When Caterpillar began its current investment in 3D-printing components for heavy equipment earlier this decade, the company’s engineers and chemists tried to manage their expectations.

Volvo CE's venture into battery-powered heavy iron is showing promising results with its LX01 prototype wheel loader.

Looking for the bright side of the construction crane market has taken considerable effort in the last few years, but an uptick in sales in the first half of 2017 and an increased level of interest from customers has crane manufacturers reevaluating their product lines and rental firms shoring up their distribution channels.

This year, the overriding mood of the triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG equipment trade show was one of guarded optimism.