From the Editor

As we close out 2022 and look back at the heavy equipment introductions from the year, I am struck by the many different innovations and how they are moving the industry forward.

When you browse through Heavy Equipment Guide’s Top Introductions for 2022, I’m sure you will agree that this year has been a busy one for new equipment and advancement in technologies. Many manufacturers also focused on drastically reduced emissions and improved efficiency in new equipment, and every indication suggests that these trends will continue as we move forward.

For myself, the most impressive advance represented in these introductions is the growing number of machines powered by electricity. In 2022, Bobcat was central to the electric revolution, thanks to the launch of its T7X fully electric compact track loader, which stands out for its embrace of the battery-electric approach throughout, including the replacement of hydraulics. The result is a machine that is nearly fluid-free, reducing maintenance – and it performs just as well as its diesel fellows.

Volvo CE reached North America with its electric wheel loaders in 2022, and paired them with an electric fleet management app to help owners track and maintain their equipment efficiently. Volvo has been a leader in electric development, and we can expect more from them soon. Another electric standout this year is AUSA, which at bauma 2022 introduced an electric site dumper as well as a telehandler. Designed for urban environments, these machines are a great fit for battery-electric operation, and I expect to see even more equipment along these lines make its way to North America.

Beyond electric, we saw many other innovations in 2022. Case Construction Equipment brought its long-awaited Project Minotaur to market in the form of the DL550, a compact dozer loader. It is purpose-built to provide pushing power as well as lifting capacity in a small package that fits into plenty of roles on any job site. Doosan, which is preparing for some big branding changes come 2023, brought its first dozer to the market this year and updated a variety of other machines.

Technology has also made its mark on the industry. Take

Topcon’s MC-Mobile, for example, which brings affordable and portable machine control to compact equipment – that’s huge for smaller operations. Or, check out the various roadbuilding machines on our list, which are all benefitting from technology additions to make it easier for users to get the precision they need much faster.

As you can see, 2022 has been a busy year for heavy equipment, and we now have CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 on the horizon – which will drive even more activity. It’s a sure thing that 2023 will deliver even more exciting technology and introductions.

ltoop@baumpub.com heavyequipmentguide.ca