New Volvo Compacts for Conexpo 2026

Volvo Construction Equipment will reveal 3 new-generation compact excavator models at the CONEXPO show that takes place in Las Vegas, March 3–7, 2026.

The Volvo CE ECR90 short-swing, EC65 crawler and EW65 wheeled excavators are said to prioritize total cost of ownership, productivity and operator comfort. Updates on the machines include increased engine power and hydraulic flow than the models they replace.

The new machines replace the outgoing generation models, namely the tracked ECR88, EC60 and the wheeled EW60 and according to Volvo CE will feature updates that will offer end users faster cycle times, increased versatility, and maximum uptime.

Visitors to Volvo CE’s stand at CONEXPO Booth F24029 in the Festival Grounds area, will be able to take a first-hand look around the new models and a raft of other new machines from the Swedish manufacturers range.   

ECR90

The 9-ton ECR90 is a powerful short-swing excavator built to compete with larger models — but at a size that’s ideal for confined, restrictive jobsites. Compared to the ECR88, upgrades include:

• 28% more engine power
• 15% more pump torque
• 13% more bucket force
• 11% more arm digging force
• 7% more tractive force
• A 30% larger cab

EC65 & EW65

The 7-ton class EC65 and EW65 deliver 4% and 6% more engine power respectively, along with a 9% increase in boom lifting force, all of which lead to faster, more reliable operation.

All three models support Volvo’s full range of compact excavator attachments, and upcoming changes will improve compatibility with third-party attachments.

Another factor that expands attachment capabilities is higher auxiliary hydraulic flow: It’s 100% higher on the EC65 and EW65, and 15% higher on the ECR90, offering more precision and power for a wider range of tasks.

To further boost efficiency and versatility, these new machines are well-suited for tiltrotators (and can be factory-fitted with one in Europe). This allows for 360-degree rotation and 45-degree tilting of the attachment, so an operator can perform complex tasks without repositioning the excavator, saving time and fuel.

The wheeled EW65 can travel up to 18.6 mph (30 km/h), and easy-to-select work modes allow the operator to tailor its performance for travel, digging or parked work.

Volvo CE state that these new compact excavators are now available for order in Europe, North America, Oceania, Korea and Japan.

I’m not personally attending CONEXPO myself this time around, but hopefully I will be in a position to get some “Stick Time” on them in the not-too-distant future for a test drive feature in Earthmovers Magazine in due course.

I did undertake a search for official video content on these machines, but couldn't find any, however, I came across this video below, which appears to show a lower spec version of the EC65 with fixed boom (no-off-set) potentially aimed at less demanding markets.