Kubota and Sumitomo Plan Mutual Supply of Equipment

JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

Kubota Corporation and Sumitomo Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. said they have begun discussions regarding the mutual supply of construction equipment.

Internationally, the growing demand for housing and the expected increase in construction work related to infrastructure investment and urban development, plus the increasing shortage of construction labor, are expected to create strong demand for construction equipment to improve efficiency and reduce labor requirements.

Kubota develops, manufactures, and sells small construction equipment used in urban construction, while Sumitomo Construction Machinery specializes in medium and large construction equipment used in a wide range of civil engineering and forestry work.

Read More»

Construction Equipment Set for Substantial Growth

INDIA REPORT
Aditya Kondejkar

The construction equipment industry anticipates a robust 5-year outlook with a projected 15% year-on-year growth. This optimistic forecast is anchored in the momentum generated by ongoing construction projects and increased infrastructure spending. The government’s substantial allocation of $130.57 billion (Rs 10 lakh crore) underscores its commitment to fortifying this sector.

Moreover, the recognition of the scale and technological prospects within the construction landscape further emphasizes the strategic importance of advancements in this domain.

Source: Times of India:   Read The Article

The construction equipment (CE) sector has undergone significant transformation over the past 2-3 years, marked by major players reaching peak manufacturing capacities and subsequently embarking on expansive growth initiatives.

Read More»

Komatsu To Develop Electric Excavator with Honda

FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT

Komatsu says it will launch the PC05E-1 electric micro excavator, jointly developed with Honda, in the Japanese market in October. In the domestic construction equipment market, where the electrification market has not yet been developed, Komatsu plans to quickly create a market to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by introducing a variety of models.

The machine is an expanded version of the PC01E-1 electric micro excavator, which was introduced to the domestic market in March 2022. The current “PC05-1” micro excavator, which is widely used for small civil engineering and construction work as well as gas, electric and plumbing sites, has been electrified by installing the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: or electric power unit (eGX) as a power source, like the “PC01E-1”. Komatsu aims to achieve electrification by FY2023.

Read More»

DataPoint: North America Tractor/Loader/Backhoes (TLBs)

7,450 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Tractor/Loader/Backhoes (TLB) expected to be produced in North America in 2023.

Tractor/Loader/Backhoes are full-size machines that are three pieces of construction equipment combined into one: the tractor, the loader and the backhoe. These units are designed to tackle an array of construction and agricultural related activities.

Read More»

What Is the Future of Alternative Power?

Guy Youngs
Guy Youngs

Making the switch from diesel powered machines to a low carbon option is not as simple as some would argue. Switching to electric has drawbacks such as their modest power density, which currently holds back their ability to power heavy equipment for a full working day. Cost is another important consideration.

So, what about HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)? HVO, which is of particular interest to many equipment manufacturers, is obtained from cooking oil waste, grease and fat residues, waste fats and vegetable oil. The manufacture and use of HVO is nearly climate-neutral when only renewable energy sources are used in the production process. The problem with this fuel is its availability.

Read More»

DATAPOINT: NA Mixers, 2023 Production

34,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Mixers expected to be produced in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2023.

Mixers are used by a variety of industries, especially for construction applications, and mix an assortment of materials. Power Systems Research tracks the North American production of two types of mixers: one used to produce asphalt and one for mixing mortar or concrete. Asphalt Mixers/Agitators are used to manufacture asphalt, macadam and other forms of coated road stone, often called “blacktop.”

A Cement/Mortar Mixer is a mechanical mixer that uses rotating paddles attached to a horizontal axle to blend the mix ingredients of mortar or concrete.

This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Battery/Corded Electric Units: Production of electric units are expected to increase by 23% in 2023 over 2022, climbing 1,300 units to about 6,800 units this year powered by either battery or cords. In 2023, electric units (battery and corded) will be about 2% of total North American Mixer production. PSR

Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research

Show Report: Hannover Messe 2023

Guy Youngs
Guy Youngs

General Observations. The core topics at HANNOVER MESSE included artificial intelligence, hydrogen, energy management, connected and intelligent production, and the new Manufacturing-X data ecosystem.

More than 4,000 exhibitors presented their solutions and welcomed 130,000 visitors from around the globe. There seemed to be a very large Chinese contingent at the show (both as visitors and exhibitors), as well as a large number of local governments, universities and startups. There seemed to be a predominance of exhibitors showing bearings, copper fittings, cables and components as well as systems / electronics companies.

There was also a large number of independent robots in evidence, ranging from robotic dogs and robotic servers to robotic messengers following pre planned routes.

Read More»

Hitachi To Launch Remote Excavator in FY2023

FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT
Akihiro Komuro
Akihiro Komuro

Hitachi Construction Machinery says it will release a medium-sized hydraulic excavator that can be operated remotely during fiscal 2023. Workers will be able to remotely operate the excavator without getting on the machine during construction of housing sites and rivers. Demand is expected to increase due to labor shortages at construction sites, and the company will introduce the medium-sized models, which are widely used.

The main target is hydraulic excavators with a body weight of 10 to 30 tons. Hitachi Construction Machinery will prepare a body that can be remotely controlled and will install the necessary remote-control controller and video system in consultation with the customer.

Read More»

Compact Track Loaders Eat into US Skid Steer Market

The past decade has seen compact track loaders (CTLs) eat into the market share held by skid steer loaders in the US, before overtaking sales of their wheeled counterparts completely. In 2012, there were 36,125 skid steer loaders sold in North America, compared to 21,500 sales of compact track loaders. By 2022, that number had jumped to 93,000 compact track loader sales, compared to 30,000 skid steer sales.

Read More»