With CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 just three weeks away, the construction equipment industry is preparing for what promises to be a watershed moment for electrification, digital solutions, and smart machine technology. The show runs March 3-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and early exhibitor announcements signal a decisive shift toward electric powertrains, advanced hydraulics, and AI-assisted operation.

Here’s what the industry can expect when the doors open.

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The Electrification Inflection Point

If there’s a single theme dominating pre-show announcements, it’s electrification—but with a critical distinction. Exhibitors aren’t just showcasing electric machines; they’re presenting complete system architectures that address the practical realities of transitioning fleets.

Danfoss Power Solutions: eHydraulics Takes the Spotlight

Danish component giant Danfoss Power Solutions will exhibit at booth S80614 with more than 100 products organized by machine subsystem: propel, steer, work, and control. The centerpiece will be a side-by-side comparison of two wheel loader architectures—one traditional hydraulic-powered and one fully electric—demonstrating how their component ecosystem works in both configurations.

The company’s eHydraulics portfolio will feature prominently, including the Danfoss ePump and eTraction systems. These represent the growing hybrid approach many OEMs are adopting: using electric motors to drive hydraulic systems rather than replacing hydraulics entirely.

Danfoss engineers will present at the National Fluid Power Association’s Advanced Hydraulics Conference running concurrently with CONEXPO. Topics include increasing runtime for battery-electric excavators through digital hydraulics and optimizing eHydraulic system performance on battery-electric backhoe loaders.

The company will also debut several new products: the BMV Integrated Drive Motor, FC619C Corrugated Suction Hose, ICMB Industrial Cam Lobe Motor, and additions to the PVG Valve family.

Road Equipment Brands Double Down on Smart Technology

Fayat Group will arrive with 58 machines across seven brands—ADM, Bomag, Dynapac, Ermont, LeeBoy, Marini, and Mecalac—unified under a road construction and urban development theme. The French conglomerate has promised seven world premieres.

Notable Debuts

Bomag CR 820 T Series 2 Paver: A new front-mount screed design addressing operator visibility and placement accuracy concerns.

Dynapac Seismic Asphalt Technology: Perhaps the most intriguing announcement—compaction equipment that automatically adjusts vibration frequency based on real-time feedback during operation. The CC7000VI tandem roller and CP28 pneumatic roller will both feature this AI-assisted compaction technology.

LeeBoy PR900 Dual-Spray Asphalt Distributor: A patented system addressing precision in tack coat application.

ADM/Ermont/Marini Vision System: Real-time asphalt plant monitoring with predictive maintenance capabilities, reflecting the broader industry push toward connected equipment ecosystems.

The Fayat announcements underscore three priorities the company has identified for the North American market: driving innovation through advanced technology, maximizing productivity and operational efficiency, and promoting sustainability through electrification and operator-focused design.

Wear Parts and Components: Often Overlooked, Always Essential

While flashy new iron dominates trade show coverage, the components and consumables that keep equipment running deserve attention.

WearKraft Makes Its CONEXPO Debut

WearKraft, a global provider of wear solutions for crushing equipment, will make its first CONEXPO appearance at booth C-33074. The company manufactures wear parts for jaw crushers, cone crushers, impactors, and VSI machines with distribution centers in the UK, USA, and Asia-Pacific.

For contractors running crushing operations, wear parts represent a significant ongoing expense. The company’s focus on “all-makes” solutions—parts compatible with multiple manufacturer equipment—addresses the practical reality that most contractors operate mixed fleets.

The NVIDIA Factor: Embedded Computing Arrives

Connect Tech, a provider of rugged embedded computing solutions, will showcase NVIDIA Jetson-powered systems designed for construction applications. This signals the maturation of AI and computer vision technology for equipment—moving from experimental to production-ready.

The implications are significant. Machine learning at the edge enables features like:

  • Real-time object detection for collision avoidance
  • Automated grade control with centimeter accuracy
  • Predictive maintenance based on vibration and temperature analysis
  • Autonomous operation in defined work zones

As embedded computing platforms become more robust and cost-effective, expect these capabilities to migrate from flagship machines to mid-range equipment.

What to Watch: Key Themes for 2026

1. Hybrid Approaches Dominate

Pure battery-electric equipment will be present, but the larger trend is hybrid systems—electric components working alongside hydraulics, diesel generators providing charging capability, and modular designs that allow fleet owners to transition incrementally.

2. Software as Differentiator

Nearly every major exhibitor announcement emphasizes software: fleet management platforms, telematics integration, predictive maintenance algorithms, and autonomous operation systems. The machine itself is becoming a platform; the software running on it determines capability.

3. Operator Experience Evolution

Multiple announcements reference “operator-focused design” and “enhanced controllability.” Expect to see redesigned cab environments, improved visibility packages, and interface systems that reduce training requirements for new operators.

4. Connected Ecosystem Maturation

The ADM/Ermont/Marini Vision system and similar announcements reflect equipment manufacturers’ recognition that machines don’t operate in isolation. Real-time data flow between equipment, plants, and back-office systems is becoming standard expectation.

The Show Floor Reality

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 will occupy over 2.8 million square feet of exhibit space with more than 2,000 exhibitors. For attendees, that scale requires strategic planning.

Key Locations

  • Danfoss Power Solutions: Booth S80614 (South Hall)
  • WearKraft: Booth C-33074
  • Fayat Group Brands: Multiple locations; check show floor map

Educational Programming

The National Fluid Power Association’s Advanced Hydraulics Conference running parallel to CONEXPO offers technical deep-dives on eHydraulics and electrification—valuable for contractors evaluating technology investments.

Investment Implications for Fleet Owners

The technology on display at CONEXPO 2026 isn’t abstract—it represents real decisions fleet owners will face in the next 24-36 months.

Questions to Consider

Electrification Timeline: When does electric equipment make sense for your applications? The hybrid systems on display offer stepping-stone approaches that may prove more practical than full fleet conversion.

Software Subscription Costs: As machines become software platforms, ongoing subscription fees become operational costs. Evaluate not just equipment purchase price but total cost of ownership including connected services.

Operator Training Investment: Advanced technology requires trained operators to deliver value. Factor training costs and timeline into equipment acquisition decisions.

Component Compatibility: Wear parts and consumables from multiple sources—like WearKraft’s all-makes approach—can reduce operating costs but require inventory management consideration.

The Bigger Picture

CONEXPO 2026 arrives at an interesting moment for the construction equipment industry. Infrastructure spending remains strong. Labor shortages persist. Technology costs continue declining while capability increases.

The exhibitors descending on Las Vegas aren’t just showing products—they’re placing bets on where the industry is heading. Electrification investment is accelerating. Software differentiation is becoming essential. Connected equipment ecosystems are maturing from concept to requirement.

For contractors and fleet managers, the show offers an opportunity to evaluate not just what’s available today, but what will be standard in five years. The decisions made in the next 12-24 months will determine competitive positioning for the remainder of the decade.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 runs March 3-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Registration and exhibitor information available at conexpoconagg.com.