February 2026 Vol. 81 No. 2
New Products
New products for underground utility and construction work
Vermeer
The new Vermeer VXT400 and VXT500 vacuum trucks feature a 25-foot (7.6-m) boom with 330-degree rotation, dual digging capability that lets two operators work simultaneously.
The VXT400 delivers 4,131 cfm (117 m³/min) airflow and 18 inches Hg (0.61 bar) vacuum with spoil tank options of 8, 10 or 12 cubic yards (6.1, 7.6 or 9.2 m³) starting at 32,500 pounds (14,741 kg) dry weight.
The VXT500 features 5,018 cfm (142 m³/min) airflow and 27 inches Hg (0.91 bar) vacuum with 10 and 12 cubic yards (7.6 or 9.2 m³) configurations starting at 35,300 pounds (16,011 kg). These Vermeer vacuum trucks also feature 3,000 psi (206 bar) water pressure and a patent-pending camera system with boom reach radius overlay.
These Vermeer vacuum trucks feature dual digging capability, allowing two operators to work simultaneously from separate dig points to push daily output and complete projects faster. The side-stow boom allows the dig tube to stay connected during transport, minimizing setup time between job sites and maximizing hydrovac operational efficiency.
The patent-pending optional camera system with boom reach radius overlay shows vacuum excavator operators exactly where they can dig before parking the truck, eliminating wasted setup time and helping crews position for maximum coverage. The 25-foot (7.6-m) boom offers 330-degree rotation for improved positioning flexibility.
The VXT400 and VXT500 feature a hydraulically driven water system that automatically shuts off when water flow stops and operates only at the speed required. This eliminates unloader valve wear and reduces maintenance while delivering longer system life and improved energy efficiency. The 3,000 psi (206 bar) water pressure at 10 gallons per minute (38 L/min) with optional 19.4 gallons per minute (73 L/min), provides consistent cutting power in tough soil conditions.
Built-in interlocks protect both components and operators by catching issues early and helping equipment run longer with fewer interruptions. For year-round operation, these vacuum truck models include winterization capabilities that maintain operation and longevity during freezing conditions.
Designed for quiet operation, these Vermeer vacuum trucks promote a more comfortable working environment with less neighborhood disturbance, enabling contractors to work confidently in residential areas. Advanced controls provide intuitive operation that simplifies machine interaction and shortens the learning curve.
A common platform across Vermeer vacuum truck models minimizes onboarding and training time, improving operational efficiency across an entire fleet. Operators familiar with one Vermeer vacuum truck can efficiently operate others in the lineup.
Both vacuum excavator models feature a 50-degree spoil tank tilt with cam-over hydraulic rear door for fast dumping and tight cycle times.
John Deere
John Deere ushers in a bold new era of earthmoving with the debut of its New Generation P‑Tier Midsize Excavators. Redesigned, developed and tested in‑house, this distinguished lineup goes all in to deliver the most advanced John Deere excavators yet. Launching with the 210, 230 and 260 P‑Tier models in the 20‑metric‑ton class, the new generation sets a standard for job-site performance, operator experience and next-level features and technology.
During the development and design process, each new model was rigorously tested in real-world applications with participation from hundreds of customers and operators, resulting in over 165,000 operating hours and counting. With real operator insights at the forefront of design, the new P-Tier Excavator models enable optimal job-site confidence while delivering advanced performance and capability.
The P-Tier models offer smooth, powerful hydraulics and smart design enhancements for impressive overall performance. The combination of structures, hydraulics and integrated technology is optimized to support a balance of performance and total cost of ownership.
Featuring increased dig force and lift capacity, the new P-Tier excavators offer excellent power and performance for trenching, grading, craning and truck loading, while refined hydraulic tuning enables fast, smooth cycle times. Performance modes, including Dig, Lift and Eco, help match job-site power and manage fuel usage. Operators can also adjust the hydraulic response with speed and control modes, allowing them to match the performance of the machine to the response rates they choose, based on operator preference or applications the machine is working on.
Delivering the largest, most operator-friendly cab yet, the 210, 230, and 260 P-Tier models boast more than 27 inches of legroom, added storage, 10 points of seat adjustability and tool-free armrest and joystick modifications. The new G5 Plus 12.8-inch display provides an intuitive touchscreen for monitoring machine health, managing attachments, and viewing camera feeds, in full or split screen mode. Blending the Sealed Switch Module (SSM) with all other controls into one location, operators have the option to adjust settings by utilizing the new CommandARM for ultimate flexibility.
Each feature is designed to boost productivity and scale with customers as their needs evolve. With innovative connectivity like Remote Display Access (RDA) for remote viewing, integrated grade control, cameras, and sensors give operators near real-time information. Whether it’s remotely adjusting settings, reviewing equipment diagnostics or troubleshooting equipment on the job, RDA enables customers to quickly find resolutions to help maximize uptime – without a subscription.
The new Remote Display Control (RDC) allows customers, and customer-approved dealers and third parties to remotely navigate the monitor and adjust settings as if they were in the cab – streamlining troubleshooting, training, and machine setup. Machine damage avoidance and virtual fences help protect the machine and surroundings by defining job-site limits above, below, and around the excavator. Optional Advanced Vision and Object Detection Systems further enhance visibility and jobsite awareness.
Enabling ease of operations, new EZ Control technology simplifies the control of the boom, arm and bucket for underground work, making lifting and craning smoother and more intuitive for operators. Attachment Manager technology, now available on 20-metric-ton models, provides easy setup, calibration tracking and customizable settings for up to 20 attachments, keeping productivity high and operations accurate. This solution also ensures each attachment is properly configured for optimal performance for features like grade control, virtual fences, machine damage avoidance and SmartWeigh.
SmartWeigh delivers dynamic weighing, leading accuracy and easy calibration without needing a known weight, as the machine uses sensors and technology to calibrate and maintain accuracy.
The new auto laser catch feature, part of the new John Deere 2D Grade Control system, assists the operator as the laser catcher on the machine breaks the plane of the rotating laser on the job site. There is no need to stop and press a button on the joystick to maintain a vertical reference, enhancing the productivity advantages and usability for the operator.
All P-Tier Midsize John Deere Excavators offer 2D Grade Control that is upgradeable to the optional full 3D SmartGrade, with either Topcon or Leica, giving customers the flexibility to match their grade control needs.
TrafFix Devices
TrafFix Devices, a leading manufacturer and supplier of traffic control devices and crash attenuation products, introduced the latest advancement in highway safety: the Water Cable Barrier. Engineered to meet demanding requirements in highway and work-zone environments, this innovative system elevates both protection and deployment efficiency for contractors and agencies alike.
As the world's first Longitudinal Barrier to be MASH tested, passed, and eligible at TL-1 31 mph (50 km/hr) and TL-2 43.5 mph (70 km/hr) levels, with or without chain link fence paneling, the Water Cable Barrier sets a new standard for safety performance.
The internal galvanized steel cable system connects each barrier segment, forming a continuous protective line that effectively intercepts and restrains vehicles during an impact. Unlike standard channelizing devices, which may permit vehicles to break through at high speeds, the Water Cable Barrier’s cable-linked design is engineered to keep vehicles from intruding into work zones, substantially enhancing onsite security. This advanced containment approach offers heightened peace of mind for teams operating in active traffic environments.
Built with premium polyethylene and UV stabilization, the barrier resists fading, cracking, and breakage, ensuring reliable field performance and long service life through tough weather and repeated use. A unique double-wall knuckle safeguards hinge points, minimizing breakage and downtime. Field crews benefit from an oversized fill hole and secure twist-lock cap for faster filling and secure water retention. A tamper-resistant drain plug with coarse, buttress threading streamlines maintenance and eliminates cross-threading issues.
Deployment efficiency is further enhanced by forklift and pallet jack slots for rapid repositioning, plus a hinged design that allows up to 30 degrees of pivot between sections. Each barrier comes standard with a galvanized steel connection pin, allowing sections to be securely linked into a continuous protective wall. The newly available corner piece enables versatile 90-degree angles for custom site layouts and boundary configurations. Barriers stack for compact transport and storage, reducing logistical costs, with each unit featuring a steel connection pin for secure linking on busy job sites.
Available in high-visibility orange and white, with custom colors on request, the Water Cable Barrier measures 76 inches long, 32 inches high, and 18 inches wide. Empty, it weighs just 100 pounds for easy handling but delivers heavy-duty impact resistance at 1,170 pounds when filled. These attributes make it an ideal solution for professionals managing construction, infrastructure, event safety, and emergency sites.
Caterpillar
It’s all about getting back to work quicker with the new Cat Track Clamp Master Link assembly, designed to improve track installation efficiency in the field by eliminating the need for a portable field press.
The new Track Clamp Master Link, which replaces both slip-style and press-fit joints, needs no hydraulic tooling and presses, allowing operators to safely remove and install tracks without any additional equipment.
Improperly managed undercarriages cause downtime and cost money. The Track Clamp Master Link is available for any standard hydraulic excavator with a 7.5-inch pitch size class, making in-field track installation both simple and safe.
Caterpillar focused on durability when developing the new link, along with convenience, speed, and safety. Extensive press-out testing has shown that the Track Clamp Master Link offers 25-percent higher pin retention compared to the press-fit master and up to a 50-percent improvement in joint life compared to the slip-fit master.
Tool-less solutions are often seen as a temporary quick-fix, but with the Track Clamp we’ve set a new standard: it may not require hydraulic tooling, it may be quick, but it’s certainly not temporary.
The Track Clamp Master Link is widely used across a variety of hydraulic excavators and covers all types of undercarriages, including General Duty, Heavy Duty and Heavy Duty XL. Alongside Caterpillar’s Custom Track Service, Undercarriage Assurance Programs and renowned worldwide parts availability, it’s one of the many ways in which Caterpillar and Cat dealers help operators get the most from their Cat Undercarriage.
Comments