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EQUIPMENT TICKER TAPE combination of raw material and component shortages, supply

chain delays, and worker shortages. Prices rose at an increased
rate – one of the highest in a decade – as a result. Although these
supply constraints showed some signs of easing, they will likely be
exacerbated again by the Ukraine war, as will the upward pressure
on prices. A key variable in the performance of loader crane
producers is components and raw material costs; profitability in
2022 will depend precisely on the speed at which any increase
can be passed through to customers. Increasing customer
FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR LOADER CRANE expectations, capacity constraints, and the covid pandemic
MANUFACTURERS have created the perfect storm of challenges – both positive and
2021 provided a 90-year record in the loader crane industry. negative. Simultaneously, supply chain management has moved
Despite the covid crisis, all manufacturers reported record order from the back office to the board room as more and more dealers
intake and sales revenue. John Henry Bowman reports. and customers experience heavily extended lead times, price
Higher than expected global demand has put pressure on increases, and unknown delivery dates, which contributed to the
manufacturers to deliver on 2021 orders. Global component record order intake for all loader crane manufacturers in 2021.
shortages, supply chain challenges, and the cost of raw materials Worldwide commercial vehicle production is suffering from a
threaten the industry, and have created worldwide shortages and shortage of microchips, which has extended delivery times for
extended lead times for commercial vehicles. new trucks to 8 to 10 months in many countries.
New reports of first quarter profit warnings are making their way into 2022 will see Atlas celebrate its 103rd birthday. Although also
the market and the Russia-Ukraine war is destabilising vital areas. faced with component shortages, today the range consists of 90
The overall expansion rate continues to be constrained. loader cranes. The range is slim and safe and has a reputation
All manufacturers faced the same challenges, limited by a for durability and reliability.

and single clutch gear shifting for efficiency, durability and smooth
gear changes. Caterpillar’s Z-bar loader linkage with cast cross
member and tilt-lever provides both strong digging capabilities
and high breakout forces when the new loader is equipped with
Cat Performance Series buckets, says the company.
The load-sensing implemented hydraulic system continuously
controls flow and pressure to match the requirements of the
operating situation — reducing both the load on the pump and
overall fuel burn. The performance series buckets are available
for a range of applications including general purpose, flat floor,
heavy-duty rock and light material. Design features enable
CAT RELEASES 966 GC WHEELED LOADER operators of all experience levels to routinely attain 10% higher
Cat has released the new Cat 966 GC Wheeled Loader which bucket-fill factors, compared with legacy designs, to improve
features a Cat C9.3B engine that is reported to meet US EPA Tier production and reduce fuel consumption.
4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Tier 4 Final, China Nonroad Stage IV Cat says the new 966 GC loader features a simple yet intuitive
and Japan 2014 emission standards with a gross power rating of ergonomic control system with an operator interface display that
239 kW (321 hp). The company says that the new wheeled loader includes six analogue-like gauges, colour indicator lights, and
will feature a four-speed forward/reverse electronically controlled, an LCD screen, that will allow operators to quickly monitor the
automatic planetary powershift transmission with shift protection machine systems.

KUBOTA INCREASES STAKE IN ESCORTS TO 44.80%; Nikhil Nanda is still the Chairman and Managing Director of the
ESCORTS IS NOW ESCORTS KUBOTA company.
Escorts Limited has received the requisite approvals for change Nikhil Nanda, CMD, Escorts Kubota Limited, commented on
in the name of the company from “Escorts Limited” to “Escorts the partnership, “Our partnership with
Kubota Limited” with effect from June 9, 2022. Kubota in Escorts Kubota Limited has been
Escorts and Kubota Corporation has decided to further strengthen welcomed by all our stakeholders and
their partnership in line with their vision of global leadership in farm investors. Consequently, the process was
mechanization and spreading farming prosperity. completed smoothly. We are now placed
Kubota has increased its stake in Escorts to 44.80% by way of in a position to contribute at significantly
subscription of new equity shares and through an open offer higher levels to India and the world’s quest
to the public shareholders of Escorts. Kubota also became a for food security, sustainable agriculture,
joint promoter of the company along with existing promoters. and smart agriculture.”

30 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|JULY 2022