Earthmoving Equipment: Current Trends and Innovations

Earthmoving equipment, including mini excavators, loaders, and dozers, continues to be essential for generalist rental companies, especially those serving the construction industry.

 

In recent years, while innovation has surged, the global construction equipment market has seen a slight dip in sales following the peak experienced in the post-pandemic era of 2021. This trend, as reported by Off-Highway Research, suggests that the demand drivers for construction equipment have slowed down over the last two years.

 

The current year has been marked by a general decline in global construction equipment sales after the high volumes seen during the pandemic. Although the immediate threat of post-pandemic inflation has diminished, central banks worldwide are still focused on controlling inflation, much like generals preparing for the previous war. As a result, interest rates remain elevated, which is hindering essential house building, curbing economic growth, and keeping the cost of financing equipment at high levels.

 

Rental Equipment Insights

 

Off-Highway Research's latest report reveals that crawler excavators, a staple in rental fleets, represented nearly a quarter of global construction equipment sales in 2023 (24%). Mini excavators followed closely, accounting for 23% of sales, while wheeled loaders with 59kW or more power were also in high demand.

 

Mini excavators are particularly popular among rental companies due to their compact size and versatility, making them a preferred choice across the globe.

Electric Equipment Advancements

 

The mini excavator segment is also leading in electrification efforts among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). For instance, Case Construction Equipment introduced the 12EV electric compact wheel loader in June. This model is ideal for use in confined spaces, residential construction, tunneling, and environmentally sensitive areas like agriculture, urban construction, and locations requiring quiet operation such as hospitals and residential buildings.

 

The loader, weighing 3.8 tonnes, matches the power of its diesel equivalent and is equipped with a 23kWh cobalt-free lithium-ion battery pack, allowing a payload of 1.15 tonnes with pallet forks. Depending on usage, the 23kWh battery offers three to six hours of operation. It comes with a standard 230V charger that can recharge the battery overnight or an optional 400V fast charger that can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just one hour.

The 12EV's design includes a 17kW motor for driving the axles and a 22kW motor for powering the hydraulic system. It features three drive modes—Energy Saving, Standard, and Power—enabling the operator to adjust the machine's performance to the task and extend battery life. An additional customizable mode allows for fine-tuning energy consumption to the specific job site.

 

Volvo CE is also making strides in electric equipment with its L90 Electric and L120 Electric wheel loaders, unveiled during the Volvo Days event in May. Both the 20-tonne L120 and 15-tonne L90 models are designed to support customers’ sustainability goals, offering a cleaner, smarter option.

 

The L90 Electric can operate for 4-5 hours in most medium-duty applications and a full working day in lighter tasks. It can charge from zero to 100% in about 70 minutes with a 150kW DC fast charger or the PU500 mobile power unit. For overnight charging, its onboard AC cable takes 6-7 hours to fully charge the battery.

 

These models feature dedicated electric motors for both propulsion and hydraulics, a Volvo-designed transmission, and an interface that integrates Volvo Co-Pilot and a rearview camera.

 

Innovations in Dozers

 

In the dozer segment, Develon made its debut in the European market with the DD130-7, launched in July. This 15-tonne dozer is powered by a 17kW engine and is designed for fine-grading in residential and light commercial construction projects.

 

A key feature of the DD130-7 is its enhanced blade visibility, thanks to the narrower design of the front engine compartment, allowing operators to see their work more clearly. Safety is also prioritized with a standard rearview camera providing an additional view of the surroundings. The dozer’s operations are managed through an 8-inch Smart Touch display that shows the camera feed.

Additionally, the DD130-7 is equipped with a 2D grading system (dozing assist) and telematics as standard, enabling remote monitoring and maintenance.

 

This year, Develon also introduced the DX10Z-7, a 1-tonne mini-excavator with zero tail swing, which replaces the DX10Z. The new model is powered by a Kubota D722 engine that delivers 7.6kW of output. For ease of transport, the machine's width can be reduced to 730mm by retracting the tracks and front blade, allowing it to pass through narrow doorways.