Capital Equipment News April-May 2020

A 'fast take-off' for articulated wheel loaders is expected in the next 10 years

Accessing the driver’s seat on a wheel loader is simpler as it can be done from either one or from both sides of the machine.

Africa, says Schmidt. This is despite its lower payload, shorter reach and “much higher” operating cost when it comes to fuel consumption and tyre or track wear. James points to a shift in the market: “Contractors are realising that there are significant cost implications when selecting the right machine for the job. More manufacturers are offering compact loaders these days, which makes them a viable option under the right site conditions.” MultiOne’s Van Wyk agrees that the skid steer loader is still more popular in Africa, but mainly due to “traditionalism” which, he says, “is deeper seeded in Africa than on any other continent”. “Product awareness,” he says, “is instrumental in building brands and sustained growth. It is challenging to introduce the ‘new’ articulated concept to African countries as advertising media are often inappropriate or non-existent.” He expects a “fast take-off” for articulated wheel loaders in the next 10 years, though, due to digital advertising. “The sooner articulated loaders are marketed in Africa, the sooner the concept will be adopted and take off. My estimate is that, combined, the compact articulated loaders in the African market cannot exceed a footprint of more than say 20%, compared to the market share held by skid steer manufacturers. “Another very important factor to consider is that skid loaders are manufactured by far more companies and brands than articulated wheel loaders,” he says. b

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