This is an updated version of an article that initially appeared in the February 2020 issue of PowerTALK News.

This is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Wheel Loaders to be produced in the United States in 2020.

Carol Turner
Carol Turner

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share: With combined plant totals of 47%, Caterpillar leads in production of Wheel Loaders/Dozers in the United States. In second position is Deere with 22%. Third, is Case New Holland with 8%.

Exports: Collectively, up to 35% worldwide

Trends: In 2018, production of Wheel Loaders/Dozers in the United States increased 3.3% over 2017.  The increase in 2018 is attributed to record mining related activities that is also the prime reason for the 2019 decline.  Production in 2019 dropped 3.6% from 2018.  The decline also is attributed to Tier 4 engine regulations and new machine designs that significantly increased machine cost.  To offset this increase, new products deliver greater production and improved profits.

The machines are designed to carry an array of materials for construction, industrial and mining applications. Production is expected to fluctuate over the next 3-5 years based on global economic factors and conditions; we could see a gain up to 5%.   PSR

Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research.