The SEM Way

01 Apr 2018 Editorial Team

Caterpillar is launching a series of earthmoving products under its SEM brand. With the increased government spend on infrastructure, several new players are entering the market and taking up smaller contracts. These customers are on the lookout for ready to run products at an affordable price. Their expectations on the product life-cycle, product support, technology solutions are different compared to the traditional (life-cycle value and life-cycle performance) customers. Meeting customer requirements Understanding this customer segment, Caterpillar is launching a series of earthmoving products under its SEM brand. In 2017, it launched SEM919 motor grader, SEM816 and SEM822 track type tractor and SEM656D wheel loader. Caterpillar (Qingzhou), formerly Shandong SEM Machinery Co, was founded at Qingzhou City, China, in 1958. After 60 years of trials and hardships, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) has been one of the most important manufacturers of machinery industry in China, and its SEM brand products were known as an international brand serving customers from more than 80 countries and regions. SEM products are manufactured in Caterpillar Qingzhou (CQL), one of the 22 facilities for Caterpillar in China. CQL became a 100 per cent subsidiary of Caterpillar in 2008. Ever since, there has been a series of product development led by Caterpillar engineers taking the legacy technologies from their drawing board. Currently, CQL manufactures 12 models of wheel loaders, three models of motor graders, three models of soil compactors and two models of track type tractors. India specific models have been developed in 2017 and after ARAI approval, SEM919, SEM656D and SEM 816 are now being launched. The success factor Says Sankar R, India Sales Manager-SEM products, 'SEM products provide best-in-class products on the utility segment, where the customer is looking for low-cost per unit of work done. SEM products follow rigorous design and validation process of Caterpillar. As a differentiating element in the class it operates, SEM also offers basic telematics option. SEM would be a key contributor to India's huge infrastructure growth plans.' 'SEM will offer its customers the deeper portfolio of products to match their application needs, as we are committed to do everything possible to help our customers succeed,'adds Vivek V, Country Manager, Caterpillar India. Fully equipped SEM656D is the flagship model of SEM - which won the 'Caterpillar Chairman Quality Award', with typical improvements on fuel economy, productivity and comfort. It is powered with Weichai Stage-III engine with electric fan as a standard. The high fill factor of its bucket 656D ensures more productivity for lesser fuel burnt. In-house made powershift countershaft transmission and best-in-class heavy duty axle provides a more reliable and sturdy product, suiting various rugged operations. SEM919 is a 190 hp net power BS-III motor grader with a 12 ft blade as a standard. Its load sensing hydraulics with Caterpillar patented valve provides more comfort for the operator and reduces fuel consumption. The rigid box structure and in-house made tandem axle ensures longer life and ease of maintenance. It has various fuel saving components like hydraulic fan and axial piston pump. SEM816 is a first-of-its-kind dozer in the utility segment equipped with Hydrostatic transmission, components from world-class supplier. It is powered by 160 hp Weichai engine. The maintenance-free undercarriage components reduce periodic maintenance cost; oil cooled wet disc brakes enhances the serviceability of the machine. All the movement of the machines are controlled by a multi-functional joystick with speed recall option, which enhances the productivity of the machine. (Communication by the management of the company)