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🏗️ Market Movers: The World’s Top 10 Construction Equipment Giants of 2022

Every year, the construction world waits for the release of the KHL Yellow Table like it’s the Billboard Top 100—but instead of pop stars, we’re ranking the biggest, baddest machine builders on Earth.

So, what did 2022 look like?
A little dip in global sales, but overall? Still booming.

💰 Big Numbers, Bigger Machines

According to KHL Group, the top 50 construction equipment manufacturers raked in $231 billion in 2022. That’s slightly down from 2021’s $233 billion, but still one of the highest totals ever recorded.

The U.S. led the charge, with American manufacturers pulling in over 26% of the total—up from 21% the year before.

And who’s still king of the hill?

👑 Caterpillar: Still Wearing the Crown

Caterpillar, the yellow titan from Illinois, remains #1 in the world—again.
With 16% of global sales, Cat is still the go-to name when contractors want machines that work as hard as they do (and come with an unbeatable resale value).

Even with economic headwinds, Cat didn’t flinch—and neither did its grip on the top spot.

🥈 Komatsu & 🥉 XCMG: The Runners-Up

Hot on Cat’s tracks is Komatsu, the Japanese heavyweight that’s always near the top thanks to its innovation in automation, mining, and mid-size equipment.

And taking the bronze? XCMG, China’s biggest construction brand, solidifying its place as a global player with strong international sales and a jaw-dropping product range (seriously, have you seen their 4,000-ton crawler crane?).

🚜 Movers, Shakers & Surprises in the Top 10

Now here’s where things get juicy:

• John Deere made a power move, bumping SANY out of the #4 spot. Green steel is on the rise.

• SANY, the pride of China, slipped to #5, but still holds a strong global position.

• Liebherr, Hitachi, and Sandvik each moved up one notch, proving steady growth beats flash.

Meanwhile, some familiar names had a tough year:

• Zoomlion and Doosan (now Develon) both dropped out of the top 10.

• JCB rejoined the elite list for the first time in years—welcome back, Britain!

📊 So, Who’s in the Top 10 for 2022?

Here’s the lineup, by sales:

1. Caterpillar (USA)

2. Komatsu (Japan)

3. XCMG (China)

4. John Deere (USA)

5. SANY (China)

6. Liebherr (Germany)

7. Hitachi Construction Machinery (Japan)

8. Volvo CE (Sweden)

9. Sandvik Mining & Rock Technology (Sweden)

10. JCB (UK)

(Source: KHL Yellow Table, 2022 Edition)

🔮 What Does It All Mean?

While overall sales dipped slightly, the market stayed red-hot by historical standards.

• U.S. manufacturers gained serious momentum

• Japanese and European brands stayed solid

• Chinese brands showed resilience, despite some ranking shifts

Bottom line?
The global equipment game is more competitive than ever, and innovation, electrification, and localization will be key in shaping the next Yellow Table.

📦 Where to Read More?

The full Yellow Table report is available in the May–June issue of International Construction, packed with insights, data, and enough machine photos to make any gearhead smile.