We at L&T Construction & Mining Machinery have a rich legacy of making available essential equipment for nation-building.

Arvind K Garg
Senior Vice President and Head, L&T Construction & Mining Machinery, Larsen & Toubro

Given Exxon’s overarching theme, “Building India’s Tomorrow– Technology, Globalization, Sustainability, Inclusiveness”, kindly share your strategies and initiatives.

Innovating & introducing products that can compete in global markets

Towards the end of 2022, India overtook the UK and France, becoming the third largest in Asia-Pacific and fifth globally. Given the pace of government reforms and the ongoing development, S&P Global Market Intelligence predicts India’s GDP will reach $7.3 trillion by 2030. This growth positions India as a key market for various industries in the next decade, especially with its focus on infrastructure development. Rapid infrastructure development demands swift project execution, fuelling the need for advanced, eco-friendly construction and mining technologies that ensure quality and speed.

Komatsu and L&T Construction & Mining Machinery prioritise delivering top-notch products using the latest technologies. Over time, by understanding customer needs, we’ve developed a diverse product range. We consistently roll out advanced models, such as electric hydraulic excavators, biodiesel-fuelled equipment, and standard ones. These machines adhere to global standards, emphasising safety and operator comfort.

L&T will display its indigenous road machinery, vibratory compactors, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, and pneumatic tyred rollers. These machines are compatible with the soon-to-be-implemented CEV-5 engine emission norms. Produced under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, these high-quality machines promise an outstanding user experience.

Adopting technologies and sustainability in equipment

L&T has always espoused and introduced Sustainable Technologies. In collaboration with Komatsu, we’ve planned to showcase products that are at the frontiers of cutting-edge technologies. Komatsu recently launched a new generation of excavators, embodying our shared dedication to innovation and eco-friendly operations. These machines come with specialised engines, advanced hydraulics, and the upgraded KOMTRAX system. They feature the ecot3 engine technology, which ensures efficient fuel consumption and maximum productivity. Their engines are optimised to maximise power output, ensuring every drop of fuel is used productively.

Komatsu’s focus on efficiency is further evident in their hydraulic systems. The unique HydrauMind hydraulic system balances hydraulic and engine power, increasing fuel efficiency.

The latest KOMTRAX version offers web-based monitoring of Komatsu equipment, ensuring optimal control and providing real-time insights into machine health and performance. This aids in identifying training needs for operators and technicians.

You are making your products safer and more reliable to build end-user trust.

We at L&T Construction & Mining Machinery have a rich legacy of making available essential equipment for nation-building. Always leading in innovative and safe engineering design, we’ve established global partnerships and ensure our products meet international Quality, Safety, and Reliability benchmarks.

Our network of 30 dealers, 115 touchpoints, and 27 territory offices of L&T’s Domestic Marketing Network is strategically located to reach most project sites within two hours to cater to more than 35,000 construction equipment in the field.

A first in the industry, the comprehensive machine care programmes – Suraksha 10,000 and Viswas enable continuous machine health monitoring and extended powertrain warranty, supported by a team of trained and experienced engineers equipped with digitally enabled service platforms to deliver proactive, on-time service to Customers across the country increase machine uptime and offers true peace of mind.

Given the increasing demand for advanced equipment and machinery, how do you intend to enhance your equipment’s productivity, efficiency, and sustainability at construction sites?

Training and upskilling of equipment operators.

At L&T, one of India’s premier engineering conglomerates, we offer training programs, deliver knowledge, and oversee the training process. Our dealer network liaises with customers, operators, and mechanics while the IESC certifies candidates after they clear tests under independent assessors. In FY23, 1,229 candidates joined our training, with dealers coordinating 570 of these for equipment operators and mechanics. Our training and certification approach ensures industry standardisation and champions inclusivity and diversity by training women in machine operations, commissioning, and maintenance. We use the latest technology, including the latest simulators, virtual reality and hands-on machine training, to ensure trainees receive the best in the industry.

Optimizing equipment utilisation

Given that India is the fastest-growing major economy, our customers are constantly looking for machines that offer higher productivity with maximum uptime so that machine utilisation is very high. So that customers get maximum value from their investment, we make sure machines offer Quality, Reliability, and Durability through a strong after-market support network that helps customers derive the maximum from every piece of equipment.  An extensive network of Dealers throughout the country supports this network. Our Machine Care Programmes ensure that equipment are in good health to deliver. In fact, the utilisation of Komatsu machines in India is an average of 3,000 hours, while it is 1,800 hours for other countries.

We consistently optimise our equipment as part of our commitment to deliver value. This longstanding commitment drives our exceptional customer service and additional offerings. We present a suite of services that boost customer productivity.

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