Top 100: 60 Percent Stronger Lift Arms

The 60ZV wheel loader from Kawasaki incorporated several upgrades over its predecessor—the 60ZIV-2—including an increase in horsepower of 9 percent to 119, with its Isuzu 6BG1 diesel engine. The 60ZV's breakout force increased more than 12 percent, and Kawasaki says the lift-arm structures are 60 percent stronger to resist twisting. Bucket capacity increased by 5 percent to 2.2 cubic yards. The manual transmission has been upgraded to a three-speed automatic powershift, and the addition of a downshift button on the shift lever speeds cycle times. Estimated list price: $132,000.