Equipment Innovation Trends From the 2017 Contractors Top articles have tracked how construction professionals evaluate new tools and machinery. In 2014, ForConstructionPros.com documented the top 10 most viewed new products on its platform, offering a valuable snapshot of what contractors were researching during that period. This article examines those products, the market forces behind their popularity, and the lasting lessons for construction professionals evaluating equipment purchases today.
The 2014 New Product Landscape: Trucks, Loaders and Powertrain Innovation
The list of top-viewed new products from March through September 2014 reveals an industry focused on three priorities: upgrading work truck fleets, adopting more capable compact equipment, and demanding better engine performance. Unlike some years where a single category dominated, 2014 showed balanced interest across vehicle platforms, earthmoving machinery, and specialized attachments.
Several major manufacturers launched products that generated sustained viewer attention. Chevrolet, Ford, and Ram all introduced updated pickup and van lines. Bobcat and Terex refreshed their compact loader lineups. Caterpillar brought a new reduced-tail-swing excavator to market. The diversity of the list suggests that contractors were not shopping for one type of tool but rather evaluating entire fleet upgrades simultaneously.
Key Market Drivers Behind the 2014 Product Cycle
Several macroeconomic factors shaped the equipment landscape:
- Rising fuel costs pushed manufacturers to emphasize fuel efficiency as a primary selling point.
- Urban infill projects drove demand for compact equipment with reduced tail swing and smaller footprints.
- Emissions regulations continued to influence engine design toward cleaner diesel technology.
- The housing recovery created demand for curb, sidewalk, and site preparation machinery.
Contractors were researching solutions to specific operational challenges, not browsing randomly.
Work Truck Revolution: Pickups, Vans and Heavy-Duty Haulers
The 2014 list featured three truck-related products in the top five. The Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Rally Edition led the list, followed by the Ford Transit van and Ram Heavy Duty Pickups. Each product addressed a different niche within the construction fleet market.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Rally Edition
The Rally Edition package combined visual upgrades with proven towing and payload capacity. For contractors who used personal trucks as work vehicles, it offered factory-integrated styling without sacrificing capability. The Silverado platform offered maximum payload ratings over 2,000 pounds and towing capacity exceeding 11,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Ford Transit and Ram Heavy Duty
Ford’s Transit van represented a major shift from the outgoing E-Series. It delivered up to 46 percent better fuel mileage than the E-Series, a figure that caught the attention of fleet managers. The Transit also offered multiple roof heights and wheelbase configurations.
Ram’s claim of best-in-class performance for its 2015 Heavy Duty Pickups rounded out the truck segment. The Ram 2500 and 3500 models featured a high-output 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine producing up to 385 horsepower and 865 pound-feet of torque.
Lessons for Fleet Managers
Heavy viewer interest in work trucks highlights a pattern that continues today: fleet purchasing decisions are driven by total cost of ownership, not just upfront price. Fuel economy, payload capacity, and configuration flexibility consistently rank as the top three considerations. See 2018 Contractors Top 50 New Products Equipment Innovations for how truck and equipment categories evolved after 2014.
Compact Equipment Dominates: Loaders, Skid Steers and Excavators
Compact equipment featured prominently, with Bobcat, Boxer, Caterpillar, and Terex all introducing new models. The trend toward smaller, more maneuverable machines reflected changing job site conditions.
Bobcat T450 and S450 Compact Loaders
Bobcat’s T450 compact track loader and S450 skid-steer loader offered improved operator comfort, reduced sound levels, and enhanced lift performance. The T450 delivered vertical lift for improved reach, while the S450 maintained the radial lift path preferred for digging and grading.
Boxer 320 Mini Skid Steer
The Boxer 320 Mini Skid Steer targeted contractors needing a machine small enough for standard doorways but capable for grading and material handling. At approximately 36 inches wide, it filled the niche between walk-behind equipment and full-sized skid steers.
Caterpillar 335F L CR Excavator
Caterpillar’s 335F L CR offered reduced tail swing for confined urban spaces and road construction zones. It combined 35-ton-class power with the compact swing radius of a smaller machine. This design became increasingly popular as urban infrastructure projects grew.
Terex Second-Generation Loaders
Terex’s second-generation skid-steer and compact track loader line featured improved visibility, higher hydraulic flow for attachment performance, and a redesigned cab. These machines could handle grading, excavation, material handling, and site cleanup.
Compact Equipment Selection Checklist
- Measure job site access constraints. Check door widths, gate openings, and transport clearances.
- Verify attachment compatibility. Confirm auxiliary hydraulic flow matches existing inventory.
- Assess operator visibility. Test sight lines to the bucket edge and corners.
- Review service access. Check daily maintenance point locations and service intervals.
- Evaluate dealer proximity. Confirm parts availability within your operating region.
For more on how compact equipment categories evolved, see Contractors Top 50 New Products 50 Profit Enhancing Equipment Opportunities for Construction Fleets.
Specialized Solutions: Engines, Mats and Concrete Forming
Beyond trucks and compact loaders, the top 10 included the FPT Industrial Cursor 16 diesel engine, Presto Geosystems GEOTERRA GTO mats, and Curbco Form-Botic curb and sidewalk machine. Each served a distinct market segment.
FPT Industrial Cursor 16
The 16-liter Cursor 16 delivered up to 770 horsepower while meeting Tier 4 Final emissions standards through selective catalytic reduction and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. For operators of large mining trucks, excavators, and drilling rigs, it combined power with regulatory compliance.
GEOTERRA GTO Mats
GEOTERRA GTO mats provided temporary ground stabilization for access roads, staging areas, and equipment parking. They distributed heavy loads across soft ground, preventing rutting and reducing imported fill requirements. Interest in ground protection grew as environmental regulations around erosion control became stricter.
Curbco Form-Botic Machine
The Form-Botic automated concrete curb and sidewalk forming, reducing labor requirements and improving consistency. It extruded concrete directly into the desired shape without traditional forms. For contractors bidding on municipal streetscape projects, it offered higher production rates while maintaining finish quality.
Top 10 Products Overview Table
| Rank | Product | Manufacturer | Category | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Silverado 1500 LT Rally Edition | Chevrolet | Work Truck | Crew transport, light hauling |
| 2 | T450 & S450 Compact Loaders | Bobcat Company | Compact Equipment | Grading, excavation, material handling |
| 3 | 320 Mini Skid Steer | Boxer Equipment | Mini Loader | Indoor and confined space work |
| 4 | 2015 Ford Transit Van | Ford Motor Company | Work Van | Service fleet, material transport |
| 5 | 2015 Ram Heavy Duty Pickups | Ram Truck | Heavy-Duty Truck | Equipment towing, heavy hauling |
| 6 | Cursor 16 Diesel Engine | FPT Industrial | Engine/Powertrain | Large equipment power |
| 7 | 335F L CR Excavator | Caterpillar | Compact Excavator | Urban excavation, utility work |
| 8 | GEOTERRA GTO Mats | Presto Geosystems | Ground Stabilization | Access roads, staging areas |
| 9 | Form-Botic Machine | Curbco Sales Inc. | Concrete Forming | Curb and sidewalk installation |
| 10 | Second-Gen Skid-Steer Loaders | Terex Corporation | Compact Equipment | General site work, demolition |
The table shows that the top 10 spans seven distinct equipment types, confirming contractors were researching across multiple categories rather than focusing on a single machine class.
Practical Takeaways for Today’s Contractor
The 2014 top 10 offers several insights that remain relevant for fleet purchasing decisions today.
Diversify Your Fleet
No single product category dominated the 2014 list. Trucks, loaders, excavators, engines, and specialty equipment all attracted strong interest. A balanced fleet allows contractors to bid on a wider range of projects and respond to changing market conditions without major capital reallocation.
Prioritize Total Cost of Ownership
Ford’s Transit garnered attention for its 46 percent fuel economy improvement. The Cursor 16 emphasized Tier 4 Final compliance alongside power. Fuel costs and regulatory requirements shaped purchasing behavior in 2014 and continue to do so today. Calculate total cost of ownership including fuel, DEF consumption, and maintenance intervals when comparing options.
Compact Equipment Keeps Growing
Four of the top 10 products in 2014 were compact loaders, mini skid steers, or reduced-tail-swing excavators. The trend toward smaller, more capable machines accelerated after 2014 and remains one of the strongest currents in equipment development. The trajectory of compact innovation is covered in 50 New Products Reshaping Construction Equipment Lessons From the 2021 Top 50 Awards.
Specialization Creates Advantage
The inclusion of ground stabilization mats and automated curb forming equipment shows that specialized tools differentiate contractors in competitive markets. Investing in specialized equipment can open new revenue streams and create barriers to entry for generalist competitors.
Structured Equipment Evaluation
- Define specific job site conditions and applications for the equipment.
- Research at least three competing models using manufacturer specifications.
- Calculate projected ROI based on utilization rates, not purchase price.
- Evaluate dealer support, parts availability, and training requirements.
- Test equipment on your own job site before committing to purchase.
- Review resale value trends and expected ownership duration.
Conclusion
The top 10 most viewed new products on ForConstructionPros.com from March through September 2014 provide a valuable benchmark for understanding construction equipment priorities. Trucks, compact loaders, and specialized solutions all attracted significant attention, reflecting an industry in transition driven by fuel economy standards, emissions regulations, and changing job site requirements.
For today’s contractors, the lessons remain practical: diversify your fleet, prioritize total cost of ownership, embrace compact equipment, and invest in specialization where it creates competitive advantage. Studying past product trends helps construction professionals make better informed decisions about the equipment that will shape their operations for years to come.