Increasing fuel costs, tightening emissions regulations and new, sophisticated technologies are changing the landscape of earthmoving equipment. According to these eight industry experts earthmoving machines are easier to operate, easier to maintain, more fuel efficient and more technologically sophisticated than ever before.
Kevin Bellows, John Deere Construction & Forestry Division, manager of product marketing
Mark Wall, Hitachi and John Deere, product marketing manager for excavators
Paul Golevicz, Kobelco, brand marketing manager
Ed Samera, Terex Construction Americas, vice president
Bud Martin, Terramite Corp., sales manager
Buddy Goodman, Volvo Construction Equipment, Hauler Loader, team leader, product specialist
John Bartz, Volvo Construction Equipment, Hauler Loader, product planning
Adrian Hall, JCB The Americas, market development manager
Bill Seidel, vice president, global product & brand marketing, Case Construction Equipment
RER: What does the overall earthmoving equipment market look like? For which type of earthmoving equipment are sales growing most rapidly and why?
Bellows: The market has softened a bit and is primarily impacted by the downturn in the housing market. This has had a cascading effect on certain segments of the business, such as the rental and landscape markets. Business continues to be strong in the larger earthmoving equipment such as large wheel loaders, excavators and dozers, driven in part by larger infrastructure-related projects, with particular growth in the resources/oil and gas arenas. CTLs continue to be a hot product as contractors gain confidence in the application flexibility of this machine and the expanding lineup of sizes and brand offerings.
Wall: There is a lot of interest in oil exploration and pipeline projects but, in general, I’d have to agree with the consensus that the market is probably softening just a little bit.
Speaking from an excavator point of view, I feel fortunate because I don’t think the excavator market drops as fast as the rest of the market. We see the decline, but not as quickly as some of the other types of machines.
Golevicz: If you define the earthmoving market in terms of excavation, the market is still fairly strong overall, with the exception of housing, which has slowed down considerably over the past 12 months. Other markets, including commercial, are holding steady.
Martin: We are seeing a steady growth in the compact TLB market. Customers are realizing that the smaller machines once built to replace manual labor make more sense and are more cost effective than the larger machines. Fitting the proper-sized machine to the job is critical. This is particularly true since lot size and multi-family dwellings are being squeezed into smaller and smaller areas.
Goodman: If we look at the U.S. market, for the first half of the year it’s been kind of flat for everything and we’re expecting on the second half of the year that there should be a rise about equal to ’06 in the total market, give or take.
Hall: Overall the North American market year to date is down 14 percent, although there are some products that are experiencing growth. The mini excavators and ADT’s have seen market increases. Agricultural lines are also slightly up due to an increasing use of palatable loads. The commercial sector is seeing some up trends as well.
Seidel: Unfortunately, construction equipment manufacturers are all wrestling with the fact that demand in North America is off somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 to 15 percent, depending on market. The market for heavy equipment has faired better than light equipment.
The biggest market growth is in mid-sized excavators and compact excavators. Midi-excavators are up nearly 30 percent, despite the otherwise down market, and the compact excavator market just keeps growing. When work projects get harder to come by, contractors will take on smaller jobs — both physically smaller jobs that require more compact machines and jobs that don’t require the heavy capital investment needed for larger projects. Rental is another solution, as contractors look for ways to get the work done without necessarily investing the capital required to purchase equipment.
RER: What kinds of improvements do customers most often ask for to help them make their jobs easier (regarding ergonomics, productivity, performance, etc.)?
Bellows: North American contractors are very focused on uptime, productivity and safety. They are regularly looking for machine improvements in these areas to maximize output and utilization. Skilled operators are increasingly difficult to find and retain ,and directly impact these key drivers, so contractors look for machines that are simpler and more intuitive to operate (simpler, more ergonomic controls and/or operator skill aids such as auto-functions, grade control, etc.), have better visibility and built-in safety and abuse-protection measures (safety lock-outs, keyless operation), and are more comfortable for extended-hour operation. Contractors with larger fleets and more spread-out operations are also very interested in machine remote monitoring capabilities so they can better track the status of their equipment and their less experienced operators, and better plan their scheduled maintenance.
Wall: Let’s start with a little history here. John Deere has a unique process for developing machines. We have customer involvement at a very early stage of our development. As a matter of fact, even before we start putting pens on paper, or I guess lines on computer screens now, we have customers come in to get their opinions about the current machine along with the competition to find out what they like and don’t like. From there, we start doing concepts. Then, we bring customers back in throughout the design process and ask them if we’ve understood and implemented what they told us.
As we go a little further and get a prototype built, we bring the customer in again to find out if we’ve built the machine that they asked for. We show it to them and let them operate it. Then, as we get closer to production, we bring them in again and show them how it looks.
We do a lot of customer involvement, which really helps us a lot. Nowadays we hear a lot about ergonomics. Because operators run these machines 10, 12 and 14 hours a day, they want to be comfortable in the cab, which makes visibility, air conditioning, seat comfort, low noise and ease of operation important. So, on loaders for example, operators want joystick steering and anything else to make the machine easier to use.
Equipment owners are also looking for machine health. Right now at John Deere, we’re in the process of introducing JD Link or on the Hitachi side, ZX Link, so the owner can get machine health via cell technology to his or her laptop to see how the machine is doing, how much fuel its burning, whether its got performance concerns, and what its production levels are. All this information is available via laptop, which is something customers want to see. It lets them know how their machines are so they can schedule maintenance, putting them in control of their downtime.
Golevicz: Today, employee/operator retention is extremely important. Owners and owner/operators want productivity, fuel savings and operator comfort from their excavators. It goes without saying that safety is also a prime concern. Competition for contracts is high and, as you know, the price of fuel has nearly doubled over the last two years. This affects the bottom-line. Therefore, keeping the operator comfortable will keep him/her in the cab longer. Improving fuel efficiency will reduce overall operational costs.
Samera: Terex continues to upgrade its portfolio of earthmoving equipment to improve operator experience with its products.
As an example, Terex is in the process of upgrading its line of heavy excavators with a new pattern change control that allows operators to change the control pattern of the boom and stick functions — an SAE or ISO operating pattern — to suit individual preferences. Rental yards that need to accommodate as many operators as possible particularly benefit from this upgrade. Operator comfort is also important so Terex has updated its line of heavy excavators to feature a wider, roomier cab with automatic climate control that provides 20-percent more cooling capacity and 8-percent more airflow with less engine noise.
On its large wheel loader line, Terex continues to upgrade its models to enhance operators’ productivity with a full-power shift transmission that can be used in manual or in one of two automatic modes. An additional travel-direction control and kick-down switch is also mounted on the joystick for operator convenience. These new models also come standard with an improved steering system that ensures smooth steering even in the low-engine speed range. Terex also has updated the cabs on these models to offer operators excellent visibility, 15-percent more room, a more comfortable environment, improved ergonomics that ensure safe and pleasant working conditions, and reduced noise levels.
Terex Generation 7 articulated trucks have been updated to sport a sleek new design with new technology that enhances reliability and performance. Heavy-duty, all-weld steel frames strengthen the machines. Automatic limited slip differentials in each axle create superior traction. A new front-end suspension system offers a better ride. Plus, ergonomically designed controls, new instrument clusters, a 45-degree steering radius and an automatic transmission with manual over-ride keep operators comfortable and productive.
Terex articulated trucks, heavy excavators and large wheel loaders all feature Tier 3 emission-compliant engines to meet industry standards as well as to increase the machines’ productivity and performance. The engines on the Terex heavy excavators and large wheel loaders use an electronically controlled common rail injection system that uses high-pressure injection pressure to burn the smallest particle fuel size completely, which eliminates smoke and increases fuel efficiency.
The Terex compact excavators are engineered to provide optimal operator comfort. The cab on these machines are quiet due to the low engine and now have ergonomically designed seats, excellent visibility and ergonomically designed pilot controls so the operator can comfortably sit back and operate the machine. Heat is standard on all Terex compact excavator models, and A/C is optional on larger units. All of the Terex compact excavators come standard with Mitsubishi engines (water-cooled diesel engines, 3 and 4 cylinders). These engines provide low fuel consumption (making them extremely efficient and cost effective), as well as large displacement and low engine rpm for longer life.
Terex tractor loader backhoes feature the versatility of a wheel loader and the functionality of an excavator. While the front loader-end provides proven mechanical controls, the backhoe end features advanced piloted controls that make these machines operate like an excavator. Its closed center, sharing control valve gives operators a smooth, multi-function performance while ensuring fine control for accurate trenching and grading applications. The ergonomically designed joystick with adjustable armrests increases operator comfort and visibility. Because the controls are set to either side of the seat, the operator has an unobstructed view of the work area. Another visibility-enhancing feature is a joystick override switch, which allows operators to stand while operating the backhoe. This gives them a clear view inside the trench. The joystick also includes a control pattern change valve that allows the operator to choose an SAE or ISO operating pattern without leaving the cab.
Martin: It’s the basics such as the ability to quickly switch buckets or attachments.
Bartz: One of them is ease of operation. The machines are getting more complicated and with the amount of time it takes to train operators and the turnover that we’ve seen, the ease of operation is very important. The ease of somebody to get in the machine and operate it with minimal training seems to be a big request from the market.
Goodman: Additionally, I think customers are looking for ease of maintenance, reliability of the product and improved customer product support. Those are also some other huge features to improve productivity.
Hall: The most common improvements customers seek are the ease of operation improvements. These include operator comfort items such as HVAC systems in the cabs, making the daily check process easier and more accessible, same goes for maintenance of the machines. As far as productivity and performance, the trend is moving towards fuel economy. Customers are always looking for increased machine efficiency.
Seidel: Fuel economy is increasingly top of mind with equipment customers, as well as the ability to easily service and maintain products. When customers look at a piece of equipment, “fuel economy” doesn’t always mean smaller machines. What’s important is that a unit delivers more yards per gallon — that the machine provides the best possible productivity and performance rather than just low gallons of fuel consumed per hour.
This is why, when we developed the new Case B Series Excavators and E Series Wheel Loaders, our engineers were diligent in working to provide both increased fuel economy and increased performance. Also very high on the design improvement list was ease of service. The result is that these new Case machines deliver measurable improvements in fuel efficiency and lead the industry in serviceability.
RER: How are performance and productivity expectations changing among your customers?
Bellows: Uptime remains the No. 1 customer driver — 30 minutes of machine downtime can easily overshadow any performance or operating cost advantage a machine might have. Contractors tend to look for equipment with a good reliability history, one that appears simple to maintain and repair, and has strong support from their local dealer.
The many technology changes being driven by more stringent emissions requirements have greatly increased the complexity of machine power trains and in some cases have had a negative impact on machine performance and fuel economy. This combined with higher fuel prices has driven greater customer awareness of fuel consumption and fuel efficiency. Contractors are interested in machine improvements to reduce fuel consumption such as auto-idle or auto-shutdown features. There are some upsides of new engine technology and emergence of electronic controllers to manage power train efficiency, provide diagnostic trouble codes and, in some cases, improve machine transient response and cold-start performance.
Another growing customer interest is in machine versatility via couplers and attachments to maximize the utilization of a given machine and avoid the need for additional machines and/or operators on the jobsite. Machines that are more attachment friendly and have more universal hookups, particularly those that can be done without exiting the cab, are preferred.
Wall: I wouldn’t say performance and productivity expectations are changing. All customers want more productivity; they want to move more cubic yards per hour. With rising costs customers are looking for, 1) How do I move more dirt for the same money or 2) How do I move the same amount of dirt for less money? That’s what it comes down to — customers want to make as much money as possible.
As a result, we are seeing a little more emphasis on fuel economy. With $3 per gallon diesel fuel everybody is interested in fuel economy. Customers are thinking a lot more about how to get their costs under control.
Golevicz: The two are inextricably linked. Performance relates to power and capabilities. Productivity is the overriding result of the combination of the two. With rising costs and downward pressure on margins, productivity is extremely important. Our customers are looking for good performance, fast cycle times and low owning and operating costs. Kobelco excavators feature our exclusive Power Boost system that provides 10-percent additional power, on command, without time limit. We listened to our customers and delivered exactly what they were asking for.
Samera: Customer feedback and expectations are always important in upgrading the performance and design of Terex products. For example, over the years we have evolved our compact excavator line to meet market demand and customer needs. Jobsite requirements have dictated how these machines are designed and engineered. The biggest change has been the hydraulics horsepower. This has changed because customers wanted to use these machines for more and more applications, and the hydraulics needed to meet those jobsite demands. Other major changes we’ve incorporated over the years are a top-mounted boom and a short front dozer blade. The basic design of our compact excavator line has remained the same — we engineered our compact excavators with the same technology as our proven larger excavator models.
Another example is our tractor loader backhoe line. Unlike most loader backhoes, our largest model, theTX970B, features dual steering. Both the front and rear-axle steer on this machine are designed to deliver the maneuverability and efficiency of a wheel loader. The TX970B can go from digging a trench to bringing in material like crushed rock to backfilling in one fell swoop. Small contractors who have applications that require both an excavator and a wheel loader really benefit from this feature because they can increase productivity and cut operation costs.
Customers are also coming to expect design enhancements that make maintenance quick and easy, as well as reduce overall cost of ownership. Rear-tilting hoods and ground-level access to the engine and the transmission are standard on Terex loader backhoes and compact excavators, as well as 500 hours between oil changes to increase uptime and reduce costs. On the upgraded Terex large wheel loader and heavy excavator models, oil change intervals have gone from 2,000 hours to 4,000 hours, air filter replacements are required every 2,000 hours versus every 500 hours and front pin lubrication intervals have gone from 50 hours to 250 hours.
Martin: In the compact machine the customer is looking for a dependable well-built machine that is easy to operate.
Bartz: All our customers are looking for the lowest cost per yard or the lowest cost per ton to do their job, so we’re looking into the future to try to see what we can do to fulfill that for them. Really, their expectations aren’t changing, you know they’ve always expected that, we’re just trying to deliver product that delivers that for lowest cost compared to our competition.
Goodman: I think customers are starting to recognize that fuel is a larger expense than they realized. We’ve gone from $1 a gallon to up towards $3 a gallon now. Fuel economy is getting a huge importance.
They’re also looking at telematics. Volvo today offers a solution called CareTracks. It provides machine information, not just location and hours. We can give the customer performance information. When you have the CareTracks system, instead of physically going out to a machine and doing a download of Matris, you can select doing a partial or total downloads of Matris remotely from the CareTracks website as a customer or user of CareTracks. You can remotely look and see how that customer is using the machine and give them operating tips to further improve productivity.
Additionally, I think customers are also looking at alternative fuels like biofuels and also these exhaust after-treatment solutions too.
Bartz: There’s a regulation that’s pending in California that requires aftertreatment on all the existing equipment, which is going to be huge for our customers out there.
Hall: As previously stated, the customers are demanding more and more. Fuel economy has become a central issue with the rising fuel costs so that is always on our customers’ minds. Because of this fact, machine efficiency remains central to all our improvement efforts.
Seidel: As fuel prices increase, fuel becomes a bigger factor in the customer’s total cost of operating a machine. This is why addressing the need to move more material per gallon of fuel becomes critical.
RER: Is there a trend to use more compact equipment instead of heavier, less fuel-efficient machines?
Bellows: Compact equipment is certainly growing in popularity and increasingly substituting for more and more hand labor. It is also replacing larger equipment in some cases where it is necessary to work in tight spaces, where there are transport and trailer limitations, or in areas with heavy human traffic. The relatively lower price point of these small machines is also very attractive to investment sensitive customers.
It is not clear that the growth in compact equipment is driven by a sensitivity to fuel consumption. While larger machines may consume more fuel per day they also provide a higher level of productivity. It is all about sizing the right machine for the job.
Wall: I think a lot of contractors are going bigger, preferring to use a large machine to replace two small machines, which eliminates an operator, probably uses less fuel than two machines would have, and requires less maintenance. As long as it fits into road limitations, transport limitations and jobsite conditions the trend is that contractors are using bigger machines.
Golevicz: The answer to this question really depends on the specific application. Each classification of excavator has its own benefits and application. Just because a machine is larger and heavier does not make it less fuel-efficient based on relative engine size, weight or other factors. In addition to making the required Tier 3 engine changes, Kobelco is also working to improve the fuel efficiency of each excavator model. This is becoming very important to our customer base.
Samera: Customers are always looking for ways to do more with the equipment they already have in their fleet. When choosing whether to use a more compact model instead of a larger model, contractors need to make sure the piece of equipment is going to be adequate for 85 to 90 percent of their jobsite needs. Don’t sacrifice power, breakout force or anything else just to save a dollar. Also, always buy quality — earthmoving equipment needs to durable and reliable because downtime is expensive.
Martin: Yes it’s all about size. Each particular job or jobsite has to be considered when making the choice. Matching the proper machine to the application is critical.
Bartz: There has been some activity out there to make sure the machine is correctly sized for the job. Some of the larger companies are making sure the machine is properly sized for the job and not oversized. I haven’t seen a big move to compact equipment from the heavier machines. We try to build the best fuel efficiency into the machines.
Hall: Definitely yes. There is an ever-increasing diversity to the range of equipment available. Buyers no longer have the need to purchase multiple machines for different types of applications. There has been a shift to “Prime Movers” that can wear a number of different hats. A customer can purchase one machine and make it versatile through the use of different attachments. Machines have become transformers so to speak giving customers more bang for their buck.
Seidel: Yes, we’ve definitely seen growth in the demand for compact and midi excavators, but it’s very important contractors realize that they need to size a machine solution that best meets the demands of the job and, again, moves the maximum amount of material per gallon of fuel burned. That does not necessarily mean the smallest machine.
RER: What are the latest trends in earthmoving equipment technology, both inside the cab and out?
Bellows: Engine emissions technology was cited previously. In many cases this is enabling machine communication networks that provide more data communication between the various vehicle systems/controllers, which enables much greater optimization of performance (i.e. calibration of torque curves to transmission shift points and greater transient system response) and also makes more information available to the operator and service technician such as machine operating parameters, diagnostic trouble codes and load histories.
Many machine platforms are now moving toward electrohydraulics, which in many cases give more packaging flexibility for hydraulic valves and lines and increase the options for more features and ergonomic functionality of controls and levers. The above features also enable more precision guidance systems like automatic blade control reducing the skill level and effort required of operators. Cabs are getting more creature comforts, including more high-end seating, MP3/media hookups, better air conditioning and automotive-type styling. We continue to see strides made in expanding visibility zones, with larger cabin glass areas, more narrow pillars and ROP structures, and backup cameras on some large equipment.
Wall: The latest trends in technology are operator comfort, JD Link and attachments. Excavators are a big source of hydraulic power, so a lot of operators want to put a coupler on so they can use multiple buckets, or put a thumb on to add versatility. Rental companies want to know how they can take the investment they have in a machine and use it for other purposes to increase their ROI.
Some other trends include an increased awareness of fuel economy, getting machine information remotely, and improving emissions levels. Certainly, in specific markets, emissions are key. You’ve got to be up to the latest emissions level or you can’t even play in the game.
Golevicz: Outside the cab, fine grading and leveling have become essential for digging trenches, laying pipe and ground-level finishing. Inside the cab, the major focus is on improvements to comfort, visibility, air flow and location/operation of controls.
Samera: The latest trend for the larger equipment is to continue to upgrade to Tier 3 emission-compliant engines that offer increased productivity and fuel efficiency. For all equipment lines, compact or large, operator comfort is essential so the trend is to design large, roomier cabs with improved visibility and auto temperature control.
Terex offers a new electronic management system (e-EPOS) on its line of heavy excavators to increase productivity by 4 percent and fuel efficiency by 6 percent. The e-EPOS system communicates with the ECU (engine) and the CAN (controller area network) to assure that the engine and hydraulic systems share the information required to operate at maximum efficiency. The combination of the two ensures an efficient balance between power and economy. The new e-EPOS system also gives operators access to advanced self-diagnostic technology for quick and precise problem resolution. A new attachment flow rate control on this line allows operators to adjust the discharge oil flow to attachments precisely to the GPM required for the tool.
The new engines on the Terex large wheel loaders have two modes of operation; “power” or “economy”. The addition of the “economy” mode adds even further to the fuel savings.
Terex compact excavators are designed with axial piston, variable displacement hydraulic pumps and motors that provide load-sensing and load-independent flow division (LUDV) hydraulics for smooth, simultaneous operation. With the LUDV design, oil flow is distributed to cylinders independent of the load. The main advantage of this system is that the compact excavator can be performing multiple actions at one time, without sacrificing flow. This makes for a very smooth, efficient operation.
Martin: In compact equipment safety is the first consideration. You have to remember that there can be a lot of operators with limited skill and ability who may be running the equipment for the first time. Because of that simplicity of control, speed, stability and features that will prevent accidents are important.
Goodman: The telematics, the Matris vehicle information system. I can’t think of anything else really.
Hall: Outside the cab telemetrics have been the latest trend. Machine GPS and internal computerized diagnostics have grown from being exclusive to larger equipment to being available on the full range. This de-skills the machine and makes it easier for users (even novice operators), which, in turn, lowers the cost of operation.
Inside the cab, servo controls are becoming the standard, and integration of electronic systems makes it easier to operate even the most complicated machines. Noise and vibration control has also become an area of focus. Cameras to improve site and bystander safety are also becoming more common.
Seidel: The growth of electronics in engines, hydraulic controls and CAN bus interfaces is providing the industry with the capability to greatly improve machine performance, productivity and efficiency. This trend will continue to grow.
At Case, we are offering more multi-function mode controls. This offers the operator the ability to easily tailor the operating output to the particular application. For example, we offer four-way mode control on Case E Series wheel loaders and three operating modes on our Case B Series excavators. This capability increases productivity while lowering the fuel usage.
Customers are looking for more advanced fleet management capabilities and improved diagnostics capabilities. On most Case machines, for example, you’ll find onboard diagnostics in the electronic instrument cluster. This capability provides real-time information on the operation of the machine. Factory-trained technicians at the Case dealership can plug in and diagnose issues at a more technical level. We are also doing more with technologies that make onboard diagnostics and service information available remotely to allow for faster, more timely service with less downtime.
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RER: Describe how the level of sophistication is changing and how customers are reacting to it.
Bellows: The above innovations do require a new generation of service mechanics and technicians to support and keep machines operational. Laptop computers, which can do on-board diagnostics and calibration are increasingly the norm. Major machine systems are much more highly integrated with electronics and controllers. Many problems must now be solved with software revisions versus a wrench or hose. Contractors in many cases are becoming much more reliant on their OEM dealer for service and support, and in some cases are reducing their shop support accordingly.
Wall: Particularly from an excavator standpoint, I think machines are getting simpler. There used to be multiple operator modes — boom priority, swing priority, etc. Now you get into a Hitachi or a Deere excavator and it’s one mode. The machine does all the adjustment to how the operator is running. Our hydraulics perform very predictably and that’s what operators like about the machines. If they move the controller a lot, they get a lot of movement, and if they move the controller a little, they get a little movement.
I think the machines are getting a lot simpler for the operators, which is important from the standpoint of workforce age. Contractors and construction equipment operators are getting older. Making the equipment simpler and more comfortable for them is good, but at the same time there is a new generation of operators that have come up through the Nintendo system, if you will, so we have to make the equipment attractive for them as well.
Golevicz: Improvements in hydraulics and electronics now make it possible to provide quick hydraulic reaction and smooth movement simultaneously. Kobelco electronics analyze the repetitive actions of the operator and automatically adjust the hydraulic system to assist with the operator’s productivity. This Intelligent Control System does not override the operator, but rather, assists with his or her actions. Unlike some other hydraulics system designs, Kobelco increases hydraulic power in direct proportion to the movement of the joystick, without lag.
Martin: The more sophistication the more cost. And sometimes that sophistication is only perceived value. Remembering that this type of equipment was originally designed to replace hand labor or, in other words, a pick and shovel, you can go overboard and create a product that has a lot of bells and whistles on it but functionally it doesn’t really add value. It’s kind of like the Swiss army knife which has a small scissors, yeah they’re scissors but don’t try to cut your hair with them.
Goodman: As technology has grown from the late 90s there are more and more electronics in the machines. The technology is somewhat over some operators’ heads today, so training and an understanding of the equipment is needed.
Emissions technologies or emissions systems are changing and will continue to change, especially come Tier 4. In addition, after-treatment systems for non-attainment areas are another technology, depending on the location of course, that equipment owners have to implement. Another thing that comes to mind is alternative fuel. More customers such as municipalities are interested in running some type of alternative fuel like D10 or D20-type diesel.
Bartz: The machines are getting more sophisticated and we’ve passed along that sophistication to the customer, but we need to make sure that the machine is easy to operate.
Goodman: One thing Volvo has done for example on the articulated haulers — the two smaller models, the A25D and A30D — we’ve developed what we call ATC, automatic traction control, and it takes care of automatically looking at driveline flippage and activating the differential locks accordingly, so either its in this automatic mode or there’s one other mode left that the operator has to get involved in, but that mode is only used 3 or 4 percent of the time. So, especially on haul trucks, which are more of a truck-type piece of construction equipment, operators tend to rotate quite frequently so they never get a chance to build up a skill level.
Hall: Customers are becoming more and more savvy when it comes to purchasing and maintaining their equipment. However, with all of the upgrades and changes in the industry it is easy to fall into the trap of accepting new technology for the sake of technology, rather than designing the technology around what the operator and the application demand.
Seidel: As in any industry, equipment customers range from early adapters to traditional users. Early adapters are more accepting of advancing technology because they see the benefits of better, more timely, more accurate information. They appreciate the ability to use technology to fine tune machine operation to meet the needs of each job and the unique requirements of the operator. The key is to balance sophistication with simplicity so that all equipment operators can best utilize the technology.
RER: What do you expect for the future of earthmoving equipment in trends, market growth and technological innovations?
Bellows: The equipment industry will continue to grow with the economy, driven heavily by the housing and infrastructure sectors. We will continue to see growth in both the compact and large end of the business, continuing to displace more and more hand labor and driving greater size and scale for that next level of productivity and to reduce the labor inputs required. Fuel prices and tighter emissions requirements will continue to drive rapid changes in engine technology and may eventually lead to hybrid and/or electric systems that are more environmentally friendly. A greater degree of machine automation and self-guidance will likely emerge, along with safety and protection tools such as collision avoidance and obstacle detection.
Wall: I think you’ll see this continued trend toward ease of operation, making equipment simpler, more efficient, and addressing how contractors can move more cubic yards per hour or more cubic yards per gallon of fuel.
Everybody wants more fuel efficiency and, particularly at $3 a gallon, I think you’ll see more versatility from attachments. When customers get a lot of hydraulic power on a machine, they want to know what else they can do with that machine to increase its versatility.
Golevicz: The future of earthmoving equipment — and excavators in particular — is going to be all about productivity, O and O cost sensitivity, smooth operating capabilities and on-board management systems.
Martin: There will be a lot of new technological improvements made to earthmoving equipment. But more of what we will see will be done on the bigger machines to perform more sophisticated tasks.
Goodman: The hybrid or alternative energy will drive the future of earthmoving equipment, which I know Volvo is heavily involved in. And then, of course, the innovations with telematics and what it can do for our customers.
Bartz: We’re participating in Syracuse, N.Y., on the Destiny Mall Project where they’re running 100-percent biofuel to start with. It’s a very well-managed project. Biofuel at that level is new for all the manufacturers so Volvo is participating in that activity to gain experience there and to provide our customers with as many alternatives as we can.
In the end, the Destiny Mall is supposed to be a huge mall that will operate without any external energy sources. They’re also trying to build it with the most green technology available, which is the reason behind using 100-percent biofuel.
Hall: Current trends indicate there is a significant movement towards compact machines. They are more fuel-efficient and thus have a lower cost of operation. I think that the trend will continue in this direction. As far as market growth is concerned, historically, the construction equipment market has been cyclical. Each time the market comes out of a down cycle, it tends to come back stronger. Technological advances and market growth go hand in hand. The market is continually demanding improvements and the reverse is also true; as new technology becomes available it creates a demand of its own. It is important for buyers to measure the balance between the costs of the technology versus the benefits it will offer.
Seidel: We’ll see continued development and combinations of CAN bus systems, electronic engines, smart controls and “thinking” machines. We’ll see even more movement toward fleet management diagnostics that can be monitored and, in some cases, acted on, remotely. And we’ll see ever-increasing means of customizing machine functions to the job and machine comfort and controls to the needs and preferences of individual operators. It’s important to note that technology for technology’s sake will never be successful. We still have to meet the basic needs for operator comfort and machine performance.
RER: Are there any concerns on the minds of customers such as fuel efficiency, operator comfort and maintenance?
Wall: Fuel efficiency is a big deal. Deere just introduced never-grease pins on its loaders, which makes them simple to operator and reduces costs, putting more money in the owner’s pockets, which is what we’re after.
Golevicz: None, other than what's already been discussed.
Martin: Operator comfort, fuel efficiency, and maintenance should be the primary features all manufacturers design around. And to carry that one step further with the compact machines, you want the service and replacement of wear items or assemblies to be very easy.
Goodman: More and more customers are becoming aware of fuel efficiency. Of course you still have customers out there who look at fuel as just a cost of doing business, but I don’t think they’ve really put a number to how much fuel is really costing them.
With regard to operator comfort, there are a lot of laws being implemented in Europe such as regulations on whole-body vibrations. It’s really the contractor’s responsibility to maintain that his operator doesn’t exceed the legal threshold levels, but Volvo is in the process of launching what we call FS or full suspension, which is available within the A35 and A40 product line coming this September. It’s offers a completely hydraulic suspension with independent front and rear systems designed to take the vibrations out of the operator.
The way the law is written, there’s a threshold level, and it may take 10 hours for that operator to get there and it may take 10 minutes, but once it is reached, the contractor must change the operator. Volvo has taken the initiative to develop full suspension to help our contractors work with one operator.
They still want simplified and easier maintenance. They don’t want to waste their time paying mechanics for daily and weekly service on machinery.
Bartz: Volvo has for quite some time promoted looking at machine operation or machine cost based on tons moved per gallon not only at tons or yards per hour, which is purely a productivity measurement, but tons moved per gallon. And of course it has to be combined with productivity to give you the best value, but we’ve seen a lot of switching over and competitive bulletins and advertisements now what Volvo’s been preaching for a number of years. Being a European-based company, you know fuel cost has been important Europe for years so it’s good to have a step on this increase in fuel costs in the U.S.
Hall: These three areas are all increasing in the minds of the customer. The rising fuel costs, coupled with the change in legislation, has put increased emphasis on the fuel efficiency of machines. The ease and accessibility of machines for maintenance is also a key factor. Both of these things lower the cost of operation, which is protecting the customer’s investment. Customers have become more and more demanding, which has driven a number of changes in industry standards. At JCB, for example, we recently launched a new excavator the JS 220. It has 25-percent more horsepower, 27-percent more engine torque and, at the same time, is 12-percent more fuel efficient
