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MARKET REPORT COMPACT PLANT continued


who also reports an unpredictable market during 2012. “The year so far for Thwaites has been full of challenges, as they are for any business during uncertain economic times. Although current macro-economic indicators are almost impossible to untangle, work at a more local level is showing signs of improving.


“We have seen substantial growth in the sales of our compact range, including the 2 tonne Hi Swivel and 1 tonne Hi Tip, which are designed for work in restricted environments. Tool hire companies continue to recognise the opportunity to add these products to meet demand for compact machinery from small builders and landscapers. Moreover, users typically expect to hire equipment that is three years old or newer, which is creating steady demand as hirers replace older models.”


Similarly, Bob Williams, UK & Eire Sales Manager with Altrad Belle, says demand is strong for the company’s BMD 300 mini dumper. “There was great interest in the machine when we showed it at the recent IOG Saltex and GLEE exhibitions for garden and grounds care professionals. A key driver is manual handling, since a person is only allowed to lift 25kg under Health & Safety regulations, and machines like this reduce the risk and increase productivity. Hirers and users also appreciate the versatility of the machine, which can accept attachments for different tasks.”


Great potential for skid steer loaders


Versatility is also one of the main virtues associated with skid steer and tracked loaders. Although fewer than 1,000 of these machines are sold annually in the UK, suppliers believe they have great potential. “We are seeing them being used in a broader range of applications, because of the huge range of attachments they can accept,” said Doosan’s Kevin Zimmer. “Bobcat offers more than 70 different kinds of implement, with variations within each category.


“Councils and contractors are showing more interest. Faced with budget cuts, they are realising they can use a skid steer and


Waste recycling centres represent one of the growing markets for skid steer loaders.


attachments for repairing roads and filling potholes, and that they can use it for other tasks throughout the year. There is also demand in the forestry and landscaping industries, and the machines are popular for loading and moving material at waste recycling facilities, which is a market that can only keep growing.”


JCB’s Yvette Henshall-Bell also sees considerable potential in the skid steer and tracked loader market.The manufacturer completed its range of ‘new generation’ machines earlier this year with the launch of several additional, smaller models. “We expect interest from the tool and equipment hire market, particularly in the more compact models. In the USA, these kinds of machine are incredibly popular, with one at work on virtually every street corner, because of their versatility.


“There are opportunities in this country to target users in industries such as construction, demolition, forestry, grounds care and in the management of facilities such as ports. Next year will see JCB placing particular focus on developing this market, which is one that independent hirers can really benefit from.”


These views are backed up by specialist hirer, Skidsteer Hire Solutions, which supplies customers over a considerable radius from its Monmouth base. “The market is steady and we have added eight new machines this year, including six Bobcat machines and two Avant units that run on LPG and can be used in emissions sensitive environments,” MD Geoff Hamlen told EHN.


“Users appreciate the versatility of the machines and attachments, and will pay a sensible rate for a product that can tackle a variety of tasks in grounds care, estate management, forestry and the like. We have recently seen growing demand from contractors installing solar farms, where vast arrays of solar panels are being erected in open countryside to generate power. The machines are proving ideal for transporting equipment over rough terrain and between the narrow rows of panels."


Altrad Belle says hirers appreciate the versatility of its mini dumper. 39


Although the market remains challenging, opportunities obviously remain to supply compact plant to customers in diverse industries, and which hirers can fruitfully serve. It also suggests that the overall upward trend of recent years should continue.





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