Optimistic Growth of Wheel Loaders Anticipated

V.G. Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India Private Limited, Member of governing council, ICEMA, Chairman of Mechanisation committee, Builders Association of India shares the various aspects that enabled Schwing Stetter achieve growth in the wheel loader segment.

Tell us about the key developments and trends being witnessed in the wheel loader market.

Wheel loaders find applications in various segments where the customers depending on the segments that they work in have different customization requirements. Based on which, we have worked in the following areas like IoT, telematics, AI, machine learning, high travel speed in forward and reverse directions, automatic bucket levelling option, return to dig option, low cycle time, electronic joy stick for gear shifting, digital dashboard for easy inspection of vehicle operating parameters during night time, centralized system pressure monitoring ports, cruise control, operator cabin with good view of working environment, multi-way adjustable operator seat, air conditioned operator cabin alongwith ROPS and FOPS, steering limiter to protect when the operator over steers the vehicle, reverse alarm, operating light with adequate lumens to contribute to the safety of the equipment are the key developments and trends being witnessed in the wheel loader market.

What was the volume of wheel loaders sold in 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020?

In 2019, we sold 180 units. We have been growing at the rate of 50% year on year and we expect 2020 also to be a growth year.

What were the factors that enabled you to achieve the same?

Product support and network: We are known for a strong aftersales market support to the customers and that is the pillar of our relationship.We provide services such as the AMC contract, operator training and extended warranty periods. Schwing Stetter India has 26 sales, 30 spares offices and 10 service centers. We have 450 service engineers who strengthen us. In addition, we have a project department, service, spares sales and training centre that is accredited and certified as the first ever training centre to certify pump operators under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana through National Skill Development Corporation in the whole of India, which strengthen us even more.

Product performance: Schwing Stetter India’s XCMG wheel loaders give over 10% fuel efficiency with their advanced high pressure, common rail engine with ECU, even in extreme working conditions. A super heavy load frame structure ensures safety in risky terrains. Owners can save over 20% maintenance cost by upgrading the engine’s fuel filter system. With strong power and a high torque, the engine can provide the power required for heavy-load operation. Finite element analysis design (FEA) ensures optimization of the bucket shape and achieve a lightweight design such that the wheel loader can achieve 30% overload. Attention to operator comfort in the cab design ensures higher productivity.

Lower cost of operations and higher productivity is driven by the advanced hydraulics and transmission systems of the XCMG wheel loaders. The loaders’ driveline adopts XCMG’s patented technology heavy-duty energy-conservation transmission and torque converter assembly. The enhanced design and use of imported carrying parts improve the overload capacity of transmission. The drive shaft flanges are of DIN and SAE specifications.The distribution diameter of the fastening bolts is enlarged to realize super-strong torsion resistance and adapt to high strength and heavy-load continuous operations. The first-class distributor valve and flow amplifying valve (steering priority and double-pump confluence) guarantees low pressure loss, less system heat, and reliability of parts. The hydraulic pump supplies stronger hydraulic power, and the hydraulic hoses have high heat, pressure resistance and long life. The hydraulic pipelines adopt double sealing in the DIN standard of 24º taper thread + O-ring to achieve better sealing performance and effectively solve the leakage problem.

Schwing Stetter’s brand-new V series XCMG wheel loaders launched recently has an optimally designed cab with 360-degree panoramic glass design for greater safety during operations; an interconnected design that binds the operating handle to the operator seat to reduce fatigue, and a steering column with hydraulic operating system to reduce the number of turns and improve steering efficiency.  The sealed structure of the cab reduces indoor noise by 30%, while the indoor micro-pressurization design prevents dust from entering the cabin.

Schwing Stetter India’s XCMG wheel loaders have remote operating and control system through GPS which help customers to understand the machine, including its attendance rate, total weight loaded of loader in regular time, actual working hours, reminders of mandatory maintenance, downtime, oil consumption and so on. It makes it easier for users to fully control and get a comprehensive analysis of the machine operating conditions. This also helps in achieving maximum benefits with timely adjustment of strategies such as purchase budget of new equipment, fuel procurement, spare parts reservation, etc. in line with the demand.

Driving loading superiority

Schwing Stetter India sells and services XCMG LW300FV 3-ton loader with general purpose (GP) 2.1 m3 and 3.0 m3 light material bucket. The XCMG ZL50GV 5-ton loader has a general purpose (GP) 3.5 m3, 5.0 m3 light material bucket and 2.7 m3 rock bucket. For big loaders of 7-14 tons capacity, the options are 4.5m3-14 m3 buckets.

What is your growth target for the forthcoming year for 2020-21?

We expect to continue to grow by 20-25%.

Tell us about the future outlook of the wheel loader segment.

The global wheel loaders market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during the period 2018-2022. In India too, we expect the market to grow more of wheel loaders and mini excavators in place of backhoe loaders.

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