Skip to content
Managed by US Team. Free Shipping from the warehouse in the US (Excluding AS-US) | 1-year warranty on PARTS | $100 OFF ON EACH MACHINES
Managed by US Team. Free Shipping from the warehouse in the US (Excluding AS-US) | 1-year warranty on PARTS | $100 OFF ON EACH MACHINES
ConExpo 2026 Recap: What We Learned About Mini Excavators, Skid Steers, and the Future of AGT Equipment

ConExpo 2026 Recap: What We Learned About Mini Excavators, Skid Steers, and the Future of AGT Equipment

ConExpo is always one of the most exciting events in the construction equipment industry, and this year was no exception. Over the course of seven long days in Las Vegas, the AGT Equipment team had the chance to meet contractors, creators, equipment dealers, and mini excavator and skid steer enthusiasts from across the country.

It was hot. Very hot. After a week in the Diamond Lot, most of us walked away a few shades darker. But more importantly, we walked away with stronger relationships, clearer communication with our manufacturing partners, and a lot of valuable feedback from operators who use these machines every day.

For us, ConExpo was not just a showcase. It was an opportunity to improve.

Strengthening Parts Support for AGT Equipment

One of the most important outcomes of the convention was improving parts support for AGT customers in the United States.

During the show, our team was joined by the company CEO. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Jose, we were able to directly communicate one of the biggest priorities we hear from customers: reliable parts availability and faster service.

A new line of communication has now been established between the California office and leadership overseas. The CEO is also working toward taking a more direct role in the U.S. branch to streamline communication and support.

For AGT customers, this means we expect improvements in:

  • parts ordering speed
  • technical communication
  • machine support for dealers and owners

This is something we have been pushing for, and ConExpo helped move that conversation forward.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

After spending a full week working side-by-side with our manufacturing partners, one thing became very clear.

Many past issues were not product problems. They were communication problems.

Thanks to John and Eddie, who are fluent in both English and Chinese, we were able to bridge that gap during the show. Conversations that once took days to clarify were solved in minutes.

This kind of direct communication helps ensure that feedback from U.S. contractors actually reaches the engineers designing the machines.

That matters more than people realize.

Jose: The Voice of the Operators

If there was a standout moment from the show, it came from Jose.

Throughout the week, Jose spent time speaking with engineers, manufacturers, and operators. He was direct about both compliments and complaints, representing what real users experience on job sites.

One example was feedback about the CFG-40UF mini excavator design.

Jose recommended moving the hydraulic thumb mounting position higher so the thumb would not interfere with bucket movement during certain operations.

What happened next impressed everyone.

The manufacturer:

  • documented every suggestion Jose made
  • had an engineer redesign the component the same night
  • committed to implementing the improvements

This is exactly the type of collaboration we want to see between operators and engineers.

Respect for the Competition

ConExpo is also a chance to see what other manufacturers and dealers are doing.

In the Diamond Lot, one booth that stood out was Rippa. Their booth design was easily one of the most impressive displays at the show. They clearly invested heavily into presentation and branding.

Credit where it’s due. They did a great job.

Events like this remind everyone in the industry that competition pushes all of us to improve.

The Strength of Compact Equipment

Across the show floor, one thing became clear: compact construction equipment continues to dominate job sites.

Both mini excavators and skid steers are becoming essential tools for contractors, landscapers, and property owners.

Mini excavators excel at:

  • trenching utilities
  • landscaping projects
  • foundation preparation
  • tight-access digging

Their rotating upper structure allows them to dig and swing without repositioning the machine, making them ideal for confined spaces and precision work.

Skid steers, on the other hand, are known for versatility. With attachments like buckets, forks, augers, and grapples, they can perform a wide range of tasks from material handling to site cleanup.

For many contractors, the combination of both machines creates the most efficient workflow on a job site.

AGT Machines: Affordable and Improving

Throughout the show we spoke with hundreds of people about our machines.

Not everyone loved them. That’s the reality of equipment.

But what stood out most was the consistent reaction when people compared price to capability.

AGT machines remain one of the most affordable compact equipment options available, especially for small contractors, landscapers, and first-time equipment buyers.

At the California office, we have also spent significant time improving:

  • customer communication
  • technical support
  • reputation within the industry

The feedback at ConExpo showed us that the effort is paying off.

Looking Ahead

ConExpo gave us something valuable: clarity.

We now have stronger communication with engineering teams, clearer goals for parts support, and direct feedback from operators who use these machines daily.

With the CEO focused on improving the U.S. branch and our team continuing to advocate for contractors, the future of AGT Equipment looks bright.

And if this year’s ConExpo proved anything, it’s that when manufacturers listen to operators, everyone wins.

Explore AGT Equipment

If you're looking for affordable mini excavators, skid steers, and compact construction equipment, AGT Equipment offers machines designed for contractors, landscapers, and property owners who need reliable performance without overspending.

Browse our machines and attachments to find the right equipment for your next project.

Next article How We Ship Heavy Machinery at AGT Equipment

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare

AGT Industrial Inc.