The Top 10 Equipment Breakthroughs to See at bauma 2025: A Show Preview

The Compact Equipment crew recently got the awesome opportunity to visit bauma‘s Media Dialogue in Munich in late February. This tradeshow pre-event brought together journalists and industry experts from all of the world for rapid-fire meetings with leading equipment manufacturers. We spent two days learning about breakthrough innovations being displayed at bauma from April 7 to 13. At that show, more than 3,500 exhibitors from 57 countries will be presenting their latest machines. Below, we present our top 10 innovations and attractions that are must-sees at this giant event — each with details on the technology and the manufacturer’s bauma booth. When considering the compact equipment sector, these are the 10 booths to visit at bauma 2025.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: bauma is an international tradeshow in Germany that only happens every three years. Some of the technologies and machines discussed in this article may not be available in the United States at launch. Check with your local dealer about availability.

1. Caterpillar’s Centennial Celebration

Caterpillar always has one of the best booths at bauma — usually with awesome entertainment (remember this!), next gen machines and excellent lounge areas. In 2025, Cat will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a giant, purpose-built booth in Hall B6. The exhibit spans over 9,000 m² and features 48 machines, including many “Centennial Grey” models. The theme “The Next 100 Years” will drive each display, reflecting commitments to innovation, sustainability and a century of amazing iron.

One of the showstoppers will be the 301.9 electric mini hydraulic excavator. This compact machine offers impressive power with reduced emissions. Caterpillar will also highlight its next-generation compact track loaders, including its giant 285 and 285 XE models. These units boast improved engine power, torque, operator comfort and so much more. Visitors can explore the Cat Performance Centre, where integrated solutions streamline fleet management and boost onsite safety. Interactive displays will demonstrate technologies such as VisionLink and remote machine operation services like Cat Command (watch our video operating Cat’s non-line-of-sight suite). Caterpillar’s expansive display will also honor a century of rugged reliability. In Hall B6, the Cat centennial booth will set the tone for innovation at bauma 2025, inviting visitors to witness a legacy of transformative technology.

2. Manitou’s Cable Track Loader and Hydrogen Telehander

Manitou will be attracting lots of attendees to stand FS 908/1. For compact equipment fans, the manufacturer will present an innovative track loader solution designed for cable construction during ongoing rail operations, which earned Manitou and its partners the Supplier Innovation Award from Deutsche Bahn in 2024. This rail track loader solution represents an optimal alternative to conventional underground cable construction and is faster, more effective and more resource-efficient. These CTLs emit fewer emissions. They use the specially designed attachments you see above to install cables with minimal disruption. Very cool.

Manitou also aims to unveil its second hydrogen telehandler concept (no word on the exact size). This prototype runs on green hydrogen via an integrated fuel cell. The design offers zero-emissions operation and improved operator comfort. The telehandler achieves high lift heights while maintaining low noise and vibration levels. It promises a full day’s work without the need for diesel fuel. At its outdoor booth FS 908/1, the company will use a hands-on approach to explain how these machines meet evolving market demands.

3. Mecalac’s Revo990 Backhoe and eS900tele Wheel Loader

Mecalac is reinventing the backhoe loader with the Revo990. The machine features a rotating cab that eliminates tedious seat-turning maneuvers. Operators enjoy nearly 360° visibility and improved ergonomics. The new design lets drivers maintain control while switching seamlessly between digging and loading modes. This feature also enables operators to maintain optimal posture when swinging from one function to the other, significantly minimizing the risk of back and neck strain caused by uncomfortable twisting. Unlike traditional solutions, the Revo990 provides almost infinite cab positioning, allowing for clear sightlines in every direction. Mecalac’s also calling the Revo990 a “high-reach excavator,” but we don’t have specs to share yet.

Complementing the Revo990, the eS900tele electric telescopic loader is hoping to set new benchmarks for versatility and zero emissions operation. Its telescopic boom delivers high reach with precision, utilizing a maximum lift height of 4.72 m (15 ft, 5 in.). The loader’s 180° swing function expands its effective working area, making it ideal for confined worksites. The unit utilizes a 75-kW lithium-ion battery pack with a full charge of eight hours and get-to-full charge time of four hours.

4. Luigong’s Battery Electric Machinery

Chinese manufacturers are embracing electric machinery, and Luigong will be pushing sustainable solutions at bauma 2025 with a huge battery electric machinery lineup. At stand FN718/3, the company will be challenging industry norms with advanced BEVs designed for heavy-duty tasks. Their innovations target mining, demolition and urban construction applications. Specialist machines will include the new 9018FE — a compact electric excavator ideal for indoor demolition projects.

Luigong’s electric machines operate with near-silent efficiency. Their battery systems feature rapid charging options and high energy density. This minimizes downtime on jobsites and cuts maintenance costs. The reduced noise and zero exhaust emissions make these machines ideal for urban areas and sensitive sites.

At the booth, Luigong will present more than just power. The company show how smart design and sustainable engineering combine to create equipment that meets modern demands. Luigong’s new T-Series wheel loaders will offer enhanced operator visibility, comfort and control. bauma’s visitors will see the launch of the first seven machines in the range, including the 820T HST, 838T, 842T, 848T, 856T, 870T and 890T wheel loaders. Stand FN718/3 offers visitors an in-depth look at the future of compact earthmoving equipment — where efficiency and green technology go hand in hand.

Find out more about some of the largest skid steers on the market.

5. Tobroco-Giant’s Electric G2700E X-TRA HD and Prototype Dumper

Tobroco-Giant will showcase its fully electric G2700E X-TRA HD at stand 06/211. This compact wheel loader combines a small turning radius with robust performance. The tool carrier is powered by a strong 13-kW electric motor and is equipped with 12-ton axles with a traction force of 16,000 Newtons. Its design suits narrow passageways and congested worksites, making it ideal for urban construction and landscaping projects. Its electric drive reduces maintenance and lowers overall operating costs. The design minimizes the number of moving parts, which enhances durability and simplifies service.

Alongside the G2700E, Tobroco-Giant will unveil a new prototype 1-ton dumper. The dumper’s compact design ensures it can navigate tight spaces with ease. It promises to enhance material handling efficiency on sites where space is limited. Both machines embody a commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. At stand 06/211, visitors can experience live demonstrations that illustrate how these machines perform in real-world conditions. The focus is on efficiency, reliability and ease of use — without excessive marketing fluff.

6. Zquip’s Swappable Electric and Diesel Power Modules

Zquip is looking to redefine power options for compact equipment with its modular conversion kit. The system allows owners to swap between electric battery modules and diesel power modules. This flexibility increases uptime and improves return on investment. Operators can quickly adapt their machines to meet changing jobsite demands. The diesel power module matches the dimensions of Zquip’s battery modules. It measures 1.2 by 0.8 meters and stands 1.1 meters high. The diesel module delivers a continuous 25 kW rating and features a 48-liter fuel tank. Integrated IoT software monitors performance and alerts operators to maintenance needs. Swappable power modules let operators choose the ideal energy source for each task. Fast charging, overnight charging or swapping ensures minimal downtime.

At bauma 2025, Zquip will demonstrates its system on a Caterpillar tracked excavator. The live demo will highlight how the ZQ140 battery module works with the ZQDC fast charger and AC accessory. The system lets machines run on zero-emissions when needed, then switches to diesel to extend the workday. Zquip’s adaptable power solution enables contractors to bid on zero-emissions projects while retaining the ability to operate in traditional environments. This innovation not only enhances asset utilization but also positions operators for future energy trends.

7. Hyundai’s HX19e Mini Excavator and HW155H Hydrogen Excavator

Hyundai continues to roll out cool zero-emissions equipment with the announcement of its HX19e mini excavator. Weighing 2,296 kg, this compact machine offers two lithium-ion battery options: 32 kWh and a market-leading 40 kWh. These packs deliver over six hours of autonomy with rapid charging capabilities. The HX19e features a 13-kW electric motor that matches the performance of its diesel counterpart. Safety valves, LED boom lights and an ergonomic operator station enhance usability. Hyundai equips the machine with a five-year telematics subscription for efficient fleet management.

In another bold step, Hyundai is also introducing the HW155H hydrogen fuel cell-powered wheeled excavator concept at bauma 2025. This 15-metric-ton machine uses a fuel cell system to generate 70 to 100 kW of power. Its innovative low-pressure hydrogen storage doubles conventional tank capacity and reduces refueling times to 10 to 20 minutes. The design delivers eight hours of continuous operation. It also offers strong performance on off-road and urban sites alike.

Both models reduce emissions and lower operating costs. They offer rapid refueling and charging options that keep downtime to a minimum. The HX19e’s integrated controls, electric propulsion and connectivity simplify maintenance and remote diagnostics. Meanwhile, the HW155H’s hydrogen system provides a glimpse into future carbon-free operations for bigger machinery on construction sites. Hyundai’s booth will feature hands-on demonstrations of these innovative machines.

8. Steelwrist’s SQ40 Automatic Coupler for Mini Excavators

Tiltrotators and enhanced coupler systems are migrating to American shores, and manufacturers continue to engineer these attachment enhancers for mini excavators. At bauma 2025, Steelwrist will push the boundaries of excavator efficiency with the new SQ40 automatic coupler. Designed for excavators below 7 metric tons, the SQ40 extends Steelwrist’s acclaimed SQ technology to smaller machines. Its innovative design increases the hydraulic flow area by 40 percent, enabling quick changes of high-flow-powered work tools.

The SQ40 system streamlines worksite operations. Operators can change work tools without leaving the cab. This feature reduces downtime and enhances safety. The coupler supports a range of attachments and can upgrade from the standard S interface to the advanced SQ standard with minimal effort. The modular design simplifies maintenance and hose routing. At stand FN 1016/2, Steelwrist will host live demos featuring two excavators equipped with the SQ40. Visitors can witness seamless tool changes in real time. The demonstration will highlight how the coupler works with both a Direct fit X07 tiltrotator and an XR7 rotor coupler. This hands-on approach aims to show the efficiency and versatility of the SQ technology.

9. iDig’s 2D and 3D Excavator Guidance Systems

iDig isn’t a new technology, but we’ve just discovered it — an awesome low cost excavator guidance technology with both 2D and 3D systems. The company simplifies precision earthmoving with cable-free, solar-rechargeable sensors. These systems allow operators to monitor grade control directly from the cab. The Touch 2D option displays real-time progress using a simple LED bar graph. Operators set target slopes and depths without leaving their seat.

The Connect range also offers a smooth transition from 2D to full 3D capability. The Connect 2D+ enables onsite surveying and staking with a GNSS antenna. For larger projects, Connect 3D uploads DXF or XML files for comprehensive guidance. This scalability makes the system suitable for both small landscaping tasks and large construction projects.

iDig’s guidance systems boost efficiency and reduce errors on the jobsite. The intuitive in-cab displays help operators maintain control without constant interruptions. These systems work with a variety of excavators, ensuring compatibility across fleets. The wireless, solar-powered sensors reduce installation hassles and lower long-term maintenance costs. At bauma 2025, iDig will demonstrates how simple technology can solve complex challenges. The system’s budget-friendly design makes it accessible to a wide range of contractors.

10. Case’s Advanced Driver Assistance and Zero Emissions Models

Case will be transforming jobsite operations with its advanced driver assistance system, being showcased at bauma 2025 at stand FM.714/9. The system enhances safety and boosts productivity for wheel loaders. It incorporates AI-based hazard detection, obstacle recognition and real-time monitoring. Operators gain enhanced visibility and control while minimizing the risk of collisions. Case will also highlight its zero-emissions electric models (no word on which ones yet). These machines cut fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. They offer quiet operation and rapid acceleration, making them ideal for urban applications.

In line with the Road to the Future campaign launched in 2023, Case will continue to promote the adoption of zero-emissions technologies, participating in the 2025 edition of bauma with the claim “Let’s Drive the Future.” In addition to showcasing new electric machines and enhancing digital services, Case will also present an area dedicated to the opportunities offered by automation and connectivity.

To further support safety and productivity, Case will introduce new advanced remote monitoring technology at the show, providing remote machine assistance (think telematics). This technology enables real-time monitoring of operational conditions and fuel consumption and facilitates predictive maintenance, ultimately reducing downtime and improving fleet management. CNH Capital, which supports CNH brands, dealers and customers, will use bauma to highlight a flexible financing solution designed to help owners maximize their investments. Learn all about it at the Case bauma stand in Munich this April.

Driving the Future of Construction Equipment

Each of these innovations offers a unique solution to modern challenges. bauma 2025 will showcase these breakthroughs and more. Stay tuned as Compact Equipment continues to cover the latest in small earthmoving and landscape equipment technology.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.