Top 100: Fast Worker Fills the 11- to 16-Cubic-Yard Gap

Kawasaki boasts many production advantages from its 174,400-pound 135ZIV-2 loader. Compared to the smaller machines, this extension of Kawasaki's line has a 15-percent horsepower advantage, thanks to the 720-hp Cummins QST30. And with a 12.8-cubic-yard-bucket, it will lift 23 percent more load. Kawasaki says cycle times are 20 percent faster, too. Engineering advances include the automatic Traction Control system, which decreases wheel spin in slippery conditions. Estimated price: $1,278,200.