STEERING ITS WAY!

Skid steer loader market is driven by the growing projects like construction of roads, rails, highways, ports, etc., increasing focus on smart cities, applications in mining and agriculture activities, increasing migration towards urban areas, and growing industrialization and urbanization.

Regulated demand from the construction sector coupled with introduction of several state-of-the-art skid steer loader variants with superior features such as compact size, and easy operability, are the major factors driving the demand for this equipment. Another major reason contributing to the demand for skid steer loaders is their ability to get into tight spaces. Although the machines are small in size, they have enough power to perform heavy construction activities. In addition, the rising adoption of skid loaders for landscaping activities is also expected to have a positive impact on the product demand. With the construction industry growing steadily, demand for skid steer loaders is also increasing, and construction is the largest end user of these machines.

A skid-steer loader can sometimes be used in place of a large excavator by digging a hole from the inside. These are more effective for digging in a small area than the method above and can work in the same environments. Other applications may consist of transporting raw material around a job site, or assisting in the rough grading process. The equipment’s numerous features and amazing performance capabilities in various sectors, interest for skid steer loaders is rapidly rising. Scope of application extends to agriculture, recycling, urban infrastructure development, and renewal projects, notably the municipal sector, where a sizable number of skid steer loaders are being applied in constricted locations.

Speaking about the requirement for compact machines like skid steers for space-constrained project sites and maintenance activities seems to be increasing and the market dynamics (demand-supply) for skid-steer loaders, Sandeep Mathur – Brand Leader – Case India, said, “Skid Steer loader is a small and compact machine designed to operate in restricted areas. This highly versatile machine with wide array of compatible attachments is suitable for a wide range of applications such as agriculture, industry, construction, demolition, material handling and maintenance. Despite being very useful in a wide range of application, the market for skid-steer loaders in the country is still very small. It accounts for approximately 1 per cent of total equipment sales, as per an Off-Highway Research report. However, India has become an important regional export hub for this type of equipment. With increasing population and greater focus on smart city projects including projects for projects for urban rejuvenation and municipal solid waste management and other infrastructure development projects, sales of Skid Steer loader is expected to increase in the coming years as demand for construction machines rises.” 

Speaking further on how has telematics and other advancements in technology impacted the cab design for skid-steer loader in terms of operator comfort, Mathur said, “CASE SR130skid steer loader is equipped with a cab with up to 25% more internal width for improved operator comfort. The widest in the industry provides plenty of room for comfortable operation, with greater headroom and legroom, more space between the control levers and easy access to the seat. The wide door, repositioned grab handles and a lower threshold provide easy access to the cab. An added feature is a wider glazed surface for safer operations. The large glazed surface with ultra-narrow wire side screens, the lowered threshold and the thinner front pillars provide the best visibility in the market.”

When asked about the efficiency of engines used in the range of skid-steer loaders, he said, “CASESR130 is powered by a 2.2 liter4 cylinder ISM engine developing 49HP. ISM is one the leading diesel engine manufacturer in world in this segment. With this engine, SR130 offers higher productivity and has more efficiency than most of the standard skid steers in the market. SR130 is also equipped with electronic engine control that helps to maximize performance and ensure reliability.”

Modern models come with maximum power and reliability are built into the machine’s hydraulic system. In addition to providing power to the wheels, this system also provides the loader lift and tilt-functions, powers the auxiliary circuit to drive work tools and drives the engine cooling fan. The hydraulic pumps are driven directly off the engine for maximum hydraulic performance and reliability – no belts are used. 

Briefing on effective operation of equipment playing key role in developing more opportunities for skid-steer loader and the training initiatives adopted for the operators of this equipment, Mathur said, “At CASE, we design equipment and processes keeping our people and their surroundings in mind.  We try our best to create products with a simple and easy-to-use interface and to further ease the process, we host training programs all around the year. CASE India has dedicated training centres to host these training programs. We also have dedicated CASE manpower in product support team in each region specially to support our customers with regular training, ground check and maintenance. At CASE, we believe in incorporating practices that enable people and we will continue to do so.”

Modern Skid steer loaders use the machine’s design and balance to deliver more usable horsepower. We build machines with the right balance between engine and pump, plus a weight distribution that delivers powerful breakout forces and faster cycle times.  In modern models engine, pump, horsepower and cubic-inch displacement are configured precisely for each model’s specific operating capacity. Engine horsepower and hydraulic system performance are finely tuned to run circles around other machines.

When asked on the after-sales support initiatives embraced to maintain customer satisfaction and brand value, he stated that the service aspect is very critical in the CE industry. With advancements in technology and subsequently in new range of products, maintenance and repair work requires experts’ help. “Lack of service support on such occasions can impact the productivity severely. Importance of such support becomes much more significant when seen in context of current pace of developments in infrastructure sector projects. At CASE, we care about our customers and their business as well. So to decrease downtime and increase productivity for our customers, we have a dedicated aftermarket team which provides quality parts and services. CASE offers optional extended warranties and service support, so customers can use their machines more confidently knowing that CASE will support them through the machine’s lifecycle. CASE Care is a cost-effective service contract under which we pro-actively monitor the machine which helps in preventive maintenance. CASE Protect is a comprehensive extended warranty which ensures expert care, round the clock availability and hassle-free operations.

For Fleet owners, Case offers Maintenance Contracts with dedicated service manpower available at site to ensure uptime. In terms of spare parts and product support, we have a good amount of stock supplies at key locations and even in these challenging times we are delivering parts and scheduling services via our comprehensive dealer network, keeping all the safety precautions in mind.” 

On the challenges, risk factors and possible new avenues in the skid-steer loader segment, Mathur submitted that the Indian government’s continuous focus towards all round infrastructure development is one of the guiding factors for the increase in demand for construction equipment. “Among these projects, some initiatives like urban rejuvenation, solid waste management, house for all scheme, toilets for rural India, etc., are likely to impact demand positively for skid steer loaders in the country. A skid steer loader provides economic and productive output and serves as a great last mile machine since it fits into tight spaces and yet delivers a strong power output once these initiatives gain pace. However the pandemic has caused a slowdown in the economic activities and that is a temporary challenge not just for this segment but for the entire construction equipment industry. Hopefully, with gradual decline in the number of COVID cases coupled with a wider vaccination program, the industry will be revived.”

With rapid growth in urbanization, there is continuous development of infrastructure on a large scale. Activities across sites call for equipment and machines that are both strongly built and equipped with the latest technology. This has buoyed the growth of the global skid steer loader market in India.

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