Link-Belt Debuts 245 X4S Reduced Tail Swing Excavator at CONEXPO 2026

Link-Belt Excavators unveiled the new 245 X4S at CONEXPO, a reduced tail swing excavator designed for work in confined spaces. With 160 hp in a compact footprint, it targets contractors who need manoeuvrability without sacrificing performance.

The company’s presence at CONEXPO 2026 put the spotlight on new product launches and hands-on technology demonstrations, with Booth F35043 positioned as a hub for operators and fleet teams. The company introduced two new machines, the 245 X4S and the 80 X4, and backed the launches with a dedicated technology zone focused on connectivity, AI and operator development, including two excavator simulators.

Link-Belt positions the 245 X4S as a tech-ready machine, with optional tools such as Digital Level, height and depth alarms, and an integrated payload system. The excavator also comes Precision Grade-ready, a factory-prepped configuration intended to speed up the installation of IMU sensors and machine guidance kits, reducing time off the jobsite.

On the operating side, the model uses an electronically controlled hydraulic pump system with Spool Stroke Control (SSC). It also adds a Customizable Hydraulic Flow Balance, allowing operators to adjust flow distribution and helping limit arm drift when handling heavier attachments during swing.

Power comes from an Isuzu AR-4HK1X Final Tier 4 engine. Link-Belt notes the system is designed without a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which can simplify maintenance planning compared with DPF-based setups.

The 245 X4S offers four operating modes: Lifting, Eco, Power, and Speed Priority, giving crews a straightforward way to tailor hydraulic response and cycle speed to the task at hand.

The 245 X4S is set up with a 500-hour fuel filter service interval, and Link-Belt states DEF consumption runs at around 2 to 3 percent of diesel use, supporting longer stretches between refills. Routine service points are designed for ground-level access, making daily checks and scheduled maintenance quicker.

In the cab, operators work from a 10-inch anti-glare LCD monitor that can be configured to show items such as work tool names, system alerts, SCR regeneration status, and in-cab pressure controls. For visibility, the excavator can be equipped with WAVES (Wide Angle Visual Enhancement System), providing 230 degrees of coverage around the machine to support awareness on busy jobsites.

Link-Belt Debuts 245 X4S Reduced Tail Swing Excavator at CONEXPO 2026 published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.