The Utility Expo 2025: Hands-on Demos, New Tech and the Return of the HDD Rodeo Await in Louisville
The Utility Expo 2025 is almost here, and Compact Equipment is excited to join the action October 7-9 in Louisville, Kentucky, alongside our parent company, Benjamin Media. As North America’s largest utility and construction tradeshow, the expo offers a front-row seat to cutting-edge equipment, tools and technology across electric, gas, telecom and water industries.
One of the can’t-miss events? The return of the HDD Rodeo — a high-energy directional drilling competition organized by Benjamin Media. The best drill crews in the country will battle for top honors making it a thrilling showcase of skill and innovation in trenchless technology.
Beyond the rodeo, attendees will find over 900 exhibitors, hands-on test drives, expanded educational sessions and other exciting competitions like the NUCA Operators Challenge. With new safety, mental health and workforce development initiatives, the 2025 show offers more than machines. Of course Compact Equipment readers should definitely plan to see the latest compact machinery demos and product launches. In fact, here are some of the equipment and booths we want to check out in Louisville.
Caterpillar Celebrates 100 Years with Centennial 305 CR
Caterpillar is marking a century of innovation with a special showcase at Utility Expo 2025, headlined by the Cat 305 CR mini excavator in “Centennial Grey.” This striking limited edition unit pays homage to the original color of Caterpillar’s earliest machines, while offering the latest in performance and technology. Designed for tight spaces, the 305 CR delivers exceptional power, smooth operation and advanced jobsite tech. Commemorative markings and an interior plate distinguish this exclusive machine, available through select dealers only. Celebrate 100 years of progress and take a peek at what’s next in compact equipment. For more info, visit cat.com and booth number K198.
Bobcat Highlights End-to-End Jobsite Solutions
Bobcat Co. is showcasing its full suite of compact machines and attachments tailored for utility contractors in Lot K. Attendees will experience Bobcat’s lineup of compact track loaders, mini excavators and a wide selection of attachments — from augers and trenchers to buckets and grapples — all aimed at increasing productivity and jobsite versatility. Designed to handle the toughest tasks, Bobcat’s utility-focused solutions offer the efficiency and reliability contractors need to get the job done right. Explore how Bobcat empowers operators with tools for every application. For more info, visit bobcat.com and booth number K129.
Takeuchi Debuts TL11R3 Track Loader
Takeuchi-US is rolling into Utility Expo 2025 with a strong compact equipment lineup, including the debut of the all-new TL11R3 compact track loader. Available August 1, the TL11R3 joins a display that includes award-winning machines like the TCR50-2 crawler dumper and the TB335R and TB350R excavators — the latter shown with a Nox tiltrotator. Visitors can demo the TB257FR and TL10V2 at the outdoor booth. Indoors, Takeuchi will showcase the TB395W wheeled excavator, TB20e electric excavator and TL12V2 forestry track loader. For more info, visit takeuchi-us.com and booths K355 (outdoor) and N315 (indoor).
Ditch Witch HX20G: Compact Yet Mighty Vacuum Excavator
Ditch Witch brings compact power to Utility Expo with the HX20G, a gas-powered vacuum excavator built for transportability and performance. Featuring a 27-hp Kohler EFI engine, this unit offers powerful 541-cfm suction and 3,000 psi water pressure, ideal for utility location and slurry removal. Choose between 150- or 300-gal spoils tanks with a 90-gal water tank to match jobsite needs. The HX20G’s compact design allows towing with a standard pickup and includes operator-friendly features like simplified controls and easy maintenance access. For more info, visit ditchwitch.com and booth number K1571.
Mecalac’s Revotruck Reimagines Safety and Visibility
Mecalac will display its revolutionary Revotruck at Utility Expo, an award-winning site dumper with a rotating cab that maximizes operator visibility and safety. Available in 6- and 9-ton payloads, the Revotruck’s 225-degree rotating cab enables seamless directional changes without twisting the body, while the swivel bed eliminates the need to reposition when dumping. Built for construction, landscaping and golf course projects, this dumper combines off-road power with ergonomic design. For more info, visit mecalac.com and booth number E1314.
Loftness Revamps Flail Mower for Vegetation Control
Loftness brings a redesigned flail mower attachment to Utility Expo 2025, built for skid steers and compact track loaders. This mower handles grass, weeds and brush up to 3/4 in. thick and now includes new duckfoot and flail knife options, along with an available floating hitch for ground contour following and a consistent cut. The tool-free knife change system improves operator flexibility, and larger rotor and rear roller bearings boost durability. Made in the U.S.A. from premium steel, this mower is a rugged solution for vegetation control. For more info, visit loftness.com and booth number E603.
Vermeer Microtrencher Cuts Fiber Trenches Fast
Vermeer’s MTR516 microtrencher attachment helps contractors install fiber-optic lines quickly and with minimal surface disruption. Compatible with the Vermeer RTX550 and RTX750 ride-on tractors, it cuts trenches up to 17 in. deep and 1 to 2 in. wide. With wheel options for asphalt, concrete or rock, and a fully shrouded cutting wheel to reduce debris, this tool is optimized for urban utility work and vacuum integration. It’s a compact, efficient choice for telecom contractors looking to boost productivity and minimize restoration costs. For more info, visit vermeer.com and booth number K2256.
Trimble Enhances Compact Equipment with Integrated Tech
Trimble will showcase its latest compact machine technologies at Utility Expo, including Trimble Earthworks GO!, a 2D grade control system designed for grading attachments. Also on display: the Siteworks Machine Guidance Module, a user-friendly platform that enables guidance and layout for compact track loaders and excavators. These tools enhance precision, speed and ease of use for smaller machines on dynamic jobsites. Attendees will also learn about Trimble’s broader offerings in 3D control, piling, drilling and modeling. For more info, visit heavyindustry.trimble.com and booth number N1012.
Sage Oil Vac Offers Lube Solutions for Compact Fleets
Sage Oil Vac is bringing mobile preventive maintenance to the jobsite with lube systems designed for compact equipment. See a non-CDL open lube body built for Class 5/6 trucks featuring five fresh-product tanks, a 180-gal used-oil tank and a ground-level fluid control panel. New upgrades include enclosed sides, work bumpers with vises, remote compressor controls and expanded safety features. Also on display: a modular enclosed trailer with storage and a 60-gal lube cart for space-limited operations. For more info, visit sageoilvac.com and booth number N1545.
Brokk 120DII Adds Vacuum Excavation for Tight Jobsites
Brokk’s compact 120DII will be equipped with a vacuum excavation system at its booth. Diesel-powered and just 31 in. wide, this remote-controlled unit excels in confined spaces where traditional vac trucks can’t reach. The vacuum kit includes hose brackets, a specialized nozzle plate and easy connectivity to existing vac systems. This setup improves utility excavation speed and safety in space-restricted environments. Brokk will also highlight other attachments and remote-control innovations. For more info, visit brokk.com and booth number N1544.
Auger Technologies Speeds Bit Removal
Auger Technologies will showcase its revamped Bullet Tooth Puller, a heavy-duty tool designed to quickly extract stuck conical auger bits. Powered by an impact wrench (not included), this cylindrical, heat-dispersing tool removes even the most stubborn teeth from augers, cold planers and grinders — reducing downtime and knuckle-busting labor. It’s ideal for .865 and .990 size bits and helps keep worn equipment out of the “bone yard” and back on the job. For more info, visit augertech.net and booth number N963.
Vanguard Highlights Battery and Engine Innovation
Vanguard will present its full range of power solutions at Utility Expo 2025. Look for their 48V commercial battery systems, including the compact Si1.5 (1.5 kWh) and the robust 7-kWh unit. Vanguard will also feature its high-performance motors and controllers, plus standout engines like the 23 gross hp EFI Small Block and the 400 EFI/ETC with electronic throttle control. Designed for power, reliability and integration, these solutions are built for today’s utility jobsite. For more info, visit vanguardpower.com and booth number S3339.
Little Beaver Anchoring Equipment Secures Utility Towers
Little Beaver’s anchoring system installs utility tower anchors in as little as one minute. The package includes a portable 11-hp hydraulic earth drill, a high-torque handle and anchoring adapter, all designed to eliminate kickback and boost productivity. With its compact body and remote hydraulic power pack, the system works well in confined or remote jobsites. Simple forward/reverse controls make it easy to use for installation and removal in all soil types. For more info, visit littlebeaver.com and booth number S4704.
Hannay Reels Simplifies Fluid and Cable Management
Hannay Reels will showcase pre-configured reel packages tailored for industries like utility construction and equipment maintenance. These hose and cable reels arrive fully equipped and ready to work, with optional spring rewinaand fuel transfer uses, Hannay’s packages are available in standard or customizable specs. They’re engineered for long life and easy maintenance in demanding environments. For more info, visit hannay.com and booth number S3115.
