The latest tech-packed compact radius excavators
Built for productivity and safety on space-restricted job sites
Compact radius excavators are designed to deliver flexibility, safety, and easy transportation for contractors working on space-restricted job sites, particularly for urban construction and utility work and along roadways. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, Caterpillar, Komatsu, and CASE Construction Equipment all introduced new compact radius excavators for the North American market, and all three OEMs highlighted the advanced features available on these machines. Compact radius machines are becoming more sophisticated with new standard and advanced technology packages incorporated from the factory. This development elevates their efficiency while providing increased job site safety and confidence for newer operators. Let's take a look at the latest compact radius excavators.
New compact radius excavators from Cat, Komatsu, and CASE
Cat's new machine, the 319, is a 19- to 20-ton model based on the company's 317 excavator platform. According to Brian Stellbrink, senior market professional with Caterpillar, Cat is addressing an underserved size class with a compact radius package that's very nimble on space-restricted job sites while still delivering performance in lifting applications, fast cycle times, and work tool carrying capability. The new machine is ideal for contractors who need a compact radius machine that is larger than the common 15-ton size class, but don't want to move up to 25 tons.
This excavator is built on a 2.8-metre (9.2-foot) undercarriage that delivers the extra stability that operators need for lifting operations and handling a variety of work tools. For added versatility, the 319 can be configured with a two-piece boom and a blade. The wider undercarriage, paired with the 2.2-metre (7.2-foot) track gauge, allows for up to a 7 percent boost to lifting capacity, including the option to work with a 1-cubic-metre (1.31-cubic-yard) General Duty bucket.
Three selectable power modes, including Smart Mode, Eco Mode, and Power Mode, tailor power from the 319's 133-hp CAT C3.6 engine to the operator's work.
Komatsu's PC158USLC-12, along with the technology-packed PC158USLCi-12 version that features the latest Intelligent Machine Control (IMC 3.0), is expected to come to market later in 2026. Operating weight will be around 18 tons, with final specs and details becoming available closer to launch. The new machines will succeed the PC138USCL-11, and Komatsu is emphasizing greater productivity, increased lift capacity, and improved hydraulic flow while reducing fuel consumption. Komatsu has also switched to EH controls on the -12 generation of excavators.
Both versions of the excavator will have Komatsu's new wide-profile cab, which the company says will offer improved visibility and a more spacious environment. Operators will appreciate a new multi-function seat with EPC joysticks and standard 8-inch monitor; an additional 10-inch monitor will be included on the IMC 3.0 version of the machine.
CASE introduced two new reduced-tail machines at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the 105-hp CX145E SR and the 160-hp CX255E SR, weighing in at 15 and 27 tons. The company says that the new models provide significant upgrades in technology and operator assistance in addition to delivering robust digging power and breakout forces similar to the predecessor D Series machines. CASE made some adjustments to the undercarriage, compared to the D Series, to reduce sound levels.
Customizable hydraulic flow balance for arm-in, boom-up, and swing functions gives operators the precision they need, and selectable free swing makes lifting and placing swinging loads safer and more stable. Four operating modes help operators tailor machine performance to their work. Operators will appreciate reduced vibration and the high-back seat in the E Series cab, which includes a 10-inch display and ergonomic controls.
Equipment design and technology that create a safer working environment
On job sites where excavators work close to obstructions, whether to the side, underground, or above, there may be less room for other workers, vehicles, and machines to manoeuvre. A compact radius reduces the risk of a strike from the counterweight, but the latest safety-focused technologies can provide added security for workers on the ground and prevent collisions with buildings, vehicles, and other objects.
Cameras have become increasingly standard on excavators, and all of these new machines come with rear and right-side-view cameras at a minimum. A 360-degree camera is optional on the Cat 319, while CASE offers a 270-degree camera option on the CX145E SR and CX255E SR machines. The 360-degree camera is a standard part of the Komvision 360 monitoring system on both versions of the Komatsu PC158USLC-12.
A variety of collision mitigation and fencing features are standard or optional on these machines. Cat's standard 2D E-fence physically stops the excavator from crossing pre-set boundaries, and Komatsu offers 2D boundary control on the PC158USLC-12 and 3D boundary control on the IMC 3.0 version.
On the CASE machines, the operator can manually pre-set height and depth warnings that audibly alert them when they are in close proximity to obstacles, like overheard powerlines.
Detection systems, like the optional Cat Detect, alert an operator to the presence of people around the machine. Komatsu's Komvision 360 likewise integrates human and object detection to increase operator awareness.
High-tech solutions for compact radius machines
Advanced excavator technologies are standard or available on these new compact radius machines, and, for contractors who want to incorporate the latest in 3D machine control and automation, OEMs have simplified the adoption process, offering advanced optional packages straight from the factory.
The PC158USLCi-12, will be the smallest excavator that Komatsu has ever outfitted with IMC from the factory. Contractors who want the most advanced machine control and automation capabilities will appreciate the comprehensive IMC 3.0 semi-autonomous 3D machine control technology
package that includes swing-to-line and travel-along-line, which automate travel and swing function for trenching and digging to 3D plans; advanced in-field design; auto swing for semi-automatic truck loading; an enhanced payload monitoring system; and more.
A bucket payload system and joystick travel will be standard on both the PC158USLCi-12 and the PC158USLC-12. The PC158USLC-12 will include 2D machine control as standard.
"What we heard consistently from operators, fleet managers, and business owners was the need for a tight-tail-swing excavator that delivers advanced automation without adding complexity for the operator," says Matt Moen, product manager, excavators, Komatsu. "The PC158USLCi-12 was developed to help operators stay in control of the work while benefitting from sophisticated IMC 3.0 features that are easy for operators to use. This machine is designed to help drive accuracy, efficiency, and productivity on the job site."
CASE's new compact radius excavators join a select number of CASE excavators available from the factory with an advanced technology package. Payload weighing in the bucket helps operators optimize every truck during loading operations, and dynamic stability assist displays roll and pitch angles and automatically reduces rocking during dumping operations. CASE's audible height and depth alarms are included as part of this package. In addition to the safety benefits, the system can be used to set a below-ground boundary that can serve as a grade indicate system to prevent overdigging. The Leica iCON iXE2 2D machine control and iCON iXE3 3D machine control systems are available options on both CASE machines.
Cat Grade with 2D is standard on the new 319, and a Cat Grade 3D Ready option is available. Cat Grade with Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements, and Cat Payload on-the-go weighing is standard. Advanced Payload is an available upgrade.
"Worksite efficiency and productivity is hugely influenced by operator confidence," says Stellbrink. "Confidence to operate in tight spaces, confident handling of heavy loads, confident visibility, confidence in power — all these aspects are addressed in the 319, helping enhance safety, precision, and efficiency across the job site."
To further develop operator confidence, Cat offers an optional Operator Coaching feature for the 319. This system provides learning opportunities that can help less experienced operators be more productive and reduce wear on the machine.
Advanced capability is available for more job sites
For work next to roadways, on urban job sites, and near other busy or obstructed areas, the increased sophistication of compact radius machines gives contractors more options that address their vital concerns around skilled labour, safety, and efficiency when working on complex job sites.
The latest safety technologies ensure that all operators, no matter how experienced, can get work done with reduced risk to their machine and surroundings, and advanced grade control and automation packages make every operator more efficient. Different technology and equipment configuration packages ensure that contractors can select the features most important to them.
With these new excavators, Cat, Komatsu, and CASE have responded to customer requests for compact radius machines in more sizes and with more advanced features that can address the most complex needs of today's restricted work sites.
This article originally appeared in the October 2026 issue of Heavy Equipment Guide.
