Entering an era of transformation

Off-the-road tyre manufacturers and suppliers are facing brand-new difficulties as a result of technological advancements and evolving end-user needs that are pushing the market into uncharted terrain.

What new construction equipment will 2022 bring?

The outlook on India’s construction equipment sector is optimistic since the country’s needs for infrastructure will continue to grow massively.

VECV launches Eicher Skyline Ambulance

Ambulance range aligned to ongoing efforts to modernize medical infrastructure

We are leveraging digital technology in our products and services: Jasmeet Singh

JCB has pioneered the integration of digital technology in its ‘Intelli’ series of construction equipment. Jasmeet Singh, AVP, Corporate Communications & Corporate Relations, JCB India, shares more.

Rolls-Royce, ASI Mining to optimise MTU engines for autonomous operations

Rolls-Royce and ASI Mining have agreed to ensure compatibility of MTU engines and ASI?s Mobius command and control software for autonomous vehicles.

Our plan has always been to localise our manufacturing in India

CASE Construction Equipment is built on the principle that simple is better. Sharing more on the company's operations and recent launches is Neil Woodfin, Vice President, CE AMEA and CE Global Alliance, CASE International SA.

Fuel cost savings at cement plant

Fuel cost savings at cement plant Volvo's EC950EL heavyweight excavator consistently delivers fuel-cost savings and performance gains for the local cement producer at their limestone quarry in Andhra Pradesh.

Reaching out to infra needs

Government's high spending on infrastructure projects drives the demand for construction equipment while earthmoving equipment being the largest used equipment category leads the growth.

Quiet but powerful performance

Powered by an 8-litre Tier 4 Final/Stage IV-compliant engine, the L110H wheel loader combines high performance with low emissions and low fuel consumption.

Astec to exhibit at Intermat 2018

Astec, Inc., an Astec Industries company, will exhibit at the Intermat 2018 international exhibition for construction and infrastructure, to be held during April 23-28 in Paris, France.

We have showcased the 6025 FE tipper for surface-to-surface transportation

Customers in the construction sector are in search of higher-capacity trucks. The truck industry catering to mining and construction segment is in a transition mode as segmental shifts are taking place in terms of GVW, vehicle power, and performance Haulage trucks are being used for the transportation of aggregates, which is a new phenomenon.

Our trucks come with fuel smart technology

We have presented a sort of one Mahindra family here. In terms of construction equipment, we have showcased backhoe loaders and graders. As for commercial vehicles, the display includes BLAZO 25 Tipper, BLAZO 31 Tipper, BLAZO 31 Transit Mixer along with DI3200 Jayo Fuel Dispenser.

An opportunity to see how technology is shaping for Indian customers

We are seeing most activities in the road building sector with numerous projects progressing. Understandably, we are seeing the highest levels of demand for excavators, compactors and pavers for this application and its associated industries.

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.

Volvo Trucks successfully concludes Fuelwatch Challenge India 2017

For the eighth consecutive year, Volvo Trucks conducted the Fuelwatch Challenge India Finals recently. The competition is recognised as an annual mainstay event in the industry and embodies the company?s Fuelwatch mission towards a fuel-efficient industry model. After a series of national competitions across the region, 29 top contenders met for a decisive driving in Singrauli.

In Eco-town Construction

About 40 machines from Volvo CE including excavators, haulers, and motor graders are being used to build a luxury, gated 533-acre township in Malaysia.

We emphasise on continuous product development

CASE India has maintained a leadership position in the Indian subcontinent riding on extraordinary customer connect and support. With the existing products like skid steer loaders, motor grader, compactor, loader backhoes etc, CASE India develops products to suit the evolving requirements of the Indian customers.

Indian Mining Poised to Boom

Cummins introduces X Series engines

Cummins Inc introduced the next-generation X Series engines. With the line-up expanded to three X engines, and ratings extending from 350 hp to 605 hp

Cummins introduces X Series engines

Cummins Inc introduced the next-generation X Series engines. With the line-up expanded to three X engines, and ratings extending from 350 hp to 605 hp, this represents the broadest and most capable heavy-duty engine range that Cummins has ever made available to the North American truck market.

India Fuelwatch 2015

India Fuelwatch 2015 organised by Volvo Trucks re-emphasises the importance of fuel efficiency and driver productivity. A good driver can make a lot of difference? and that is what the India Fuelwatch

P Ravi, S V Engineering Constructions Bags India Fuelwatch 2015 Award

P Ravi, driver from S V Engineering Constructions was adjudged as the winner of India Fuelwatch 2015 conducted from 7th to 9th June by Volvo Trucks.

We have significant breakthroughs in bearing technology

The Timken products and services have proved to be one of its kinds by helping customers with efficiency and solutions, and we definitely see a great potential for our products for the CE sector in the coming years,

Case launches dealership in J&K

Case New Holland Construction Equipment has launched its dealership in Jammu & Kashmir through Jehlum Autoworld Awantipora to market its wide range of equipment.

Widening its presence

The fuel economy Kobelco offers continues to be a benchmark, and its technological innovations help the customer achieve higher production levels leading to substantial savings on one side and higher earnings on the other.

We need a structured regulatory and policy framework for PPP models in mining sector.

The government has to release mining leases for iron ore, change or to amend environment policies and allocate more coal blocks and coal mining to private contractors.

Getting ready for the upturn

In spite of the unfavourable market dynamics, most of the OEMs have adopted innovative strategies to sustain themselves while keeping an eye on the coming boom. Innovative strategies are developed to retain existing customers

Our machines give better efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and productivity

Volvo Construction Equipment is one of the most dynamic companies in the industry. Not only have we grown rapidly over the last decade, we have done so without sacrificing the quality of our products, the innovation of our thinking or our close relationships with our growing family of customers

Volvo CE takes a holistic approach to fuel efficiency

We deliver fuel efficiency across all elements of our machines via engines, systems, operator behaviour and future technologies while increasing the productivity for our customers.

The Volvo Group is planning to make an investment of Rs 2,000 crore in the next few years.

As a market leader, Volvo CE will continue to invest in new technologies backed by innovation. The mantra behind our success is our innovative way of thinking, active investment in R&D and our close relationships with our growing family of customers and employees, says AM Muralidharan, President, Volvo CE, India. Excerpts from the interview.

Laying the foundation of trust

A formidable fleet of Volvo EC 210 series excavators assists SVA Blue Metals in its mining operations at Karanampettai. On the face of it, one would dismiss it as just another piece of stone. But blue metal aka jelly is a lot more than that. It is among the most mined materials in the world.

We deliver fuel efficiency across all elements of our machines.

Volvo CE takes a holistic approach to fuel efficiency. We deliver fuel efficiency across all elements of our machines via engines, systems, operator behaviour and future technologies, while increasing productivity for our customers, says AM Muralidharan, President, Volvo Construction Equipment. Excerpts from the interview.We have seen a slight increase in the demand for compactors/pavers during Q4 but the market is still low compared to past years. If the requirement goes to double digit numbers

Ramky Creates World Record

The Marini MAC 200, plant installed at Ramky?s NAM project site, produced over 4,000 tonne of high quality asphalt mix in a little less than 21 hours, creating a historical landmark and rewriting its own historical benchmarks.

We optimise fuel efficiency and productivity of our equipment

We have invested Rs 300 crore and are in the process of scaling up the capacity to 3,500 units per year. Once it is complete, we will also be widening the product lines, says Prabhat Kumar Tiwari, Head ? Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Construction Equipment India

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.

Kobelco machines are known for its fuel efficiency

Everywhere in the world we are amongst the top four players; we expect to do the same in India, says Vikram Sharma, Managing Director and CEO, Kobelco Construction Equipment, 0 - - 15135 14 162 2011-04-01 00:00:00.000 Equipment India Eurotire is dedicated to the mining industry

?The combined product and services capability of GmmcoEurotire allows us to provide our Indian customers with world-class OTR tyres and service,? says Kent B Henschen, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Eurotire Inc, while speaking about the company and its strengths to Equipment India. Excerpts from the interview.

How do you look at the potential of off-the-road tyres, especially for large-sized tyres?
Eurotire's focus is on supporting OTR tyre customers in the world's emerging mining markets and we believe India holds a huge potential for our products. Our products include not only OTR tyres but also our unique approach to providing service and support for large OTR tyres that we call EuroCARE. Our total focus is on creating and supporting large-sized tyres for the mining industry. As a result, we have the knowledge and expertise to help our customers maximise the value they receive from their large OTR tyres.

We believe that the potential for our products is growing and will continue to grow. There are many in the industry who also believe that it is only a matter of time before there are widespread global tyre shortages again as there was just a few years ago. Many large OTR tyre manufacturers, including Eurotire, have increased manufacturing capabilities in preparation for this next increase in demand. There has been consolidation in the supply side as well. Whether the net increase is sufficient to meet that next round of high demand is yet to be seen.

Tell us about Eurotire, its global footprint, and your tie-up with Gmmco?
Eurotire is focused on the support of the world's emerging markets and can be found on six continents. We have recently opened an office in Kolkata and have partnered with Gmmco to form GmmcoEurotire. This partnership combines high quality Eurotire products with Gmmco's expertise for providing service and support and includes more than 40 Gmmco locations strategically located throughout India's mining regions. The combined product and services capability of GmmcoEurotire allows us to provide our Indian customers with a world-class OTR tyres and support programme.

Could you brief us about the investment part?
Eurotire has taken substantial actions over the last few years to ensure that we are able to support the growing global demand for our products. We have invested over $70 million in major upgrades and expansion of our bias tyre plant in Ukraine. The increased capabilities of that plant will certainly help us in continuing to meet growing customer demand for bias tyres.

How strong is Eurotire's presence in radials?
We have invested over $300 million and nearly three years in building a ground-up, state-of-the-art radial tyre design and manufacturing facility in Romania. In fact, the plans for the new facility were expanded while in process to further increase our capabilities for meeting the needs of our customers during the next increase in demand. The OTR radial tyre product from this plant is state-of-the-art with materials compounded and tested in-house by Eurotire engineers. We began radial tyre testing in 2009 and full manufacturing of specific sizes began in 2010. We are continuing the creation and field testing process to expand our radial tyre line with tyre sizes being added over the next years. Our final goal is to have a complete range of radial tyre products from 18? to 63?. Eurotire will be in a very good position to meet our customer demand.

What about the replacement market?
Eurotire is strongly positioned in the replacement market with the majority of our products replacing the installed products of our larger, primary competitors. Our focus is value-driven, not replacement- driven. In other words, we are not only able to replace the products of our competitors because we have a quality, competitively priced, but because we sell the product to the customer that they need for the application and then stay with the customer after the sale to ensure that they receive maximum value from that product. This is EuroCARE, our start to finish value- adding service programme. Eurotire is also an approved tyre supplier for haul truck and loader OEMs. In fact, the CAT trucks purchased by CIL in 2010 carried Eurotire OTR tyres on them.

How do you look at the competition in this area?
Eurotire has formidable competition throughout the world, from large multinationals to well-entrenched regional manufacturers. In India, we have an advantage by partnering with a market leader, Gmmco, to ensure that we are able to provide world-class OTR tyres and tyre services to our Indian customers. Our dedication to bringing product value to our mining customers is what differentiates us from others.

How do you look at the retreading segment?
Retreading is not a viable longterm solution in mining applications where high temperature, medium to long hauls, rough haul roads and difficult loading conditions are a concern.

Tell us about your products and services and future expansion plans, if any?
Eurotire is dedicated to the mining industry. We design, manufacture, service and support OTR tyres for 60-tonne and larger haul trucks and large wheel loaders. There are two primary approaches that Eurotire takes which we believe are unique to the tyre industry. The first is that we are addressing the needs of emerging market customers. We believe that during the last peak demand period for large OTR tyres, there were markets that were under-served by the large tyre companies. In addition, as the emerging markets continue to grow in number, they will again be under-served by those same companies during the coming upturn in global demand. Eurotire will be there to provide the support that the emerging market customers need to succeed.

The second approach is that Eurotire is not only supplying a tyre product, we are partnering with our emerging market customers to provide full lifecycle management of our tyres. We provide supply and then work with the customer on an ongoing basis to maximise the life of the tyres. Essentially we are with our customers from start to finish, taking the burden of lifecycle tyre management from the customer and allowing them to maximise the production they receive from their tyre products. In India, Eurotire has taken a major step to ensure that our customers are well supported by partnering with Gmmco. The GmmcoEurotire alliance will support world-class OTR tyre service and support in India.

MILESTONES

* Eurotire's history dates back over 50 years. The Eurotire Ukraine facility was established in 1959 as a Tire Research Institute dedicated to the development of large OTR tyres. The Research Institute has been directly responsible for the creation of over 250 OTR tyre patents as well as development of the designs and equipment to manufacture the largest tyres in the world.
* In 2004, the Eurotire brand was established. In 2005, the first Eurotire branded tyres began shipping to the world.
* In 2007, Eurotire embarked on the creation of a new radial tyre facility in Romania and has invested over $300 million in its creation. Today that state-of-the-art facility is producing world-class radial tyre products and the product line will continue to expand.
* Eurotire is dedicated to the mining industry and through our unique approach and dedicated and experienced employees we are changing the face of the mining tyre industry.

TIPL offers Caterpillar excavators from 7T to 85T

?TIPL has already tied up with Sitech, a distribution network for the most reliable and rugged construction technology systems available to the heavy and highway contractors today, says G V R Murthy, Joint Managing Director, TIPL.