Several of the top producers of heavy machinery in the world, known as the “Big 3” (Komatsu, Kubota, and Hitachi Construction Machinery), are based in Japan.
The “Big 3” Manufacturers Komatsu Ltd. is the biggest heavy equipment manufacturer in Japan and the second-largest in the world, behind Caterpillar. It manufactures a large variety of mining, industrial, and earthmoving equipment.
Kubota Corporation is a world leader in small machinery, especially in the fields of agricultural equipment and mini-excavators.
Large-scale excavators and mining equipment are the areas of expertise for Hitachi Construction Machinery.
Address: Tokyo 110-0015, Japan; 2 Chome-16-1 Higashiueno, Taito City
Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday
Companies that specialize on heavy equipment
In addition to the top three, a number of additional significant companies focus on particular industries:
Kobelco Construction Machinery is a division of Kobe Steel that specializes in cranes and excavators.
Operating via its subsidiaries, Sumitomo Construction Machinery (excavators and pavers) and HSC Cranes, is Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI).
Tadano Ltd.: An expert in lifting apparatus, namely all-terrain and hydraulic truck cranes.
Forklifts and specialized infrastructure equipment are among the many types of industrial machinery produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
Sakai Heavy Industries is a significant producer of equipment used in road building, such as soil stabilizers and rollers.
Niche and Other Important Participants
Takeuchi Mfg. is renowned for being a market pioneer for mini-excavators and small track loaders.
Yanmar: Focuses on diesel engines and small construction equipment.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries: Manufacturer of tunnel boring equipment and wheel loaders.
Kato Works: Specializes in hydraulic excavators and mobile cranes.
Trends in the Market (2025–2026)
The sector is now confronted with difficulties due to fluctuating trade barriers and high steel costs. Trade agreements between the United States and Japan lowered heavy equipment tariffs to 15% in late 2025, which helped Japanese export companies like Komatsu and Hitachi. Additionally, there is a considerable demand for rentals, with AKTIO Corporation and Kanamoto dominating the domestic rental industry.
