Emerging markets with infrastructure needs continue to accelerate the growth of construction equipment manufacturing, which in-turn drives the bearing market in construction segment. Bearings will always be in demand as it is the inevitable part of an equipment that fulfill a number of important functions, starting with their ability to reduce friction. Other primary functions include supporting a load, promoting the efficient transmission of power and ensuring alignment is maintained. These characteristics enable machinery to run for a longer operating period at a more efficient rate. However, it is also important to select the right bearing with respect to the application, in order to get the net result of optimum efficiency of the machine. Bearing maintenance is also equally important to achieve the desired efficiency of the bearing and the machine. Lubrication plays an important role in the maintenance and prolonged life of bearings. Our Special Focus provides more on these aspects with input from industry players.

Lubricants play a vital role in the construction and mining equipment for their smooth and energy-efficient operation. Sharing his thoughts in these lines, Akhil Jha, Chief Technology Officer, Shell Lubricants India, elaborates on the products and technology developments in lubricants. Gates India is a major player in hydraulic hose market and serves the equipment market through their products and solutions. The top executives of the company shares the company's future plans in an exclusive interview. Also read our other interviews, technology features and updates for an overview of the components, accessories and spares industry.

GST is ready for rollout from July 1, 2017 to provide a simplified uniform tax procedure on all goods and services. After a lot of discussions and deliberations, different industry segments have hailed the initiative, at the same time there are concerns as well regarding the inclusion of various products and services under the specified tax brackets. While construction equipment industry is concerned with the inclusion of popular equipment under the highest tax range of 28 per cent, tractor manufacturers are concerned with the taxation of engines, transmission and other parts at 28 per cent. Respective associations have requested for a reduction in the tax and make it uniform for all components. Even after the rollout of GST, requests and pleas from industry will be considered, according to the GST council. We anticipate a practical solution to the concerns of the industry.