 908”, where sensitive control of the hydraulics was required and the precise control of a “Cat mobile excavator M316”, with which a quick, error-free construction of a stack of tires and dismantling it again was relevant in a quick time. Ultimately, Markus Schipflinger was able to prevail over Johannes Müller and Bernhard Kahrer. The three participants were very close to each other in the final timing. The winner will try his luck at the European elimination in Malaga in the fall in order to take part in the world title fights at the “CONEXPO-CON/AGG” in Las Vegas in March 2026.

Wacker Neuson EZ26e: mini excavator for confined construction sites

Wacker Neuson took advantage of the past few months and brought out a variety of new solutions, including the “EZ26e” e-excavator with a payload of 2.6 tons. The excavator expands the manufacturer's range of fully electric excavators and is in no way inferior to diesel-powered models, as the company emphasizes. The e-excavator is available with two battery sizes (30 kWh and 39 kWh) and can be charged using three different chargers at a household socket (230 volts) or using high-voltage current (400 volts). The mini excavator is designed as a “zero tail” model without a rear overhang. This makes it particularly maneuverable and compact and therefore ideal for use on confined construction sites or indoors. In combination with its low weight, the EZ26e including attachment tools can be transported on a 3.5 ton trailer.

Brokk Smart Attachments: More efficient work process

Brokk, manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition robots, recently launched a series of powerful attachments called “Smart Attachments”. The specially developed tools complement the latest “SmartPower+” robot generation and, according to the manufacturer, ensure greater performance, easy handling and maximum efficiency. At the start, the series includes two patent-protected attachments, on the one hand the “Cut-Of Saw” series, a powerful sawing solution for precise cutting, and on the other hand the “TE Bohrlafetten” series, which is intended to make drilling tasks even more efficient.
“The new Brokk Smart Attachments set a new standard in the industry,” explains Martin Krupicka, CEO of the Brokk Group. "They are not just a tool, but a crucial part of a more efficient work process. Thanks to their intelligent functions, operators can fully concentrate on their work while the machine and attachment automatically ensure optimal performance."

Ascendum/Volvo EWR170/WER150: More power for short-tail wheeled excavators

Volvo CE has brought a new generation of short-tail mobile excavators “EWR170” and “EWR150” onto the market. An electrically foldable ladder ensures safe access to the cabin. The latest generation of short-tail wheeled excavators is characterized, among other things, by a longer reach, a higher lifting capacity, a reduction in the front swing radius of more than 0.5 meters and a ten percent higher engine power on the EWR150. In the 2026 model year, a Volvo-patented, electrically folding ladder will also be introduced, as will a new four-wheel steering system. With a short tail swing radius combined with a reduced front swing radius, the wheeled excavators are suitable for working in urban environments and in confined spaces.
"In 2016 we launched the EWR150, followed by the EWR170 in 2018, and since then they have established themselves as leaders in their class. Simply put, the best 15 and 17 tonne short-tail wheeled excavators in the industry just got better with the new generation," explains Marc Engels, Global Product Manager Wheeled Excavators at Volvo Construction Equipment.
According to the manufacturer, the 115 kW engine in the EWR150 offers almost ten percent more power than before. The powerful engine of both machines contributes to fast cycle times, high digging power and effortless handling of larger attachments. Volvo CE has also increased the swing torque by ten percent compared to the previous generation, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of work.
Features of the redesigned cab include excellent visibility, low noise levels and ergonomic controls that allow drivers to work comfortably and with concentration. There are also user-friendly joysticks, practical storage options, wireless charging for mobile phones, USB ports, automatic lighting and options such as an air compressor for cleaning and a sun visor for the right side.

Liebherr A 909 Compact/A 911 Compact: Compact all-rounders

Liebherr takes important steps on the way to the construction site of the future. The company showed a variety of developments at the “Bauma 2025” trade fair, including in the field of excavators. For example, there were two mobile excavators on display (nine and eleven tons), which were intended to impress trade fair visitors with the combination of a well-thought-out machine concept and user-friendly operation. According to the manufacturer, the “A 909 Compact” and the “A 911 Compact” have a small rear swing radius (1.50/1.60 meters) and front swing radius (2.00/2.10 meters). The dimensions of the turning circle of just 3.86 meters also demonstrate the compactness of the machines. In combination with the total weight of 9.7 tons for the A 909 and 10.8 tons for the A 911, the two are

The mobile excavator can be used safely and flexibly, even in confined spaces. Both are also equipped with the “Intuitive User Interface” (INTUSI) operating system, an adaptive and intuitive operating system.
INTUSI divides the various functional categories thematically or depending on the situation into apps that are reminiscent of the operation of a smartphone. This enables the driver to work safely and comfortably with the growing number of functions. The arrangement of the individual functions can be individually adjusted and saved across the board in the respective driver profile. This means that higher-level functions can be stored for direct access.
In addition to all the features, the small excavators also come with a well thought-out maintenance concept. The longevity of the components ensures low service costs and therefore little downtime for maintenance. Many of the components are also maintenance-free. If maintenance is still necessary, the most important parts are accessible from the ground, which means quick and safe maintenance can be carried out.
According to the manufacturer, the undercarriage construction with integrated travel drive offers the best possible acceleration due to the high pulling force. The resulting high driving speed reduces transport time. The Liebherr standard tires ensure maximum stability and are available in several optional versions, such as twin or single tire variants.