Modern Quarrying Q1 2025

BULL GAINS TRACTION

Just over a year after assuming the exclusive dealership of BULL skid steers and backhoe loaders, Babcock reports that the range has gained significant traction in a competitive South African market. The quick growth is a culmination of concerted efforts by both the dealer and the principal to offer a rugged product that is backed by a solid aftermarket regime.

LOADING AND HAULING

D espite the competitive nature of the market, with over 24 suppliers contending for market share, backhoe and skid steer loaders remain the ‘picks and shovels’ of the yellow metal equipment market in Southern Africa. To provide context, available industry figures show that the backhoe loader market ranges between 1 600 and 1 700 units per annum, with skid steer loaders in the region of 300-350 units per year, based on CONMESA figures for the past 12 months. Having taken over the exclusive distributorship of BULL backhoe loaders and skid steers in July 2023, Babcock has already sold more than 100 backhoe loaders, propel ling the company to the top five bracket in a cutthroat marketplace. Mark Senyard, Product Manager – BULL at Babcock, credits the quick growth to a combination of a good product that has proven its met tle and the commitment by both Babcock and BULL to create a

SNAPSHOT

Having taken over the exclusive distributorship of the BULL backhoe loaders and skid steers in July 2023, Babcock has already sold more than 100 backhoe loaders.

BULL regards South Africa as an important growth market and has committed to working closely with Babcock.

Currently, Babcock offers a single BULL skid steer model, the AV490, in two variants – a typical canopy version and one with a fully enclosed cab and air conditioner.

Due to the heavy nature of the machine, it is able to carry slightly larger buckets. The majority of backhoe loaders in the market come with a front bucket size of 1,1 m³, while the BULL machine comes with a 1,26 m³ bucket.

MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 1 | 2025 44