Construction

Volvo CE to launch new set of wheel loaders

The new-look fleet of wheel loaders from Volvo CE (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is launching its new generation wheel loaders that will be available for the global market later this year.

The five revamped models are the L150, L180, L200 High Lift, L220 and L260 and are designed for optimal productivity, operator comfort and safety.

Aside from a fresh design, these hard-working and versatile machines offer faster cycle times, exceptional performance and unmatched operator comfort, packed with intelligent solutions to help customers maximise productivity and profitability.

“Our new generation wheel loaders represent a significant leap forward in technology and design,” said Erich Kribs, product manager at Volvo CE.

The introduction of new generation load sensing hydraulics enables faster cycle times by ensuring attachment responsiveness and improving boom lift and lowering speeds.

An automatic bucket levelling function further boosts productivity by returning the bucket to a level position from both dump and curl positions, while the intelligent Auto Bucket Fill feature delivers optimal, consistent bucket filling every time.

Key features

Thanks to updated Smart Control, the fuel-efficient engine mode activates by default whenever the machine is turned on, reducing fuel consumption without compromising productivity. The wheel loaders are also compatible with HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oils) fuel.

“With these models, we’re not just enhancing productivity and comfort but also setting new standards for innovation and efficiency in the industry,” added Kribs.

“This latest launch is part of our most ambitious year yet, as we continue to introduce a range of groundbreaking products designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

With an entirely Volvo powertrain, quality runs through the DNA of the wheel loaders, in delivering optimal stability and efficiency by synchronising the transmission with the engine and axles.

The converter delivers increased torque output for better performance at low speeds, while reduced gear step intervals provide even faster acceleration and smoother operation.

Pioneering technologies such as Volvo’s OptiShift and the patented Reverse By Braking (RBB) function decrease cycle times and extend component lifespan.

To support robust performance in the most demanding applications, such as the African market, the unique Volvo Torque Parallel (TP) linkage delivers high breakout torque and ultimate parallel movement throughout the entire lifting range.

Volvo CE has also prioritised operator comfort, safety and ease of service in its latest wheel loader update.

The new generation wheel loaders will be gradually introduced across select markets globally during 2025, the company said.

Diriyah Company awards $1bn contract for KSU relocation

The deal adds to a growing list of major contracts awarded by Diriyah Company. (Image source: Diriyah)

Diriyah Company has awarded a US$1.13bn (SAR 4.225 billion) construction contract to relocate King Saud University’s (KSU) existing utilities and administration offices, as part of the ongoing development of the Diriyah masterplan.

The contract has been granted to a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corporation Limited Saudi Branch and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Construction Co. Ltd (CRCCSA & CRCGCPC).

“We are delighted to announce this major contract to support King Saud University, whose campus adjoins the Diriyah development area,” said Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company. “This agreement marks yet another important step in aligning our efforts to advance educational and infrastructural excellence in the Kingdom. We are proud to support one of the Kingdom’s leading academic institutions in delivering enhanced infrastructure services that will benefit both its students and the broader university community.”

Li ChongYang, chairman of China Railway Construction International Group Co., commented, “We are honoured to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this significant and unique development. This contract reflects our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic project and supporting the continued growth of King Saud University.”

The contract covers the design, construction and relocation of the university’s utilities and administration facilities.

Expectations for the future

This includes a new district cooling plant, water storage systems, a sewage treatment plant, LPG/SNG plant, diesel transfer pumping station, utility tunnels, irrigation water storage, office buildings, warehouses, and maintenance workshops.

Diriyah Company is also planning additional assets within the same area in future development phases.

The deal adds to a growing list of major contracts awarded by Diriyah Company, as the 14 sq km "City of Earth" continues to progress.

With this latest award, total contracts signed in 2025 now exceed US$2.9bn.

A flagship project supported by the Public Investment Fund, Diriyah is set to transform into a mixed-use urban hub, offering housing for nearly 100,000 residents, significant office space for professionals in technology, media, arts, and education, and is expected to generate approximately 178,000 jobs.

The development aims to attract close to 50 million visitors annually and contribute around US$18.6bn (SAR 70 billion) directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.

bauma 2025 concludes with focus on future-ready construction

The 49th edition of bauma, the world’s largest trade fair for construction and mining equipment, took place from 7–13 April at the Munich exhibition centre, reaffirming its status as a key barometer for the global construction industry.

“bauma is the heartbeat of the industry and has once again shown how crucial exchange and personal encounters are for progress and global trade,” said Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München. “We hosted around 600,000 visitors from more than 200 countries and regions.”

The event served not only as a showcase for innovation but also as a space where new partnerships were formed, and strategic conversations took place. Industry players confirmed that bauma continues to set the pace when it comes to shaping both technological progress and the emotional pulse of the sector.

“bauma 2025 showed a strong heart of the industry—with SENNEBOGEN representing its green core. We are delighted with the positive atmosphere in the sectors, which we hadn’t expected in this form,” said Erich Sennebogen, owner of Sennebogen.

“The who’s who of the German, European and international construction and extraction industries meets at bauma. Once again, it demonstrated its status as a leading trade fair and proved to be the beating heart of the industry,” added Holger Schulz, Managing Director at Zeppelin (CAT).

Sustainability and digitalisation emerged as dominant themes across the show floor, with CO₂ reduction and alternative drive systems featured heavily in product launches and panel discussions. “bauma 2025 has impressively demonstrated that trends such as CO₂ reduction and alternative drives have established themselves in the industry,” said Wolfgang Sochor, CEO of HAWE Hydraulik.

“At bauma, we showcased a number of important future topics, such as drive technology and autonomy. For us, bauma is much more than just a trade fair—it is the platform where the future of the industry is made tangible,” said Steffen Günther, a member of the Board of Directors of Liebherr-International AG. “My personal highlight was our bauma motto ‘Hands on the future’. For us, this is not just a phrase, but an attitude; one that was also well received by our customers.”

From North America to Asia, exhibitors praised bauma’s impact as a global business catalyst. Robert Hauser, CEO of Doka, described the experience as a resounding success: “The joint trade fair appearance of Doka and other brands of our parent company was a complete success. The interest in our innovations and further developments was overwhelming. For us, bauma is the most important platform for advancing future topics.”

“The trade fair is a great success and in some cases exceeds the business expectations of our member companies,” said Joachim Schmid, Managing Director of the VDMA Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants Association.

International participation reached new highs, particularly from Brazil, Portugal, Romania, the Netherlands, Turkey and Spain, with an uptick in visitors from China compared to bauma 2019. Toshiaki Ujiie, President and CEO of the Tadano Group, noted: “bauma offers the perfect stage to present our latest technologies and solutions to a global audience. It is an invaluable event that enables us to exchange ideas directly with our customers and industry experts.”

“bauma 2025 surprised us with an extraordinary level of international public interest from the very first day of the trade fair,” said Mehmet Varlik, Managing Director of the SCHWING/Stetter Group.

ABB showcases electric innovations at bauma 2025

The AMXE160 expands ABB’s motor capabilities with configurations ranging from 30kW to over 600kW, ensuring high power density and operational efficiency. (Image source: ABB)

Global electrification and automation pioneer ABB will spotlight its latest innovations at bauma 2025—the premier international trade fair for construction and mining machinery—taking place from 7–13 April in Munich, Germany

With a 140-year legacy, ABB continues to drive sustainable transformation in mining and construction, offering technologies that advance safety, energy efficiency, and productivity. At Booth 413 in Hall C2, attendees can explore how ABB is revolutionising operations through cutting-edge electric and automated solutions.

Electrifying heavy vehicles

A key highlight of the show will be ABB’s unveiling of a suite of products aimed at supporting the shift to electric and hybrid heavy-duty vehicles. These systems are engineered for both newly built fleets and retrofit applications, including:

HES580 mobile inverter: Marking a world-first, this 3-level inverter reduces harmonic losses by up to 75%, boosting motor efficiency and extending equipment life by minimising stress on winding systems.
Pro battery series: These advanced traction batteries for electric heavy vehicles are compact, lightweight, and built for safety and long service life.
AMXE160 motor: The newest addition to the AMXE portfolio, the AMXE160 expands ABB’s motor capabilities with configurations ranging from 30kW to over 600kW, ensuring high power density and operational efficiency.

ABB will also showcase solutions for improving energy efficiency off-vehicle. These include:

ACS880LC multidrive: A liquid-cooled drive cabinet designed for harsh conditions to ensure dependable operation.
ACS8080 MV drive: ABB’s newest air-cooled medium-voltage drive, offering top-tier reliability, flexibility, and performance.

Beyond drives and motors, ABB will present a wide range of automation and electrification technologies, such as its eMine portfolio, B&R systems, and updated Harnessflex conduit solutions.

Harnessflex EVO metallic conduit: Designed for electric vehicle systems in mining and construction, this flexible steel conduit meets stringent fire safety requirements. It protects key components such as Power Distribution Units, Motor Control Units, E-Axles, and High Voltage Battery Packs. It is part of the expanded EVO family, which includes the industry’s first EV connector backshells and robust nylon conduits.

ABB’s mission is to shape a more energy-efficient and sustainable world. By fusing engineering expertise with digital innovation, the company helps industries achieve peak performance while advancing decarbonisation. As ABB describes it: “Engineered to Outrun.”

With over 105,000 employees and operations in 100+ countries, ABB is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

Wirtgen Group launches zero-emission construction system

Wirtgen Group advances zero-emission road repairs with efficient, high-performance milling, paving, and compaction solutions. (Image source: Wirtgen Group)

Wirtgen Group, a leader in road construction technology, has introduced a groundbreaking production system designed to operate with zero emissions, combining electrically powered machines with green hydrogen technology.

Unveiled as a modular solution, the system integrates a cold milling machine, a road paver, a tandem roller, an asphalt mixing plant, and a crushing plant, all tailored for sustainable urban construction projects.

With growing pressure to reduce environmental impact, particularly in inner-city settings, this innovation addresses the need for lower CO₂ emissions, reduced noise pollution, and improved energy efficiency.

At the core of the system are three battery-electric machines: the Wirtgen W 50 Re cold milling machine, the Vögele SUPER 1300-5e road paver, and the Hamm HX 70e tandem roller.

These machines, developed in collaboration with Kreisel Electric—a battery specialist majority-owned by Wirtgen’s parent company, John Deere—rely on high-voltage drive systems to meet varying power demands.

Designed for small-scale urban repair and maintenance work, they remove damaged asphalt, lay new pavement, and compact it without emitting exhaust fumes.

To ensure consistent operation, a mobile charging infrastructure has been engineered to power multiple machines on-site, overcoming the logistical challenges of electric construction equipment.

For the energy-intensive task of crushing milled asphalt, the Kleemann MR 100i NEOe mobile impact crusher employs an all-electric E-DRIVE system, which can connect to an external power source for zero-emission performance.

In areas with limited electricity, it can switch to a diesel-electric setup using HVO100, a low-carbon alternative fuel, maintaining a smaller environmental footprint.

This crushed material is then reused in the asphalt mixing plant, enhancing the system’s circular efficiency.

Green hydrogen focus

A standout feature is the asphalt mixing plant’s Benninghoven burner, the world’s first to run exclusively on green hydrogen.

This technology significantly cuts CO₂ emissions during asphalt production, a process traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. The burner, paired with advanced control and drying systems, maximises efficiency, making asphalt production a key area for sustainable improvement in road construction.

All components of the system feed performance data into the John Deere Operations Center™, a telematics platform that provides real-time insights into machine functions and battery levels. This connectivity allows contractors to monitor and manage fleets effectively, ensuring optimal performance across entire construction sites.

The system’s standardised components streamline maintenance and reduce costs by using shared service parts and a universal operating interface. Beyond operational benefits, it offers a quieter working environment, benefiting both site workers and nearby residents. Contractors adopting this technology gain a competitive edge, meeting stringent municipal regulations and appealing to investors who prioritise sustainability in project funding.

Sidebar