10 New Power Tools and Tech from Construction Expo!

Construction equipment keeps getting bigger, smarter, and more specialized. This year’s CONEXPO delivered some of the most impressive technology we have seen.

The Tool Show team explored one of the largest construction expos in the United States. The goal was to find new products for construction, fabrication, demolition, safety, and material handling.

The show featured cordless steel punches, drilling robots, giant demolition shears, drone technology, and specialized excavators.

Hougen Cordless Hydraulic Steel Hole Punch

The Hougen hydraulic hole punch (HOU0764103) was one of the first tools to grab our attention.

The tool uses an Ogura hydraulic system. A Makita XGT drill and battery power the system.

During the demonstration, it punched an 11/16-inch hole through 3/8-inch structural steel. The entire process took about four to five seconds.

Instead of drilling through the material, the punch forces the steel through a die. This creates the hole quickly and produces very little noise.

Portability is one of its biggest advantages. Traditional hydraulic punches may require hoses, power packs, and extra equipment.

This tool combines the hydraulic system with a cordless power source. Crews can bring it directly to structural steel and fabrication projects.

The tool weighs around 60 pounds, so it is not lightweight. However, it can still save time when crews need to make several holes.

It may also provide a faster alternative to setting up a magnetic drill for every hole.

PLS Balloon Work Lights

Portable Lighting Solutions displayed balloon-style LED work lights for large jobsites.

The push-to-deploy system uses steel construction and nickel-plated components. It also features anodized top and bottom plates.

One of its best features is jobsite serviceability. Workers can replace the LED bulb without sending the light away for repair.

The user simply removes four bolts and opens the fixture. After installing a new bulb, the light is ready to return to work.

The largest model produces up to 42,000 lumens. It can illuminate a radius of around 120 feet from a height of 14 feet.

These lights could be useful for nighttime work, large indoor spaces, and wide outdoor projects. Their serviceable design may also help reduce downtime.

Genesis Demolition Shears

Genesis Attachments brought one of the biggest tools at the show.

Its mobile demolition shears are built for structural demolition, scrap processing, and metal recycling.

These attachments mount to large excavators. Operators use them to cut I-beams, pipes, bridges, and other heavy steel materials.

The shear displayed at the show weighed around 28,000 pounds. Genesis also builds models that weigh up to 63,000 pounds.

Larger second-member shears can mount directly to an excavator boom. This setup provides the power needed to crush and cut heavy structures.

Depending on the model, these shears can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. That price does not include the excavator needed to operate them.

They are highly specialized machines. However, they can help demolition crews process massive steel structures more efficiently.

CSC Robotics Drilling Robot

CSC Robotics introduced one of the most capable drilling robots at the expo.

The system uses a six-axis robotic arm. It can drill upward, downward, sideways, and at different angles.

The robot can work within an area of about 10 feet. It can also complete repetitive drilling patterns without constant manual labor.

An operator marks a starting location on the floor. The operator then selects a preset drilling pattern.

The robot identifies the mark and begins drilling. It can use the previous hole as the next reference point.

The system also includes mapping and localization technology. When available, crews can load information from a building model.

The robot can then document where each hole was drilled. It can also operate from simple marks placed on the floor.

Another CSC model works from inside a scissor lift. It can drill overhead holes, change attachments, and install anchors.

This technology could be valuable on projects that require thousands of repeated holes. It may also reduce strain from drilling and overhead work.

An operator still remains involved during operation. A dead-man switch must be held while the machine is moving.

The goal is not simply to replace workers. It is designed to reduce repetitive work and protect workers from physical strain.

Badass Workbench Heavy-Duty Workstations

Badass Workbench displayed American-made workstations designed to last for generations.

The drawers are rated for up to 450 pounds. They also avoid traditional bearing slides that may wear out over time.

Each drawer includes a grease fitting for easier maintenance.

Available features include half-inch plate-steel tops, casters, and double-sided drawer layouts. Customers can also choose custom colors and storage configurations.

A dedicated power-tool drawer includes space for chargers, batteries, saws, drills, and impact drivers.

The company offers dozens of standard models. Fully customized workbenches are also available.

These benches are built for fabrication shops, mechanics, maintenance departments, and serious home workshops.

Menzi Muck Walking Excavator

The Menzi Muck was one of the most unusual machines at the show.

It is often called a spider excavator or walking excavator. The machine has four independently controlled legs with wheels.

It is built for steep slopes, water, and unstable terrain. It can work in areas that conventional excavators cannot reach.

The operator controls the position of each leg. Each hand can manage up to 22 hydraulic functions while the machine moves.

Operating the excavator requires constant adjustments. The operator must respond to terrain, balance, sound, and hydraulic feedback.

The experience was described as a continuous game of Tetris.

The Menzi Muck can use several different attachments. It can dig, drill, manage vegetation, and complete specialized construction work.

Some configurations can operate in water up to approximately eight feet deep.

This is not a machine that can be mastered quickly. Experienced excavator operators may still need months of training.

SP Tools Apprentice Tool Program

SP Tools presented an apprentice program for repair shops and new technicians.

Many apprentices must purchase thousands of dollars in tools before starting a career. This program offers another option.

The employer purchases a complete tool cabinet at a discounted price. The apprentice then uses those tools while working for the company.

After a set period, the employer can transfer ownership to the apprentice. The tool set becomes a retention bonus.

This program reduces the financial barrier for new technicians. It also gives employers another way to retain developing talent.

During the first 12 months, apprentices can purchase additional qualifying tools at a discounted price.

The program could make careers in diesel repair and automotive service more accessible.

Propeller Aero Drone Jobsite Mapping

Propeller Aero demonstrated software that turns drone photos into detailed 3D jobsite models.

A drone flies over the project and captures a series of images. The software combines those images into a measurable digital model.

Contractors can use the model for measurements, progress tracking, equipment monitoring, and site documentation.

Users can measure widths, heights, distances, and elevations inside the model.

They can also compare scans from different dates. This makes it easier to see how the project has changed.

GPS hardware can be installed on construction equipment. Project managers can then see where each machine is working.

The platform can also track machine use and cycle times.

For earthwork and mining projects, the software can measure stockpiles. This includes dirt, gravel, aggregate, and other materials.

The platform gives project managers a clearer view of the entire jobsite. It may also support faster and more informed decisions.

Vacuworx Vacuum Lifting Systems

Vacuworx takes vacuum lifting far beyond small handheld suction tools.

The modular SL2M system can lift up to 4,400 pounds. The correct vacuum pad must be installed for the load.

Different pad sizes are available for different materials and lifting requirements.

Vacuworx also manufactures much larger systems. Some can lift loads approaching 109,000 pounds.

These systems can handle concrete, steel, pipe, and other heavy materials. They can also work with some rough or porous surfaces.

Vacuum lifting may reduce the need for chains, hooks, and slings. It can also reduce the need for workers near suspended loads.

These systems are built for pipeline work, road construction, concrete projects, and heavy material handling.

FallTech UltraLite Harness and Halder and Picard Hammers

The final stops included new fall protection equipment and specialized striking tools.

FallTech displayed its UltraLite flagship harness (CFG-FT8132). It uses breathable filament-based webbing that does not absorb sweat.

The harness also features a lightweight titanium D-ring. Titanium resists rust and corrosion in demanding environments.

A low-profile trauma strap system sits close to the worker’s body. Magnetic strap holders help keep loose material out of the way.

Halder and Picard also displayed several specialized hammers.

Halder dead-blow hammers use replaceable faces. They help reduce rebound and limit damage to the struck surface.

Users can install different face materials for different applications.

Picard displayed ball-peen, cross-peen, framing, blacksmith, copper, and chipping hammers.

One new model combines aluminum construction with carbon-steel striking surfaces. It offers the feel of steel with less overall weight.

Construction Technology Is Changing the Jobsite

Several clear trends stood out at CONEXPO.

Battery-powered equipment continues to replace cords, hoses, and external power packs.

Robots are handling more repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Trained operators still remain an important part of the process.

Drone data is also making jobsites easier to measure and manage.

Manufacturers are improving traditional equipment as well. New hammers, harnesses, workbenches, excavators, and lifting systems continue to appear.

Not every product will become common on the average jobsite. However, these tools offer a look at the future of construction.

Watch the Full Construction Expo Tour

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Special thanks to Ohio Power Tool for supporting the show and the Tool Show community.

Shop new and featured professional tools at Ohio Power Tool:

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