June 2026 Vol. 81 No. 6
New Products
New products: Latest industry developments
Vermeer
The new Vermeer MTR726 microtrencher attachment cuts trenches up to 27 inches (68.6 cm) deep and up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide, giving contractors a solution for projects that require deeper fiber installation. Compatible with the RTX750 ride-on tractor, the MTR726 joins the MTR516 microtrencher, core saw and concrete reinstatement attachments in the Vermeer microtrenching lineup.
"We designed the MTR726 for contractors whose projects require them to go deeper," said Nick Olsen, product manager at Vermeer. "When regulations call for greater depth of cover, the MTR726 delivers the cutting performance contractors need while maintaining the features that make our microtrenching solutions productive."
The fully shrouded cutting wheel contains debris and optimizes vacuum suction, helping keep job sites cleaner. The attachment features wheels with welded polycrystalline diamond cutter (PDC) teeth for fast, clean cuts in asphalt, single-lever depth control and up to 24 inches (61 cm) right offset for cutting next to curbs.
Serviceability features help maximize uptime. The dual-hinged access panel provides easy access for blade servicing and replacement, allowing crews to change blades in as little as 25 minutes. Multiple bolt-in wear plates are field-serviceable, and the replaceable spoil outlet accommodates 4 inches or 6 inches (10.2 cm or 15.2 cm) vac hoses.
For contractors expanding their microtrenching capabilities, Vermeer now offers options to match different project requirements. The MTR516 remains the practical choice for installations up to 17 inches (43.2 cm) deep with compatibility on both the RTX550 and RTX750 tractors. The MTR726 serves contractors who need additional depth capability, paired specifically with the RTX750.
Vermeer is also highlighting the configuration options available on the VX75 trailer vacuum excavator, giving utility contractors a closer look at how each setup addresses different job-site demands.
The VX75 delivers strong performance in the 75-horsepower (56-kW) trailer vacuum excavator class and is available in three configurations:
- Standard VX75 delivers 1,500-cfm (42.5-m³/min) vacuum performance from its Jurop blower, generating 15-inches Hg (381-mm Hg) of suction. A 5-in (12.7-cm) hydraulic boom reaches up to 14 ft (4.3 m), and an 8-gpm (30.3-L/min) water system operates at 3,000 psi (206.8 bar). Spoil tank capacities include 500-gal (1,893.7-L) and 800-gal (3,028-L).
This configuration is designed for contractors focused on potholing, daylighting and excavation work where maximum vacuum power is the priority.
- VX75 trailer vac jetter adds an 18-gpm at 3,000-psi (68.1-L/min at 206.8-bar) jetter system with 500 ft (152 m) of 0.5-in (1.3-cm) jetter hose, capable of cleaning pipes and culverts up to 12 in (30.5 cm) in diameter.
Because the jetter requires engine power, this configuration runs a 1,000-cfm (28.3-m³/min) blower with a 4-in (10.2-cm) boom. It is suited for contractors who need pipe cleaning capabilities alongside vacuum excavation without hauling separate equipment.
- VX75 vacuum excavator air includes a 180-cfm (5.1-m³/min), 110-psi (7.58 bar) air compressor for dry excavation and pneumatic tools. Like the jetter configuration, it uses a 1,000-cfm (28.3-m³/min) blower with a 4-in (10.2-cm) boom.
This setup addresses applications where water cannot be used or where contractors need to power pneumatic tools on site without a separate compressor.
All VX75 models include a full-function remote control with start and stop capability, dual cyclone filtration with a two-micron poly filter, a cam-over hydraulic rear door that opens to 50 degrees and an in-tank cleanout system.
Practical design improvements address everyday operator needs and simplify maintenance in the field. The extended tongue adds 18 in (45.7 cm) to improve turning radius when towing with larger trucks like stake bodies or small dump trucks. Driver-side fuel fill lets operators fuel both truck and trailer from the same side of the pump, and a lockable fuel door provides security when equipment is parked overnight or at remote locations.
The electric-over-hydraulic tongue jack includes a manual override and is positioned on the driver's side. Reverse pressure capability allows operators to offload material through the gate valve before opening the tank door, keeping the process cleaner and getting crews back to work faster.
A three-inch (7.6-cm) crossover line between tanks fills faster when using hydrant connections. Improved hose routing throughout the unit drains completely for fast winterization in cold climates. All boom grease points are located on one side, so daily maintenance is simplified.
McElroy
McElroy continues its legacy of innovation in thermoplastic pipe fusion with the Lynqs, a compact, efficient solution designed to quickly and efficiently install 1 ½-inch outlet fittings onto 2-inch IPS mains.
Engineered for speed and simplicity, the Lynqs automatically aligns both the pipe and fitting, eliminating guesswork while improving consistency across every fusion. From its intuitive design to its minimal excavation requirements, every element is built with the operator in mind.
A key productivity advantage of the Lynqs is its quick-close jaw system. With a simple squeeze of the handle, the jaws snap securely into place, holding the pipe main while the fitting holder retains the outlet and ensures proper alignment throughout the fusion process. Its compact, bottom-loading carriage and L-shaped heater design significantly reduce the amount of excavation needed, helping crews save time and reduce jobsite disruption, especially in tight or challenging environments.
Designed for precision and compliance, the Lynqs features adjustable fusion force control and a built-in visual indicator that clearly shows when proper force has been achieved. This enables operators to meet ASTM F2620 fusion standards while maintaining consistent, repeatable results in the field.
Additional integrated capabilities further enhance usability and performance, including:
- One-handed attachment to the pipe main
- Built-in heater stripping mechanism
- Rapid open/close movement to maintain proper fusion timing
- Secure fitting retention that avoids contact with fitting seals
- Guided heater removal to prevent damage to the pipe or fitting
- Integrated controller housed within the heater handle
- Portable caddy and optional storage case for easy transport
Like all McElroy equipment, Lynqs is built to withstand demanding job-site conditions and is backed by an industry-leading five-year warranty, delivering long-term reliability customers can depend on.
Lynqs reinforces McElroy’s commitment to advancing fusion technology with operator-focused solutions that increase productivity, improve safety and ensure high-quality results across every job.
John Deere
John Deere is expanding its production-class equipment portfolio with the introduction of 844 and 904 X-Tier Wheel Loaders. Engineered to help high-production customers move more materia,l while burning less fuel, the new X-Tier machines bring together advanced electrified drivetrain technology, intelligent machine controls, and optional operator awareness features to deliver measurable productivity and value.
Both the 844 and 904 X-Tier models feature the John Deere Electric Variable Transmission (EVT), which is an advanced system that replaces traditional drivetrain constraints with electronically managed power. The result is smoother operation, faster response, and optimized efficiency across demanding applications compared to other P-Tier models. The EVT system enables single-pedal control and decouples hydraulic performance from engine speed, reducing operator input while maintaining consistent power.
The new Pile Slip Assist feature helps improve traction and bucket fill, while larger high-strength steel buckets allow operators to move more material with every pass, compared to existing P-Tier Wheel Loader models, minimizing tire wear, which is one of the largest cost drivers in this size class.
Offering two modes of operation, the X-Tier loaders are designed to maximize efficiency without sacrificing output. In Standard Mode, operators can achieve up to 15-percent fuel savings, while Performance Mode delivers up to a 5-percent productivity increase for high-demand applications. Together, these gains help reduce total cost of ownership by up to 4% compared to previous models.
Optional Advanced Vision System (AVS) and Advanced Object Detection features help expand visibility for the operator. AVS expands side and rear visibility beyond conventional mirrors, with two digital cameras installed on the side view mirrors to widen the field of view, while dynamic reversal projected path lines help operators visualize the machine’s reverse path based on articulation. These side views along with the rearview camera are integrated into a dedicated single display within the cab and help enhance jobsite awareness, especially in aggregate operations.
PipeSense
Having proven its capabilities in monitoring and detection leaks in oil and gas pipelines, PipeSense, a leading midstream technology provider, is now expanding its support to emerging CO₂ applications and networks.
Successfully designing, implementing, and testing a new dynamic pressure analysis-based leak detection system, PipeSense proved the capability of the technology on a South Texas pipeline transporting dense phase and supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) at approximately 2,000 psi. Deploying its team on-site for testing, PipeSense was responsible for a 12-mile stretch from a compressor station to a client's handoff point within the state.
Applying a Dynamic Pressure Analysis method (DPA), the leak detection system utilized two Field Processing Units (FPU) equipped with high-sensitivity pressure sensors and positioned at each end of the pipeline segment.
Upon completion of the project, the system capability detects leak events within 2-3 minutes and with location precision down to less than 20 ft. One false positive and zero downtime was observed over a five-month period, with the system achieving sensitive, accurate detection and addressing key pipeline network challenges like such as speed of sound variability, unplanned compressor station shutdowns and changes between dense and supercritical phases.
Demonstrating the efficacy of a Machine Learning-enhanced Dynamic Pressure Analysis system for leak detection in sCO₂ pipelines, the project could prove a crucial milestone for supporting growing demand for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) infrastructure. With U.S. CO₂ pipelines expected to grow 20x by 2050, the availability of PipeSense’s technology will help to enhance safety and minimize environmental risks from undetected leaks.
Representing the future of pipeline leak detection and monitoring, PipeSense has been established under the umbrella of pipeline construction and maintenance specialist Charps. Led by a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers with over a century of industry experience, PipeSense is driven by a shared passion for protecting communities and the environment.
Applying ultra-high-frequency pressure sampling and advanced machine learning to detect, pinpoint, and validate pipeline anomalies and leaks with unparalleled precision and speed, PipeSense is committed to ending false positives through relentless innovation. Technical excellence is the base line of every solution and service provided.
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