State of the Industry 2019

Opportunities and challenges remain for automation, connectivity and alternative power sources in the heavy-duty equipment industry.

October 11, 2019

Cover Graphic For Base

Automation, connectivity and alternative power sources continue to be among the dominating trends within the heavy-duty vehicle industry. As the technologies advance, the opportunities they can bring—such as improved machine performance, ease of operation and reduced emissions—have increased. They also present many challenges in how manufacturers can best implement them into their designs. Our State of the Industry interviews provide insight into how OEMs and suppliers are working to overcome these challenges and make the best of the opportunities available now and in the future.

Interview topics for 2019 include:

Global Markets
Government & Trade
Diesel, Electric and Other Power Alternatives
Data, IoT & Connectivity
Automation & Smart Systems
Industry Consolidation
Challenges & Opportunities

All of this year's full-length Q&As can be found below.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM): Dennis Slater, President

Bosch Rexroth: Terry Hershberger, E-Systems Team Manager, Mobile Hydraulics

B&R Industrial Automation: Sean Grieve, Business Development Manager

Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE): Riccardo Viaggi , Secretary General

Cummins Inc.: Eric Neal, Executive Director

Dana Inc.: Jeroen Decleer, Vice President of Global Off-Highway Sales, Product Planning, and Strategy

Danfoss Power Solutions: Eric Alström, President

Eaton: Astrid Mozes, Vice President, Power & Motion Controls

Hatz Diesel of North America, Inc.: Michael L. Hartoonian, President and CEO

HED Inc.: Paul Ludwig, President and CEO

Innovusion: Steve Ehrsam, VP Marketing and Sales

John Deere Power Systems: Michael Lefebvre, Manager, Worldwide Marketing Support, and John Radke, Manager, Worldwide Customer Support

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association/Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (MEMA/HDMA): Ann Wilson, Senior Vice President

Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc.: Josh Swank, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Sciemetric: Derek Kuhn, President and General Manager

SKF Americas: Michael D’Argenio, Vice President, Digital Transformation & Customer Experience

Southco, Inc.: Bob Straka, General Manager, Transportation

Topcon Agriculture: Brian Sorbe, VP of Global Production Solutions

Volvo Penta of the Americas: Ron Huibers, President and CEO

Siemens connects healthcare providers and medical designers to produce components through additive manufacturing.

Manufacturers Shifting Gears to Aid Global Health Crisis

Manufacturers in the heavy equipment industry are donating various resources to provide much needed medical supplies for the fight against coronavirus.

The CupWheel has a track-like design which aids movement through fields when used in agricultural applications.

New Airless Tire Aims to Improve Productivity and Comfort

Taking inspiration from the shape of a cup, a new tire design with an airless structure helps improve the operator experience while reducing compaction.

Jacobs' Cylinder Deactivation technology reduces camshaft friction as well as pumping losses in part-load conditions.

Engine Efficiency and Performance Remain Key Design Factors for Manufacturers

Enhancements to internal components as well as the development of new technologies are enabling manufacturers to enhance their engine designs.

The Cat 313 and 313 GC excavators provide increased performance and efficiency.

Caterpillar Introduces Next Generation Excavators

The excavator models include new technology features to enhance productivity as well as improved operator cab designs.

Jd 700 L Dozer 1

John Deere Launches New Dozer Models with Low-Effort Electrohydraulic Controls

Ease of operation was a key element for the new John Deere 700L and 750L dozers which include a new operator station and smart grade capabilities.

The new Cat 140 GC motor grader.

New Caterpillar Motor Grader and Grade System Aid Productivity Improvements

The new Cat 140 GC motor grader features a precisely designed hydraulic system for balanced performance in all operating situations and is available with the company's new mastless grade system.

Liebherr Lb45 Drilling Rig 300dpi

New Liebherr Drilling Rig Offers Increased Performance and Flexibility

Liebherr's new LB45 drilling rig features 10% more torque to provide customers with improved performance.

07 Zf The System Supplier Electrified Compact Loader 3 2 748px

ZF eTRAC Driveline System for Electric Vehicles

The ZF eTRAC driveline system extends continuous performance up to 42 kW and an operating voltage of 650V.

A 1-yd. Slackline Dragline bucket brings in a load of wet gravel.

The Slackline Dragline and Tower Machine

Excavation of materials in below-grade situations which were impractical for standard machines brought about development of the Slackline Cableway Excavator.

Doosan Video

Doosan's Concept-X Showcases Autonomous Worksite of the Future

Concept-X is a comprehensive control solution that can be used to survey worksite topography via drones and operate construction equipment autonomously.

Caterpillar F2 Series Backhoe Loader

Caterpillar Launches Five New Backhoe Loader Models

The new F2 Series backhoe loaders feature a new engine which delivers up to 10% improved fuel economy compared to the previous versions.

Case's new fully-electric backhoe is already being utilized by two utilities in the U.S.

Case Looks to Redefine its Construction Equipment

Within recent years the equipment manufacturer has developed several new machine types, including those with alternative power sources.

Built Robotics Video

How Built Robotics Autonomous Robots Help Construction

Built Robotics believes its automation technology is well suited to excavation and trenching work to improve productivity and efficiency.

The udelv last-mile delivery vehicle operates autonomously and is supervised by a safety driver.

Push for Mobile Robots and Autonomous Vehicles in Logistics Grows in Importance

IDTechEx's latest report examines the growing need for autonomous machines in logistics and delivery applications, especially now due to current health concerns around the globe.

Tu Simple Autonomous Truck

TuSimple Partnering with ZF on Development of Autonomous Trucks

The companies will co-develop production-quality solutions which enable autonomous operation including cameras, LiDAR and steering technologies.

A battery in the test chamber at MAHLE's new testing facility.

MAHLE Opens New Testing Facility to Streamline Electric Vehicle Battery Development

The new testing facility features a climate-controlled cell to create a simulated, repeatable real-world test environment.

Liebherr is including rear personnel detection on its new wheel loaders.

Liebherr Launches New Wheel Loaders with Assistance Systems and Joystick Steering

New assistance systems included on the wheel loaders include active personnel detection, adaptive working lighting, integrated tire pressure monitoring system and a weighing system.

A Yanmar Stage V compliant engine.

European Equipment Associations Ask for Delay on Next Stage V Deadlines

The associations are asking for a temporary delay on implementing the next Stage V emissions compliance deadlines as the supply chain for manufacturers has been interrupted due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Hyundia Video Screenshot

Hyundai CE Enters Electric Excavator Market

The company debuted its new electric excavator design during CONEXPO 2020.

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CASE Describes Innovation Path to Alternative Propulsion

Company leaders discuss CASE CE and CNH Industrial alternative energy strategy.

Cat Command for Loading Console with 930M Small Wheel Loader.

Caterpillar Expands Cat Command Capabilities to More Construction Equipment

The company is expanding its Cat Command to include remote control and semi-autonomous operation.

Terramac Rt7 R Press Release Image 1

Terramac Launches 360-Degree Rotating Crawler Carrier

The new RT7R rotating crawler carrier features a compact design and upper frame that rotates a full 360-degrees.

The SW32 100 hp skid steer vertical lift arm offers a hinge-pin height of 134.8 in., which is ideal for using pallet forks and loading high-sided trucks.

Wacker Neuson Launches New Equipment at CONEXPO 2020

The new machines offer end customers improvements in performance, visibility and maintenance access.

The Echo TM-2000 Autonomous Turf Mower

Robotic Lawn Mower Market to Grow 12.5% Through 2029

Future Market Insights' new report indicates robotic lawn mower growth will mainly be in the consumer segment but there will also be heavy demand from the commercial landscape industry.

Jlg 670 Sj Cmyk 2x3

New JLG Self-Leveling Boom Lift Automatically Levels on Grades up to 10 Degrees

The new 670SJ self-leveling boom lift allows operators to traverse uneven ground with full functionality while driving at height.

Robomag

BOMAG Exhibits Fully Autonomous Tandem Roller

Known as ROBOMAG, the concept machine combines guidance technologies such as GPS, Lidar and state-of-the-art positioning sensors to enable fully autonomous operation.

The R35E was developed in collaboration with Cummins Inc.

Hyundai Demonstrates Electric-Powered Compact Excavators

Hyundai exhibited two electric-powered compact excavators during CONEXPO 2020, one of which was developed in collaboration with Cummins Inc.