Rapid urbanization, increasing foreign investments and surging demand for customized equipment are a few of the other major factors expected to boost demand for construction equipment in India in the coming years. An increasing number of public-private partnerships and government initiatives such as smart city development projects would also aid the construction equipment market in India. The Asia Pacific is estimated to dominate the construction equipment market and is projected to be the largest market during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to improving socio-economic conditions in emerging economies such as China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. The sizable population in countries such as China and India has resulted in an increased number of government projects such as airports, sewer systems, and renewable energy projects. The Middle East region is estimated to dominate the construction equipment market and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing infrastructure spending in this region.
Growing public & private infrastructure, FDI reforms for the construction sector, highway projects and growing economy has led to the overall surge of construction equipment market in India. In comparison with the procurement market of construction equipment, the rental market in India is at a nascent stage but shows a higher growth rate. As compared to other developed countries, India’s rental market penetration of construction equipment is lower and is limited to Tier-I & II cities. Construction equipment for the procurement market is mostly dominated by construction vehicles segment comprising of dumper, tanker and tipper trucks, followed by earthmoving equipment segments such as excavators and loaders. According to 6Wresearch, India’s construction equipment market is projected to reach 131 thousand units by 2022.
Recovering after the slump
Given that India has an infra-deficit and needs about $7 trillion over the next 7 years, this would itself trigger a construction equipment (CE) business of around $180-200 billion at the current rate of equipment penetration over the next 10 years. For every 0.5 percent increase in mechanization, the CE demand would rise by $30-35 billion. The construction equipment industry is today pegged at $4.3 billion in value with the Feedback Business Consultancy report forecasting industry volumes to spike up to over 1,20,000 units by 2021 growing at a CAGR of 20 percent. The current industry volumes are close to 75000 units. Policy changes in the infrastructure segment are expected to boost the Equipment industry to an estimated $ 7.5 billion by 2020.
Loaders, excavators and compactors dominate the road sector with backhoe loaders singularly contributing the largest chunk of the sales pie- 43 percent growing 10 percent last fiscal. In China this segment chips in with 0.5 percent sales while North America accounts for just 8.5 percent. Going forward, the Indian construction equipment market will continue to be driven by construction, mining and other infrastructure investments. The macro economic situation, government policies and availability of funding will support this upsurge.
Discussed below are a few of the construction equipment for roads offerings across the country.
Excavator
Excavator capabilities have expanded far beyond excavation tasks with buckets. With the advent of hydraulic-powered attachments such as a breaker, a grapple or an auger, the excavator is frequently used in many applications other than excavation. Indian Excavator manufacturers are showing preparedness to meet escalating demand by ramping up their production capacities and upgrading machines.
JCB has a range of Excavators – JS140, JS205LC, JCB220LC Xtra, JCB305LC and JCB 380, which help in site clearance and breaking of large stones for road construction. The JCB220LC Xtra Tracked Excavator is an ideal partner that facilitates site clearance for road construction. Any obstacles in making road chainages are removed by using Excavators. They can be used to rebuild damaged roads, a small hill, or to remove current soil for replacement with new one. Designed and developed using JCB’s efficient design philosophy, the JCB220LC Xtra is equipped with efficiency, performance, comfort and safety innovations. The company has made significant investments in its excavator range. During Excon the company showcased its intelligent NXT range of machines in the 14T to 24.5T category and the Quarry Master range in the 14T to 38T category. It has thus reinforced its commitment to being a full range infrastructure equipment partner.
Volvo has the right machine for your job. Volvo excavators are ready to help you dig and reach new levels of excavating equipment efficiency. Volvo offers a full range of excavators to meet your every need. Compact excavators, Wheeled Excavators and Crawler excavators are available. Volvo Hydraulic excavators offer you the performance you can depend on for quarrying, mining, road building, civil engineering, general construction applications and more. The Volvo EC60E compact excavator matches greater power and performance with class-leading comfort. The cab is designed around the operator, with fantastic ergonomics, low noise and high comfort, giving you the best operating environment. The Volvo ECR88D mini digger is designed for tough work. Day to day tasks such as digging and grading are made easy from the comfortable and ergonomic cab. Built for ultimate fuel efficiency and to keep the operator, and those around him – safe. With a heavy counterweight and strong undercarriage, this machine delivers superior stability.
The Cat® 336 GC offers class-leading comfort with less fuel and maintenance costs to ensure you get the most productivity at the lowest cost per hour. The Cat® 336 GC offers class-leading comfort with less fuel and maintenance costs to ensure you get the most productivity at the lowest cost per hour. An adjustable seat, easy-to-reach controls, and ISO-certified ROPS protection make for a more pleasant, safer work environment. Increase uptime and reduce costs with extended maintenance intervals.
XCMG released three new excavators in Chennai, India. The XE80C, XE104I and XE125C models designed specifically for the Indian market – will be able to deliver excellent performance in the high temperature, humid working environment.The upgraded XE80C and XE215C excavators are highly efficient, reliable, durable and energy-efficient. The XE80C adopts an environmentally-friendly engine with all-new load sensing hydraulic system and XCMG’s original E/P/B intelligent control system, enabling the equipment to achieve greater precision and higher working efficiency. The XE215C excavator emphasizes power matching to promote productivity and fuel efficiency while guaranteeing reliability; and features an optimized boom and bucket rod structure to prolong service life.
Tata Hitachi’s EX 70 Super+ Series is a time tested, reliable, productive hydraulic excavator that operates proficiently in tight spaces while minimizing the operational costs. Hitachi’s Optimum Hydraulic System allows for easy, smooth and swift combined operations that translate into superior machine performance. Advanced features such as the Fuel Saving Pump System enables superior performance in inching operations thereby eliminating losses. Hitachi’s original pilot circuit, with a shockless-regulator, enables responsive and precise control.
SANY Heavy Industry India Pvt. Ltd. offers a full range of constructive solutions which include Hydraulic Excavators, Crawler Cranes, Truck cranes, Road Machineries, Port & Piling Machineries etc. SANY has the widest range of hydraulic excavators with more than 30 models starting from 5.5T up to 200T, capacity catering to mining, construction, quarrying and other applications.
Backhoe loader
Backhoe loaders are very common and can be used for a wide variety of tasks: construction, small demolitions, light transportation of building materials, powering building equipment, digging holes/excavation, landscaping, breaking asphalt, and paving roads.
JCB has been your partner for an intelligent and progressive future. The Backhoe Loader range by JCB leads the world in performance, innovation and reliability. 2DX Backhoe Loader takes versatility to previously inaccessible areas with its compact size. 3DX ecoXcellence, 3DX Xtra ecoXcellence, 3DX Super ecoXcellence and 4DX ecoXcellence Backhoes are the heavyweights of the range setting new standards in operator comfort, fuel efficiency & performance with the Advanced LiveLink Telematics Technology. Choose from a wide range of Backhoe Loaders by the world’s favourite earthmoving equipment manufacturer.
On the back of Excon 2019 theme – ‘Smart i-tech @75’, JCB India showcased its strong focus on digitisation and innovation. The company leveraged the integration of Big Data and Internet of Things in its products and services at the event. The new intelligent products which are put on display included the new ecoXpert 3DX backhoe loader, which comes with 12 percent improved mileage capability and it also offers up to 22 percent lower maintenance costs. The new 3DX also comes loaded with JCB’s ‘Intelli Performance’ and ‘IntelliDig’ technology, which is claimed to give customers real-time information about the performance of the machine.
CASE EX Series loader backhoes are powered by S8000 Engine and deliver powerful performance and fast response time coupled with a 5% higher productivity and fuel savings of up to 13%. They are re-engineered from the ground up to deliver industry-leading backhoe breakout force, greater loader lift capacity/reach and best-in-class cab visibility. The new EX Series Backhoe Loader has robust robotically welded two-piece structural frame design results in great stability, performance and serviceability. Large box-section structures in high-stress areas such as the boom nose, foot and cylinder enhance the machine’s durability. The new heavy-duty front axle with double effect steering cylinder ensures all wheels remain in contact with the ground even on the roughest terrain, ensuring exceptional stability and reliability. The S-styled backhoe boom delivers excellent breakout forces. It has a superior working range and reaches deeper than any other backhoe loader. CASE also provides a choice of two configurations: a standard dipper to reach 4.2 meters and an extendable dipper to reach 6 meters. The power shuttle transmission provides four forward and reverse speeds. The hydraulically shifted clutches allow the operator to change direction and travel speed on the go, while the control valves deliver smooth speed and direction shifts, resulting in smooth and accurate operation. The new tilting engine hood provides excellent access for maintenance. The machine layout has been designed to ensure all daily service points are easily accessible at ground level, for quick and efficient servicing.
Backhoe loaders are used for heavy-duty construction tasks. Small demolitions, light transportation of building materials, powering building equipment, digging holes/excavation, landscaping, breaking asphalt, and paving roads; these are all some of the extended tasks that the backhoe loaders are equipped for. Superior hydraulics, robust construction and enhanced kinematics make the CAT 424B the best-in-class performer among loader backhoes. This caterpillar backhoe loader also adds 20% more fuel efficiency and one of the lowest operating and owning costs in a backhoe. A 76-hp turbocharged engine paired with a four-speed transmission provides increased functional movement to the backhoe. The loader includes a “banana boom” backhoe and a spacious and ergonomic cab equipped with low effort controls.
Mahindra EarthMaster VX Backhoe Loader is a revolutionary machine that was born after over 4 years of research and over 20,000 hours of machine testing under the harshest conditions, has set new benchmarks in the 79.89 HP Backhoe Loader category. Mahindra EarthMaster VX is a substantially more superior machine, with greater reliability, dramatically less maintenance, better operational kinematics and dynamics with a phenomenal fuel efficiency that saves at least a litre per hour.
Designed and built with direct input from backhoe customers around the world, the Volvo backhoe loaders are everything you’ve ever wanted in a machine – a loader with the strength and simplicity of a Volvo wheel loader, backhoe with the power and performance. The Volvo BL60B featured a roomier cab and raised productivity with durable, high-performance equipment. The ergonomic layout, controls and instruments put you in command. With excellent visibility due to the large, yet narrow excavator-style boom and arm, along with high forces and bucket rotation, the BL60B enabled productive trenching in any conditions.The Volvo BL70B featured a roomier cab and raised productivity with durable, high-performance equipment. The ergonomic layout, controls and instruments put you in command. The BL70B had excellent visibility due to large, yet narrow excavator-style boom and arm, along with forces and excellent bucket rotation. It enabled productive trenching in any conditions.
Asphalt paver
Asphalt paver is a piece of construction equipment used to lay asphalt on roads, bridges, parking lots and other such places. It lays the asphalt flat and provides minor compaction before it is compacted by a roller.
HI-055 is indigenously developed and the first wheel-mounted hydrostatic paver finisher manufactured by HI-TECH. HI-055 has been gradually revived and upgraded looking over customer’s requirements. In HI-055’s Equalizer Beam feature, the two pairs of wheels are connected with the chassis utilizing a pivoted joint, which allows the wheel pair to oscillate independent of each other and the wheels do not lose contact with the ground when the surface is uneven. The Equalizer Beam feature averages the unevenness of the ground and provides better finish while paving. It also distributes loads on all the wheels which provides a better grip on the ground.
Apollo’s WM 6 HES with hydraulically expandable screed is for contractors seeking easy operation and maximum uptime. The wheeled paver with hydraulically expandable screed is a dual-application machine, handling both asphalt and wet mix. The technology and specifications for the paver meet all governmental requirements in the markets, it has a presence. The paver effortlessly shifts between jobs featuring asphalt and wet mix, often required on some governmental roads.
Fab India’s FAB 550 model of finisher paver holds an extension of screed is hydraulic to a width of 4.5 meters and a half meters on each side is of Bolton type, which can be removed easily by a loosening of bolts. Fab 550 wheeled paver, well established in the Indian market. It is highly productive, user-friendly and capable of paving up to 5.50 meters. The four-wheel rear drive which is a unique feature of FAB’s paver offering high traction, good ground stability, making it an ideal machine for demanding job sites.
The P4410B, with a standard paving width of 8 feet, is the latest addition to Volvo Construction Equipment’s B-Series track-mounted asphalt pavers. According to Volvo, the P4410B’s 155-horsepower Tier 4-Final engine is 5 percent more fuel efficient, compared with its predecessor, and has the power to take on tasks ranging from “heavy commercial to light highway.” The P4410 uses the company’s Ultimate 16 front-extending screed, accommodates most auto-grade and slope systems, and is engineered, says Volvo, for easy transport (98-inch width/17.8-foot overall length). Additional features include adjustable auger-to-screed distance, dual screed consoles, remote controls, power slope/power crown, large hopper capacity, maintenance-free auger/conveyor bearings, and the company’s built-in SmokEater fume-extraction system.
Wirtgen’s DASH 3 generation of asphalt pavers in the compaction segment contains new productivity features designed to keep operating costs low. Two tracked models – Super 1300-3, a compact paver ideal for a variety of applications and powered by a modern DEUTZ engine and the Super 1800-3, an environmentally-friendly and economical asphalt paver based on user-friendly, cutting-edge technology – were showcased at the bC India show in Delhi. Further with the two cold milling machines W 100 H and W 130 H Wirtgen India is expanding the range of Wirtgen milling for the Indian market Incidentally the company’s line of Hamm compactors has country specific features which conform to the Indian homologation standard and have a specially developed sunshade canopy. The company has launched tandem rollers for the market and produces some 500 rollers per year and will expand to produce Vogele pavers for the local market. The new ErgoPlus 3 operating system for the Vögele paver offers a multitude of extra ergonomic and functional features.
Caterpillar offers a broad range of asphalt paving equipment that competes in the rubber tire, steel track and rubber belted markets. Pavers and windrows elevators provide versatile and reliable solutions for demanding paving applications. The AP500F is one of the mid-sized wheel pavers that offers versatility for highways, rural roads, streets and other mid-sized projects.
Mini and compact pavers prove maneuverable and productive, even in the tightest spaces. The Ammann AFT 200-2 Compact Paver is among the smallest pavers available. It is the most compact machine on the market in its class size, which helps it squeeze into tight spaces – even indoors. Its small size makes for easy transport, too. The material feeding system, reversible conveyor and separately controlled left and right augers ensure exceptional flow and ultimately provide quality. The size and intuitive controls make the paver easy to operate.
Motor grader
Graders are commonly used in the construction and maintenance of dirt roads and gravel roads. In the construction of paved roads they are used to prepare the base course to create a wide flat surface upon which to place the road surface.
Case offers two models of motor graders for the Indian market, imported from its plant in Brazil. This consists, 845B and CASE 865B. 845 B comes with variable, 150-173 hp and 865 comes with 193-205-220 hp. The graders comes with 12-13 moldboard length and optional air conditioning provisions. Case graders are equipped with power shift ZF Transmission with torque converter and lock-up system. This delivers better fuel efficiency and appropriate quality of work. The machine has a multi curvature mould board which reduces the resistance coming on the engine and hence reduces fuel consumption and increases productivity. The added features are structural stability and ease of maintenance featuring ease of engine compartment access along with daily service checkpoints for quick and efficient maintenance of equipment.
Caterpillar models, Cat® 120K2, (145 hp) and 140K2 (175-190 hp) graders, powered by Cat engines deliver reliability, scalability, about 30% higher level of productivity and cost advantage. The motor graders come with a unique ‘Cat AccuGrade™’ Caterpillar sensor that is based on two-dimension technology so that the moldboard angle can automatically adjust itself on the gradients to be graded. The automated technology solution optimizes the operator’s job, which is critical as most road projects have very constrained schedules.
ACE offers Motor Grades which are hydraulically operated machine, Primarily used for grading and leveling of soil layers and loose aggregate in road making activity. ACE offers Motor Graders of upto 15 tons class. One of their popular models is AG 176.
Concrete Batching plants
Concrete batching plant for road construction is mainly used for concrete production of the road project, while the commercial concrete batching plant is mostly used to produce and sell various types of concrete. Schwing Stetter is an organization that is capable of meeting the demand arising in infrastructure development where concrete is involved.
Schwing Stetter India manufacture concrete batching plants for concrete road construction and supply GOMACO pavers and XCMG graders to pave and grade these roads. There are four different types of batching plants that are manufactured by Schwing Stetter India, which include – Wheel-Trailer /Truck Mounted – Compact Plants – Mobile Plants- Horizontal PlantsWheel-Trailer /Truck Mounted The On-Wheels concept has been introduced by Schwing Stetter India, keeping in mind the easy transportability of the batching plant between sites. Schwing Stetter India at Excon 2019 showcased Internet of Things (IoT) solutions of Schwing IoT In, Schwing IoT Ready, Schwing IoT abled, Schwing dashboard for batching plants, Schwing Stetter India gateway device, hitech weighing system, Schwing smartrack and Stetter concrete transit mixer with mobile app. These solutions are in line with the theme of Excon 2019 being Intelligent, Interconnected, Innovation, Infrastructure and the Internet. Schwing Stetter India displayed these new products at EXCON 2019 along with existing product innovations of SSI, XCMG, GOMACO, USA and Rubble master HMH GmBH products with a grand total of 46 products.
Ajax Fiori being a concrete solution provider always forecasted the needs and demands of its customers. With an increasing demand for precast production, Ajax Fiori has geared up its products to feed the requirement. The products from Ajax Fiori’s stable have evolved over a period based on the inputs from customers to cater to their concreting needs. Over 2 decades Ajax Fiori provides Planetary Mixers for Precast application which is considered superior over conventional Turbo Mixer. In Planetary Mixer the mixing flow is highly efficient due to integrated action of central stars combined with different peripheral scrapers, which is best suited for Precast structures of concrete with aggregate sizes less than 40mm.
The Inline reduced Bin (IRB Series) batching plant of Ajax Fiori is designed for sites that require continuous production of concrete and also where the loading of aggregates cannot be done from both sides of the bins due to site constraints. These Batching Plants come with 4 to 6 bins for aggregates of different sizes as the continuous production of concrete calls for the storage of more raw materials. The unique feature of this plant is that the aggregates are weighed in a conveyor rather than the skip unlike other plants, thereby reducing the cycle time and also Water and Cement batching are done in parallel to reduce cycle time and optimize productivity. A Waiting Hopper is provided which will help in reducing the cycle time as the aggregates for the next subsequent cycle will be weighed and discharged to the Hopper while the aggregates are being mixed in the mixer, thereby providing a constant supply of concrete to cast them in the mold.
Loader
A loader is a heavy equipment machine used in construction to move aside or load materials such as asphalt, demolition debris, dirt, snow, feed, gravel, logs, raw minerals, recycled material, rock, sand, woodchips, etc. into or onto another type of machinery (such as a dump truck, conveyor belt, feed-hopper, or railroad car).
SDLG’s L946 is powered by Weichai DEUTZ Engine meeting BS-III norm L946 is a loader meant for loading & unloading loose materials, with high reliability & great cost-performance. Widely used in farms, small mine farms, & town constructions, this is a versatile machine. SDLG 5-ton transmission case and reinforced drive axle is configured with large bearing capacity and high reliability.
JCB now offers a loader equipped with advanced features. The 432ZX Plus Wheeled Loader offers commendable fuel-efficiency and low maintenance. Designed with a promise to deliver way beyond than you are used to, the best is now a step ahead. Some of its features includes, saving up to Rs 4.06 lacs/year with greater fuel-efficiency, Improved productivity by 11% and Higher uptime with robust structure and reliable components.
Case offers model – 130, Skid Steer Loader. Built tough with more power and torque, CASE skid steer loaders boost productivity and increase operator comfort. The cabs feature increased headroom and lap-bar width, along with improved forward, side, rear and overhead visibility. Ergonomically positioned controls, industry-first side lighting and improved reliability and serviceability help you get more work done daily. The wide door, 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% more internal width, providing greatly improved operator comfort. Our cab – 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.
Conclusion
The fast-changing and varied requirements of a developing nation. It is no longer enough to create one machine and expect to suit the needs of all. Buyers have become more educated and demanding in terms of wanting machines suited to the kind of work and environment that they work in.
India has become one of the key potential markets for construction equipment. Developing the construction sector would act as a key catalyst for the growth of the construction equipment market in India. Earthmoving equipment segment acquired a key market in the overall market in 2018, owing to the increasing number of public-private partnerships and government initiatives such as smart city development projects. Moreover, with the rapid increase in infrastructure investment and industrial production, the earthmoving equipment segment contributes key revenues in India construction equipment market forecast period. In India, there is a potential ground of opportunities for the construction sector. The country is in a crucial phase of development where numerous projects are running in different regions, propelling the demand for construction equipment. Analyzing the developments taking place over the decade, there has been a significant advancement in the sector.
