Postcards from Conexpo 2026 (Part One)

While our planned daily coverage of Conexpo-Con/Agg didn’t quite go to plan, Digger Man Blog follower Kenneth Hatcher has sent in some images from his holiday in Las Vegas, that included a trio of days at the show.

Most well-known for being a backhoe loader operator for 30 year’s Ken is always drawn to the venerable multi-purpose machines, and at Conexpo-Con/Agg there were plenty of them to see, being a Cat man at heart, we naturally start with a visit to the Caterpillar stand, where a star attraction was the Cat 420XE American centre mount backhoe loader, which features the new Advanced E/H (Electro/Hydraulic) hydraulic system for both the loader and backhoe, this machine was finished in the centennial grey livery.

In the operator’s arena, and also looking resplendent in the centennial grey paintwork, was the ever-popular D6XE mid-range dozer which features Caterpillar’s electric drive system, the machine was being put through its paces by Cat’s demonstration operator, as part of the regular presentation display.

Also doing the rounds in the demonstration arena was Caterpillar’s latest 160 model motor grader, being showcased by demonstration operator Brian Cain.

CASE Construction Equipment also got in on the grey colour scheme, well more silver to be precise, with their 580 Super N Construction King backhoe loader, very much designed for the American market, where the BHL still appears to be alive and kicking in the market.

CASE also presented the 590 Super N backhoe loader which was sporting the more traditional CASE yellow tan livery.

Switching his attention to 8-9 tonne midi excavators, which he spends most of his time on these days, Ken took a look around the new ECR90 compact radius model from Volvo Construction Equipment, apparently, he was very impressed with the cab interior, lets hope the seat is too his liking as they seem to be an issue for him on many machines.

It was whilst on the Volvo Construction Equipment stand that Ken gained his latest 5 minutes of fame, when he was able to meet Tony Beets of Goldrush fame, I can honestly say I have never watched a single episode of the show, but Ken assures me its great viewing!

Ken has been romancing a Chinese brand in recent months undertaking some test driving for them on 9-tonne excavators, but in Conexpo-Con/Agg he was visiting another brand, Sany, where he was keen to take a look around their backhoe loader the BHL95, this machine has not been seen on the UK market as yet, but with a strong focus on Europe in general, you would have to think there’s a good chance of them coming.

Caterpillar were showcasing a lot of technology at the show, checkout this promotional video from Cat to find out more. 

Lookout for the next instalment of Ken's Post cards from Conexpo coming later this week.