It was certainly a year like no other for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 in Las Vegas. Concerns around COVID-19 – officially declared a pandemic in the midst of the show – certainly impacted the attendance numbers (official attendance numbers have not been released as of yet) and it had many exhibitors and attendees concerned.
There was enough concern that show organizers AEM sent out a press release on the Thursday of show stating that CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 would be shut down one day early.
That said, the majority of exhibitors at the show were very happy with the attendees.
“Despite the lighter attendance, we’re still seeing great quality attendees come through,” said Sean McLanahan, president and CEO of McLanahan Corporation, during his company’s press event. “We’re still having a good quality show.”
That sentiment was echoed by many exhibitors throughout the show.
“We’re extremely pleased with the turnout of exhibitors,” said Domenic Ruccolo, CEO of the Wirtgen Group.
Several exhibitors mentioned that concerns surrounding the virus scared away all the “tire kickers” and left just the serious customers to speak with about their latest technologies, and that was fine by them.
Speaking of new technologies, there were plenty to see at the show.
Here are a few of the highlights.
Astec’s Daniel Filsinger walked Rock to Road through his company’s new water clarification system process. Andrew Snook
The Wirtgen Group’s discusses new F-Series milling machines has 400 new features! Andrew Snook
Richard Evans of the Wirtgen Group discusses the new HAMM HP Series ballasting concept designed for ideal weight distribution. Andrew Snook
Jim Holland of the Wirtgen Group shows off the Vogele RoadScan temperature measurement system. Andrew Snook
Tom Chastain of the Wirtgen Group discusses a few of the 400 new features (yes, 400!) on the new F-Series milling machines. Andrew Snook
The W 380 CRi cold recycler from the Wirtgen Group is able to remove all distressed asphalt down to top layer of aggregate to help operators achieve a longer lasting product. Andrew Snook
Tim Nash discusses the features of the SP15i offset slipform paver, including being able to pave without a string line guide. Andrew Snook
Thomas Jordan of the Wirtgen Group discusses the features of Kleemann’s 900 Series Mobi Screen EVO, including a wider discharge belt to utilize its 5ft. 1in. screen. Andrew Snook
Jan Schmidt discusses the WPT (Wirtgen Performance Tracker) system for milling machines. Andrew Snook
Trimble’s Eric Harris remotely operates heavy equipment operating in Dayton, Ohio using Trimble autonomous technologies at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Andrew Snook
Sit, boy, sit! Good robot. At the Trimble booth, autonomous construction robot “SPOT” was getting lots of attention. Andrew Snook
Trimble’s Wayne Dove offers a tour of some of the company’s latest fleet management software. Andrew Snook
Spencer Kossl, applications and new business development manager for Terex MPS, discusses new features on the Terex Cedarapids TG420 cone crusher. Andrew Snook
A colour for every application! Superior Industries’ new Spinguard Idler Seals are colour-coded by application. Andrew Snook
Terex MPS offers an overview of its various brands during a CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 press conference. Andrew Snook
Jamie Harthoorn walks Rock to Road through Terex’s new CRH1113R portable plant features a brand new crusher, screen and feeder. Andrew Snook
Roadtec product manager Kyle Neisen shows off the SB-3000 material transfer vehicle, which was unveiled at
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Lots of operator input was put into the design. It has a 4-wheel steer to make it more maneuverable around tight job sites and the ground operator now has a work station inside the machine, which has a place for truck tickets, a clean out tool holder and shovel holders. Andrew Snook
Roadtec product manager Kyle Neisen shows off the SB-3000 material transfer vehicle, which was unveiled at
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Lots of operator input was put into the design. It has a 4-wheel steer to make it more maneuverable around tight job sites and the ground operator now has a work station inside the machine, which has a place for truck tickets, a clean out tool holder and shovel holders. Andrew Snook
File photo from Polydeck. Photo: Andrew Snook
A 3D-printed statue of a female construction worker was unveiled during the opening ceremonies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Andrew Snook
Members of the Metso team put their finishing touches on an impressive sand display. Andrew Snook
Members of the Metso team put their finishing touches on an impressive sand display. Andrew Snook
Crowds gather around the Martin Engineering booth to hear about the company’s latest conveyor solutions. Andrew Snook
Major Wire’s FLEX-MAT ID Enabled is designed to optimize inventory management. The technology embeds RFID chips in FLEX-MAT enabled screens where operators can download an app that sends predetermined information back to them about their screens. Andrew Snook
Danny Allen offers a tour of Link-Belt Excavators’ next-generation cab using an augmented reality application. The cab will be going on the company’s 355 prototype machine. Andrew Snook
Astec’s Daniel Filsinger walked Rock to Road through his company’s new water clarification system process. Andrew Snook
The Kolberg-Pioneer Hybrid FT4250CC now has an added prescreen in the feeder and features the company’s new patented hybrid diesel-electric technology (440hp diesel/400hp electric). Andrew Snook
The K350+ Kodiak Plus Cone Crusher can be swapped into the same chassis as a K300+ with relative ease. Andrew Snook
Duncan High shows off the features of the Haver & Boecker F-Class portable plant. Andrew Snook
Karen Thompson, president of Haver & Boecker Niagara, discusses the history of Haver & Boecker Niagara and its Tyler roots in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Andrew Snook
Gencor used augmented reality technologies at their booth to show what the inside of a drum looks like during operation. Andrew Snook
Gencor used augmented reality technologies at their booth to show what the inside of a drum looks like during operation. Andrew Snook
Attendees gather around a Doosan DL hybrid. Rated power of 144hp, op weight of 54,896lb, 2.6 cu. yd bucket and 21,919 lbf breakout force. Andrew Snook
John Deere unveiled its 333G SmartGrade CTL at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Andrew Snook
CDE showcased its Combo X900E2 wash plant. Features include: reduced footprint and power consumption, easy maintenance access, enhanced modularity, and rapid installation. Smart programming helps operators achieve maximum production capabilities. Andrew Snook
Attendees check out the monster trucks at the BKT booth. Andrew Snook
The Kolberg-Pioneer Hybrid FT4250CC now has an added prescreen in the feeder and features the company’s new patented hybrid diesel-electric technology (440hp diesel/400hp electric). Andrew Snook
The K350+ Kodiak Plus Cone Crusher can be swapped into the same chassis as a K300+ with relative ease. Andrew Snook
Attendees were regularly checking out Superior Industries’ monster telestacker conveyor. It has a maximum stockpile capacity of 260,000 tons and they’re available in two dozen models with hundreds of options. Andrew Snook
Stan Park, vice president of distribution and marketing for Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas sharing at a press event at CONEXPO/CON-AGG in Las Vegas, Nev. Jay Koblun
Hyundai showcased the R18E, a Hyundai-electric-powered compact excavator, at its indoor exhibit.
Pink-Belt is a 15.2‐metric ton Link-Belt hydraulic excavator painted pink to show support for breast cancer awareness. Jay Koblun
You’ve never seen a Caterpillar show like this. Caterpillar introduced its Operator Stadium. Visitors could see equipment hard at work. Jay Koblun
SANY displayed several of its brand new excavators being displayed for the first time in the North American market. Demos showed just how far the machines can be pushed. PHOTO: Jay Koblun
SANY displayed several of its brand new excavators being displayed for the first time in the North American market. Demos showed just how far the machines can be pushed. Jay Koblun
Link-Belt Excavators held a skill challenge, asking visitors to see how fast they can scoop up three basketballs and drop them in a basket. Jay Koblun
Liebherr’s L 550 was one display. The Liebherr driveline helps minimize fuel consumption and brake and tire wear. Jay Koblun
Look for the full CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 report in the March/April issue of Rock to Road!