95,100 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Skid Steer Loaders to be produced in North America (Canada and the U.S.) in 2021.
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 36% of total units produced, Bobcat leads in production of Skid Steer Loaders in North America. In second and third positions are Case New Holland and Deere with 21% and 15%, respectively.
Exports: Collectively, up to 25% worldwide
Trends: In 2020, production of skid steer loaders in North America decreased 18% to 87,400 units from 106,500 units in 2019. Production is expected to recover about 9% in 2021 to 95,100 units. The decline in 2020 was caused mostly by COVID-19-related factors plus the new equipment saturation in the market and a slight drop in construction related activities.
The gain in 2021 is attributed to the need for new construction equipment and the overall stabilization of the economy, especially regarding the construction industry. As the construction industry continues to recover, construction will continue to be a key driver in overall industry growth.
Some softness in sales comes from the American agriculture industry that is sluggish as it continues to battle low commodity prices. The Agriculture Segment accounts for 29% of all Skid Steer usage in the market today. Expect production of Skid Steer Loaders in NA to increase up to 7% over the next 3-5 years. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst-Global Operations, at Power Systems Research
