Wirtgen Group and John Deere share details of ConExpo 2026 premieres

Among a host of developments presented to the world’s press yesterday (18 February) was John Deere’s new jobsite safety technology SmartDetect Assist.

Loaders can detect people and slow to a stop

Building on John Deere’s SmartDetect and SmartDetect Digital, SmartDetect Assist automatically slows or stops a machine when there is a person or an obstacle detected in the path of the machine.

It works by using high-resolution cameras, radars, and an in-cab display to deliver instant visual and audio alerts inside and outside the machine, followed by dynamic slowing prior to a potential collision.

The optional feature is initially available on John Deere’s 524, 544, and 644 P-Tier wheeled loaders, before being introduced to the 444, 644, and 724 P-Tier loaders later this year.

John Deere has introduced SmartDetect Assist for its wheeled loaders (Image courtesy of John Deere)

New Dash 5 pavers for North America

Meanwhile, Vögele will launch the latest generation of Dash 5 pavers for the North American market.

The OEM says that the machines offer improved ergonomics for operators, faster setup times, more automated processes, and an efficient drive concept.

ConExpo will see world premieres from Vögele in the 10ft class, with the new Super 2000-5 X tracked paver and the Super 2003-5 X wheeled paver with a completely redesigned VR 600 screed with rear-mounted extensions and the VF 600 with front-mounted extensions.

Vögele will also present the Super 2100-5 X with a high compaction screed as a further representative of the Dash 5 machines.

And the Super 800-5 P from the Mini Class segment – the successor to the Super 700 – is the latest addition to the range of machines for asphalt paving.

Vögele will launch the latest generation of Dash 5 pavers for the North American market at ConExpo (Image: Wirtgen Group)

Hamm introduces ground-penetrating radar for precision compacting

Hamm has introduced real-time asphalt density measurement using ground-penetrating radar as part of the new Smart Compact Pro system, an expansion of its existing Smart Compact Basic package.

Smart Compact Pro can use the Realtime Density Scan function to automatically regulate compaction energy and compaction modes in both drums of the HD+ and HX series tandem rollers. It enables the roller driver to monitor the development of density constantly, even during static compaction.

With the HC 200i VA, Hamm will also present a corresponding solution for the earthworks segment that enables automated, direct, and continuously variable adjustment of the amplitude on the basis of a new measured value in MN/m2.

The new Smart Compact Pro option for Hamm rollers allows real-time density measurement (Image: Wirtgen Group)

New portfolio of motor graders

John Deere has also unveiled a new portfolio of SmartGrade motor graders to the construction market: the new 620, 622, 670, 672, 770, 772, 870, and 872 P-Tier models.

The next-generation SmartGrade allows operators to upgrade grade control capabilities using either Topcon or Leica solutions and John Deere said it allows them to achieve accuracy regardless of machine position or blade angle. SmartGrade operates in the construction and forestry G5 10.1-inch touchscreen display where an operator can navigate quickly between 2D and 3D solutions. The P-Tier Motor Grader also supports 2D or 3D John Deere solutions outside the center saddle position, enabling precise grading in non-traditional configurations.

“This P-Tier launch is more than a model update. Every technology and safety enhancement was intentionally integrated with operators in mind,” said Lauren Meyer, product marketing manager, John Deere.

“From flexible and easily upgradeable grade control solutions to all new Advanced Vision System with Dual Front Alley Cam, we focused on giving crews confidence, comfort and the control they need to work their best every day.”

John Deere will unveil a new portfolio of SmartGrade motor graders to the construction market at ConExpo (Image: John Deere)

New P-Tier midsize excavators

John Deere also highlighted the appearance at ConExpo of its previously announced new generation of P-Tier midsize excavators, with the 210, 230, and 260 P-Tier models all launching in the 20-metric-tonne class.

“Backed by decades of excavator expertise, our new generation of John Deere excavators have been redesigned from the ground up. The result is a connected, intentionally designed portfolio that will be a game changer for customers,” said Justin Steger, product marketing manager, John Deere.

Cold milling and materials processing innovations

Wirtgen promised a world premiere that opens “an entirely new area of application for its customers” but remained tight-lipped on the details.

However, it will showcase a new generation of wheeled cold recyclers and soil stabilisers from the WR X-Tier series.

On the materials processing side, Kleemann will also present its Mobiscreen MSS 1102 Pro scalper, a new Pro Line screening plant that will be shown to the North American market for the first time.

The robust plant is designed for processing materials at rates of up to 750 t/h and is targeted at quarrying operations.

Wirtgen Group will showcase a new generation of wheeled cold recyclers and soil stabilisers from the WR X-Tier series (Image: Wirtgen Group)