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3 weeks ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Luminar unveiled a prototype electric autonomous crawler dozer last month that has a 750-horsepower electric motor. According to press reports from the San Francisco event, the dozer can operate up to 8 to 10 hours. Once connected to a 300-kW fast charger, it’s ready to return to work in 75 minutes. It has a 414-kWh battery and a 15-foot blade.
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1 month ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Vita Load Navigator 2.0 (VLN 2.0) helps manage complex lifting loads with greater precision than the predecessor. The semi-autonomous propulsion-driven device connects below the hook of the crane and is remotely controlled. Measuring over 1,000 data points per second, the system detects load movement in real-time and adjusts the load with high-powered fans to eliminate spinning, rotations, and other problems that cause site damage or injuries.
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1 month ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
The Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) Technician of the Year recognizes excellence in construction equipment maintenance, and nominations for 2025 are now open. The Technician of the Year Award celebrates heavy equipment’s best technicians, elevates their careers, and brings awareness to the technician shortage across the industry. Nominations are due July 7 with the ceremony announcing the winner held at AEMP’s EquipmentSHIFT conference, held November 4-6, 2025.
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2 months ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Caterpillar sales topped $14.2 billion in the first quarter, down 10% from the same period a year ago when sales were $15.8 billion. The Texas-based manufacturer cited a drop in sales volume of $1.1 billion for the decline, mainly driven by dealers selling from existing inventory. It also cited lower prices resulting from merchandising incentives to users.
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2 months ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Key takeawaysWhy Topcon is going private. Who will own Topcon. How Topcon will function. Topcon Corp. president/CEO Takashi Eto is leading a management buyout (MBO) to take the technology firm private to “accelerate our strategies with the speed we wish,” according to the company. Topcon Corp. will no longer be listed on the stock exchange. Read today’s top news.
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2 months ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Hydex Solutions and Hills Machinery have partnered to market Hydex articulated water trucks in the U.S. The new company, Hydex USA, will support the tankers through Hills’ facility in Wilson, North Carolina, and a joint upfit/manufacturing center in Seattle, Washington. Hills will upfit Hydex articulated water tanks onto Rokbak articulated truck chassis as well as other models of new or used ADT chassis.
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2 months ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
After a rough-and-tumble week of tariff roulette, one thing seems certain: Fleet managers face uncertainty when making long-range fleet decisions. “It’s business as usual right now,” says one manager, “with inquiring eyes peering into the news.”Equipment managers expect tariffs, whatever the value du jour, to increase the cost of equipment and parts for suppliers. And most expect those costs to be passed along to the fleet.
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2 months ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Volvo has upgraded its SD75 and SD45 soil compactors and PT125 pneumatic tire roller with the capability for over-the-air software updates. Wiring design has been optimized for commonality, cost-effectiveness, and ease of service. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) replacement intervals have been extended from 3,000 to 6,000 hours. LED work lights and beacons replace halogen lights, and telematics systems now include GSM/GPS and SATCOM antennas for optimized machine connectivity.
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2 months ago | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Construction Lifting & Concrete PlacementThe International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) 2025 Global Safety Campaign focuses on the consequences of mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) overturns. These incidents can result in operators and occupants being ejected from the platform and create complex rescue scenarios for those trapped at height during a partial overturn. “Stop Overturns—Safety Starts on the Ground!” is a response to data from the IPAF Accident Reporting Portal.
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Mar 27, 2025 | 
constructionequipment.com | Rod Sutton
Grayce Emmick restored a 1984 Mack R Model and donated it to the Mack Trucks Historical Museum in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The truck was originally custom built for Johnny Prescott and Son Oil, Concord, New Hampshire. Emmick is an eighth-generation farmer and restoration enthusiast. “I've always preferred older trucks over new, and to me there is nothing cooler than an old dog that looks new,” Emmick said in a statement. “Growing up around Mack trucks made it easy to fall in love with the brand.
