Even when the world shut down this year, construction equipment continued to roll. Since the beginning of the pandemic, crews and projects have been considered essential. Key machinery markets like housing are actually bucking the trend and growing in our new Covid economy. Somehow, I was able to attend two important machine tradeshows in February and March (The Rental Show and CONEXPO-CON/AGG) before all the chaos, and equipment manufacturers continued to release awesome, industry-changing products throughout 2020 despite the incredible challenges. The persistence, dedication and innovation of both equipment makers and the equipment trades (construction, rental, ag, landscape and beyond) blew me away this year. They helped build a clearer path in our radically changed world, and I’d like to honor all of them by highlighting what I consider the best compact, off-highway machines, technologies and OEM systems released for sale or concept in 2020. Congrats to all the companies included, and thanks to all the men and women behind these brands. They are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.
Rolling All Day, All Week
Nimble. Safe. Low maintenance. Powerful. Built for both comfort and long hours. Hitachi’s ZW80 T4F compact loader checks all the boxes for a work-all-day wheel loader. The modern exterior sloping and pillarless cab design with floor-to-ceiling glass provide clear visibility all around the machine. A 66-hp engine powers a breakout force of 8,270 lbs with a 1.2 yd3 capacity bucket. A small counterweight adds agility and balance. Both doors swing back and lock, allowing operators to quickly talk to the crew. The ZW80’s top speed is 21.1 mph, easily the quickest in this size class. Eco Mode reduces rpms and cuts fuel consumption by about 10 percent and an oscillating axle easily handles irregular terrain, maintaining a smooth ride and stable load-carrying. This unit’s ready for your 12-hour day. For more info, visit hitachi.us or check out the video below.
