What’s New in Utility Construction Equipment in 2024?

New utility construction equipment hitting the market in 2024 aims to boost productivity, fuel efficiency and operator comfort for crews working on projects ranging from laying pipelines to installing cables. Major manufacturers including Vermeer, Caterpillar, Volvo CE, CASE and John Deere are rolling out upgraded models with enhanced technology, improved hydraulics and redesigned cabs.

So, what product updates are relevant to your operations? Here are six new developments to consider.

Vermeer
What’s New: Enhanced RTX1250 Ride-On Tractor

Vermeer Corp. has updated its RTX1250 ride-on tractor, designed for installing gas, fiber, water and electrical utilities. It can be outfitted with rubber tires or tracks.

Depending on the attached tool, the RTX1250 functions as a trencher, a rockwheel for breaking rock or a vibratory plow. Attachments can be swapped in about an hour, allowing crews to configure the tractor for different tasks.

Key upgrades include sturdier tracks, axles, plows and stabilizer components to better handle tough job sites. An optional climate-controlled cab keeps operators comfortable year-round.

Onboard technology, like the TrenchSense system, monitors engine operation for smooth trenching and fuel optimization. The Auto Plunge feature automatically adjusts the plunge rate of trenching and rockwheel attachments based on ground conditions.

Caterpillar
What’s New: 973 Track Loader

Caterpillar has introduced its new 973 track loader, replacing the 973K.

The new 973’s 275-horsepower engine automatically adjusts speed to match the workload, reducing fuel consumption by up to 10%. For additional fuel savings, an optional Eco Mode further lowers engine speed for light-duty applications.

The updated cab features a suspension seat, adjustable armrests and controls, and a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen display with a standard rearview camera to improve operator comfort and productivity. The display also shows the machine’s slope, making it easier to operate on uneven terrain.

The 973 can be equipped with a Performance Series bucket that increases output by up to 20%. A quick-coupler system allows for fast attachment changes, enabling the loader to share tools like buckets and forks with other compatible machines.

Volvo Construction Equipment
What’s New: Upgraded Excavator Line

Volvo Construction Equipment has launched a new series of excavators featuring major upgrades to boost productivity, fuel efficiency and safety. The company said this is the most significant update to Volvo’s excavator lineup in two decades.

The initial rollout includes six crawler excavators: the ECR145 compact short swing, EC210, EC230, EC370, EC400 and EC500. Additional models will follow in the coming months. A key enhancement is up to 15% better fuel economy compared to previous generations. The company said this was achieved through an optimized hydraulic system, smart cooling functionality and engine tuning for higher torque at lower revolutions per minute.

The improved hydraulics allow for smoother, more precise movement of the boom, bucket and other components. Ten configurable work modes give operators better machine control.

On the safety front, the excavators feature Volvo’s new Smart View with Obstacle Detection system. It uses cameras and radar to provide 360-degree visibility around the machine, differentiating between objects and humans.

Design updates in the cab focus on ease of use and comfort, including an enhanced machine control interface, a new seat, better ventilation, wireless phone charging and a built-in cooler/heater box.

Volvo said the new excavators require less maintenance, with hydraulic oil service intervals extended to 3,000 or 6,000 hours, depending on oil type – a 50% increase over previous models.

CASE Construction Equipment
What’s New: Updated M Series Dozers

CASE Construction Equipment has introduced improvements to its M Series dozer line to boost operator comfort and machine precision.

Key enhancements include new electro-hydraulic controls that allow operators to adjust steering and shuttle sensitivity to their preference. This feature helps reduce fatigue during long work hours.

The dozers are also compatible with major precision construction technology providers, offering flexibility for fleet managers who already use these systems. Additionally, CASE has partnered with Leica Geosystems to provide factory-installed options, which can simplify the ordering and setup process.

John Deere
What’s New: Five New Compact Loader Models

John Deere has introduced five new compact skid steer and compact track loaders in its P-Tier line. The 330 and 334 P-Tier skid steers and the 331, 333 and 335 P-Tier compact track loaders feature a redesigned cab with more space, better visibility, noise reduction and enhanced ergonomics.

The largest models, the 334 skid steer and 335 compact track loader, come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display providing machine data and settings. The 333 and 335 compact track loaders can be equipped with 2D or 3D grade control systems integrated with TopCon’s SmartGrade technology.

Along with the new machines, John Deere has released three new attachment offerings: the CP40G cold planer for milling pavement and the MK76 and MH72D mulching heads for vegetation management. Enhancements were also made to John Deere’s Quik-Tatch attachment mounting system.

CASE Construction Equipment
What’s New: E Series Wheeled Excavators

CASE has introduced a new line of wheeled excavators designed to increase the mobility and efficiency of utility crews working in urban environments. The new line marks CASE’s re-entry into the wheeled excavator market after several years.

The E Series wheeled excavators can travel up to 25 mph on roads without needing a trailer, reducing transportation time and costs between job sites.

Available in five models ranging from 14 to 24 tons, the excavators offer customizable performance modes and a two-piece boom for working in confined spaces. They also include safety features like 360-degree camera visibility and object detection systems.