Tractor/Loader/Backhoes are full-size machines that are three pieces of construction equipment combined into one: the tractor, the loader and the backhoe. These units are designed to tackle an array of construction and agricultural related activities.
Mini Tractor/ Loader/ Backhoes are compact machines that perform well for trenching, landscaping, and material handling. Units are configured with a front loader and rear backhoe attachment.
The small construction segment is predicted to increase the demand for TLBs due to the machine’s efficient use in material handling and digging applications. TLBs are efficient to use for digging applications and for material handling as well (it’s an all-in-one machine). TLBs are easy to operate, especially in limited spaces and are a versatile machine.
This product 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 54%, Deere leads in production of TLBs in North America. In second position is Case New Holland with 45%; third, is Kubota with 1%.
Export: Up to 35% worldwide.
Trends: In 2022, production of Tractor/Loader/Backhoes in North America increased nearly 1%. From 2022-2023 production is expected to climb another 2%. This segment rebounded 57% from 2020-2021 from the 41% prior year decline.
The decline was attributed to weak demand for TLBs due to cost and the effectiveness of mini excavators as being a much more profitable tool than the backhoe loaders along with Covid-19 related factors. The COVID-19 global pandemic made 2020 a very challenging year across most industries, including the production of construction equipment in North America.
The off-highway segments (agricultural, construction and industrial) all saw dramatic production declines in 2020 compared to 2019. The decline also was caused by lower shipment volumes and foreign-currency exchange issues along with JCB redirecting manufacturing back to the UK.
Production will remain flat then steadily increase over the next five years. The increase: TLBs are still a significant selling pieces of construction machinery and will remain a popular machine. Expect production to gain an additional 5% by 2025.
Battery Electric:
Company: Case New Holland
2021: 13
2022: 7
2023: -0 (out of production)
From 2021-2022, production of Battery Electric TLB decreased 46.1%. Production dropped 100% from 2022-2023. Case model 580 EV has been discontinued. Production started in 2020. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research
