Postcards from Conexpo 2026 (Part Two)

We return to our look back at some of the kit spotted by Digger Man Blog follower Kenneth Hatcher during his recent visit to Conexp-Con/Agg in Las Vegas.

Stopping by the Komatsu stand at Conexpo-Con/AGG Ken came across the smallest mini excavator in the Komatsu range. This electric powered sub-1-tonne mighty atom, is powered by a Honda eGX power pack, which is swappable so one can be charging while one is powering the machine, allowing for continuous on-site operation.

Its curious looking piece of equipment, as the operator tends to sit astride it rather like a motor bike, but for small gardening, landscaping and general building work it would be very useful, especially in tight and noise restrictive jobsites.

Still on the lookout for his current favoured machine, the 8-9-tonne midi excavator, Ken came across the Yanmar ViO 80-7, the largest true zero tailswing model in the Yanmar range. This machine which has been very popular in the North American market, is powered by a 67hp Yanmar diesel engine, which in the US is Tier 4 final certified.

According to Yanmar, this improved model uses it’s 2-Pump Load Sensing (2PLS) hydraulics to direct hydraulic flow where it’s needed most. This allows for higher speeds, productivity, performance, and maximum fuel efficiency. 

More compact kit awaited Ken, when he visited the Hidromek stand, where the Turkish manufacturer was displaying its 62ss skid steer style backhoe loader. This machine features the European favoured side shift backhoe, whereas most traditional backhoe loader in the US are centre-mounted.

Over on the LiuGong stand Ken spotted the revolutionary TD-16N bulldozer, which we saw exclusively sometime before the 2020 edition of Conexpo, when we had a chance to try out a prototype version in secret in the UK. I note that the Dressta name has been dropped and its now fully branded as a LiuGong machine. The visibility and access to the cabin on this machine is incredible and like nothing that has ever come before, a real credit to the UK based design team.

On the Develon stand Ken was keen to checkout the DX55R having previously spent some considerable time on the older DX63 and DX85 models with his employer KW Bell Group. It would appear that Ken has a bit of a soft spot for the Develon products, citing the featherlight levers as his favourite feature.

Something at the other end of the scale was the Sany SY750H a 75-tonne class heavy hydraulic excavator, which was a focal point on what appeared to be a massive stand and looking glorious in the Las Vegas sunshine.

Whatever trade fair we attend, you can always guarantee a fantastic demonstration plot from Italian crushing and screening bucket manufacturers MB Crushers, and Conexpo was no different as the team showcased their products mounted on Hyundai excavators and a compact tracked loader. MB Crushers are keen supporters of the Digger Man Blog, check their advertising banner out when you get 5 minutes! 

Finally, something a bit different to finish this lookback with, as Ken came across this beast of a heavy-duty mulcher, the Prinoth T-Rex 300 which is powered by 260hp Cummins diesel engine. This example featured quad tracks but a wheeled version is also available.

We thank Ken for taking time out of his holiday to send us this handful of photos to share here on the Digger Man Blog.

Let's take a look at some of the other excavators Komatsu were showing at Conexpo-Con/Agg 2026.