Steelwrist introduced its third-generation XTR tiltrotators to Asia at CSPI-EXPO in Tokyo, where it also presented QuantumConnect, electric excavator demonstrations and the addition of OS40 to the Open-S standard.
CSPI-EXPO is held annually at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo and is regarded as one of the main events for Japan’s construction machinery sector. For Steelwrist, the 2026 edition marked its seventh participation in the exhibition. It formed part of a broader process of consolidating the company’s presence in Japan and across the wider Asian market.
At CSPI-EXPO 2026, the company exhibited at indoor stand 09-41, where it showcased key solutions for the regional market, including the XTR range, SQ fully automatic quick couplers, the QuantumConnect platform and technologies linked to the Open-S standard.
The XTR range made its Asian debut with a focus on compact machines and OEM integration
CSPI-EXPO marked the Asian market debut of Steelwrist’s XTR tiltrotator range. The series introduces the third generation of the company’s tiltrotator technology, combining new hardware components, updated hydraulic solutions, smart onboard functions and a next-generation control platform.
The stand displayed the XTR7, XTR10 and XTR15 models. The XTR7, shown to the public for the first time at Svenska Maskinmässan in Sweden two weeks before CSPI-EXPO, is designed for excavators in the 4 to 7 tonne class and uses an S40 interface. In Tokyo, the model was paired with the SQ40 fully automatic quick coupler, which allows hydraulic work tools to be changed from the cab. The configuration also included absolute tilt and rotation sensors, designed to support integration with machine control systems.
Other XTR models were also displayed at OEM stands, installed on excavators exhibited at the show. An XTR10 was shown at the Kubota stand, while an XTR15 and an XTR23 were visible at the Komatsu stand. The presence of these units on machines from different manufacturers signalled growing OEM interest in integrating tiltrotators into configurations intended for the Asian market.
The XTR series has been designed to improve excavator operating efficiency by addressing performance, safety, machine availability and working precision. Key technical features include steel cast components, updated tilt geometry, the OptiLube onboard lubrication system, high-resolution tilt and rotation sensors, and safety solutions dedicated to secure attachment locking.
The XTR platform is prepared for SuperProp, the fully pressure-compensated proportional hydraulic technology developed by Steelwrist. The system is designed to improve tiltrotator precision, make the management of different functions more independent and reduce hydraulic losses to deliver smoother movements even when several excavator functions are used at the same time.
“Japan is one of the most important markets in the world for compact and mid-size excavators, and CSPI-EXPO is the right place to launch our third-generation XTR tiltrotators in Asia.”
Said Stefan Stockhaus, CEO of Steelwrist.
Steelwrist presented the QuantumConnect platform in Japan
The trade show also marked QuantumConnect’s debut in Japan. The tiltrotator control platform developed by Steelwrist is designed to simplify installation, operation and service, with the aim of making system management more straightforward for both technicians and operators. QuantumConnect integrates hardware components, dedicated applications and connected functions. The configuration includes A9 joysticks, a QIO module, Connectivity Gateway and touch display, as well as machine-specific cable harnesses designed to make installation more orderly and consistent with the type of excavator.
For technicians, QuantumConnect introduces a more structured installation process. The InstallMate app provides predefined, machine-specific guides available in multiple languages, supporting the various installation stages and enabling remote support when required.
For operators, QuantumConnect aims to make tiltrotator operation more precise and controllable. Hydraulic functions are proportionally controlled through the rollers on the A9 joysticks, while valve auto-calibration helps adjust system behaviour. Through the QuantumConnect app, operators can also configure settings, access support, and manage updates.
The platform can also be integrated with other Steelwrist technologies. LockSense indicates the locking status of the attachment, while ToolRec enables wireless detection of the connected work tool and automatic adjustment of tiltrotator settings. Optional integration with machine control systems also supports precision work through bucket position feedback.
Tiltrotators and automatic couplers were at the centre of Steelwrist’s CSPI-EXPO presence
At the fair, Steelwrist occupied a 315 square metre indoor space at stand 09-41. The exhibition area brought together tiltrotators, quick coupler solutions, work tools, control platform components and information on the Open-S standard, offering an overview of the technologies proposed by the company for the Japanese and Asian markets. The stand included static product displays, an area dedicated to the Open-S standard and a dedicated QuantumConnect space. Several XTR tiltrotator models, SQ fully automatic quick couplers, work tools and control system components were on display.
The company also demonstrated two electric excavators equipped with Steelwrist X04 tiltrotators. The tests showed the use of tiltrotators on compact machines, highlighting how tilting and rotating the work tool can help reduce excavator repositioning and improve precision and operational continuity.
During the exhibition, the Steelwrist Japan team was joined by representatives from the company’s international organisation. Meetings with customers, dealers and OEM partners provided an opportunity to discuss machine configurations, application solutions, installation support and possible uses of tiltrotators, automatic quick couplers and work tools in the Japanese operating context.
“CSPI-EXPO is the most important exhibition for us in Japan, and this year we are taking a major step with our biggest stand ever at the show. Interest in Steelwrist tiltrotators continues to grow among Japanese contractors, and we are excited to welcome customers, dealers and OEM partners to experience our latest technology first-hand.”
Said Takujiro Igarashi, Country Manager Japan at Steelwrist.
Steelwrist strengthened its presence in Japan with a new facility in Saitama
Over the past year, attention toward tiltrotators has grown among Japanese contractors, particularly for the contribution that tiltrotators, quick couplers and work tools can make to jobsite organisation and excavator efficiency.
To support the increase in activity, Steelwrist Japan announced its move to a new facility in Miyoshi-machi, in Saitama Prefecture, from July 1, 2026. The site was designed to provide greater operating capacity and more suitable space for sales, local spare parts availability, logistics, training and commercial development.
The move formed part of Steelwrist’s wider effort to strengthen its presence in Japan. The new facility was intended to allow the local subsidiary to provide more structured support to customers and dealers, manage higher product volumes and expand the technical expertise required by the progressive adoption of tiltrotators in the country.
Open-S extended to compact excavators with the OS40 size
CSPI-EXPO also included a focus on Open-S, the open industry standard for automatic excavator couplers, managed by the Open-S Alliance. Steelwrist, a founding member of the alliance, has contributed to the development of the standard and to its adoption across the sector. During a press event held on June 17 at the Steelwrist stand, Open-S announced the extension of the standard to the OS40 size. With this addition, the standard covers excavators from 2 to 75 tonnes and now also includes the compact segment from 2 to 7 tonnes, a particularly relevant size class in Japan and several other markets.
Steelwrist first presented SQ40, the solution behind the new OS40 size, at Bauma 2025 in Munich. With the inclusion of OS40 in the Open-S standard, fully automatic work tool changes and open compatibility have been extended to a significant part of the compact excavator segment.
Open-S is gradually expanding its international presence, with developments also in Japan and the rest of Asia. The recent addition of four new members to the alliance, including two Japanese companies, points to growing interest in open standards and interoperable solutions in the excavator sector.
Copyright 2017-2025 All rights reserved.