Volvo Construction Equipment is rolling out a fresh line-up of compact excavators at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. You can expect to see the ECR90 short-swing, EC65 crawler, and EW65 wheeled excavators make an appearance—a trio of new models that collectively boast greater engine power, improved hydraulic performance, and far greater operator comfort than their predecessors. These updates are designed to help crews get more done on site, whether that’s digging trenches for utility work, juggling materials in tight spaces, or doing general site prep and landscaping. Volvo says these excavators are available to order now in North America and other markets, and they’ll be on display at the show.
ECR90 – The largest of the new models
The Volvo ECR90—the largest of the new models—is built for job sites where a short tail swing is crucial. It replaces the ECR88D and features a more powerful D3.3H engine with a gross output of 73 hp and a net output of 60 hp. The machine’s operating weight ranges from 19,340 to 23,170 lbs, depending on the setup, and its bucket capacity ranges from 0.1 to 0.4 yd³. And as a bonus, the ECR90 is putting out way more force in all directions—breakout forces and arm digging forces are all way up from the previous generation.
One of the nice upgrades in the ECR90 is the cab—it has about 30% more room than before, so operators will have more elbow room and be able to see what they’re doing better. Also, hydraulic flow increased by about 15%, which means any attachments you’re running will have more consistent power, making the job at hand easier. Volvo also figured out a way to make servicing the ECR90 easier. With wider hoods and grouped service points, daily checks and routine maintenance are now faster and more straightforward.
EC65 crawler excavator: balanced for general work
The EC65 crawler excavator falls into the mid-range bracket, featuring a D2.6H engine that delivers 62 gross horsepower and 72 net horsepower. Weighing between 12,680 and 15,020 pounds, it offers good balance in terms of engine and weight. Similar to the ECR90, the EC65 delivers serious hydraulic flow and higher flow rates, translating to more muscle in attachments and a smoother control system to match. This results in a significant boost to boom lifting force, giving operators the confidence to lift loads with ease.
The EC65 is designed for jobs that need it to do a bit of everything—digging, lifting, and grading—without requiring you to break out the heavy hitters. It delivers impressive breakout force for an excavator in its class and a bucket capacity of around 0.09 to 0.35 cubic yards, making it perfect for everyday tasks on residential or commercial sites. They’ve also completely revamped the cab, giving you a high-definition touchscreen display with camera views and service reminders to keep you on track. Plus, service access has been improved by consolidating all key access points into one location, so you can reach them from the ground without issue.
EW65 wheeled excavator: mobility meets performance
The Volvo EW65 wheeled excavator—aside from the same updates as its crawler counterpart—offers an extra dimension with a wheeled undercarriage, offering greater mobility. It packs the same 67 hp gross D2.6H engine and the same hydraulic update as the EC65, but it has a slightly higher boom lifting force—it’s the best of both worlds. This one has an operating weight ranging from 13,490 lbs to 16,320 lbs, and its bucket capacity matches the EC65’s perfectly. The one thing that really stands out, though, is its ability to move: you can get up to around 18.6 mph without a trailer, which is a big deal when you’re moving between work sites.
The EW65’s cab updates follow the same line as the other models—a bit more room and more comfort-focused features to make everyday life for operators nicer. They can even switch between travel, dig, and park work modes if they need a bit more control over how the machine behaves day to day.
Why these new Volvo models matter
For contractors and fleet managers, the enhancements Volvo has made across these compact excavators address a few key pain points on the jobsite. The extra engine power and hydraulic capacity help machines stay productive with heavy attachments and demanding cycles. Bigger cabs and better visibility help operators maintain awareness during fine work. Longer service intervals and easier maintenance access reduce the time machines spend in the shop. And mobility improvements on the wheeled EW65 make it easier to keep machines in active use throughout a shift.
Volvo is showcasing the ECR90 and EC65 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, with all three new compact excavators available to order now. This update underscores how compact machines remain workhorses on urban job sites, utility digs, landscaping projects, and other areas where big machines can’t fit.
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