The Best of CONEXPO: A Quick Reflection

ConExpo-Con/Agg: The massive construction event that happens once every three years in Las Vegas.

As expected, the show was bigger and better than ever in 2017 ,with over 50 football fields worth of construction products, equipment, and technology. 

For many, the coolest part of it all is getting a glimpse into the future of construction. It’s the premier spot for the biggest brands to show off their biggest ideas through hands-on simulators, concept machines, and interactive experiences.

Most Popular Themes of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017

•  3d Printing
• Remote Operations
• Crossover Machines
• Hybrid Engines
• Training Technology

The World’ First 3D-Printed Excavator

Known as Project AME, this fully-functional excavator was brought to life by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in collaboration with numerous partners.

It’s the first large scale use of steel with 3D-printing that could pave the way in heavy equipment manufacturing. The cab, boom, and heat exchanger were all printed using a 3D-printer. 

In true ConExpo-Con/Agg fashion, the machine was in the dirt showing off for those in attendance. For more information about Project AME, click here. 

Remote Operator System – 1,700 Miles Away

Cat offered a simulator-type experience for their D8T, but what made this particularly impressive is that the D8T was 1,700 miles away in Illinois.

Those who took part had full operation, same as they would if they were actually in the tractor with the help of four main cameras attached to the machine.

Interesting enough, safety is one of the main reasons behind the remote operations approach as it actually gives better visibility to the operator. 

New Product Category – Compact Dozer Loader

Marketed as Project Minotaur leading up to the show, Case unveiled their new concept machine, the DL450. It’s a combination of two product lines, combining a compact tracker loader and a dozer. 

Case used this opportunity at the show to gather as much feedback as possible from the top contractors in attendance. 

Looking down the road, Case is hoping this new product category will allow contractors to replace two machines with one. 

Want to see more? Check out this video from Case. 

Video Games – Wait, No – Equipment Training! 

Brought to us by CM Labs, known for simulation technology used for equipment training, is the Vortex Advantage. 

Although the technology looks like a video game, it’s all about training operators to be as safe and efficient as possible. The Vortex Advantage allows for operators to train on equipment including excavators, backhoe loaders, mobile cranes, and tower cranes. 

For more information from CM Labs, visit here. 

New Lineup from Komatsu

Komatsu is a company that we’ve grown to expect innovation from, and they didn’t disappoint at ConExpo 2017, showcasing three brand new machines. 

HB365LC-3 Hybrid Excavator
This 32-tonne hybrid excavator provides up to 20% fuel consumption savings while performing at the same level, or better as other non-hybrid machines. It does this by storing swing deceleration energy, that would normally go unused, and uses it for swing acceleration. 

PC170LC-11 Hydraulic Excavator
This 17-tonne compact machine is designed to deliver max power. From digging basement foundation, to large municipality work, it’s versatility is impressive. 

D51 EX/PX-24 Crawler Dozer
Komatsu delivers on fuel savings once again, this time up to 13% thanks to the electronic transmission on this dozer. It’s also going to increase production by up to 15% with the new high-capacity dozer blade. 

JCB’s New Teleskid Machine

The demo’s that JCB had going on at their space had people talking, and the highlight was the newly launched Teleskid machine. 

The JCB Teleskid is a skid steer and trackloader, complete with a telescopic boom. It has the potential to replace up to four machines; the telescopic handler, masted forklift, compact loader and a skid steer

It’s got a 60% further forward reach on it compared to a typical skid steerer, the ability to dig 3-feet under its chassis, and a 3,208-pound capacity (boom retracted). 

For more on JCB’s Teleskid, take a look at this video. 

Great Demo’s from SANY

The biggest news coming from SANY this past week was the backhoe loader they debuted as well as their newly announced warranty plan. More than that though, they had one of the coolest spaces at ConExpo (see picture to the right). 

The backhoe loader, BL70C, is the first backhoe loader offered by SANY. It’s a great all-around machine with top-end performance, great fuel economy, and maximized uptime. SANY believes that it’s the ideal machine for general contractors tackling different jobs every day. 

The new warranty had people talking as well. They’re offering a 5-year/5,000 hour warranty for all excavators at the event. Well done SANY. 

With all these highlights of the best of CONEXPO – CON/AGG 2017, we already can’t wait for 2020!