March 2026 Vol. 81 No. 3
New Products
New products focus on connected job sites, electric equipment and jobsite safety
Ditch Witch’s Orange Intel is transforming underground construction by serving as the backbone of a fully smart, connected job site.
More than a telematics platform, Orange Intel connects the entire workflow, from pre-inspection and rod-by-rod drill planning to as-builts and post-inspection reporting. Through API-enabled data sharing, the system ties together horizontal directional drills, Subsite locating equipment, mud and fluid cleaning systems and mapping platforms such as Utiliview and Esri to create a single, unified ecosystem.
“For utility contractors managing complex jobs across multiple sites, that connectivity translates into clearer visibility, stronger documentation and better decision-making in real time,” said Cory Maker, Ditch Witch product manager.
Orange Intel allows contractors to personalize dashboards and alerts, track fuel usage and idle time, monitor productivity and automate preventative maintenance scheduling. Integrated GPS tracking and geofencing enhance fleet security, while centralized access through MyDitchWitch streamlines collaboration between field crews and office teams.
Ditch Witch has been building the foundation for connected job sites since the introduction of the JT/AT40 in 2017. Since then, telematics capability has been standard across its drill lineup, delivering proven performance and years of real-world data integration experience.
Today, Orange Intel brings those capabilities together in a single platform designed specifically for underground construction. Because Ditch Witch designs and engineers its technology in-house, the system is purpose-built to support the unique demands of utility installation contractors.
As job sites become more data-driven, contractors need more than isolated machine tracking; they need connected intelligence across every phase of the project lifecycle. Orange Intel delivers that visibility while keeping the platform intuitive and easy to use.
New Holland
New Holland Construction is expanding its electric equipment portfolio to meet customer needs and ever-changing jobsite demands with the launch of the E25X Electric Mini Excavator and C314X Electric Mini Track Loader. These models offer contractors two new options for job sites requiring zero on-site emissions, minimal noise and reduced overall maintenance.
In spaces with environmental restrictions, like retail construction, plumbing and interior construction, and even demolition, the E25X and C314X demonstrate clear use case value and can even help develop new opportunities for contractors. With these electric machines, contractors can operate quietly during the day without the smell of smoke from diesel, and businesses can stay open during construction.
The E25X is a 2.5-ton Electric Mini Excavator powered by a 102-volt lithium-ion battery with a 32.2 kWh gross capacity. Equipped with an onboard 240-volt 1-phase charging system, the machine can recharge from 0-100 percent in approximately nine hours, with a 20-80 percent charge achievable in about five hours. Depending on application and hydraulic demand, runtime ranges from four to eight hours.
Weighing approximately 5,200 pounds in standard ROPS configuration and offering an 8-foot dig depth, the E25X provides the capability contractors need for foundation work, utility installation and outdoor plumbing, and demolition applications.
The machine features electro-hydraulic (EH) controls with Eco, Standard and Power modes, allowing operators to tailor performance to the task at hand. Available in both ROPS and enclosed cab with heat option, the E25X offers excellent visibility for the operator. Adjustable responsiveness settings enhance precision in confined areas, while a two-way blade with float improves grading capability.
The C314X builds on the proven design of New Holland Construction’s Mini Track Loader, now in a fully electric configuration. Available in both narrow and wide-track configurations, the machine also offers standard rubber or optional non-marking tracks for sensitive environments.
Powered by a 102-volt lithium-ion battery system with a 23.5 kWh gross capacity, the C314X charges in approximately eight hours. The machine also has Eco, Standard and Power motor speed settings to allow operators to balance efficiency and performance based on the attachment in use. The ergonomic control layout allows effortless use throughout the workday.
Enhanced LED lighting, including standard boom-mounted lights, improves visibility in low-light and indoor conditions. Standard single auxiliary hydraulics, at 14 gallons per minute, support both single-flow and bidirectional attachments, from hydraulic hammers to landscaping rakes and tillers.
Performance is elevated with the E25X Electric Mini Excavator and C314X Electric Mini Track Loader, which both come standard with a seven-year telematics subscription. This telematics solution delivers new capabilities for sub-compact equipment and unlocks new opportunities for more connected jobsites. The digital platform gives contractors, jobsite managers and operators access to detailed machine utilization metrics, including hours worked, productivity and jobsite cost figures.
Xwatch Safety Solutions
Xwatch Safety Solutions, a leader in excavator safety systems, and RodRadar, developer of the field-proven Live Dig Radar (LDR), announced the industry’s first safety-grade solution for preventing underground utility strikes. The integrated system automatically stops excavator bucket movement when subsurface utilities are detected during active excavation.
Underground utility strikes remain among the most persistent safety and financial challenges in construction. In the United States, one to two strikes occur every minute, with over 400,000 incidents reported annually, costing the economy approximately $30 billion each year and contributing to thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities over the past two decades.
Nearly 50 percent of strikes occur because utilities were not located or were mis-located, and in 64 percent of incidents, the buried infrastructure was more than two feet outside the marked area.
RodRadar’s AI-driven Live Dig Radar digging system uses the first-ever ground-penetrating radar (GPR) embedded directly in an excavator bucket to detect underground utilities in real-time, during excavation, without reliance on pre-project utility data. Through the RodRadar-Xwatch integration, LDR detected utilities trigger an automatic bucket stop, via Xwatch’s safety-grade hydraulic control system, to prevent it from hitting the utility.
The integration represents a fundamental step in excavation safety. The approach is analogous to the automotive industry’s evolution from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that merely warn drivers, to autonomous emergency braking that actively prevents collisions: the integrated system takes direct action, delivering what RodRadar terms Stop-Before-Strike (SBS), while operators retain override capability.
DEVELON
DEVELON unveiled its most advanced machine lineup to date: -9 Series heavy excavators, marking the North American debut of an excavator platform built on full electronic hydraulic (EH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence.
The DEVELON -9 Series excavators represent a fundamental shift in how operators interact with heavy machines. For example, by moving from pilot-operated controls to a sophisticated electronic hydraulic (EH) system, DEVELON has unlocked a suite of smart features designed to increase job-site safety and precision while lowering the barrier of entry for newer operators.
“With our new -9 Series, the machine is no longer just a tool – it’s an intelligent partner,” said Brian Kim, heavy excavator product manager at DEVELON. “By combining EH controls with AI-powered safety and a tablet-style interface, we are giving our customers a level of control and site awareness that was previously impossible.”
The DEVELON -9 Series excavators feature several industry-leading innovations.
- AI-powered safety and intelligent E-Stop: The new smart around view monitor (AVM) camera system uses artificial intelligence to identify humans in the work zone. With the addition of a new radar system that detects objects up to 6 meters away, the machine can automatically trigger an intelligent E-Stop to halt the excavator’s swing or travel if a person is detected in the danger zone.
- Electronic hydraulic (EH) precision: The shift to EH allows for stick steer travel via joystick thumbwheels. EH controls allow for greater customization, including joystick sensitivity, response time and joystick button layout, for operators to maximize precision.
- Smart-ready grading: Every -9 Series excavator is factory-equipped for 2D and ready for 3D systems, featuring built-in IMU sensors for “plug and play” compatibility with providers like Trimble and Leica.
- 12-inch touch screen: A vertical tablet-style touch screen replaces the traditional monitor. It offers a customizable, split-screen interface where operators can monitor 2D/3D grade systems, AI camera feeds and machine vitals simultaneously.
Volvo
Volvo Construction Equipment introduced safety- and productivity-boosting updates across its wheel loader lineup. Customers can now take advantage of expanded options and upgraded large (L350, L260 rehandler), mid-size (L60, L70, L90, L120 Electric) and compact (L25 Electric, L20 Electric) models, along with updated services like certifiable on-board weighing.
Volvo CE’s largest wheel loader, L350, now runs on a Volvo D17 engine, which delivers more power and up to 5-percent better fuel efficiency. The D17 engine uses wave piston technology to provide higher torque at lower rpm, enabling smoother low-speed operation and faster boom speeds. Together with Smart Control, a new machine feature that improves the interaction between the hydraulic, driveline and engine function to enhance performance, the D17-powered L350 is positioned to elevate job-site productivity while lowering total cost of ownership.
For specialized material management, the L260 heavy-duty rehandler has been optimized to take productivity to new heights. Built on the proven L260 platform, the rehandler now features a heavier integrated counterweight that dramatically increases loading capacity. Operators can now maximize their cycles using a 10.7-cubic-yard (8.2 m³) bucket with a standard boom or a 9.5-cubic-yard (7.3 m³) bucket with a long boom. It also incorporates advanced technologies like Automatic Traction Control to improve safety while reducing tire wear and operator fatigue.
In the mid-size range, Volvo CE has expanded its exclusive Reverse by Braking (RBB) and OptiShift technologies to the L60, L70 and L90. Previously reserved for larger-class models, these popular features eliminate power losses, reduce driveline wear and increase fuel efficiency by up to 15 percent.
Furthermore, these three models, plus the L110 and L120, can now be factory-fitted with OilQuick, an automatic quick coupler system. This allows operators to connect and disconnect hydraulic attachments from the safety of the cab in just seconds, maximizing uptime and versatility across different tasks.
The 22-ton L120 Electric wheel loader has received significant updates to its operational and safety systems, including rim-pull control to optimize traction in slippery conditions. Its responsive braking system is enhanced by a new electric brake valve, allowing full RBB functionality, even when the battery's state of charge is high or temperatures are extreme. This system assists deceleration while providing similar behavior as the energy recouperation feature, which can recoup up to 15 percent of energy, extending runtime and reducing brake wear.
The L120 Electric loader has proven particularly successful in waste and recycling applications, and a dedicated waste-handling package is now available, featuring a specialized cab air pre-cleaner and all-around machine guarding.
In the compact lineup, the third-generation L20 Electric and L25 Electric compact wheel loaders are now available in North America, after being previously introduced in other regions. The L20 Electric received a 21-percent increase in standard battery capacity, now matching the L25 Electric. Both machines also now come with expanded attachment options.
Another update is the addition of air conditioning, which was added in direct response to feedback from customers seeking enhanced operator comfort and productivity in any climate.
Recognizing that machine technology and job-site digitalization are critical competitive advantages for contractors, Volvo CE is expanding its suite of services that bridge the gap between the operator’s cab and the back office.
Certifiable on-board weighing is available in Europe for wheel loader models L110 through L260 (excluding the L120 Electric) and will be piloted in North America. This system can be certified for trade by a third party, making it legal for billing. This allows trucks to bypass site scales because the load ticket generated by the loader is accurate and secure enough for direct invoicing, which significantly streamlines site traffic and administrative efficiency.
On-board weighing integrates seamlessly with Load Ticket, a Volvo CE service that wirelessly transmits tickets from the machine to a site office. This eliminates paper tickets and the possibility of losing them creates more inaccurate invoicing and simplifies customer management.
Safety and situational awareness are amplified by the optional Volvo Smart View with 360°, now available for the L150 through L260. This system uses four strategically placed cameras to provide a complete bird's-eye view around the machine on the integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display. By eliminating blind spots, it helps operators avoid obstacles, reduces the risk of accidents and decreases operator stress.
Volvo Construction Equipment is a leading international manufacturer of premium construction equipment.
TrafFix Devices
TrafFix Devices 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 miles-per-hour (50 km/hour) and TL-2 43.5 miles-per-hour (70 km/hour) 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, while 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, 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. By actively stopping runaway vehicles from entering restricted zones, Water Cable Barrier stands out as a leader in worksite safety and a key differentiator for projects prioritizing worker protection.
TrafFix Devices, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of traffic control devices and crash attenuation products.
United Rentals
United Rentals Inc. launched the Equipment Agent, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered equipment recommendation solution designed specifically for the equipment rental industry. The new digital assistant helps customers discover, compare and select the right equipment for their projects by delivering instant, intelligent equipment rental guidance online.
The Equipment Agent provides personalized recommendations based on a customer’s project requirements. Through a conversational interface, customers can describe their job needs in plain language and receive tailored equipment suggestions in seconds, while also comparing equipment types and reviewing key specifications such as capacity, reach, terrain limitations and required accessories. The AI-powered assistant is part of United Rentals’ growing portfolio of digital capabilities designed to help customers manage their equipment needs.
By simplifying equipment discovery and providing expert guidance earlier in the planning process, Equipment Agent helps customers make faster, more confident rental decisions.
The solution seamlessly connects users to detailed product pages on the company’s website, streamlining the path from research to reservation. Built using real customer questions and refined through extensive testing by United Rentals sales and equipment experts, Equipment Agent reflects decades of fleet knowledge and practical job-site expertise.
“The Equipment Agent connects United Rentals’ equipment expertise with our customers' needs,” said Tony Leopold, senior vice president and chief technology & strategy officer at United Rentals. “It replaces traditional searching and filtering with an intuitive, agentic chat experience. Customers using the Equipment Agent are seeing a 70-percent improvement in finding the right equipment for their projects.”
Equipment Agent supports United Rentals’ broader innovation strategy, which focuses on combining digital tools, connected equipment and data insights to help customers plan, operate more efficiently and keep projects moving. By applying AI to the equipment discovery process, United Rentals is simplifying how customers identify the right solutions and accelerating the path from project planning to equipment on site.
United Rentals Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world.
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