Last edited 06 Sep 2016

Compact construction equipment

The construction equipment industry comprises a wide range of heavy machines which perform specific tasks. Construction equipment can be classified according to the size and capability of the construction machinery, however, there have also been a few changes in their classification based on design specifications and cost effectiveness.

Compact construction equipment is an emerging term used in the construction equipment industry, which refers to small units are designed to work on small commercial and residential sites. The major utility factor of compact construction equipment is their versatility and ability to perform tasks that were previously undertaken by heavy machinery.

The main advantages of compact construction equipment are that they are low cost, light weight,and easy to transport and operate. However, there is no industry standard to specify any requirements to be met for equipment to be categorised as compact construction equipment.Categorisation is more dependent on the type of application performed in a particular sector. Generally, track loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders, skid steers and telehandlers are classified under compact construction equipment.

The compact construction equipment industry has shown a robust double digit growth rate over the past few years. The most popular category in compact equipment market is track loaders with the largest market share. The skid steers market is the second most popular market and this is anticipated to experience healthy growth.

Growth has been observed in the construction equipment market in North America and Western Europe, and is anticipated to grow further due to an increase in construction and repair activities. Asia is anticipated to be the largest market for compact construction equipment by 2020.

The major factors driving the compact construction equipment market are an increasing preference for small-size construction equipment, affordable pricing, reliability, and improved productivity. The increasing number of attachments available for compact construction equipment such as levelers, soil conditioning tools and trenchers are also driving growth. In addition, the private user market, such as sundowners or hobby farmers, and real estate developers have been contributing to the increasing adoption of compact construction equipment.

Volatility in fuel prices, low entry barriers and a lack of structure are the key challenges for the compact construction equipment market.

The changing trends from pedal operation to the use of joysticks, availability of suspension seats and air conditioners at reasonable prices,is further driving growth along with GPS tracking systems for rental purchasers to safeguard against theft. Self-monitoring and auto shutdown are other emerging trends.

The major players in the market are Case, JCB, Mustang, John Deere, Volvo, Ditch Witch,Gehl, Vermeer, Caterpillar and New Holland.