From compact track loaders to the largest excavator operating in Canada, Equipment Journal’s most popular machine introductions of 2025 covered the gamut of equipment introduced this year.
This year, earthmoving and mining equipment dominated the list of most popular machines with all five introductions designed to move material.
Our annual Top 5 list is created by ranking the number of views each story received throughout the year on equipmentjournal.com.
Here are the Top 5 most-read equipment stories from 2025:
No. 5: Kubota’s new trio
In January, Kubota launched two new compact excavators and a new compact track loader, kicking off an exciting year for the brand as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in Canada.
The new machines included the U17-5 zero-tail swing compact excavator, the KX040-5 compact excavator and the SVL97-3 compact track loader.
The U17-5 zero-tail swing compact excavator provides the power and efficiency operators need in confined spaces. Its tracks can be retracted to 99 cm to get through narrow spaces and expand to 1.3 metres for stability.
The KX040-5 compact excavator features an improved hydraulic system to boost the operator’s productivity and efficiency in real-world working conditions.
The hydraulic system utilizes engine horsepower to its fullest extent allowing flow rate to be increased while using a hydraulic attachment and operating other functions of the KX040-5 simultaneously.
The SVL97-3 offers improved performance, comfort and maintenance compared to previous generations. Auto-shift is now included, helping the operator automatically shift down from second speed for maximum traction when turning or when resistance is felt, and then automatically shifting up for maximum speed on the jobsite.
Read the full story here.
No. 4: Bobcat goes big
In March, Bobcat expanded into heavy construction equipment with the introduction of six new machines.
The manufacturer introduced the new L205, L235, L255 and L285 large wheel loaders and E220 and E245 large excavators.
The large wheel loader introduction includes the L205 (142 hp), L235 (159 hp), L255 (172 hp) and the L285 (189 hp).
The loaders are purpose-built for big load-and-carry tasks in construction, agriculture and manufacturing.
The new E220 (174 hp) and E245 (189 hp) excavators deliver the power, performance and precision needed for big job site challenges.
With fast cycle times, impressive digging forces and high lifting capabilities, the conventional-tail-swing E220 and reduced-tail-swing E245 help operators handle large-scale projects, like commercial and residential construction, roadwork and infrastructure.
Read the full story here.
No. 3: Cat’s 775
This summer, Caterpillar introduced its next generation design of off-highway trucks starting with the rollout of the Cat 775.
Distinguishing it from the previous 775 models, the 65-tonne payload hauler is engineered to enable fully autonomous capabilities in the future.
The truck features an innovative new frame design that helps to optimize payload weight, a refined suspension for improved ride and handling and advanced safety features like the 360-degree surround cameras and Cat Detect radar system to deliver superior performance and safer and more comfortable operation. The Cat 775 debuts in 2026.
Read the full story here.
No. 2: Komatsu’s PC9000
This year also marked the arrival of the largest excavator in Canada.
The first Komatsu PC9000 excavator left Komatsu Germany Mining Division (KGM) in Düsseldorf, Germany, in January enroute to Alberta’s oil sands region.
The 900-ton excavator started its journey across the world on a single barge before moving on to a cross-Atlantic ship.
For the final leg of the massive logistics challenge, the PC9000’s components were loaded onto trucks after the excavator reached the Canadian shore.
The shipment included eight containers, 11 unpacked components, six cases and 14 skids. The PC9000’s tracks weigh 131 tons alone.
The machine is the largest hydraulic shovel for surface mining on the market, and the largest hydraulic shovel in Komatsu’s lineup.
Read the full story here.
No. 1: Deere’s backhoe update
John Deere’s announcement that it has updated its backhoe lineup was the most read story on equipmentjournal.com in 2025.
Deere upgraded its backhoes with new machine and tech features to enhance operator comfort and jobsite awareness.
The new features include an industry-first rear camera system, a redesigned cab with 13-cm more leg room when swivelling the seat and improved climate control.
Deere also consolidated two side posts into one, so the new cab provides an expanded field of view, particularly for truck loading and trenching operations.
A new overhead rear window system offers an unobstructed view of trenches and tight spaces, increasing accuracy in underground applications.
Read the full story here.
