With the increased government spend on infrastructure projects, more and more new players are entering into the market and taking up smaller contracts. These customers are on the lookout for ready-to-run (reliable and affordable) products at an affordable price. Their expectations on the product lifecycle, product support, and technology solutions are different compared to the traditional (lifecycle value and lifecycle performance) customers. Caterpillar understood this customer segment and is launching a series of earthmoving products under SEM brand. To start with, in 2017, Caterpillar has launched SEM919 motor grader, SEM816 and SEM822 track type tractor and SEM656D wheel loader.

Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd, former Shandong SEM Machinery Co., Ltd, was founded at Mihe riverside of Qingzhou City, Shandong Province, China in 1958. After 60 years of trials and hardships, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd has been one of the most important manufacturers of machinery industry in China, and its SEM brand products were known as an international brand, serving customers from more than 80 countries and regions.

SEM is the brand owned by Caterpillar and SEM products are manufactured in Caterpillar Qingzhou Ltd (CQL), one of the 22 facilities for Caterpillar in China. CQL became a 100 per cent subsidiary of Caterpillar in 2008, ever since there has been a series of product developments lead by Caterpillar engineers taking the legacy technologies from their drawing board. Currently, CQL manufactures 12 models of wheel loaders, three models of motor graders, three models of soil compactors and two models of track type tractors. India-specific models have been developed in 2017 and after ARAI approval, SEM919, SEM656D and SEM 816 are being launched.

'SEM products provide best-in-class products on the utility segment, where the customer is looking for low cost per unit of work done. SEM products follow rigorous design and validation process of Caterpillar. As a differentiating element in the class it operates, SEM also offers basic telematics option. Globally, SEM products have been successful with the efficient network of caterpillar dealers, with the renewed focus on India and its commitment to meet customers' expectations, SEM would be a key contributor to India's huge step on infrastructure growth plans,' says Sankar R, India Sales Manager - SEM Products.

Vivek V, Country Manager, Caterpillar India, adds, 'SEM will offer its customers the deeper portfolio of products to match their application needs, as we are committed to do everything possible to help our customers succeed.'

SEM656D is the flag ship model of SEM, which won the 'Caterpillar Chairman Quality Award', with typical improvements on fuel economy, productivity and comfort. It is powered with Weichai Stage III engine with electric fan as standard. With high fill factor of its bucket, 656D ensures more productivity for lesser fuel burnt. In-house made powershift countershaft transmission and best-in-class heavy duty axle provides more reliable and sturdy product suiting various rugged operations. It is equipped with quick coupler attachments for various work-tools like pallet forks, log gripper, hay fork etc.

SEM919 is 190HP net power BS III motor grader with 12 ft blade as standard. It has load sensing hydraulics with Caterpillar patented valve, provides more comfort for the operator and reduces fuel consumption. Rigid box structure and in-house made tandem axle ensures longer life and ease of maintenance. It has various fuel saving components like hydraulic fan and axial piston pump. Efficiently positioned control levers enable the operator to modulate the implements with less effort and be more productive. A frame designed drawbar provides more strength and 7 hole link bar provides best-in-class blade positioning.

SEM816 is first-of-its-kind dozer in the utility segment equipped with hydrostatic transmission, components from world-class supplier. It is powered by 160 HP Weichai engine. Maintenance-free undercarriage components reduce periodic maintenance cost. Oil-cooled wet disc brakes enhances the serviceability of the machine. All the movements of the machines are controlled by a multi-functional joystick with speed recall option, which enhances the productivity of the machine. Semi-universal blade is suitable for both slot dozing, land clearing and stock piling application.