Top Costruction Equipment Company

Top 10 Costruction Equipment Companies
Top 10 Costruction Equipment Companies

Construction machinery brands are well-known globally. Some started in agriculture, while others began in mining. Let’s take a look at the top and most historic brands in the industry.

Caterpillar

Caterpillar, often abbreviated as Cat, is an American company that has become synonymous with construction machinery, particularly bulldozers and excavators. Founded in 1925, Caterpillar has established itself as a leader in the industry. Among its most famous models are the D11 Dozer, one of the largest and most powerful bulldozers primarily used in the mining industry, and the 797F Mining Truck, one of the largest mining trucks in the world, known for its load capacity and durability. Various excavators are also renowned for their durability and performance. The D11 Dozer is so celebrated that enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the release of the D12 for years. In some countries, the term “Caterpillar” is even used as an antonomasia for strength and power.

Caterpillar Excavator
Caterpillar excavator at work

Komatsu

Komatsu Ltd. is a Japanese multinational company well-known for its construction machinery, particularly bulldozers and excavators. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has achieved great success worldwide and is highly regarded in both America and Europe.
The name “Komatsu” translates into English as “little pine tree” and derives from the city of Komatsu, located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of the Hokuriku region in Japan.
Among its most famous models are the D575A-3 Super Dozer, one of the largest and most powerful bulldozers in the world, and the 930E-4SE Mining Truck, one of the largest mining trucks, known for its load capacity and durability. Various excavators, such as the PC2000-11, are renowned for their durability and performance.

Komatsu Excavator PC 400
Komatsu excavator at work

JCB

JCB (Joseph Cyril Bamford) was established in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford in a small garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England. Initially, the company focused on producing agricultural tipping trailers. In 1953, JCB introduced the world’s first backhoe loader, which became a significant development in the construction industry.

Today, JCB manufactures a wide range of construction and agricultural machinery. Notable models include the JCB 3CX, a versatile backhoe loader, and the JCB 370X, their largest excavator designed for heavy-duty tasks. The company produces various types of equipment, including backhoe loaders, excavators, and telehandlers.

With a strong global presence, JCB operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of people worldwide.

Volvo

Volvo Group was founded in 1927 as a subsidiary of SKF, a major ball bearing manufacturer. The name “Volvo” comes from the Latin word “volvere,” meaning “to roll,” reflecting its origins in the ball bearing industry. Initially, Volvo focused on producing automobiles, quickly gaining a reputation for safety and innovation. Over time, Volvo expanded into heavy vehicles, and today, Volvo trucks and construction equipment are used on job sites around the world. Notable models include the Volvo EC950F and the EC380 crawler excavators (the EC380 is visible in the photo), as well as the Volvo L350H wheel loader, all recognized for their power and efficiency. fatto

Ec380 E Volvo
Volvo excavators at work

Bobcat

Bobcat was founded in 1947 by E.G. Melroe and his sons in Gwinner, North Dakota. In 1956, Eddie Velo, a turkey farmer, needed a machine small enough for a pole barn. The Kellers developed a three-wheeled design with a belt-driven transmission and delivered it in 1957. After identifying issues, they patented a clutch-based system in 1958, leading to the Melroe M60 loader. The first skid-steer loader, named “Bobcat” for its toughness and agility, debuted in 1962 and achieved immediate success. Bobcat’s specialization in mini excavators has made the brand so synonymous with this type of machinery that the name “Bobcat” is often used to refer to mini excavators in general.  Since 2007, Bobcat has been part of the Doosan Group.

Liebherr

The history of Liebherr began in 1949 in Kirchdorf, thanks to Hans Liebherr, who started by producing cranes during the post-war reconstruction.
Over the years, Liebherr’s production expanded to include household appliances such as refrigerators, aerospace systems, and especially mining equipment. Today, Liebherr’s mining machine designs are unique and recognizable; its large excavators, the R9800 and R 996 B, are particularly renowned. Liebherr excavators are known for their powerful and compact design, characterized by their massive forms, making them ideal for working on construction sites under the harshest conditions.

In the image below, you can see a classic combination of Liebherr machines at work: the gigantic R9800 excavator and a dozer.

R9800 Liebherr with Dozer
Liebherr equipment at work

Hitachi Construction Machinery

Hitachi Ltd., founded in 1910, started as an electrical repair shop in Japan. Over the decades, it grew into a diversified conglomerate, producing a wide range of products from consumer electronics to industrial machinery.

In 1970, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. was established as a subsidiary to focus specifically on manufacturing construction equipment. This division produces a variety of machinery, including hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, and dump trucks, designed to enhance productivity on job sites.
Today, Hitachi Construction Machinery operates in more than 150 countries, providing equipment for various tasks, including earthmoving. Notable examples include the Hitachi EX8000-6, known for its high performance, and the EX5500-6, recognized for its reliability in large-scale mining operations.

John Deere

John Deere, established in 1837 by the blacksmith John Deere, initially focused on producing plows. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include tractors and eventually heavy earthmoving equipment. Notable examples include the Deere 200G and the 350G excavators, the latter of which is shown in the image beside. Their well-known slogan from 1971, “Nothing Runs Like a Deere,” highlights their dedication to quality and reliability.

Today, John Deere is a global leader in agricultural machinery production. In the United States alone, the company employs around 30,000 people across more than 60 facilities in 16 states.

John Deere 350G
Excavator Deere 350G

Kubota

Kubota, a company with over a century of history, was founded in 1890. Initially focused on producing cast iron pipes, Kubota has since expanded its product range significantly. Today, the company is well-known for its compact construction machinery, particularly mini excavators.

Like many Japanese companies in the sector, Kubota has a diversified production line across various industries, including agriculture, water treatment, and engines.

Kubota’s mini excavators are highly regarded for their efficiency and versatility on job sites. Notable models include the Kubota KX040-4 and the U55-4. The KX040-4 is known for its powerful performance and compact design, making it ideal for tight spaces. The U55-4 offers a combination of power and stability, suitable for a variety of construction tasks. It is very common to see Kubota excavators on urban construction sites.

Doosan

Doosan, a South Korean conglomerate founded in 1896, has a long history of diversification across various industries. Initially starting as a retail business, Doosan expanded into multiple sectors, including construction equipment, power generation, and desalination plants.

Doosan Infracore, the construction equipment division, is well-known for its heavy machinery, including excavators, wheel loaders, and articulated dump trucks. Notable models include the Doosan DX225LC-5 and the DX300LC-5. The DX225LC-5 is recognized for its fuel efficiency and powerful performance, making it suitable for a wide range of construction tasks. The DX300LC-5 offers enhanced durability and productivity, ideal for demanding job sites.

Since acquiring Bobcat in 2007, Doosan has strengthened its position in the compact equipment market, further expanding its global reach and product offerings. In 2021, Doosan rebranded and changed its name to Develon