8 mins
bauma Show time
As the international event returns to its pre-pandemic strength, D&Ri explores what the OEMs have planned.
About the event
WHAT: Bauma 2025
WHEN: April 7-13, 2025
WHERE: Messe München, Munich, Germany
www.bauma.de
B
auma 2025, the world’s largest construction and mining equipment trade fair, is set to showcase groundbreaking innovations, cuttinge-dge technologies, and industry-leading machinery. Taking place in Munich, Germany, this year’s event promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever, with manufacturers unveiling their latest developments in sustainability, efficiency, and safety. From hydrogen-powered prototypes to next-generation wheeled loaders and material handlers, Bauma 2025 offers a glimpse into the future of construction and industrial equipment. Here’s a preview of some of the must-see machines and technologies that will be making headlines at the show.
The T 380-7s telescopic loader.
CREDIT: LIEBHERR
Visibility features of ZW180-7(pictured) and ZW310-7models have made the machines among the safest on the market.
CREDIT: HITACHI
WHEELED LOADERS
Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe (HCME) is to show machines from its ZW-7wheeled loader and ZXW-7wheeled excavator ranges.
Among the wheeled loaders will be the 24-tonne ZW180-7and the 15-tonne ZW310-7models. These loaders have been described as some of the safest machines on the market due to their all-around visibility. The ZW180-7and ZW310-7feature HCME’s narrow engine hood, rear sensors and the Aerial Angle camera system, which provides a 270-degree view of the jobsite.
Both models feature Stage 5-compliant, high efficiency engines that help to reduce the total cost of ownership. Productivity is further enhanced with very fast cycle times, which also improve overall fuel efficiency.
In addition, an approach speed control helps to load trucks more accurately, saving additional time and money.
“We are proud to present two models from our popular ZW-7wheeled loader range at Bauma 2025,” said Jacob Slooff, HCME Product Manager, Wheeled Loaders.
“The ZW180-7is renowned for its versatility on a variety of applications, and the larger ZW310-7is designed to boost productivity in busy quarries and large recycling plants.”
One manufacturer going all-out for the event is Liebherr. The company will be utilizing 14,000 sq m of space to showcase an incredible 70 exhibits. While many of these will be geared towards the mining and crane sectors, the OEM will also be making a big show of its new generation 6 telescopic loaders, the T 38-7s, which will be making its world premiere, and the new 8-metre T 48-8s model.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
However, the highlight of Liebherr’s entire presence at Bauma will be its first prototype of a large wheeled loader with a hydrogen engine. Although the concept is far from viable production, the presentation of the prototype machine is a huge opportunity for visitors to learn about hydrogen technology and its potential on the worksite.
Liebherr, which is currently developing products for mobile refuelling and reliable supplies of green hydrogen with its partners, said: “According to extensive studies on the subject, hydrogen is a highly suitable carbon-neutral alternative for powering large vehicles that are difficult to power with electricity.”
Kobelco’s K-Drive demonstrates advanced remote operation capabilities for improved efficiency and safety.
CREDIT: KOBELCO
Technological developments that aid sustainability are also high on the agenda for Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe.
The company recently announced that its Bauma exhibit “will highlight breakthroughs in emission reduction technology, remote operation, enhanced safety systems and state-of-the-art demolition equipment”.
Although Kobelco is keeping many of the specific details for Bauma under wraps until closer to the event, it has revealed that “special attention” will be given to its K-Drive remote operation platform – which has been recognised as a finalist in the digitalisation category of the Bauma Innovation Awards.
Makoto Kato, General Manager of Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe BV, said: “This year, we are proud to present machinery and technology that not only enhance efficiency and safety but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
"We look forward to connecting with our industry partners and customers to showcase our shared vision for the future of construction.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai Construction Equipment (CE) will draw the crowds in with a display that will include 10 machines that are either all-new or feature significant new updates.
Among the models expected to make heads turn will be a pre-production version of the HW155H, a 15-tonne wheeled excavator which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system. At Bauma 2022 this was a static model, but at this year’s event the machine will be working in the demonstration area.
Marking 20 years of innovation
2025 will see attachments specialist Steelwrist celebrate its 20th anniversary, and this milestone birthday is expected to be reflected on the company’s Bauma stand this April.
While 2024 saw the company launch its third generation of tiltrotators, beginning with the XTR20 model which features a built-in automatic OptiLube lubrication system and a sensor -based LockSense safety system, this year the company plans to expand the range with two additional models, the XTR15 and XTR23.
Steelwrist will also launch its new SQ40 coupler for excavators below six tonnes in operating weight, bringing its quick coupler technology to smaller machines for the first time.
Stefan Stockhaus, CEO and co-founder of Steelwrist, said: “I have myself been running the SQ40 size for over a year on my own excavator and I am really looking forward to presenting the SQ40 solution which will bring efficiency to new levels also for the smaller excavators.”
The new SQ40 and the OEM's third generation tiltrotators are expected to draw significant interest from Bauma visitors.
Steelwrist CEO Stefan Stockhuas testing the new SQ40 on his own 6 tonne excavator.
CREDIT: STEELWRIST
The fuel cell delivers between 70 and 100 kW of power which is sent to the electric drive motors and the electrically-driven hydraulic pumps. Onboard H2 fuel capacity supports up to eight hours of continuous operation, while refuelling takes about 20 minutes.
The HW155H will be paired with a new low-pressure ‘hydrogen distribution vehicle’ to demonstrate how the machine can be supplied with zero-emission fuel.
MUST-SEE MATERIAL HANDLERS
And moving to recycling sector machines, Hyundai CE will also show its new HW250A MH, a material handler designed specifically for the recycling and waste handling industries.
The 26.1-tonne machine features an elevating cab, multiple boom configurations, and additional protective measures to enhance productivity and safety.
The HW250A MH comes with a standard 6.5m mono boom and a 4.5m gooseneck arm, designed for use with attachments like an orange peel grapple or clamshell bucket. An alternative 4m straight arm is available for tasks requiring a sorting grab. The handler provides a maximum working height of 12 m and is equipped with front and rear outriggers for improved stability during lifting.
Surviving Bauma
Navigating the colossal halls, dodging cranes the size of skyscrapers, and making it to your next meeting on time – Bauma is an experience like no other. Here are a few tried-and-tested tips to help you survive the world’s largest construction trade fair:
1. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
This isn’t advice; it’s a commandment. With so much ground to cover, you’ll be racking up steps faster than a marathon runner. So leave the formal footwear at home!
2. PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Study the event map, highlight your must-visit exhibitors, and plan your path beforehand. Hall-hopping wastes time.
3. BEAT THE WI-FI WOES
With tens of thousands of attendees fighting for bandwidth, the Wi-Fi can be hit or miss. Download any event apps and maps ahead of time, and carry a power bank to keep your devices charged.
4. STAY HYDRATED
With so much to see it’s easy to forget to eat and drink. Carry a reusable water bottle and some energy bars to keep your stamina up. You’ll thank yourself when hunger hits and the nearest food stall is 15 minutes away.
5. BE READY TO NETWORK
Bauma is as much about the people as it is about the machines. Keep business cards handy and don’t shy away from striking up conversations. Some of the best connections happen over an impromptu coffee.
7. PACE YOURSELF
Bauma is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t try to cram everything into one day. Take your time!
The machine’s elevating cab offers operators up to 2.9 m of additional height, improving visibility into work areas. Hyundai has included a manual lift control within the cab and an emergency control at ground level. The upper structure is reinforced with side bumpers, and an optional falling object guard system (FOGS) is available for additional safety.
Atlas to showcase machinery updates
CREDIT: ATLAS
Confirming its attendance at Bauma 2025, ATLAS has announced that it will present its latest developments at booth FM.713/2 in the outdoor exhibition area.
Among the highlights are updates to its wheeled excavators, which feature increased engine and pump performance for improved efficiency.
Stability, cross-country mobility, and hydraulic precision have also been enhanced to maximize versatility. The newly designed cab offers 360-degree visibility, improved ventilation, and soundproofing to ensure operator safety and comfort.
President and CEO Brahim Stitou said: “We are already looking forward to the opportunity to present our new machines to a broader professional audience and convince them of the outstanding efficiency of our ATLAS products.
“Our global ATLAS dealer network will also be present to showcase the solutions and innovations we offer.”
Twin side-mounted lift cylinders are used for the main boom, which Hyundai indicates improve stability and balance compared to a central cylinder design. Additional steps on the front outrigger and cab are included to facilitate safer access.
The HW155H hydrogen fuel cell wheeled excavator.
CREDIT: HYUNDAI CE
Hyundai’s new HW250A Material Handler.
CREDIT: HYUNDAI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY EUROPE
Hyundai aims for the HW250A MH to expand its presence in the material handling market, with applications in recycling, demolition, forestry, and dockside operations.
Bauma 2025 promises to set a new benchmark for innovation and ambition in the construction and mining industries. With a lineup of world premieres, cutting-edge prototypes, and forward-thinking technologies, this year’s event will offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore the latest advancements before they shape worksites around the globe. As manufacturers prepare to showcase their bold visions for the future, Bauma remains the ultimate stage for unveiling what’s next in efficiency, sustainability, and performance. For anyone in the industry, it’s an unmissable opportunity to experience the future firsthand.