Moving the Earth
Equipment

Moving the Earth

Earthmoving equipment drives the construction equipment industry and propels the Indian construction industry. Charu Bahri digs deep to unearth the latest happenings in the segment.

Earthmoving equipment constitutes the biggest segment in construction equipment. This is due to the uptake of a wide range of products across diverse sectors – infrastructure construction, power, building construction and mining. Within the segment – including backhoe loaders, excavators, loaders, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, wheeled loading, shovels, wheel loaders, motor graders, motor scrappers, dump trucks, wheel dozers and drag­lines – excavators see the most off-take.

Market profile

Its first-mover advantage is a key reason for earthmoving equipment holding a place of prominence in the Indian construction equipment market. According to Pradeep Kathuria, Head & CEO, Essar Equipment Bank, Essar Projects, “India is well served by the existing range of earthmoving equipment. Crawler excavators, one of the major equipments in the segment, are also amongst the first few machines that kick started mechanisation in the construction industry.”

“Earthmoving equipment comprises about 65 per cent of the overall Rs 20,000 crore worth of construction equipment market. Crawler excavators account for the highest chunk in value terms. Around 18,000 crawler excavators are demanded annually. With an annual demand of about 34,000 units, backhoe loaders top sales in volume terms. Together, these two machines dominate the segment. Wheel loaders hold the third position, although there is plenty of scope to expand this market which presently stands at only around 3,500 units per annum,” says Rajesh Sharma, Executive Vice President – Strategy and Business Development, Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd.

“A closer look at the crawler excavator market shows that the 20-tonne excavator has captured around 70 per cent of the market pie. Volvo’s top selling earthmoving machine is EC210B Prime, the 21-tonne excavator, precisely for the reason that it features tailored hydraulics and fuel-efficiency,” says AM Muralidharan, Managing Director, Volvo India Pvt Ltd.

Demand curve

It is no news to anyone that the construction industry is going through a slowdown. Sharma is optimistic about a recovery simply because the country’s infrastructure needs are so acute, so huge, and so critical, that there is no getting away from reverting to top gear expansion. “Mid-term prospects are bright; the ongoing slowdown is merely a blip. We will see the industry bounce back to the growth trajectory. Estimates suggest that the earthmoving equipment segment will grow at a CAGR of 13-14 per cent from the current Rs 13,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore by 2015.”

In spite of the wide applications of earthmoving equipment, in the face of the slowdown in the construction sector, Dinesh Nain, Head, Marketing, Terex Equipment Pvt Ltd. sees the demand for crawler excavators growing only in the second half of this year while other products would struggle to maintain demand levels.

Muralidharan believes that the slowdown has not impacted the earthmoving segment much. It is doing well on the back of strong demand from government-supported infrastructure projects. “We expect our target market to grow at a CAGR of 15-20 per cent over the next decade. Growth will come mainly from infrastructure development (especially roads) and general construction with mining expected to make a comeback.”

India-specific array

The Indian earthmoving equipment market has significantly evolved in recent years. Design is now India-centric, largely because of the peculiarities of the domestic demand and applications. “End-users in India put machinery to greater use than in any other part of the world. So they need products to be reliable and rugged. That is why we have tailor-made all our products like backhoe loader, skid steer loader, light tower, site dumper, etc. (except wheel loader) for India with an eye on durability and maintenance-free operations over the years. Indian users also look for value for money propositions from equipment manufacturers,” says Nain.

“JCB entered the Indian market over 30 years ago with a firm commitment to deliver best-in-class machines targeted for specific uses. For instance, JCB’s leading machine, the backhoe loader, is made for applications like brick kilns, plantations, rural roads, farm soil turning, irrigation etc. We invest heavily in continual product improvement with the aim of enhancing reliability, ruggedness and fuel efficiency. Years of India-centric backhoe design has helped bring out the all-new JCB 3DX Backhoe Loader powered by the state-of-the-art, fuel efficient, in-house purpose- built JCB Engine Ecomax,” says Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director & CEO, JCB India Ltd. This was launched in June this year with the aim of strengthening JCB’s share in the backhoe loader market in India and extending its reach in developing rural markets. This new generation machine provides its customers with 20 per cent more cabin space and 20 per cent lower fuel consumption in excavation for equal productivity. This will result in fuel savings worth Rs 2.25 lakh per year at current diesel prices (for a machine running for 2,500 hours per year).

“Volvo’s complete range comprises global products tailored for India as customer demands in India are as relevant as anywhere else. We don’t believe world-class technologies should be restricted to specific markets. Technologies that are relevant for local markets should be made available to customers across geographies so that they can get the best value out of the equipment, if needed, with some user adaptations to suit local needs.

We introduced the Indian market to new products that are well-represented in other markets at Excon 2011 – three excavators, two compactors, an award-winning wheel loader and one asphalt paver,” shares Muralidharan.

Local production

Recognising the scope of the local market, a number of MNC vendors are shifting production to India as well. “Terex’s backhoe loader (TLB series) is totally indigenised. It is a top selling machine on account of excellent performance output, reliability and fuel efficiency. Other products like crawler excavators, wheel loaders, etc, are partially manufactured in India and partially imported. Players like Doosan, Caterpillar, etc. are still importing these machines and selling them in India. Telcon, Hyundai, L&T Komatsu, etc. are manufacturing most of the heavy line earthmoving equipment in India,” shares Nain.

“Foreign players who are looking to achieve a solid footing in this important market in the long-term are developing India as a sourcing and manufacturing hub. Volvo CE’s local manufacturing operations are ensuring greater machine availability for Indian customers, shortening delivery lead times and enabling faster response to customer requirements,” observes Muralidharan.

JCB’s best-in-class manufacturing units in Ballabgarh and Pune use the latest technology to produce its entire range of earthmoving equipment barring skid steer and telehandlers. “Skid steers and telehandlers are being imported as their market is still at a very nascent stage,” explains Sondhi. Along with product development and indigenisation, JCB is also focusing on delivering the knowhow to extract the most output from these machines. “With one out of every two machines sold in the construction and earthmoving sector being a JCB, it is imperative that we take the lead in operator training. JCB Operator Training Schools have trained over 18,000 young men till date,” he adds.

Indian companies are up to the challenge of competing with their MNC counterparts. Escorts launched its own series of backhoe loaders under DigMax brand in 2010, eight years after parting ways with JCB. Sharma explains, “The DigMax series is an outcome of our four decades of experience gathered in the construction equipment industry. We played an active and important role in creating a market for the backhoe loader in India during our years of partnering with JCB. This time around we are recreating the same phenomenon for machines designed by us. With five models in the DigMax range, we are fully geared up to compete for the second highest seller position before we focus on the top slot.” Escorts is also focusing on the growing demand for wheel loaders, which is miniscule in comparison to neighbouring China. “We are distributing wheeled loaders from XGMA, a company which designed and built the first Chinese Loader in 1964 and is known as the mother company of all Chinese wheel loaders. The market for wheeled loaders in China ranges around 200,000 units, vis-à-vis our paltry 3,500 units. There is plenty of headroom for demand for this product to grow in India,” adds Sharma.

Indeed, and there is plenty of headroom for the earthmoving segment to grow as well!

Case Study 1

PRODUCTIVITY-ENHANCERS
Equipment: Skid Steer Loaders
Manufacturer: Terex India
User: Goddone Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, Noida
Use: Lifting fly ash bricks on pallets to a platform/yard in a fly ash brick manufacturing unit in Noida (multipurpose use).
Machine USP: It uses a standard Simpson industrial diesel engine, offers excellent hydraulics, an easy-to-read instrument console, drive motors with hydraulically activated and released multi-plate fade free brakes, 3,022 mm maximum lift height, and takes only 3.5 sec to fully raise lift arms. A comfortable and safe operators cabin integrates a roll-over protective structure, falling objects protective structure, roof window for enhanced visibility, rear window for emergency exit, heavy duty gear boxes and heavy duty pneumatic tyres.
Users say: “Terex Skid Steer Loaders combine good machine features (like sturdiness, versatility and low maintenance) with a wide range of optional accessories and attachments, such as different sizes of buckets, auger, bale handler, grader, industrial grapple, pallet fork, rock breaker, sweeper collector, vibratory roller etc. Both the bucket and fork were essential for our function; we did not find this in any other machine. Also, a mechanical hitch allows the quick and easy change of fitments for different functions that enhances productivity and saves labour cost. We have been able to more than halve the labour we use for fly ash pallet lifting, from 20-25 to 9-11. The skid steer loader is not the cheapest in the market – it is available at a premium of about 10 to 15 per cent more than its closest comparable models but it is far more versatile and efficient making it good value for money,” says Sanjay Kapoor, Director, Goddone Infrastructures Pvt Ltd.

Case Study 2

LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP BENEFITS
Equipment: Fleet consisting of 11 3DX Backhoe Loaders, four JS 200 Tracked Excavators, and one VM115 Vibratory Compactor
Manufacturer: JCB India Ltd
User: Shiva Associates and Vedic Construction Co Pvt Ltd
Use: Dam and canal project in Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh), canal project in Mohba (Chattisgarh), canal and bridge project in Bareilly (UP), road construction project in Paudhi Garwhal (Uttarakhand).
Manufacturers USP: JCB has a comprehensive network of 57 dealers and over 430 outlets providing expert servicing for its world-class machines. It also has a dedicated spare parts centre in Faridabad and spare parts depots in Chennai, Pune and Kolkata.
Users say: “In 1984, I underwent operator training from JCB’s Operator Training Centre in the company’s headquarters in Ballabgarh. After that, I joined the Municipal Corporation in Delhi where I worked for almost ten years. I started my own business in 1994. A JCB 3D machine was my first investment. My business has expanded many times over since then. I appreciate JCB’s commitment to all its clients to provide each of us, best-in-class products and services to make our work more productive. With JCB’s support and the growing infrastructure business, we also hope to expand our business across India.” says Sibban Singh, Director, Shiva Associates and Vedic Construction Co Pvt Ltd.

Case Study 3

RUGGED ENGINE, EASILY AVAILABLE SPARES
Equipment: Crawler Excavator / Dumper
Manufacturer: CAT for Crawler Excavator / Tata or Ashok Leyland for Dumper
User: Valecha Engineering Ltd.
Use: Road project in Mizoram
Machine USP: “The most desirable feature in a crawler excavator is a rugged engine along with the structural sturdiness provided by the machine during enduring operations. Manufacturers are focusing on fuel-efficiency and other aspects nowadays with more attention to the mechatronics. The engine is one of the mainstays of the machine. The availability of spares and after-sales services is critical for crawler excavators as well as dumpers,” says Vidhu Shekhar, Purchase Manager, Valecha Engineering Ltd.
Users say: “We have been using CAT crawler excavators that can take a lot of abuse. It is an extremely reliable machine that is backed by strong after-sales services. It is imported, hence more expensive, but a notch above other excavators in the market. Tata and Ashok Leyland have good after-sales service networks and their product spares are easily available. Since they have been in the market for a long time, they have also been able to build a product around the thoughts of the Indian customer without burning a hole in his pocket,” adds Vidhushekhar.

Case Study 4

SINGLE DEALER ADVANTAGES
Equipment: Crawler/excavator/loader/dozer
Manufacturer: L&T Komatsu
User: Jaiprakash Associates Ltd.
Use: Cement (limestone) mining in UP, MP, Gujarat, etc.
Machine USP: “Earthmoving equipment includes a wide variety of products, which are application oriented. It is essential to match the technical specifications of products with the application,” suggests BV Raisinghani, President (Purchase), Jaiprakash Associates Ltd.
Users say: Raisinghani prefers L&T Komatsu earthmoving equipment because the product quality is very good. The after-sales services are excellent thanks to the company having a footprint across India. L&T Komatsu offers the complete range of earthmoving equipment. “So we can deal with one supplier for all our needs. We supplement these machines with BEML off-highway trucks,” Raisinghani adds.

Case Study 5

GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
Equipment: DigMax Backhoe Loader
Manufacturer: Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd
User: Ranjit Buildcon Ltd
Use: Bridge project in Ahmedabad
Machine USP: Escorts uses the latest and precision welding techniques through ‘Robots’ for welding of all major structures. Escorts DigMax Backhoe Loader boasts of the highest digging and breakout forces in the industry, a fuel efficient BSIII turbo charged diesel 76 hp engine and a self-levelling and return to dig system for ease of operations. It offers better reach from the backhoe and front loader, high bucket capacities, high productivity and hence higher earnings on investment. Several machine aspects like the bucket tear out force, dipper tear out force, maximum dig depth, maximum reach at ground, maximum working height, maximum load over height, and loader arm break out force and bucket size are the highest in the industry. DigMax is backed by 104 Escorts and dealer network points.
Users say: “Escorts willingness to clarify technical issues pertaining to the working of the machine, the combination of technical features that are comparable with the JCB product and favourable pricing makes buying the DigMax backhoe loader good value for money,” says Vaibhav Patel, Director, Ranjit Buildcon Ltd.

Case Study 6

HEAVY DIGGING CAPABILITIES WITH FUEL ECONOMY
Equipment: EC480DL Excavator
Manufacturer: Volvo India Ltd
User: Mahalakshmi Infracontract Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad
Use: Coal mining
Machine USP: A turbocharged high pressure direct injection Volvo diesel engine delivers maximum power, 343 hp (256 kW) with high torque alongside lower emissions and noise. Eco mode function reduces the fuel consumption in each operation mode while the automatic idling system adds further to fuel efficiency and lowers external noise. Redefined hydraulics reduces the cycle time thereby enhancing performance. Up to 18 different attachments can also be managed, tailoring hydraulic flow and (as an option) pressure according to the specific requirements of the tool being used. Heavy duty boom and arm and Volvo CE’s telematic system, ‘CareTrack’ are standard fitments. ‘CareTrack’ facilitates remote access to read machine information such as fuel consumption and service reminders that allow improved planning and operation.
Users say: “The EC480DL is economical in terms of fuel consumption, vis-à-vis the fuel guzzlers in the heavy earthmoving machinery segment. It excels in heavy digging and lifting duties, offering superior cycle times and greater fuel efficiency. The machine also has a unique function called ECO-mode system that offers added fuel efficiency dimensions and works even on high power,” says Jagdish Dholu, Director, Mahalakshmi Infracontract Pvt Ltd.

To share your views or experiences with earthmoving equipment, write in at feedback@ASAPPmedia.com

Earthmoving equipment drives the construction equipment industry and propels the Indian construction industry. Charu Bahri digs deep to unearth the latest happenings in the segment.Earthmoving equipment constitutes the biggest segment in construction equipment. This is due to the uptake of a wide range of products across diverse sectors – infrastructure construction, power, building construction and mining. Within the segment – including backhoe loaders, excavators, loaders, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, wheeled loading, shovels, wheel loaders, motor graders, motor scrappers, dump trucks, wheel dozers and drag­lines – excavators see the most off-take.Market profileIts first-mover advantage is a key reason for earthmoving equipment holding a place of prominence in the Indian construction equipment market. According to Pradeep Kathuria, Head & CEO, Essar Equipment Bank, Essar Projects, “India is well served by the existing range of earthmoving equipment. Crawler excavators, one of the major equipments in the segment, are also amongst the first few machines that kick started mechanisation in the construction industry.”“Earthmoving equipment comprises about 65 per cent of the overall Rs 20,000 crore worth of construction equipment market. Crawler excavators account for the highest chunk in value terms. Around 18,000 crawler excavators are demanded annually. With an annual demand of about 34,000 units, backhoe loaders top sales in volume terms. Together, these two machines dominate the segment. Wheel loaders hold the third position, although there is plenty of scope to expand this market which presently stands at only around 3,500 units per annum,” says Rajesh Sharma, Executive Vice President – Strategy and Business Development, Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd.“A closer look at the crawler excavator market shows that the 20-tonne excavator has captured around 70 per cent of the market pie. Volvo’s top selling earthmoving machine is EC210B Prime, the 21-tonne excavator, precisely for the reason that it features tailored hydraulics and fuel-efficiency,” says AM Muralidharan, Managing Director, Volvo India Pvt Ltd.Demand curveIt is no news to anyone that the construction industry is going through a slowdown. Sharma is optimistic about a recovery simply because the country’s infrastructure needs are so acute, so huge, and so critical, that there is no getting away from reverting to top gear expansion. “Mid-term prospects are bright; the ongoing slowdown is merely a blip. We will see the industry bounce back to the growth trajectory. Estimates suggest that the earthmoving equipment segment will grow at a CAGR of 13-14 per cent from the current Rs 13,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore by 2015.”In spite of the wide applications of earthmoving equipment, in the face of the slowdown in the construction sector, Dinesh Nain, Head, Marketing, Terex Equipment Pvt Ltd. sees the demand for crawler excavators growing only in the second half of this year while other products would struggle to maintain demand levels.Muralidharan believes that the slowdown has not impacted the earthmoving segment much. It is doing well on the back of strong demand from government-supported infrastructure projects. “We expect our target market to grow at a CAGR of 15-20 per cent over the next decade. Growth will come mainly from infrastructure development (especially roads) and general construction with mining expected to make a comeback.”India-specific arrayThe Indian earthmoving equipment market has significantly evolved in recent years. Design is now India-centric, largely because of the peculiarities of the domestic demand and applications. “End-users in India put machinery to greater use than in any other part of the world. So they need products to be reliable and rugged. That is why we have tailor-made all our products like backhoe loader, skid steer loader, light tower, site dumper, etc. (except wheel loader) for India with an eye on durability and maintenance-free operations over the years. Indian users also look for value for money propositions from equipment manufacturers,” says Nain.“JCB entered the Indian market over 30 years ago with a firm commitment to deliver best-in-class machines targeted for specific uses. For instance, JCB’s leading machine, the backhoe loader, is made for applications like brick kilns, plantations, rural roads, farm soil turning, irrigation etc. We invest heavily in continual product improvement with the aim of enhancing reliability, ruggedness and fuel efficiency. Years of India-centric backhoe design has helped bring out the all-new JCB 3DX Backhoe Loader powered by the state-of-the-art, fuel efficient, in-house purpose- built JCB Engine Ecomax,” says Vipin Sondhi, Managing Director & CEO, JCB India Ltd. This was launched in June this year with the aim of strengthening JCB’s share in the backhoe loader market in India and extending its reach in developing rural markets. This new generation machine provides its customers with 20 per cent more cabin space and 20 per cent lower fuel consumption in excavation for equal productivity. This will result in fuel savings worth Rs 2.25 lakh per year at current diesel prices (for a machine running for 2,500 hours per year).“Volvo’s complete range comprises global products tailored for India as customer demands in India are as relevant as anywhere else. We don’t believe world-class technologies should be restricted to specific markets. Technologies that are relevant for local markets should be made available to customers across geographies so that they can get the best value out of the equipment, if needed, with some user adaptations to suit local needs.We introduced the Indian market to new products that are well-represented in other markets at Excon 2011 – three excavators, two compactors, an award-winning wheel loader and one asphalt paver,” shares Muralidharan.Local productionRecognising the scope of the local market, a number of MNC vendors are shifting production to India as well. “Terex’s backhoe loader (TLB series) is totally indigenised. It is a top selling machine on account of excellent performance output, reliability and fuel efficiency. Other products like crawler excavators, wheel loaders, etc, are partially manufactured in India and partially imported. Players like Doosan, Caterpillar, etc. are still importing these machines and selling them in India. Telcon, Hyundai, L&T Komatsu, etc. are manufacturing most of the heavy line earthmoving equipment in India,” shares Nain.“Foreign players who are looking to achieve a solid footing in this important market in the long-term are developing India as a sourcing and manufacturing hub. Volvo CE’s local manufacturing operations are ensuring greater machine availability for Indian customers, shortening delivery lead times and enabling faster response to customer requirements,” observes Muralidharan.JCB’s best-in-class manufacturing units in Ballabgarh and Pune use the latest technology to produce its entire range of earthmoving equipment barring skid steer and telehandlers. “Skid steers and telehandlers are being imported as their market is still at a very nascent stage,” explains Sondhi. Along with product development and indigenisation, JCB is also focusing on delivering the knowhow to extract the most output from these machines. “With one out of every two machines sold in the construction and earthmoving sector being a JCB, it is imperative that we take the lead in operator training. JCB Operator Training Schools have trained over 18,000 young men till date,” he adds.Indian companies are up to the challenge of competing with their MNC counterparts. Escorts launched its own series of backhoe loaders under DigMax brand in 2010, eight years after parting ways with JCB. Sharma explains, “The DigMax series is an outcome of our four decades of experience gathered in the construction equipment industry. We played an active and important role in creating a market for the backhoe loader in India during our years of partnering with JCB. This time around we are recreating the same phenomenon for machines designed by us. With five models in the DigMax range, we are fully geared up to compete for the second highest seller position before we focus on the top slot.” Escorts is also focusing on the growing demand for wheel loaders, which is miniscule in comparison to neighbouring China. “We are distributing wheeled loaders from XGMA, a company which designed and built the first Chinese Loader in 1964 and is known as the mother company of all Chinese wheel loaders. The market for wheeled loaders in China ranges around 200,000 units, vis-à-vis our paltry 3,500 units. There is plenty of headroom for demand for this product to grow in India,” adds Sharma.Indeed, and there is plenty of headroom for the earthmoving segment to grow as well!Case Study 1PRODUCTIVITY-ENHANCERSEquipment: Skid Steer LoadersManufacturer: Terex IndiaUser: Goddone Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, NoidaUse: Lifting fly ash bricks on pallets to a platform/yard in a fly ash brick manufacturing unit in Noida (multipurpose use).Machine USP: It uses a standard Simpson industrial diesel engine, offers excellent hydraulics, an easy-to-read instrument console, drive motors with hydraulically activated and released multi-plate fade free brakes, 3,022 mm maximum lift height, and takes only 3.5 sec to fully raise lift arms. A comfortable and safe operators cabin integrates a roll-over protective structure, falling objects protective structure, roof window for enhanced visibility, rear window for emergency exit, heavy duty gear boxes and heavy duty pneumatic tyres.Users say: “Terex Skid Steer Loaders combine good machine features (like sturdiness, versatility and low maintenance) with a wide range of optional accessories and attachments, such as different sizes of buckets, auger, bale handler, grader, industrial grapple, pallet fork, rock breaker, sweeper collector, vibratory roller etc. Both the bucket and fork were essential for our function; we did not find this in any other machine. Also, a mechanical hitch allows the quick and easy change of fitments for different functions that enhances productivity and saves labour cost. We have been able to more than halve the labour we use for fly ash pallet lifting, from 20-25 to 9-11. The skid steer loader is not the cheapest in the market – it is available at a premium of about 10 to 15 per cent more than its closest comparable models but it is far more versatile and efficient making it good value for money,” says Sanjay Kapoor, Director, Goddone Infrastructures Pvt Ltd.Case Study 2LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP BENEFITSEquipment: Fleet consisting of 11 3DX Backhoe Loaders, four JS 200 Tracked Excavators, and one VM115 Vibratory CompactorManufacturer: JCB India LtdUser: Shiva Associates and Vedic Construction Co Pvt LtdUse: Dam and canal project in Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh), canal project in Mohba (Chattisgarh), canal and bridge project in Bareilly (UP), road construction project in Paudhi Garwhal (Uttarakhand).Manufacturers USP: JCB has a comprehensive network of 57 dealers and over 430 outlets providing expert servicing for its world-class machines. It also has a dedicated spare parts centre in Faridabad and spare parts depots in Chennai, Pune and Kolkata. Users say: “In 1984, I underwent operator training from JCB’s Operator Training Centre in the company’s headquarters in Ballabgarh. After that, I joined the Municipal Corporation in Delhi where I worked for almost ten years. I started my own business in 1994. A JCB 3D machine was my first investment. My business has expanded many times over since then. I appreciate JCB’s commitment to all its clients to provide each of us, best-in-class products and services to make our work more productive. With JCB’s support and the growing infrastructure business, we also hope to expand our business across India.” says Sibban Singh, Director, Shiva Associates and Vedic Construction Co Pvt Ltd.Case Study 3RUGGED ENGINE, EASILY AVAILABLE SPARESEquipment: Crawler Excavator / DumperManufacturer: CAT for Crawler Excavator / Tata or Ashok Leyland for DumperUser: Valecha Engineering Ltd.Use: Road project in MizoramMachine USP: “The most desirable feature in a crawler excavator is a rugged engine along with the structural sturdiness provided by the machine during enduring operations. Manufacturers are focusing on fuel-efficiency and other aspects nowadays with more attention to the mechatronics. The engine is one of the mainstays of the machine. The availability of spares and after-sales services is critical for crawler excavators as well as dumpers,” says Vidhu Shekhar, Purchase Manager, Valecha Engineering Ltd.Users say: “We have been using CAT crawler excavators that can take a lot of abuse. It is an extremely reliable machine that is backed by strong after-sales services. It is imported, hence more expensive, but a notch above other excavators in the market. Tata and Ashok Leyland have good after-sales service networks and their product spares are easily available. Since they have been in the market for a long time, they have also been able to build a product around the thoughts of the Indian customer without burning a hole in his pocket,” adds Vidhushekhar.Case Study 4SINGLE DEALER ADVANTAGESEquipment: Crawler/excavator/loader/dozerManufacturer: L&T KomatsuUser: Jaiprakash Associates Ltd.Use: Cement (limestone) mining in UP, MP, Gujarat, etc.Machine USP: “Earthmoving equipment includes a wide variety of products, which are application oriented. It is essential to match the technical specifications of products with the application,” suggests BV Raisinghani, President (Purchase), Jaiprakash Associates Ltd.Users say: Raisinghani prefers L&T Komatsu earthmoving equipment because the product quality is very good. The after-sales services are excellent thanks to the company having a footprint across India. L&T Komatsu offers the complete range of earthmoving equipment. “So we can deal with one supplier for all our needs. We supplement these machines with BEML off-highway trucks,” Raisinghani adds.Case Study 5GOOD VALUE FOR MONEYEquipment: DigMax Backhoe LoaderManufacturer: Escorts Construction Equipment LtdUser: Ranjit Buildcon LtdUse: Bridge project in AhmedabadMachine USP: Escorts uses the latest and precision welding techniques through ‘Robots’ for welding of all major structures. Escorts DigMax Backhoe Loader boasts of the highest digging and breakout forces in the industry, a fuel efficient BSIII turbo charged diesel 76 hp engine and a self-levelling and return to dig system for ease of operations. It offers better reach from the backhoe and front loader, high bucket capacities, high productivity and hence higher earnings on investment. Several machine aspects like the bucket tear out force, dipper tear out force, maximum dig depth, maximum reach at ground, maximum working height, maximum load over height, and loader arm break out force and bucket size are the highest in the industry. DigMax is backed by 104 Escorts and dealer network points.Users say: “Escorts willingness to clarify technical issues pertaining to the working of the machine, the combination of technical features that are comparable with the JCB product and favourable pricing makes buying the DigMax backhoe loader good value for money,” says Vaibhav Patel, Director, Ranjit Buildcon Ltd.Case Study 6HEAVY DIGGING CAPABILITIES WITH FUEL ECONOMYEquipment: EC480DL Excavator Manufacturer: Volvo India LtdUser: Mahalakshmi Infracontract Pvt Ltd, Ahmedabad Use: Coal mining Machine USP: A turbocharged high pressure direct injection Volvo diesel engine delivers maximum power, 343 hp (256 kW) with high torque alongside lower emissions and noise. Eco mode function reduces the fuel consumption in each operation mode while the automatic idling system adds further to fuel efficiency and lowers external noise. Redefined hydraulics reduces the cycle time thereby enhancing performance. Up to 18 different attachments can also be managed, tailoring hydraulic flow and (as an option) pressure according to the specific requirements of the tool being used. Heavy duty boom and arm and Volvo CE’s telematic system, ‘CareTrack’ are standard fitments. ‘CareTrack’ facilitates remote access to read machine information such as fuel consumption and service reminders that allow improved planning and operation.Users say: “The EC480DL is economical in terms of fuel consumption, vis-à-vis the fuel guzzlers in the heavy earthmoving machinery segment. It excels in heavy digging and lifting duties, offering superior cycle times and greater fuel efficiency. The machine also has a unique function called ECO-mode system that offers added fuel efficiency dimensions and works even on high power,” says Jagdish Dholu, Director, Mahalakshmi Infracontract Pvt Ltd.To share your views or experiences with earthmoving equipment, write in at feedback@ASAPPmedia.com

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