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At MCC, customization involves more than fitting an HVAC unit into a cab. It means engineering every component to work together for the specific demands of construction vehicles and the extreme environments they operate in. With decades of experience designing HVAC systems for excavators, loaders, graders, and other construction equipment, MCC is a leading provider of HVAC for vehicles in the construction industry. The result? Systems that integrate smoothly with construction vehicles, perform reliably in rugged environments, and progress from design to production with fewer iterations.

MCC’s Tim Hested, VP Sales, explains what customization really means at MCC, how our process works, and the level of quality OEMs can count on with MCC.

What Does Customization Mean at MCC?

At MCC, customization means matching HVAC systems to the unique role and operating conditions of each construction vehicle. Airflow, mounting, and electrical integration are all designed specifically for the vehicle and the job it’s intended to do.

This approach is not about simply resizing a unit to fit a space. Instead, Hested says, MCC strikes a balance between theoretical design and real-world performance by engineering systems that can withstand heavy dust, constant vibration, and variable weather conditions. These systems are expertly designed in-house and optimized beyond the blueprint to meet the realities of harsh construction sites.

To achieve this balance, MCC customizes down to the subcomponent level. Heat exchangers, electrical controls, enclosures, and every part of an HVAC system can all be adapted in-house, thanks to MCC’s engineering expertise and vertical integration.

How Does It Work?

To improve efficiency, reduce waste, and help keep costs under control, MCC’s process often begins before the OEM has finalized its design.

“At this stage, we review requirements and performance specifications, and we help to refine the design in collaboration with the OEM before manufacturing begins,” says Hested.

From there, the design phase is driven by rapid prototyping and testing in advanced R&D labs that replicate real jobsite conditions. This stage validates airflow, vibration resistance, and thermal management before progressing to field trials. Because prototypes can be produced in plastic within weeks, timelines are shortened and early versions often need only minor adjustments before full production.

How We Do It

Understanding the OEM’s plans from the start allows MCC to be more efficient and better address the unique realities of construction vehicles.

“The goal is to eliminate wasted effort and parts,” says Hested. That philosophy drives MCC’s approach and is reinforced by decades of industry knowledge.

For example, airflow is a critical performance factor. MCC evaluates motor strength, blower wheel design, and static pressure to make sure it is optimized for the cab layout. By collaborating with OEMs, MCC fine-tunes ducting and blower placement to avoid issues like weak defrosting or reduced airflow in dusty environments.

From a mechanical perspective, MCC develops customized HVAC enclosures and heat exchangers that are modeled, prototyped, and validated to fit into tight cab spaces or around visibility requirements without compromising performance.

Challenges

Designing HVAC systems for construction equipment comes with unique hurdles.

• Mounting in harsh environments: While units can be placed in various cab locations, routing air effectively for defrost, heating, and cooling requires careful planning to account for unique jobsite conditions.
• Vibration resistance: Construction vehicles operate in rugged, high-vibration environments. MCC draws from experience with hundreds of vehicle applications, running vibration tests when needed to confirm the right mounting solutions.
• Operator comfort and control: Modern construction equipment often requires automotive-style airflow selection. MCC integrates plenums into designs, giving operators precise control over where air is delivered in the cab.
• Electrical integration: MCC uses a platform-based strategy with standardized electrical interfaces, multi-protocol controllers, and pre-integration testing to ensure plug-and-play compatibility across construction vehicle platforms.
• Hybrid and EV considerations: As construction equipment moves toward electrification, strict power budgets and overlapping thermal demands create real challenges. MCC tackles these with future-ready soft-start logic, re-mappable firmware, and coordinated thermal management strategies.
• Tight space constraints: From compact skid steers to large excavators, MCC adapts HVAC designs to fit the available space without sacrificing performance or operator visibility.

What OEMs Can Expect from MCC

OEMs can expect an emphasis on quality from the start, says Hested. That’s why performance and durability benchmarks are defined early and supported by advanced testing at MCC’s Vaughan, Ontario facility.

“MCC is able to provide whatever test is required to help our customers feel confident in the system,” says Hested.

Beyond quality, MCC supports long-term outcomes by engaging not only with OEM partners but also with their customers. MCC works with construction companies and fleet technicians to ensure systems continue to perform reliably over time. Training often focuses on filtration solutions, which are especially critical in construction environments. From standard off-road paper filters to HEPA filters for high-contamination sites, MCC provides education on how to maintain air quality and protect operator health and safety while meeting stringent jobsite regulations.

Built for Your Platform. Backed by Our Experience.

When MCC partners with an OEM, the result is a custom HVAC solution that’s engineered for the platform, optimized for performance, and informed by decades of industry know-how. That combination of precision and efficiency is what keeps construction equipment working at its best in the toughest environments.

Contact us today to discuss how MCC can design a system that’s built to fit, built to last, and built to perform.