The CASE SR130 is perfect for construction and agricultural applications.

CASE  skid steer loaders deliver best-in-class bucket and lift breakout forces.

Ajay Aneja
Brand Leader,
CASE India.

The SR130 skid steer range provides a reliable, economic and productive solution for smaller job applications. As part of part expanding its product lines CASE launched its new-generation skid-steer loaders catering to the need of customers in the industrial, infrastructure and agricultural segments. CASE skid steer loaders boost productivity and increase operator comfort,” says Ajay Aneja, Brand Leader, CASE India. Excerpts from the interview

Could you brief us on the current demand-supply scenario, expected growth and growth drivers of skid steer loaders?

Skid Steer loader is a small compact machine designed to operate in confined areas. This highly versatile machine with wide array of compatible attachments makes it suitable for a wide range of applications such as agriculture, industry, construction, demolition, material handling and maintenance. Furthermore, its tight turning radius makes it especially suitable for use in confined areas with limited access.

Despite being very useful in a wide range of applications, the market for skid-steer loaders in the country is still small. In terms of numbers, last year the skid steer loader industry in India, in all categories, was around 500 thus registering YOY growth of approximately 20% compared to 2017. Skid steer loader industry is mainly driven by government tenders, real estate sector. As per latest report, we are expecting similar or higher growth in upcoming years as well and expect industry to touch 1000 numbers by 2020.

What is the range offered by CASE India, and also elaborate on key features?

CASE India offers SR130 in skid steer range which provides a reliable, economic and productive skid steer for smaller job applications.

Productivity: With enhancements in engine power, torque and auxiliary hydraulics, the CASE SR130 is perfect for construction and agricultural applications. Power stance chassis rides on a longer wheelbase, delivering greater stability and comfort and allowing increased lifting capabilities, regardless of jobsite conditions. The cylinder geometry optimises the skid steer loaders push and pull power, while the bucket support baring directly on the chassis of the machine further adds to its pushing power. With these features, case skid steer loaders deliver best-in-class bucket and lift breakout forces.

Operator comfort: The wide entry / exit, repositioned grab handles and a lower threshold provide easy access to the cab. The SR130 skid steer loader benefits from a cab with up to 25 per cent more internal width, providing greatly improved operator comfort. The wide door, repositioned grab handles and a lower threshold provide easy access to the cab.

High Visibility: CASE SR130 has wider glazed surface for safer operations, the large glazed surface with ultra-narrow wire side screens, the lowered threshold and thinner front pillars provide the best visibility in the market

Outstanding Stability- SR130 rides on a 21 per cent longer wheelbase than main competitor, delivering greater stability and comfort and allowing increased lifting capabilities, regardless of jobsite conditions

Top Ranking Breakout Force- CASE cylinder and chassis design provides maximised pushing power, while the bucket support baring directly on the chassis of the machine further adds to its pushing power

What is the demand scenario from the hiring / rental segment? What are the major challenges here?

Hiring and rental demand has grown in recent past and the main reason for this is the amount of construction happening in the country. Over a period of time these financial services have emerged as a big differentiator in the overall CME sector. As the segment requires large capital expenditure, financing accounts to a major part of the equipment purchased. Additionally, CE rental business gives a major advantage of cutting on higher equipment cost, protection from market fluctuations, eliminating storage and transportation issues.

Making the customers aware of this service and a shift from traditional buying to renting is a major challenge in this field.

According to you what are the factors for the less penetration of skid steers despite its high functional and utility values?Is the price disparity compared to backhoe a factor?

Skid steer loader is a small machine with very specific purpose. The machine because of its small structure is used only for specific job works designed for confined spaces applications. Whereas, loader backhoe is a multipurpose machine with the ability of performing two different tasks simultaneously.

However, with increased mechanization and the scarcity of skilled labour, the skid steer market is expected to expand in the future. Demand from government sector is likely to continue especially in the civic bodies and it is expected to increase to 1000 units by 2020.

What is the market trend with regards to use of different attachments? Also tell us on the attachments on offer?

Construction processes require different heavy duty equipment to move materials and perform multiple tasks. In order to avoid heavy-hauled equipment and get work easily and quickly done, there are different heavy duty attachment parts available in the market. This heavy duty attachment part helps in performing various construction processes. It avoids limiting our equipment for doing one particular job work, hence saving time and cost.Different attachment parts such as trenchers, breakers, augers helps the user to do multiple task at one time hence minimizing the machine and work load.

With construction projects booming and urgency of completing projects in time, attachment parts market is expected to achieve a
positive upbeat.

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