The team at A&D Equipment had an incredible time attending CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas this year. While the massive equipment displays and new technology are always impressive, what we enjoyed most wasn’t just the machines; it was the people. One of the highlights for our team was finally meeting many customers and partners in person.

For years, we’ve built strong relationships over the phone and through email, helping customers find the right equipment and solutions. Being able to shake hands, put faces to familiar voices, and share a few laughs together made those connections even more meaningful. Throughout the show, we had the chance to meet new people from across the industry, talk about current projects, and catch up on construction news from around the country. Whether it was discussing equipment needs, sharing stories from job sites, or comparing notes on where the industry is headed, the conversations were the best part of the experience.

Of course, we also made sure to capture the moment as there were plenty of selfies taken along the way! It was a fun reminder that behind every order, phone call, and project is a real relationship. Events like CONEXPO are a great opportunity for the construction community to come together, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to stop, talk, and connect with us. We’re already looking forward to the next one. If we met you at the show, thank you for making it such a memorable experience

Founded in 1960 in Amityville, NY, Dependable Hydraulics began as a small repair shop fixing everything from toasters and clothing irons to pipe threading equipment and hydraulic jacks. The company soon discovered its niche in hydraulic cylinder repair, laying the foundation for decades of growth under the founders, Ben and Frank LaRosa. Their sons, Tom, Chris, and James, joined the business and assumed ownership in 2002, continuing the family legacy of hands-on expertise and customer commitment.

A major milestone came in 1998 when Tom LaRosa opened the North Branford, Connecticut location, which has since expanded to occupy an entire 40,000-square-foot facility. Today, the third generation, including Tony, Joe, and Paul LaRosa in Connecticut and David and Ben LaRosa in New York, are preparing to carry the business forward as a proud family operation. Dependable Hydraulics now employs 50 skilled professionals specializing in industrial hydraulic troubleshooting, repair, and complete component rebuilds from cylinders and motors to valves and pumps. Their capabilities also include fabrication and full hydraulic system development, supported by an extensive machine shop and welding team.

Their customer base ranges from local contractors and equipment owners to major manufacturers such as General Dynamics, Pratt & Whitney, and Sikorsky. For more than 12 years, Dependable Hydraulics has partnered with A&D Equipment, supporting repairs, supplying parts, and assisting on job sites across the country. They value the relationship as a true local partnership built on trust, responsiveness, and shared commitment to customers. What they love most about hydraulic repair is that no two jobs are the same. Each project requires research, precision, and problem-solving to ensure the best outcome. One key message they emphasize to equipment owners is the importance of hydraulic oil cleanliness. Often called the “blood of the machine,” hydraulic oil circulates through every component. Contamination frequently invisible to the human eye, can dramatically shorten component life and lead to costly downtime.

Pro Tips from Dependable Hydraulics:

●Perform routine preventative maintenance

●Change filters regularly

●Conduct oil sampling and replace when needed

●Keep systems clean to extend equipment life and reduce downtime

Great question! With so many hydraulic fittings available in different shapes and sizes, choosing the right quick coupler can feel overwhelming. The correct fitting depends on both the size of your machine and the hydraulic requirements of the attachment you plan to run. In general, larger machines with higher pressure and flow rates are best suited for screw-on quick couplers, which provide a more secure connection for demanding applications.

Smaller machines with lower pressure and flow typically work well with push-on couplers, offering a simple and efficient solution. Having a trusted hydraulic partner is key. With A&D Equipment, we work closely with Dependable Hydraulics to ensure our customers get the right components for their specific needs. The bottom line? Doing your research before purchasing is important and that’s where we come in. Let A&D Equipment do the research for you and confidently guide you to the right solution.

Truth Excavation was founded in 2011 after Kimo Clark found himself at a crossroads when the company he had worked for went out of business. Rather than stepping away from the industry he knew so well, he chose to build something of his own. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the trade, he earned his contractor’s license and launched Truth Excavation.

Kimo describes starting the company as one of the hardest endeavors of his life. Over the years, he refined his core values, mission, and operations through persistence and hard lessons learned. Today, Truth Excavation stands as one of the most respected companies in its area, a testament to Kimo’s belief that there are no shortcuts to success in a rewarding but demanding field.

A turning point for Truth Excavation came when Kimo connected with A&D Equipment. His first purchase was a Rotastar Screening Bucket, which he calls “a game-changer.” The attachment is now used daily on job sites due to its efficiency and minimal setup time. However, what truly set A&D Equipment apart was not just the product; it was the customer service. After experiencing firsthand the professionalism, communication, and follow-through from A&D Equipment during the Rotastar purchase, Kimo made a significant decision. Although he already owned tiltrotators from a competitor and considered them quality products, he chose to switch and purchase two Steelwrist tiltrotators (an X12 & X04) through A&D Equipment. The reason? Service. Kimo explains that while both brands offered strong products, the difference was the vendor behind them. He wasn’t simply investing in equipment; he was investing in a partnership. He understood that the company you work with is just as important as the equipment you run. A&D Equipment promised exceptional customer service and consistent follow-through and they delivered. Despite the logistical challenges of operating in Maui, A&D Equipment has never failed to ship parts promptly or meet his needs. Kimo expects reliability from his vendors, and he says A&D Equipment follows through 100% of the time. In his words, “A&D Equipment has provided the best customer service in the 20 years I’ve been in business, hands down.” When describing the experience of working with them to others, he uses a simple comparison: “It’s like going from Coach to First Class.” That’s how significant the difference feels. For Kimo, the products are excellent, but it’s the people behind A&D Equipment, and their unwavering commitment to customer service, that truly make them stand out. He often says he wishes every company he worked with operated with the same customer-first mindset that Anthony and Donna demonstrate every day.