7 Utility Construction Equipment Developments for 2025

When lifting heavy materials, clearing land or trenching in tight spaces, how can utility crews get more work done in less time with greater safety outcomes? Those are the key factors heavy-equipment manufacturers consider as they design and develop new utility construction equipment. And this year, numerous equipment developments have emerged to help crews work more safely and productively. Here are seven to keep an eye on.

Caterpillar
What’s New: Updates for hydraulic excavators

In May, Caterpillar Inc. announced its 2025 updates for Cat hydraulic excavators. The upgrades – part of the company’s annual product update program – apply to small, medium and large excavators, as well as material handlers, wheeled excavators and specialty machines.

The improved Cat Grade with 2D system now provides real-time guidance for accurate vertical and horizontal control, helping operators meet exact specifications without ground stakes. For complex grading tasks, a new factory-installed Cat Grade with 3D option includes pre-installed hardware, simplifying future upgrades for track and wheeled excavators.

A streamlined user interface enables operators to quickly set up machines and access critical information, reducing downtime. The Cat Payload system offers on-the-go weighing to prevent truck overloading or underloading, with an Advanced Payload option for track excavators, adding features like custom tags, daily totals and electronic ticketing.

Vermeer
What’s New: MTR516 microtrencher attachment for streamlined fiber-optic installation

Vermeer’s new MTR516 microtrencher attachment offers utility crews a practical tool for installing fiber-optic cables with minimal surface disruption. Designed for use with Vermeer RTX550 and RTX750 ride-on tractors, the attachment cuts precise trenches up to 17 inches deep and 2 inches wide with narrow cuts that reduce backfill and restoration work.

The MTR516’s field-serviceable features include replaceable spoil outlets for 4-inch or 6-inch vacuum hoses and bolt-in wear plates, simplifying maintenance and minimizing downtime. A dual-hinged panel provides easy access for blade servicing.

Wheel options include polycrystalline diamond cutter teeth for clean asphalt cuts or rotary carbide teeth for concrete and rock. The attachment also offers up to 24 inches of right-side offset for cutting near curbs and single-lever depth control for ease of operation.

Volvo Construction Equipment
What’s New: Electric wheel loader and electric excavator

Volvo Construction Equipment unveiled two midsize electric machines at this spring’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo: the L120 Electric wheel loader and the updated 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator. These additions expand Volvo CE’s electric lineup, previously limited to smaller excavators, compact loaders and an asphalt compactor.

The EC230 Electric, now available for order, features a 450-kWh lithium-ion battery that offers seven to eight hours of runtime per charge. A 250-kW fast-charger can boost the battery from 20% to 80% in one hour. Upgrades include a roomier cab, smoother hydraulic controls and a 360-degree visibility system that distinguishes people from objects.

The 22-ton L120 Electric – set for orders in late 2025 with deliveries in early 2026 – has a 282-kWh battery, providing five to nine hours of operation. It matches its diesel counterpart’s performance, handling tasks like waste management and infrastructure work. Charging takes two hours with a 150-kW fast-charger or six hours with a 50-kW mobile unit.

John Deere
What’s New: 510 P-Tier excavator

John Deere’s 510 P-Tier excavator replaces the 470 P-Tier. The new model maintains the power of its predecessor but uses a smaller 9-liter engine, cutting fuel use depending on the task. A new electronic cooling system with 10 electric fans reduces engine strain, lessening fuel consumption.

Weighing 51 metric tons, the 510 P-Tier offers a 10% reduction in maintenance costs and 16% lower repair expenses over its lifespan compared to the 470 P-Tier, according to John Deere. It also includes advanced grading options, such as 2D and 3D SmartGrade systems, to help operators hit precise grades faster, reducing rework. Standard features include a camera system with LEDs integrated into the main monitor for improved visibility.

Vermeer
What’s New: Verifier G3+ FLX for precise utility fault detection

Vermeer’s Verifier G3+ FLX utility locator is a new tool designed to help utility crews locate underground electrical faults within 2 to 3 inches, reducing the need for extensive digging. It includes an A-frame accessory that efficiently measures electrical current differences to identify fault locations.

The locator builds on the McLaughlin Vision FLX2, adding GPS mapping, remote control and ambient noise detection. It doubles as a standard utility locator, eliminating the need for multiple devices. A powerful transmitter with specialized frequencies and higher wattage improves fault tracing, even on heavily damaged cables. The G3+ Map mobile app pairs with smartphones to log data such as depth, utility type and GPS coordinates.

Caterpillar
What’s New: Technology options for medium wheel loaders

To improve safety and productivity, Caterpillar has rolled out new technology options for its next-generation medium wheel loaders, models 950 through 982, including XE variants. The highlight is a collision warning system with Motion Inhibit, which uses radar and smart cameras to detect objects and workers behind a stationary loader. If a hazard enters the critical zone, the system halts reverse movement, displaying alerts on an in-cab monitor with color-coded zones (yellow for awareness, amber for caution, red for critical). People detection highlights individuals in red boxes, adjusting alerts based on proximity.

The Cat Payload for Trade feature integrates certified scale data into business workflows, enabling precise load tracking and direct data transfer to offices via email. This builds on the Advanced Payload system, which offers automation like tip-off assist and multitask mode for simultaneous load tracking. Other upgrades include a 360-degree Multiview camera system, tire pressure monitoring and remote diagnostics for quicker maintenance.

CASE Construction Equipment
What’s New: CX380E large crawler excavator

CASE Construction Equipment’s CX380E is a new large crawler excavator designed for utility construction jobs like trenching, land clearing and pipe handling.

Weighing 83,114 pounds with 268 horsepower, the CX380E offers four work modes – Super Power, Power, Eco and Lifting – allowing operators to balance performance and fuel efficiency. Eco mode cuts fuel use by up to 18% compared to older CASE models. A 10-inch touchscreen instantly lets operators switch between 10 attachment settings, reducing downtime. The machine’s 270-degree camera improves visibility and safety on busy jobsites.

The machine’s cab includes a heated air-suspension seat, ample legroom and ergonomic controls to reduce fatigue during long shifts. Advanced telematics support remote diagnostics and software updates so fleets can avoid costly service delays. The standard CASE ProCare program provides a three-year/3,000-hour warranty, planned maintenance and a five-year telematics subscription.