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SEM's affordable RANGE
With the increased government spend on infrastructure products, more and more new players are entering the market and taking up small contracts.
Perfect Solution
Hindustan 2021 Wheel Loader has been serving Indian customers for over four decades and has earned the reputation of the most reliable machine in the industry. It has been the market leader in the 3-tonne category.
Caterpillar Introduces New 2021D Loader
Efficiently powerful: Experience improved fuel efficiency with an optimised power train. The new Ashok Leyland, Bharat Stage III, 6-cylinder inline turbo-charged, after-cooled diesel engine gives better fuel efficiency and optimised performance. The complete power train system has been redesigned and customised to meet the Hindustan 2021D working requirements and provides the reliability and durability that customers need.
BS-III ban will not apply on farm, construction equipment: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has clarified that farm equipment and construction equipment vehicles (CEVs) will not come under the BS-III ban and the manufacturers of these equipment can continue to sell BS-III range of farm and construction equipment.
Volvo Penta unveils Made-in-India engines
Marking a new beginning in its Make-in-India initiative, Volvo Penta formally unveiled its 5-litre and 8-litre engines manufactured for the first time in India, at a new dedicated production line at the VE Powertrain (VEPT) plant. The product unveiling was done by Pinaki Niyogy, Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering, TIL, and Parminder Singh Gabri, Director - Sales, Putzmeister Concrete Machines, the two major customers of Volvo Penta.
We will be displaying our 8 and 13 litre engines in this edition
With our new range of products, we are in an excellent position to take the advantages of this opportunity, says Jonas Nilsson, Vice President, Volvo Penta India.
Motor Grader GR 150
The GR 150 can be used in various applications such as road building, cutting a ditch, earthmoving or fine grading. Schwing Stetter has launched the GR150, a 150 hp motor grader at Excon 2015. Being an ARAI certified product, it can be used in various applications such as road building, cutting a ditch, earthmoving or fine grading.
Wheel Loaders and Motor Graders
Schwing Stetter offers its new range of wheel loaders and motor graders. Wheel loaders are offered in two models while motor grader come as model GR 150.
New Engines from Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta introduced new range of D5 and D8 engines, certified for CEV Bharat Stage III emissions standards and are already in the field, powering a variety of applications - including construction, material handling, raw material exploration, forestry and agriculture - around the world.
New Engines from Volvo Penta
Versatility, reliability and excellent power density are the hallmarks of Volvo Penta?s new line of 5- and 8-litre engines, in order to meet growing demand in the Indian market.
Energy Efficient Lubricants
Lubricant manufacturers to great extent are trying to exceed expectations from lubricants that can meet stricter emission norms, improve energy efficiency, and enhance reliability and longer equipment life.
Used equipment without safety standards is a challenge
There is a lot of positivity in the industry though things have not picked up to the extent that we hoped for; what we expected to happen in three months may happen in six months time. We feel that the industry is going to be 10-15 per cent better after six months; and from next year, things will start falling in place.
STILL Number One
The focused thrust on infrastructure, manufacturing and agricultural sectors is expected to boost the demand for pick-n-carry cranes, which dominate the mobile crane market with over 80 per cent of total sales.
BEML Launches Motor Grader
BEML has indigenously developed and launched BG405A motor grader equipped with BS III compliant engine with net horse power of 119 HP. The new model is certified by ARAI for deployment in the infrastructure / construction sector.
Grading Up
Time-bound projects need reliable machines, and all equipment manufacturers are trying to innovate and adapt to the latest trends and are in the continuous process of improving productivity of the machine. Agith G Antony finds out product and technology trends in the motor grader segment.
We achieve fuel average based on our design of the whole machine.
OUR distribution network comprises 40 main nodes, and in each main node, we have one or two secondary or tertiary nodes. Altogether, we have 40 main nodes and about 155 branches including the secondary and tertiary nodes. We have taken pains to see the dealer and customer touch-points are good
LiuGong showcases six innovative machines
LiuGong presented its six innovative machines at bC India including 835BSIII and 856BSIII wheel loaders, 414BSIII motor grader, 920D excavator, 611H roller and the forklift model CPCD30.
JCB gives utmost importance to safety and our tracked excavators are the safest choice
All JCB excavators are fitted with a unique filtration system which increases hydraulic oil and filter life resulting in huge cost savings and better emissions.
We provide value-based solution to customers
LiuGong India is launching its made in India Bharat Stage-III emission compliant diesel engine-powered wheel loader. LiuGong is the only company in India which manufactures5 tonne capacity wheel loaders in India with a BSIII compliant engine,
Manitowoc Crane Care is a huge differentiator
We focus on cost of ownership for our customers and onsite productivity. That means high quality manufacturing, backed up with the best customer support to ensure our cranes can keep working at their optimum productivity for as long as possible,? says Prem Naithani, National Sales Manager, Mobile and Crawler Cranes, Manitowoc Cranes India.
JCB is numero uno in backhoe loaders worldwide
JCB's backhoe loaders are the machines that promise versatility and high performance with their fuel-efficient engines and superb manoeuverability.
We are currently working on doubling our production capacity
The current market share scenario is quite skewed in favour of a few existing players and that is likely to change as there would be an intense war over winning the market shares, says Rajesh Sharma, Vice President ? Sales & Marketing, Escorts. 0 - - 16262 14 228 2011-06-01 00:00:00.000 Equipment India We will launch loader with 1.9 cu m standard bucket capacity
?Eimco Elecon was the first to introduce the intermediate technology of side dump loaders (SDLs), load haul dumpers (LHDs) and rocker shovel loaders in India to partially mechanise the underground coal and metalliferrous mines and continues to be the market leaders since then, says S C Sharma, General Manager, Eimco Elecon (India). In an exclusive chat with Equipment India, Sharma elaborates on the trends in the loader market. Excerpts from the interview.
How do you look at the revival of the CE market in general, and the market for bulk material handling equipment?
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conducted a study on future scenario of Indian Earthmoving and Construction Equipment Industry which says that from 2007 to 2015, this industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 40 per cent, ie, the industry which was of $2.3 billion in 2007 would be $13 billion by 2015.
What is the demand-supply scenario for wheel loaders/front-end loaders in India. What is Eimco Elecon's market share?
In India, loader market below 10T capacity has been captured by backhoes and tractor loader is almost 8,000 units. The current market for above 10T capacity is around 4,000 units. Eimco Elecon has been in the business of mining equipment since more than three decades and is enjoying market leadership. However, in construction equipment segment, the company entered only in 2008 and hence talking about the market share at this stage is too early. Moreover, the market that we are entering, is not just loader market, but the market in which backhoe loaders are being used without backhoe because no articulated loader was available in this segment. This market itself is 20 per cent of backhoe market ie, around 5,000 units. In Indian loader market when there is a talk about loaders below 10T capacity, backhoe loader instantly comes into the mind of customers. This is because they had not seen a loader below 10T capacity which is conventionally designed ie, with articulation, 4WD; all the four wheels are of same size, Z bar linkage, and brakes in all the four wheels. Our AL 120 has all these features. Furthermore, the tractor converted into loader is also being used as a loader which has a market of around 3,000 units.
What are the challenges and hurdles you face while introducing a new product to the market? Can you comment on market acceptability?
The challenges of entering into market were enormous. The initial inertia was very high. Each prospective buyer was to be educated that too in non-technical terms, on technical parameters. We could meet this challenge successfully, although, it took a bit more time for generating market. The building up of dealer network was another challenge but we overcame this important task successfully in a record time. Currently, we have a committed network of 13 dealers, and the process is still on.
The acceptability of AL 120 was not very difficult. When we broke the backhoe syndrome, we started getting repeat orders. Those who used AL 120 experienced a significant difference in using a conventionally design machine. Increasing price of diesel and tough competition in profitability among the contractors favoured our business because high fuel efficient machines with better output do play a major role in current scenario.
Tell us about the range offered by Eimco Elecon in wheel loaders?
Eimco Elecon was the first to introduce the intermediate technology of side dump loaders (SDLs), load haul dumpers (LHDs) and rocker shovel loaders in India to partially mechanise the underground coal and metalliferrous mines and continues to be market leader since then. For the surface material handling as informed earlier, we have AL 120 model which has bucket capacities 1.2 cu m, 1.4 cu m and 1.6 cu m which we offer depending upon the density of material it has to handle. Soon, we will be launching loader with 1.9 cu m standard bucket capacity. The prototype is ready.
Tell us the unique features of surface loader, and the segments where your wheel loaders are being used?
Our AL 120 model articulated loader has been very willingly accepted by customers from stone crushing plants, hot mix plants, ready mix plants, tiles manufacturing units, salt handling application, coal handling and solid waste handling units, because of unique features like: hydrostatic drive which gives high speed, low maintenance and high fuel efficiency (our loader has been giving average 4.5 liter of fuel consumption per hour with almost 1.5 times more loading as compared to backhoe loader).
What is the existing manufacturing capacity for wheel loaders?
The current installed capacity of our plant is 1,000 units per annum which can be doubled, if required, with some modification.
What is the rental scenario for these products?
We wanted to establish the product in different applications after the launch of AL 120 in 2008. But now our oldest machines have crossed over 10,000 hours of operations without any major problems. We foresee a wide scope of business in this segment. This is because the basic price of this loader is much lesser as compared to backhoe loader, despite being four wheels and hydrostatic drive and 50 per cent higher output. The scope of rental business is very high.
How do you look at the competition in this segment, and what differentiates Eimco from competition?
So far, no loader with similar capacity and features is available in the Indian market. The ones those are imported and supplied are very high on price and moreover, the product is not supported like we do. We have 11 branch offices and have so far appointed 13 dealers across the country to support our product. Besides, we have own seven parts depots.
Are these products complying with emission norms Bharat Stage III?
The loaders that would be manufactured in the current fiscal year would be complying to Bharat Stage III emission norms.
?We regularly conduct on-site trainings for all customer operators to enhance their knowledge in operation and maintenance and skill level in different CAT machines, says V Manikannan, AGM (Infrastructure), Gmmco. Excerpts from the interview.
What is the demand-supply scenario for wheel loaders? What is Gmmco's market share in this segment?
In 2010, market for wheel loaders in India is about 2,700 units and is growing at approximately 20 per cent YoY. CAT is the market leader with a market share of 48 per cent. There are a number of indigenous players supplying machines and others are importing equipment also. CAT wheel loaders are made in India and maximum models are imported from facilities located across the globe. As the demand is growing, supply is balanced by ways of capacity additions and import of equipment. Thus, the demand is well catered by suppliers.
What are the major growth enablers for wheel loaders?
The key growth drivers for wheel loader market are material handling at port, road construction, iron ore handling, coal re-handling, quarry, cement and mining.
Tell us about the range offered by Gmmco in wheel loaders and its features?
Gmmco is supplying the complete range of CAT wheel loaders from 3 to 22 T capacity by offering models such as HM 2021; CAT 950H, 962H, 966H, 972H, 980H, 988H; and 992K. CAT wheel loaders are equipped with ACERT engine technology, load sensing hydraulics, MP3C hydraulic control valves and engine idling management. These different features enhance the efficiency and differentiated performance of the machines and delivering more value to the customers.
What is the rental scenario for these products?
We have good number of wheel loaders in our rental fleet to cater the market need; these are mainly deployed in ports and road construction segments.
How do you look at the competition in this segment?
There are global, Chinese and domestic players supplying machines in Indian market. CAT wheel loaders are differentiated with the latest technology, and higher reliability helps customers to 'move more and make more' (ie, higher productivity and lowest cost per tonne) supported with the best-in-class product support from Gmmco.
Are these products complying with emission norms Bharat Stage III?
Yes, all Caterpillar wheel loaders comply with Bharat Stage III norms.
Tell us about Gmmco's strength in training and services?
We provide technical and MAPS training for customer operation and maintenance staff on maintenance and troubleshooting aspects. MAPS training helps customers to understand the application and use, the right machine for right application.
Also, we have our CDI operators trained by CAT experts, who are well trained in operations and maintenance of various CAT machines. We regularly conduct on-site trainings for all customer operators, to enhance their knowledge in operation and maintenance and skill level in different CAT machines. This helps operators for optimum utilisation of various features of the machine. These trainings help customer to get optimum performance, productivity, and lesser down-time and reduce operating cost of the machines.
?We entered into a new tie-up with SEM to establish market leadership in 5T segment of wheel loaders that promises a good opportunity in India. The tie-up enables TIPL to offer better price-value proposition, coupled with best-in-class product support as the key differentiator, says Subir Bhattacharyya, Advisor, TIPL. Excerpts from the interview.
What is the demand-supply scenario for wheel loaders in India? What is TIPL's market share, and growth envisaged?
TIPL with its offering of model Hindustan 2021 is the market leader in the 3T class wheel loader segment for the past several years having a market share of 50 per cent. In 2010-11 the market size for wheel loader in India has been 1,900 units which is estimated to become 2,500 units in 2011-12. In the north and east of India where TIPL operates as Caterpillar dealer, the market size has been 900 units in 2010-11 and the estimated number is expected to be 1100 units in 2011-12.
Tell us about the range offered by TIPL in wheel loaders?
The range offered by TIPL in the wheel loader segment includes 3T class (Hindustan 2021), and a 5T class CAT 950H. In 2009, we entered into a new tie up with SEM to establish market leadership in 5T segment of wheel loader that promises a good opportunity in India. The tie-up enables TIPL to offer better price-value proposition, coupled with best-in-class product support as the key differentiator.
What are the unique features of the range offered by TIPL?
Hindustan 2021, TIPL's product offering is the most trusted market leader in 3T class wheel loader and is famous for its dependability, ease of maintenance, and lower operating cost. In the 5T range, CAT 950H wheel loader is a proven product internationally with a very high user acceptance and having the capability to perform under the most demanding applications. Unmatched operator comfort and efficiency in a world-class cab, revolutionary electronics and hydraulics for low-effort operation, increased productivity with lower owning and operating costs and better fuel efficiency make this machine durable and reliable even in the most difficult applications. The 5T class SEM wheel loader, a robust, versatile, efficient and cost-effective wheel loader is very apt for the Indian market.
Which segment contributes the maximum share for wheel loaders in India?
Segments contributing the major share of wheel loaders in India comprise coal handling and iron ore industry, cement plants, quarry and aggregate, road construction, hydro electric project, crusher zone and bulk handling in ports.
What is the rental scenario for these products?
This is basically operated by the large fleet owners. Hence the scope of rental is comparatively lesser here.
How do you look at the competition in this segment?
Any thriving market would be posed with challenges. Though we have a major chunk of 50 per cent market share in the 3T segment, we are not complacent about our position and are well poised to handle competition. The nearest competitor has a market share of 20 per cent, and based on our continuous proactive marketing strategies and superior customer support services, we are confident of retaining our market position.
Are these products complying with emission norms Bharat stage III?
Yes, these products are compliant with emission norms Bharat Stage III.
Telcon is a major player in the Indian BHL market with its two products - TATA 315V and TATA 315E.
The market for backhoe loader (BHL) in India has been growing at a rate of over 35 per cent. This was abruptly reversed during the year of the slowdown 2008-09. The market however turned around smartly and in the past two years, past the slowdown, has shown growth in excess of 40 per cent. It is widely expected that of growth rate of the Indian CE industry for the next five years would be in the range of 17-20 per cent. The growth enablers for this will be the investments in infrastructure ? urban and rural infrastructure, roads, agriculture etc.
A number of foreign players have entered the Indian market with manufacturing facilities and a few new ones are in the process of launching. Telcon is a major player in the Indian BHL market with its two products ? TATA 315V and TATA 315E. While 315V is the undisputable Number 1 in the +80 hp class of BHL, the 315E is widely accepted in the market for being fuel-efficient and cost- effective.
Telcon BHLs are known for their lowest cost of operations because of the high quality of components used. Proven components like the Tata 497TCIC engine and the tough ZF axle and transmission make our products the choice of customers. Features like the Synchro-shift transmission offer a clutch-less operation ensuring a smoother movement, higher site productivity, comfortable drive and lesser loads on the machine components.
The hiring retail segment is the biggest contributor for the backhoes and this is driven by the increased focus on real estate, urban works and roads.
BHLs are essentially utility machines and the rental rates vary based on the usage and the geography. In general, the average rental rates would be about Rs 650-750 per hour.
The returns vary for customers depending on usage and area of operation but a typical customer would ensure his returns by a period of 36 months. By this time, the customer also plans to dispose off his machine.
BHL is a versatile machine because of which it is the largest selling construction equipment in India today. Telcon offers a wide range of attachments for both the backhoe and the loader portions. Some of the attachments for the backhoe portion are GP bucket, HD bucket, trench bucket, ditch bucket, square hole bucket, ripper attachment, rock-breaker. The attachments on the loader side are 6-in-1 bucket, tilt dump bucket, forklift and jib crane.
Both the Telcon products 315V and 315E comply with BS3 norms and have already been approved by ARAI, Pune. Telcon also offers the most practical and acceptable BS3 compliant engine ( TATA 497TC IC ) in the BHL market segment today. Currently there is no mandate for the conversion of earlier BS2 engines in the market to BS3 compliant.
All major players of the world are today in the Indian market vying for a market share. Telcon is known and appreciated by the customers for its reliable and cost-effective products and also wide-spread service through both dealer - Telcon support backed by up economic costing spare parts.
Telcon is a one-stop offering constructive solutions for all the customer needs. The products on offer from Telcon range from excavators ( 2T to 120 T ), backhoe loaders (76 hp and 86 hp), wheel loaders, soil compactor (11T), motor grader (140 hp, 12 ft moldboard), cranes (from 25T to 650T), and transit mixer (6 cu m).
Construction , Update , Portal , Magazine , Equipment India , 2011 , June , 2011 , Telcon , backhoe loader , investment , infrastructure , construction equipment , fuel-efficient , Synchro-shift transmission , retail , GP bucket , ARAI , Pune 0 2011-06-24 18:34:55.480 22 The market for backhoe loader (BHL) in India has been growing at a rate of over 35 per cent. This was abruptly reversed during the year of the slowdown 2008-09. 0 - - 16266 14 102 2011-06-01 00:00:00.000 Equipment India CNH Expands in IndiaIn order to capitalise on the burgeoning growth for construction equipment in India, CNH Global is consolidating its presence in the country. With a wholly owned company, CNH has already geared up to make its mark in the booming Indian market. CNH Global NV, a global agricultural and construction equipment major, has acquired full ownership of L&T?CASE Equipment, an unconsolidated joint venture (JV) established in 1999 with Larsen & Toubro to manufacture and sell construction and road building equipment in India.
The new, wholly owned company will be called Case New Holland Construction Equipment (India) Private Limited. The global major is expected to leverage its wide ranging experience and leadership in the field of construction equipment manufacturing to make its mark on the booming Indian market.
Elaborating on the company's long term goals, Harold Boyanovsky, President and CEO, CNH Global NV, said, This is an important step in our long term commitment to consolidate our construction equipment business in India and other export markets and to develop a manufacturing base in India fully integrated in the CNH worldwide industrial footprint. The Pithampur plant will be in a position to make the most of the opportunities for growth that the sector offers today and in future." The company is among the several global leaders who have either already invested in setting up manufacturing units in India or in the process of doing so, in order to capitalise on the burgeoning growth for construction equipment in the country.
CNH Global is a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment. A majority owned subsidiary of Fiat Group, CNH manufactures its products in around 40 facilities that are spread globally and distributes its products in about 170 countries. The company is known for its strong R&D focus and is considered a frontrunner when it comes to use of latest technology and product innovations. With its stringent commitment to quality, the company has rapidly expanded its footprint globally and is today an acknowledged world-leader in the construction equipment domain.
With the latest investment in India, the company is confirming its commitment to a string manufacturing base for its construction equipment business at the Pithampur plant, located in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, the company also plans to continue investing in its CASE construction equipment product offering and strengthen the sales network to meet the needs of construction businesses in the important local and export markets.
The Pithampur facility currently manufactures backhoe loaders and vibratory compactors. Backhoe loaders and vibratory compactors that have been produced in the plant have already made their mark around the country. The new initiative is expected to further boost the sales of these products.
The sprawling factory complex is spread over 40 acre and occupies over 28,000 sq m of covered area. The plant, with now being integrated with CNH manufacturing network, is expected to further improve its facility with the introduction of world-class manufacturing methodologies that would bring it in line with the globally renowned CNH Production System and quality standards.
The manufacturing plant is already equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including high precision laser and cutting machine, welding robots, CNC machine tools, a new automated powder coating system, and a variable speed assembly line.
CASE India sells and supports its loader backhoes and vibratory compactors through 56 strong dealers who in turn have 144 outlets which are spread out all over India. CASE India's central warehouse is at Indore which supports the spare parts operation. Order placement and execution is done online through ERP software package and network connectivity, which has been provided to all offices and dealers. CASE India also conducts regular training programmes for their customers both in their training centre and also at customer places for maintenance people/operators which enable customers to get the maximum potential from the machines. CASE India is providing excellent service support to all its customers. Factory trained service engineers are located in all major cities of India who responds faster and helps the customers to resolve the issues at the earliest.
Caterpillar brand is synonymous with durability and reliability
Our cusomer support agreements (CSA) deliver the highest asset uptime and lowest cost of operation over the entire product life cycle, says Subir Bhattacharyya, Advisor - TIPL. 0 - - 16259 14 102 2011-06-01 00:00:00.000 Equipment India ACE is in the process of doubling the capacity
We are focusing on backward integration especially in-house fabrication with specialised strengthened steel, says Jitendra Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Action Construction Equipment. Excerpts from the interview.
What is the demandsupply scenario for backhoes in India? What is the market share of ACE for backhoes in India and growth envisaged?
As of now, the demand-supply is at equilibrium. ACE has focused in this segment and is targeting to capture 15 per cent market share by 2012 with approximately doubling the growth in next three years.
What is the market potential for backhoes in India in terms of volume and value? What are the growth enablers?
The market potential is around 22,000 units as per the past trend, value wise it touches around Rs 4,000 crore. India is focusing on infrastructure development in a big way like China and other developing countries and many MNCs in tie-up with Indian companies are moving into the segment. Also, timely completion of the projects will play a major role for enhancement of the potential.
Could you tell us about the range offered by ACE and their features?
We offer basically two models with different variants, the first one is a common 76-hp two-wheel drive, and the other is 96-hp four-wheel drive model. In addition, we have various combinations and optional attachments which can be added or removed depending on the application of a backhoe loader. ACE is focusing on backward integration especially in-house fabrication with specialised strengthened steel. This is a strength for producing best quality with competitive pricing, and also marching with new patterns like BS III compatible engine as per the requirement.
What is the existing manufacturing capacity for backhoes?
ACE has a capacity of manufacturing 200 units per month and is in the process of enhancing the same to nearly 400 units per month in the near future.
Which segment contributes maximum share for backhoes in India?
Plant hirers comprise around 6570 per cent of the market.
What is the rental scenario for these products?
One can anywhere rent out a machine on an average of Rs 600800 per hour and if rented on a monthly basis, one can generate Rs 70,00080,000 per month with a fixed expense of around Rs 20,000 per machine.
What is the RoI on a backhoe?
The machine if purchased on a loan recovers its cost in three years excluding an average monthly income of Rs 20,000.
Tell us about the attachments offered along with backhoe?
We offer various attachments namely forklift, 6-in-1 clam shovel, ripper tooth, rock breaker etc. Various bucket sizes are also available for different applications.
How do you look at the competition in this segment?
With more and more companies entering in the segment, the competition has become fierce as well as interesting. But, since ACE's USP is better quality at a right and highly reasonable price, we are sure we will be looking for big results in a short span of time. Nevertheless, we are confident about our well established sales and service network spread across India, and service being a major issue of concern, we will leave competition far behind.
How do you look at the replacement/repowering market for the units sold which are not complying with Bharat Stage III norms?
Engine manufactures have already worked on this and government regulations have to be complied with. A plan is being chalked out to ensure the required modification, but practically it may take some time to get the work accomplished.
Could you brief us on ACE's strength in training and service network?
ACE has already been rated as the fastest growing construction equipment company. With enhancement in product range as well as capacities, the company has already chalked out a detailed programme to ensure not only to retain the present training and service status but to enhance the same for betterment to the level of perfection and entire satisfaction of the customers. New training centres with all modern facilities and best expertise available in the market is going to be utilised. Train the trainer programme and continuous and vigorous training camps supported by seminars will be the part of the continuous process for the same. Also in this line, we already run a residential training school for service engineers and operators with a capacity of 30 candidates in one batch.
Globally, LiuGong produces 40,000 wheel loaders annually
With strengthened component, world-class ZF axle and ZF transmission and Cummins engine, wheel loaders from LiuGong are easy to operate even under rough terrains, says Sunil Sapru, President, LiuGong India. 1 - - 16081 14 165 2011-06-01 00:00:00.000 Agith G Antony Eaton solutions are extremely rugged and durable
?Eaton is the world's leading producer of heavy-duty and synchro-mesh medium-duty transmissions. They not only offer best-in- class system performance, but also help the industry to customise solutions based on customer requirements,? says Krishnakumar Srinivasan, Managing Director, India Truck Division, Eaton Corporation. In an exclusive chat with Agith G Antony, he elaborates on the changing trends in the automatic transmission systems and talks about Eaton's strengths and capabilities.
Has revival of market sentiments been reflected in the demand-supply for commercial duty fully automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems in the automotive industry?
Demand for construction equipment (CE) is bound to grow with the government speeding up the process of contract awards and working towards the removal of impediments of execution. The prospect of investment in the CE industry is encouraging, with the government's push for more private participation. To remain competitive in such a scenario, it is necessary to have efficient equipment with optimised utilisation. Automated solutions help the fleet owners to not only reduce operating cost but also help in significant improvement in asset utilisation. Automatic transmissions are relatively new technologies that are making way into the construction, mining and earth-moving equipment. These technologies are delivering the benefits which have been eluding the mining and construction companies for sometime. For example, the mining industry has recognised the benefits of having automated transmissions on their trucks : reduced driver fatigue and safety, in addition to more fuel efficiency. So, as the benefits of these technologies are being evaluated, we are seeing a rise in demand and in the last few months, the pace has increased.
What are the major growth enablers of this industry?
The growth drivers for the CE industry include the current and proposed financial outlay in road infrastructure, housing, power, irrigation and segments like ports and airports. All these are major growth enablers of the CE industry because they not only use large construction equipment but also generate secondary demands in cement, steel and mining which all require large number of earthmoving and construction equipment.
Could you throw some light on the comprehensive range of transmissions on offer from Eaton for mining, off-road construction and heavy haulage applications?
Eaton caters to all segments of this industry, with products especially designed to suit these end-customer needs. Eaton can offer products suitable for 900 to 3,000 Nm torque requirement, and has very robust and rugged solutions in 6 to 18 speed manual and automated manual transmissions (AMTs). We have a number of modular construction designs for our heavy-duty transmissions. We can offer our AMTs in 10, 11, 13 and 18 speeds, with overall ratios ranging from 15.5 to 36:1. Then, we can give a level of optimised vehicle performance to a broad range of applications which we believe is unparalleled in the industry. Eaton has specifically developed Line Haul, Vocations (off-road and mining) and a multi-purpose series of transmissions with varying speeds and torque capabilities to suit specific requirements within the segment. Specific features have been developed considering the application requirements so as to bring efficiencies to the fleet.
Could you tell us about the overall market potential in terms of size and value.
The Indian CV market and in particular, segments relating to infrastructure growth, have been growing very rapidly and we expect a robust and consistent growth for at least next 8-10 years. Putting a size and value is difficult due to the rapid growth rate of close to double-digit figures but if the momentum continues, we may see it breaking into double-digit figures soon.
What is the range and capability of Eaton transmissions?
Eaton offers AMT as a complete driveline solution provider taking care of complete system efficiency including the clutch and transmission. Eaton solutions are extremely rugged and durable with best-in-class performance and efficiency. Eaton AMT solutions are also built with top safety features. The solutions offered by Eaton help improve fuel efficiency and hence optimise on running and operating costs.
What are the advantages of using Eaton transmission?
Eaton is the world's leading producer of heavy-duty and synchro-mesh medium-duty transmissions. Eaton not only offers best-in-class system performance, but also helps the industry to customise solutions based on customer requirements. Eaton transmissions can offer a wide range of speeds in various overall ratios and torque ratings. Our research and innovation have enabled us to use aluminium-based castings that make the transmissions lighter, hence vehicles become more fuel-efficient. Computer-designed constant mesh helical gearing ensures quieter operation and greater gear strength.
How do you rate your success of penetration in the Indian CE segment? What are the challenges Eaton faces there?
Eaton has excellent products for the CE segment and well poised to grow in this segment. We have developed our understanding of the conditions that this segment demands and now upgraded the products to best suit the market needs. Our automated transmissions have excellent inbuilt features to succeed in the CE segment in India.
Tell us about the evolution of transmission technology and the R&D spend.
Every market and customer segment has very unique requirements. The success is to have products designed and developed to suit those requirements and market needs. Eaton has developed an extensive engineering capability in India. Our engineering centre in Pune is the largest integrated engineering and research centre in Eaton. Our engineers collaborate on global projects for across the world as well as for India, to develop right products meeting the respective market requirements. We have also set up a big Test Lab to test and validate products designed and produced in India. Many OEMs have made India the hub of their R&D and that speaks about the potential and volume of investments that are being diverted towards India.
How do you look at the competition in this segment? What differentiates Eaton from the competition?
We are a diversified company and a global market leader in the segments we operate in. Our presence in the hydraulics segment has ensured a strong foothold in the CE industry and we are well aware of the conditions and needs of the segment. Eaton has been supplying the trucking industry with products designed to improve vehicle performance and power, and increase profitability for over a century now. Our length and breadth of experience in the industry positions us as the leading supplier taking care of the customer needs. The fact that we have our heritage of a hundred years of innovation gives us a headstart to provide the right products to the right segments. This way, Eaton has been successful in understanding the end-customer needs and expectations and has been successfully delivering the value.
How do you look at the capabilities of the supply chain?
Suppliers are one of our key stake holders for the company in India as well as globally since we operate in diverse countries and regions. The fundamental requirement of any supply-chain organisation is to reduce costs ? not just direct material costs, but costs such as logistics, services, inventory, and other indirect costs. We have a full-fledged supply-chain team with specialisation in various technologies like castings, forgings etc, supporting our Indian and global operations. Eaton in India has excellent supply-chain capabilities with quality suppliers at globally competitive pricing. We are attempting to ensure that most of the products manufactured and sold in India have a significant level of localisation.
Brief us about Eaton's manufacturing facilities. Do you have further plans on investment?
Eaton Corporation's truck transmissions plant is its first greenfield manufacturing facility in India. The plant was commissioned in 2007 and began its production in 2008. It's a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with heat treatment, assembly and testing facilities. The second phase of construction for the plant was started in April 2008 and is operational as of now. We recently invested in an integrated test lab at our Ranjangaon facility that will help to test the products developed in India resulting in significant time saving. We plan to regularly invest to meet the growing market requirements.
What was the total turnover in the last fiscal, and what is the expected growth this fiscal?
All I can tell you is that we have a positive growth outlook for our business in India.
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