CASE Graders are equipped with technology that allows for remote diagnosis and monitoring.

– Alok Jha

Director, Sales & Marketing, India & SAARC, CASE Construction Equipment

What is the current market trend or which are the sectors driving the demand for Motor Graders in India?

Graders are commonly used machines at majority of construction sites. Owing to the current development pace in the country with Bharatmala and Sagarmala programmes, the need for equipment like these, are high in demand and will sustain for the coming years. Owing to Indian government’s focus on last-mile connectivity and urbanization, the market is further expected to boost in the coming years.

Basis various research reports, the global graders market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% during the period 2022-2032 from of nearly US$ 4.27 Bn by 2022. In India as well, investments in the national infrastructure development plan will drive further demand in the segment. Currently, brands are focusing on R&D to offer graders in the future that are even more fuel efficient, highly productive, and are also environment friendly.

How do you see a growth in the use of Motor Graders in terms of rural road construction?

Road construction and rural infrastructure development has been enhanced with increased fund allocation this year in the fiscal budget. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the funding for rural roads construction scheme has increased from Rs 14,000 crore in 2021-22 (revised estimates) to Rs 19,000 crore in 2022-23. Road projects in rural areas will definitely see a rise which we are hopeful will also translate to growth in the use of the Graders. The CASEGraders come fitted with powerful engines with variable horsepower as well as heavy duty components like auto transmission and hydraulics that also ensure durability and reliability to work in any operating conditions.

What are your views on Motor Graders that are used in mining? What are the features supporting mining applications?

Graders are an important machine especially for mining sites, making sure to remove debris from the route for other machines to function without any glitch. CASE Motor Graders are equipped with a powerful FPT engine, rugged A-frame and mould board design, and industry-leading flip-up rear hood amongst other features. The unique multi radius blade as a part of moldboard precision technology consists of three different radii allowing for more efficient and continuous cutting, mixing and rolling applications that also spread out the material. The intelligent hydraulic system with a load sensor allows operators to regulate the mould board from the cabin itself, resulting in increased productivity and operator comfort.  The advanced engine and hydraulics increase the machine’s durability. CASE Graders are powered by the motor that generate variable Horsepower at 220 rpm – 193HP /205 HP / 220 HP that makes it functional for any terrain and is ideal for mining applications.

What are the innovative technology trends in Motor Graders?

Construction Equipment OEMs are working towards offering new-age technological advancements in the segment. Motor Graders, like most equipment in the sector is highly operator-centric machine and hence, it is important to ensure ease of use, safety as well as engine and cost-efficiency. At CASE, we constantly work towards providing advance technology as a part of our machines that helps increase efficiency at low fuel consumption. Moreover, operator safety is of a paramount priority for us and hence, our machines are designed in a way that is easy to use along with a safe cabin with unbothered visibility and hi-tech console for effortless operation. CASE Graders are equipped with technology that allows for remote diagnosis and monitoring. The equipment is outfitted with a one-of-a-kind trip meter on the operator’s dashboard that continually monitors fuel consumption, hours of operation, and operating temperatures. Additionally, CASE Graders are versatile in nature, making them highly productive as well as cost-effective machines.

Can you brief us about the latest Motor Graders and solutions from your company?

CASE Motor Graders are among the best-in-class and durable machines. The newly introduced at EXCON, C-series of Motor Graders are powerful machines with the FPT 6.7L turbocharged BS (CEV) IV, electronically controlled diesel engine.

The recently launched Motor Grader 845C in the C-series, is an efficient machine that is designed for comfortable operation from the ROPS/FOPS open cab. The motors that generate variable horsepower at 220 rpm – 193HP /205 HP / 220 HP, along with the cutting edge moldboard with 22mm thickness, make the Grader ideal to operate on any suitable terrain or operating condition. The cabin is equipped with an adjustable suspension vinyl seat and operator control for ease of accessibility and unobstructed visibility. It also features an electronic information centre that indicates Tachometer readings, Transmission modes (automatic/manual), Engine cooling temperature, fuel level and consumption, Engine and Transmission diagnostics and other features. The machine offers an industry-leading flip-up rear hood for easy functioning of the ripper. These features help make the machine effortlessly serviceable and manageable for any customer.

All CASE Graders are equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern features making them ideal for infrastructure and mining projects. They ensure high productivity in any operating environment.

What is your market outlook for Motor Graders in the coming years?

India, as a developing nation is on a path of constant change, especially in the terms of infrastructure. With massive number of infrastructure projects that are being announced and awarded by the Government since the past few years, we are definitely anticipating increase in the use of construction machinery. As road and highway construction projects are on the rise, we believe Motor Graders will increasingly be used for its operational benefits in these segments. We look forward to the completion of ongoing projects and are keen to also know and understand future infrastructure development projects. We do hope that the drive towards completion of these projects will keep encouraging a positive growth in the Motor Grader segment as they are multipurpose machines that are ideal for construction sites and mining sites.

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