That’s the assessment Komatsu Europe’s chief operating officer Göksel Güner gave when asked by Construction Briefing how he sees the prospects for the region, during a press conference at Bauma in Munich, Germany.

Güner said that Komatsu’s remote monitoring technology means that it can see how much machines it has manufactured are working.

“The fact is, our machines are working more than in the past but because of several uncertainties, customers have been hesitating to invest in new machines,� he said.

“Of course, our machines are good quality and you can operate them a year, two years, three years longer. But one day, there will will come a point where it is not economical anymore if the machine is getting older and older.

“We feel that the time is coming now that replacements will have to take place and Bauma is a good chance for us to create positive momentum. Hopefully it will be a turning point and customers will be more willing to invest in new machines.�

Too early to assess impact of tariffs

Asked about what impact tariffs levied on countries around the world by US President Donald Trump would have on construction equipment sales globally, Komatsu Europe managing director and CEO Tadashi Maeda said that more time was required to make an assessment.

“As you know, the Trump administration has a lot of new rules or regulations every day. So now Komatsu is analysing the impact and it is too early to say. But we are seriously monitoring the situation and analysing the impact to the Komatsu business globally,� Maeda said.

Güner added that the company expected the impact on European machine sales to be more limited because Komatsu produces 90% of the products it sells in Europe, in Europe itself.

New machines at Bauma

Komatsu is presenting 13 new models on its stand at Bauma.

Among them is the new-generation PC220LCi-12 hydraulic excavator. It is the European spec of the PC2001-12, which was launched in Japan in December 2024.

The machine is equipped with the latest generation of intelligent machine technology, including sensors and GNSS antennas that provide bucket edge position, for display on the in-cab monitor along with 3D design data.

Komatsu said the technology would reduce the requirement of staking, surveying, and the need for spotters, improving site efficiency at a time when skilled construction workers continue to be in short supply.

The equipment assists operators by automatically adjusting excavation movements to follow the design specifications, regardless of operator skill level.

The machine features Smart Construction Remote as standard, which enables customers to transfer design files remotely, eliminating unnecessary site visits. Optional features include a Smart Construction Dashboard that digital replicates and analyses the entire construction production process, from surveying and bidding to completion and inspection.

Another option is Smart Construction Fleet, which enables proximity notifications for dump trucks registered on the PC220LCi-12. Loading records from the excavator to the dump trucks can be stored on the server, and the operational status of each vehicle on site such as location and transportation counts can be visualised in real time along with issue analysis.

Komatsu said the new-generation machine also has a new wide cab design with 30% more leg room, 3D geofencing, and automatic swing control.

Among other new Komatsu machines at Bauma are new skid steer and compact tracked loader concepts, .