What Innovations Are Shaping the Future of Compact Equipment?

Compact equipment is slowly catching on in construction and agriculture. Since it is still in its early development stage, there are several wildly different ways it could evolve within the next few years. What will the future of compact equipment manufacturing look like?

1. Alternative Fuel 

As compact equipment lines expand, manufacturers search for ways to get ahead of the competition. Many are experimenting with alternative fuel types. In all likelihood, most — if not all — of the machinery you use runs on diesel. Although it has been the standard in agriculture and construction for decades, research shows it is no longer the best option. 

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel is one such alternative. It is a renewable biofuel made from waste oils. Research shows it could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90% compared to fossil fuels, making it a prime candidate for the future of fueling. In other words, if an alternative fuel like this one catches on, it could become the new industry standard. 

Since HVO fuel has similar chemical properties to diesel, you wouldn’t need to retrofit your engine to handle it, making it a cost-effective solution for compact machinery you already own. Moreover, unlike diesel — which can last up to one year in a cool, dry place — it lasts up to one decade in storage. Basically, it’s easier to source, store and use. 

2. Subcompact 

Original equipment manufacturers are constantly finding novel ways to make their designs even smaller. While you won’t get the same power from subcompact machinery as you would with its compact counterparts — which typically range from 25 to 60 horsepower — they’re still powerful for their size. Besides, their flexibility, range and ease of use can more than compensate for their relative lack of strength.

3. Ergonomics  

If you spend much of your day in the cab, you know how vital operator comfort is. Manufacturers have caught on, too, making ergonomics one of the latest trends to drive future compact equipment innovation. Air conditioning, heated seats and sun visors are nice, but they don’t exactly prevent lower back strain and neck aches. 

With larger machinery, having room to stretch isn’t usually an issue. Designing a comfortable cab for smaller spaces takes more foresight. Today, strategically expanded legroom, intuitive button placement, adjustable seats and customizable controls lead the way in compact equipment ergonomics. 

4. Sustainability 

You’ve probably noticed sustainability has become a huge talking point in construction and agriculture in recent years. While compact machinery is already more environmentally friendly than larger alternatives — it requires fewer resources to build and less fuel to run — you will likely see more “green” features in the near future. 

5. Electrification 

Electrification is arguably one of the biggest trends right now. Considering the construction industry in the United States was worth approximately $1.8 trillion in 2022, manufacturers have an incentive to diversify to meet evolving market demands. Even if you’ve never considered an all-electric, zero-emission machine before today, you may use one sooner rather than later.

Using electricity instead of fossil fuels is the ideal design approach for compact machinery because it has a smaller physical footprint. A battery and electric actuator take up far less space than an internal combustion engine and a hydraulic system, giving you more room in the cab. It also means less work for you since you don’t have to clean up leaking fluid or fix cracked hoses.

Thanks to electric vehicles, electrification technology has advanced significantly in recent years.  Batteries have a larger capacity and are more efficient than ever, meaning future compact equipment can operate for extended periods and recharge rapidly. Also, you benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lowered maintenance costs and quieter machinery. 

6. Telematics 

If you’re like most people in your sector — 63% of survey respondents, to be exact — you enjoy working with the latest technologies. Industry leaders have recognized your desire to leverage the convenience of modern technology from the comfort of the cab, driving the future of compact equipment manufacturing. 

Telematics software gives you insight into your machine’s run time, location and condition. Even though compact machinery is technologically simplistic compared to its larger counterparts, most have some built-in telematics systems. It will soon become a trend for them to have the latest and greatest technology since it has proven so effective. 

7. Autonomy

Have you ever thought of a future where autonomous machinery does the work for you? Self-driving cars are one thing, but unmanned construction and agriculture equipment is another beast entirely. The idea may seem far-fetched, but it has already gained significant ground in research and development. 

With global positioning systems, internet-connected sensors and light detection and ranging technology becoming more affordable every year, it is only a matter of time before someone develops a functional autonomous machine. The emergence of artificial intelligence has accelerated this progress. 

AI is making waves. In fact, experts estimate the construction industry will spend upwards of $4 billion on this technology by 2026. Undoubtedly, some of these funds will find their way to research and development, determining the future of compact equipment. These smaller, more agile vehicles will easily navigate fields or worksites without human intervention. 

The Future Standards of Compact Equipment 

For years, research and development for compact equipment has focused on making smaller, more simplistic versions of standard models. Now that development is picking up speed, deviations from the norm are starting to occur. Although it might be strange to have full-sized equipment that uses diesel and pumps out emissions while its compact counterpart runs on a battery and has self-driving features, the two product lines will likely soon diverge.