The Weekly Iron: From Kioti telematics to Volvo compact radius excavators

In my head I’m picturing that classic rewind button. Let’s take a look back at this week with Jessica Klein, host of Construction Equipment’s The Weekly Iron. New machines. Extended warranties. Cool connected services. There’s a little of everything. Since we’re here gabbing, I’m just going to invite you over to our YouTube channel. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Get our weekly videos showing up in your feed. To get further into the stories mentioned in this episode, click the links below. Hey, happy Friday to you. 

Kioti pushes deeper into construction with Connect 2.0 update

Kioti Tractor, once thought of as merely a small tractor and implement provider, is continuing its advances in construction with an update to its telematics app. The company's Kioti Connect app was introduced in 2025 as a connected service solution with machine monitoring. Connect 2.0 is meant to be a digital hub that goes beyond monitoring to deliver a more complete, end-to-end ownership and purchasing experience. This is a value-add for managers now that Kioti is in the compact track loader and skid steer loader business. You can watch product manager Justin Moe's walk-around on the company's first CTL at that link. Read more…

Kubota extends engine warranty to three years or 3,000 hours

Fleet managers. This is a nice little nugget to know. Kubota Engine America announced it’s extending its standard engine warranty from two years or 2,000 hours to three years or 3,000 hours. This is on top of the Kubota brand already having an impressive brand halo in the compact diesel sector. For contractors running skid steers, track loaders, mini excavators, and other small off-highway iron, that extra year or 1,000 hours is a solid bonus. Three years or 3,000 hours covers the engine against manufacturing defects during normal use and service. Read more…

Volvo CE strengthens its short-swing lineup with the new ECR255

Volvo Construction Equipment has a laser focus on revamping its excavator categories in early 2026. The company has already announced a bunch of new dig products, including the short-swing ECR255, the subject of this particular post. Volvo CE will show this new unit publicly at Conexpo 2026 in Las Vegas, and we’ll be there to kick the tracks. This 25-metric-ton crawler replaces the ECR235E. It brings more lift, better fuel efficiency, and a tighter tail for urban work. If you manage fleets in cities, utilities, or infrastructure, this machine deserves an attentive look. The ECR255 joins the short-swing ECR355, midsize ECR145, and compact ECR90 in Volvo’s expanding compact radius excavator series. Read more…