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CONEXPO 2026: Volvo CE to Reveal New Articulated Hauler and Short-swing, Compact and Wheeled Excavators

The equipment maker’s display will showcase 14 new or first-look machines along with services such as machine control systems, site solutions and advanced telematics.

The new A60 ADT incorporates digital tools such as Haul Assist with on-board weighing, Hill Assist and Connected Load Out. (Volvo CE)

Volvo Construction Equipment livestreamed on January 15 a preview of its plans for the CONEXPO 2026 trade show in Las Vegas from March 3-7. Its booth will showcase 14 new or first-look machines along with services such as machine control systems, site solutions and advanced telematics.

Among the new models announced by Volvo CE that will be revealed at CONEXPO are several new excavators, including the first compact and wheeled machines in its latest excavator series and a new mid-size crawler. The company also announced that the 60-ton A60 articulated hauler has joined its new-generation ADT lineup. Volvo CE says that additional product launches will happen at the show.

Overhauled A60 hauler

Volvo CE engineers have overhauled the A60 articulated dump truck for its quarry, mining and heavy infrastructure customers. The 60-ton machine, now available to order, will reportedly deliver 15% better fuel efficiency and 5% higher productivity than its predecessor.

“This is the largest model in our lineup, designed to take on the toughest ground conditions and help customers maximize their uptime, productivity and safety,” said Tyler Smith, product manager of articulated haulers at Volvo CE. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback on the comfort and performance of our new articulated trucks, and we’re excited for customers to get a first look at the updated A60 at CONEXPO.”

The ECR255 replaces the previous generation’s ECR235E and provides a 7% increase in lifting capacity and a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. (Volvo CE)

Volvo CE claims that the A60 is the largest 6x6 ADT in the industry. Its new all-Volvo powertrain features the Volvo D16J engine that produces 630 hp (470 kW) at 1,910 rpm and 2,183 lb-ft (2,960 Nm) at 980 rpm. Its transmission and axles enable full power to be used in all gears. An active hydraulic front suspension is said to improve hauling speeds, and automatic drive combinations (including 100% differential locks), all-terrain bogie and hydro-mechanical steering enhance stability and control.

Volvo Dynamic Drive, a predictive gear selection function, uses sensors for incline, wheel speed and weight to skip to the optimal gear, which saves fuel typically burned by shifting through multiple gears. Another intelligent function, Terrain Memory, is part of the automatic traction control system. It identifies and remembers slippery road segments and proactively adjusts the differential locks to prevent wheel slip.

The A60 features the Volvo Engine Brake, downhill speed control, cruise control, wet brakes on all wheels, and a service brake retarder system to offer best-in-class braking, according to the company. The hauler also gets Volvo’s OptiShift with Reverse by Braking.

The A60’s exterior makeover includes a lower hood and additional LED light and camera options, contributing to an enhanced field of vision. The cab also sees a refreshed layout, boasting a bigger integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display and lower noise levels.

Short-swing crawler

Customers can add Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection to the ECR255 excavator, providing 360-degree visibility and the ability to distinguish between objects and humans. (Volvo CE)

The company’s latest generation of excavators adds a new short-swing model to the lineup, the 25-ton ECR255. Particularly suited for contractors working in confined spaces – from urban construction to utility and infrastructure projects – the ECR255 replaces the previous generation’s ECR235E and provides a 7% increase in lifting capacity – at 16,623 lb (7,540 kg) – and a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. It joins the large ECR355, mid-size ECR145 and compact ECR90 excavator (also introduced at the CONEXPO press event; see below) as short-swing models in the series.

“This launch means Volvo now offers a comprehensive range of short-swing models in our new generation of excavators, giving customers the flexibility to choose the right machine for their application without compromise,” said Jaesu Kim, chief project manager, Volvo CE. The mid-sized machine’s tail swing radius is 7 ft 7 in (2,310 mm).

The new ECR255’s advanced electro-hydraulic control system includes a smart cooling system and engine speed regulation for higher torque at a lower rpm. The company says this results in smoother, more responsive operation, less opportunity for the loss of energy, and up to 10% less fuel consumption compared to the ECR235E. Features like auto-idling, automatic engine shutdown and customizable work modes also help with operating costs.

Engineers increased the auxiliary hydraulic flow for all three new-gen compact excavators. Hydraulic flow is 100% higher on the EC65 and EW65, and 15% higher on the ECR90 short-swing model (shown). (Volvo CE)

The increase in lifting capacity is due to the ECR255’s redesigned structure and heavier counterweight. With Volvo Active Control, its boom and bucket movements can be automated for faster, more accurate digging and grading. The company says that operators can complete tasks up to 45% faster with reduced fatigue. The floating dozer blade and the ability to set boundary limits and boom and swing priority functions make the ECR255 well-suited for complex work on confined jobsites.

Customers can add Volvo Smart View with Obstacle Detection, providing 360-degree visibility of the machine’s surroundings and the ability to distinguish between objects and humans. The new excavator’s cab is about 20% bigger than most short-swing excavator cabs, the company claims. Other in-cab enhancements include a larger, higher-resolution Volvo Co-Pilot display, more ways to customize machine settings and improved heating/cooling performance.

New-gen compact excavators

Three new-generation compact excavator models – the ECR90, EC65 and EW65 – replace the previous generation’s ECR88, EC60 and EW60, respectively.

“Thanks to some significant upgrades, these machines deliver everything our customers need to succeed in utilities, agriculture, landscaping, general construction and more — all wrapped up in compact and highly maneuverable designs,” said Xavier Beaud, head of technology, compact business unit at Volvo CE. “They’re engineered to achieve big results across a wide range of jobsites thanks to additional engine power, improved digging, lifting and swing performance, longer service intervals, and a fully refreshed operator environment.”

The 18-ton EWR170 wheeled excavator, which will make its trade show debut at CONEXPO, is now available in North America. (Volvo CE)

Compared to the ECR88, the 9-ton ECR90 short-swing excavator boasts several upgrades:

  • 28% more engine power
  • 15% more pump torque
  • 13% more bucket force
  • 11% more arm digging force
  • 7% more tractive force
  • A 30% larger cab.

The 7-ton EC65 and EW65 deliver 4% and 6% more engine power, respectively, along with a 9% increase in boom lifting force. All three models support Volvo’s full range of compact excavator attachments, and their auxiliary hydraulic flow has increased. On the EC65 and EW65, hydraulic flow is 100% higher, and on the ECR90, it’s 15% higher.

The new machines are well-suited for tiltrotators and can be factory-fitted with one in Europe. This allows for 360-degree rotation and 45-degree tilting of the attachment, allowing an operator to perform complex tasks without repositioning the excavator.

The wheeled EW65 can travel up to 18.6 mph (30 km/h), and selectable work modes allow the operator to tailor its performance for travel, digging or parked work.

The new compact excavators also feature a refreshed cab that includes a high-definition touchscreen display for functions like attachment presets, rear and side camera views, service interval settings and Bluetooth pairing. All three machines include new seats with optional air suspension, wider adjustable armrests and a new tiltable left-hand console for easier entry and exit.

Wheeled excavators

Volvo CE has added the first wheeled models to its latest excavator series with the North American introduction of the EWR150 and EWR170. They were previously introduced in Europe.

Wider lift cylinders give the updated EWR150 and EWR170 more lifting capacity over the front of the machine, while reach is extended by a longer two-piece boom. The front swing radius for both machines is now nearly 2 feet (610 mm) shorter.

“We introduced the original EWR150 and EWR170 in North America in 2018, when wheeled excavators were still relatively new here,” said John Waldron, product manager of wheeled excavators at Volvo CE. “Contractors and government fleets are increasingly realizing the benefits of their mobility and maneuverability, making them leaders in their classes.”

The next-gen EWR150 provides nearly 10% more power with its new 154-hp (115-kW) engine, matching the existing power of the EWR170. This contributes to faster cycle times, increased digging force and the ability to handle larger attachments. Swing torque is also increased by 10%.

The revamped wheeled excavators feature industry-first electronically retractable ladders. The machine cannot swing or move while the ladder is down. (Volvo CE)

The EWR150 and EWR170 can be customized with three different arm lengths each, an outrigger or blade added to the front or rear, and an optional 9-foot-wide axle for additional stability when lifting over the side.

Both are compatible with a range of attachments, including buckets and breakers. For hydraulic attachments, the X1 and X3 auxiliary lines are now larger to reduce pressure losses, and flow on the X3 has increased from 18.5 to 31.7 gallons/minute (70.0 to 120.0 L/min), providing the pressure needed to operate a Steelwrist tiltrotator. A third line (X4) is available as an option.

The EWR150 and EWR170 can travel up to 21.7 mph (35 km/h). Four-wheel steering will be available as an option later in Q1, which Volvo CE claims is an industry first for this class and “dramatically reduces” turn radius.

The revamped wheeled excavators also feature industry-first electronically retractable ladders that swing down from a recess in the side of the machines. With this patented technology, the machine cannot swing or move while the ladder is down.

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Automotive Consumer Product Manufacturing Design Engine/Powertrain Product Development Transportation

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