Komatsu will unveil new machinery, digital solutions, and autonomous technologies to boost jobsite productivity and safety. (Image source: Komatsu)

Komatsu will present its next-generation machinery, digital technologies, and service solutions at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 under the theme, “Connected performance, driving your success.”

The company will demonstrate how insights from connected equipment can be translated into tangible business results to boost productivity, enhance safety, and manage total cost of ownership.

Located at booth W41945 in the West Hall, Komatsu’s exhibit will feature one of the company’s most robust equipment lineups in years, including several models making their North American debut. Each machine is engineered for strong performance, with even greater value when integrated into Komatsu’s comprehensive digital ecosystem, which spans telematics, fleet management, artificial intelligence, and autonomous solutions.

Excavators

The exhibit will highlight the new PC220LCi-12 and PC365LC-11 multifunction plus excavators, designed for operator comfort and advanced technology integration to support efficient and productive jobsite operations. Another new excavator will also be unveiled during the show.

Wheel Loaders

Models such as the WA485-11 and WA475-11 will demonstrate how Komatsu’s proprietary Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission, improved cab design, and embedded technology can increase cycle times, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance operator awareness.

Dozers

Two next-generation dozers will be featured with advanced steering systems and operator-focused cabs. Their technologies are designed to help operators of varying skill levels achieve consistent results while boosting efficiency and productivity on the jobsite.

Haul Trucks

Komatsu will showcase the HD605-10 with enhanced performance and Smart Quarry integrations, along with Smart Quarry Autonomous solutions for both new and retrofit trucks. An all-new high-payload articulated truck with innovative traction control will also be unveiled.

Komatsu emphasises an integrated approach to supporting owners and fleet managers at every stage, from equipment selection and operator training to fleet management, performance analysis, and future planning. The company’s aim is to make operations easier, provide actionable insights, and help businesses achieve sustainable and profitable results.

This includes advancements in autonomous operation, software-defined vehicles, and AI technologies across Komatsu’s product line, driven by recent partnerships and developments.

“Owners and fleet managers want equipment and technology that work together to create value across the entire enterprise, not independently as one-off solutions,” said Rod Bull, CEO, Komatsu North America. “Connected performance is our commitment to deliver machines, data and services that help make better decisions, improve daily productivity and build long-term value in their operations.”

The company will also highlight expanded capabilities in My Komatsu, its central enterprise platform. Visitors can explore personalized digital experiences showing how fleet information, planning tools, and support resources integrate in one interface, leveraging AI and data analytics to shorten decision cycles and improve fleet performance. Smart Construction digital solutions will be demonstrated through hands-on displays and live demos, including tools like Smart Construction Dashboard mobile for planning, tracking, and precise digging.

Additional offerings at the booth will cover forestry applications, drilling equipment, and crushing solutions. Attachments from Komatsu-owned manufacturers Montabert, Lehnhoff, and Hensley will demonstrate increased versatility and efficient material handling across jobsites. Montabert and Hensley will also exhibit in adjacent booths to showcase end-to-end solutions for the construction and mining industries.

Zahid Group leads a consortium to take Barloworld private, reinforcing long term Saudi and South African business ties

Zahid Group has spearheaded a consortium to complete the strategic management buyout of Barloworld Limited, taking the 123 year old South African industrial group into private ownership

The move underscores strengthening commercial links between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and highlights Zahid Group’s sustained confidence in South Africa as a long term investment market.

The transaction builds on Zahid Group’s existing minority stake in Barloworld and brings together two established Caterpillar dealers with deep regional roots. Zahid Group has more than 75 years of operating history in Saudi Arabia, while Barloworld has served the South African market for over 96 years.

Under the revised ownership structure, Barloworld will continue to operate as an independent South African business, retaining its brand identity and existing executive leadership team.

As part of the new arrangement, Zahid Group will take representation on the Barloworld board, supporting closer strategic alignment and future growth initiatives. These include collaborative programmes focused on skills development and youth upskilling across both countries, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.

The buyout represents a landmark moment in Saudi and South African commercial relations and reinforces Zahid Group’s long term commitment to sustainable growth, industrial capability and international partnership.

Wirtgen Group to present cutting-edge technologies at Conexpo 2026. (Image source: Wirtgen Group)

Wirtgen Group and John Deere are set to make a major impact at Conexpo 2026, unveiling six market premieres and three global firsts alongside a broad portfolio of advanced machines, automation systems and digital solutions

With a total of 24 world and market premieres on display, the joint exhibition will focus on boosting productivity, transparency and profitability across road construction, earthworks and materials processing.

Visitors to the shared stand (Silver Lot SV2415) will experience a construction site-centric showcase, including a dedicated presentation of the John Deere Operations Center located on the ground floor of the Innovation Center. Designed as a central digital hub, the platform consolidates machine, job and performance data in one place. The exhibit will also highlight a comprehensive suite of digital aftermarket solutions on the upper floor.

A total of 14 Wirtgen Group machines will feature the latest automation and data-driven technologies, including the Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker combined with solutions such as AutoPilot 2.0, Smart Level Pro, Smart Pave, Smart Compact Pro and SPECTIVE CONNECT. These technologies automate workflows while capturing and analysing performance data, enabling more efficient, transparent and cost-effective execution across every phase of the construction process.

Global firsts and market premieres

Cold milling specialist Wirtgen will introduce a world premiere that opens up an entirely new application area for customers, with full details to be revealed at the start of the exhibition. Also on display will be the new WR X-Tier generation of wheeled cold recyclers and soil stabilisers. These machines cover applications ranging from structural road rehabilitation to soil stabilisation and material consolidation in road construction.

The WR X-Tier series features an intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that provides interactive digital guidance to improve mixing quality and productivity. Digital assistants such as MIX ASSIST and Wirtgen Group COPILOT further enhance efficiency while reducing operating costs per square metre.

Vögele will debut the latest Dash 5 paver generation for the North American market, offering improved operator ergonomics, faster setup, higher automation levels and a more efficient drive system. Key highlights include world premieres in the 10 ft class: the SUPER 2000-5 X tracked paver and the SUPER 2003-5 X wheeled paver, both equipped with newly developed screeds. The range is complemented by the SUPER 2100-5 X, featuring a high-compaction screed suited for roller compacted concrete applications.

In the Mini Class segment, Vögele will present the SUPER 800-5 P, the successor to the SUPER 700. This compact Dash 5 paver introduces the ErgoBasic 5 operating concept and a redesigned hopper wall geometry that improves visibility and loading flexibility. All Dash 5-X-Tier pavers can be fitted with the latest digitalisation and automation solutions.

Automation and precision compaction

Hamm will focus on automated compaction technologies, highlighting enhancements to the Smart Compact system. Smart Compact Pro now integrates real-time asphalt density measurement through the new Realtime Density Scan function, enabling automated adjustment of compaction energy and modes on HD+ and HX series tandem rollers. Operators can monitor density development in real time across the entire jobsite, including during static compaction.

This capability supports precise compliance with specifications, reduces the risk of penalties and lowers overall project costs while contributing to longer pavement service life. Hamm will also introduce solutions for earthworks, including automated amplitude adjustment based on new measurement values, and a new compactor model designed specifically for the North American rental market.

Materials processing and digital connectivity

For materials processing, Kleemann will present the MOBISCREEN MSS 1102 PRO scalper, making its North American debut. Designed for quarry applications, the PRO Line screening plant handles throughput of up to 750 t/h and features an intuitive control system that minimises operating errors and training time. Remote operation enhances safety, while the optional Dual Power drive allows for all-electric operation.

Kleemann screening plants can now be equipped with SPECTIVE CONNECT, providing operators with real-time machine data via smartphone. The integrated stockpile monitoring function offers clear visibility of material status, improving productivity and site coordination.

John Deere Operations Center as the digital backbone

At the core of the digital offering is the John Deere Operations Center, which brings together all data required for end-to-end construction site management. Project data can be transferred directly to machines via the integrated Work Planner, enabling partially automated execution. Users gain continuous insight into project progress through performance data generated by Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker solutions covering milling, paving, compacting, crushing and stabilising.

With smart hardware and software, existing machines can be quickly retrofitted to capture and document performance data. These digital solutions help contractors meet reporting requirements with minimal additional effort, reducing administrative burden while streamlining daily operations.

The ELB Equipment team receiving the awards are Melanie Pienaar, national parts manager, Keon Kardolus, divisional director: EMC, Desmond Van Heerden, CEO, Gerrit Kapp, commercial director, Lance Constable, aftermarket director. (Image source: ELB Equipment)

Within a year of becoming the exclusive distributor of LiuGong’s complete equipment portfolio in southern Africa, ELB Equipment has achieved top recognition at the LiuGong Annual Dealer Conference in Liuzhou, China, securing the prestigious president’s Award

When the distribution agreement was signed last year, ELB Equipment CEO Desmond van Heerden highlighted that success would depend on the rapid development of technical capabilities to support the expanded product range, alongside a significant effort to build inventory across the company’s 11-branch national footprint. As a result, much of late 2024 and early 2025 was dedicated to establishing local stockholding of key capital equipment, including wheel loaders, excavators, graders, backhoe loaders, skid steers and mining trucks, while simultaneously strengthening support for LiuGong’s existing customer base.

Just a year later, this investment has delivered global recognition. At the dealer conference, attended by more than 1,300 delegates and over 500 dealers from around the world, ELB Equipment received four awards: Best New Dealer, Outstanding Total Sales, Excellence in Compact Equipment Sales and the headline President’s Award.

“This recognition confirms that our strategic decision is working. Our expanded product portfolio now gives long-standing customers access to a full spectrum of world-class equipment backed by our extensive established aftersales abilities. At the same time LiuGong owners in South Africa now benefit from a support structure built on decades of industry experience and sub-dealer coverage across key industrial centres throughout southern Africa.”

LiuGong southern Africa sales manager Pu Yonghua reaffirmed the region’s importance to the manufacturer, noting that ELB Equipment’s strong customer-first approach is strengthening the brand’s presence across the market.

Reflecting on the past year, Van Heerden said the partnership has progressed rapidly from setting up supply chains and building inventory to outperforming global competitors within the LiuGong dealer network. With further consolidation and expansion planned for 2026, the collaboration is positioned as a long-term growth partnership aimed at capturing an increasingly significant share of the southern African heavy equipment market.