Tractor/Loader/Backhoes (TLBs) 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.

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. PSR

For details, download the complete report above.

The 4.5-liter engine delivers 97 kW (130 hp @ 2200 rpm) and will power Dynapac’s CA25, CA30, and CA35 compactors starting in 2026, in addition to the CP28 pneumatic roller already using the same platform.

Designed for Tier 3 emissions compliance, the QSF 4.5 combines high power density, fuel efficiency, and extended maintenance intervals, enhancing uptime and reducing operating costs for construction contractors. The collaboration between Cummins and Dynapac strengthens both companies’ positions in the road-building equipment segment and underscores Cummins Brazil’s role as a regional engineering and manufacturing hub for off-highway engines.

Source: Cummins Press Release      Read The Article

PSR Analysis. The QSF 4.5 reflects Cummins Brazil’s shift toward locally engineered solutions tailored to regional operating and service conditions, which enhances competitiveness, supply-chain resilience, and responsiveness to local OEMs like Dynapac.

However, this approach also diverges from Cummins’ global standardization strategy, introducing greater product variability and complexity across its portfolio. While it reinforces the Brazilian industrial ecosystem and reduces dependency on imports, it challenges the company to balance local customization with global efficiency and common-platform synergies.   PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

A Portable/Walk-Behind Trencher is used to dig trenches, especially for laying pipes or cables, for installing drainage, or in preparation for trench warfare. Trenchers range in size from walk-behind models, to attachments for a skid loader or tractor, to very heavy tracked heavy equipment.

Riding Trenchers are used to dig trenches, especially for laying pipes or cables, for installing drainage, or in preparation for trench warfare.

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. PSR

For details, download the complete report above.

By Carol Turner, Senior Analyst, Global Operations

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

General Observations. The core topics at HANNOVER MESSE included artificial intelligence, hydrogen, energy management, connected and intelligent production, and the new Manufacturing-X data ecosystem.

More than 4,000 exhibitors presented their solutions and welcomed 130,000 visitors from around the globe. There seemed to be a very large Chinese contingent at the show (both as visitors and exhibitors), as well as a large number of local governments, universities and startups. There seemed to be a predominance of exhibitors showing bearings, copper fittings, cables and components as well as systems / electronics companies.

There was also a large number of independent robots in evidence, ranging from robotic dogs and robotic servers to robotic messengers following pre planned routes.

The Exhibition site was huge with each hall easily taking at least 1.5 to 2 hours to walk thoroughly.

Selected Companies. More than 4,000 companies exhibited their products at the show, but we thought these few had products that were especially interesting.

Eikto is a Chinese company based in Xuancheng (Anhui Province) and which is situated approximately 150km west of Shanghai. Their products are mainly suited to Material Handling Equipment, Golf-Buggy, Aerial work Platform, Cleaning Equipment and small marine applications.

They had a small stand showing their Battery Cells (in different sizes) (see Picture 1) and their new Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (Picture 2 &3). They weren’t to open about the size of the Battery pack but I would estimate its between 10kWh and 20kWwh

Delta is a Dutch company with a global presence (Netherlands, Taiwan, USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, India, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines) that specializes in EV chargers. It was one of a number of companies with EV chargers on display.

It also made a big issue about retrofitting older buildings with chargers.

Wilo. The Wilo Group is a multinational technology group and a supplier of pumps and pump systems for building services, water management and the industrial sector. It has also used its expertise to move into Hydrogen.

Their H2POWERPLANT uses electrolysis to convert green solar, wind and hydropower into green hydrogen. When it’s needed, a fuel cell can then be used to convert the hydrogen back into electrical energy. The waste heat is either used in the interconnected system for heating, stored or converted into cooling on site. This sustainable use of all released energy optimises system efficiency. The process relies on the precise configuration of the water-bearing systems in addition to intelligent control of energy and load management.

The 20ft container includes all the components necessary to generate hydrogen and fuel cells to convert it into electricity. The storage of H2 is in a separate 20ft container

MTU is a regular at most trade shows and their stand was fairly small (smaller than at Bauma). They were mainly displaying their Fuel Cell package.

Auyan. Established in June 2011, and located in Weifang City, Shandong Province, Auyan New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in manufacturing cryogenic equipment. As an offshoot of this they have developed their own Hydrogen electrolysis and storage equipment

Their mobile electrolysis machine manufactures approximately 1m cubed of hydrogen per hour. They have larger versions too.

Accelera (Cummins) had a small display under their new related business name, Accelera. Accelera is the new brand for Cummins’ New Power business segment, it launched March 8, 2023. Accelera is an energy technology leader committed to securing a sustainable future for the industries that keep the world running. A diverse portfolio of zero-emissions solutions includes battery systems, fuel cells, ePowertrain systems and electrolyzers

Others. Some of the university stands had very interesting displays. One was a fuel cell powered bike with a thermos like device on the left for fuel. A lower box holds the fuel cell and the upper box holds a small battery.

Golz is a medium sized, family run company that specializes in handheld and small portable equipment for construction sites (table drills, power saws, drills, etc).  They have a long term relationship with Stihl and make some of the Stihl products.

They have branched out into providing power packs for small construction sites. One product shown was a power bank that has 4.8 kwh. The business idea is that a small contractor takes one or two of these power banks to his site, uses them and recharges over night.

Pre-Zero is a plastics recycling company that was founded in 2009 under the name GreenCycle. It originated from a department in waste disposal logistics of Lidl.  PreZero, are now the environmental division of the Schwarz Group with 485 locations worldwide and over 30,000 employees.    PSR

Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

In Thailand, one of the most industrialized countries in Southeast Asia, automation is accelerating in the manufacturing industry as the working population tapers off. Workers’ attitudes are changing, and fewer Southeast Asians are migrating to Japan. Business models based on cheap labor are no longer viable in Asia.

When I visited the Amata City plant of Siam Kubota, a locally incorporated subsidiary of agricultural machinery giant Kubota Corporation, I saw countless automated guided vehicles (AGVs) running in every direction.

Sales of tractors and combine harvesters are booming, thanks in part to the government’s special demand for subsidized farm machinery for those who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 disaster and are now returning to their hometowns to start farming. The fruits of this policy are being returned in the form of year-end bonuses, and Siam Kubota is not suffering from a labor shortage at this time.

Nevertheless, there is a strong sense of crisis that in five to ten years’ time, it will become considerably more difficult to secure workers in the manufacturing industry. To dispel the image of factory work as “hard, dirty, and dangerous,” the company has begun to steadily implement measures with an eye to the future. The large number of AGVs is an indication of this.

According to the Thai government’s May 2022 forecast, the total population is expected to peak at 67.19 million in 2022 and then begin to decline. The manufacturing industry has begun to prepare for future labor shortages.

Source: The Nikkei

PSR Analysis: Local manufacturing sites are improving their benefits packages and investing in equipment for automation. By raising the salary level, they are trying to deter the exodus of labor to other countries in search of better income. This seems to be the right direction to take. Automation at manufacturing sites is in high demand in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia. PSR

Akihiro Komuro is Research Analyst, Far East and Southeast Asia for Power Systems Research

3,800 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Terminal Tractors to be produced in North America (United States) in 2022. Terminal Tractors are specialized heavy duty vehicles designed to move loads at container ports and container terminals. Generally, they are slow moving (under 30km/h) and employ a high torque diesel engine and 4×4 wheel drive which enables them to move very heavy trailer loads, sometimes up to 200 or 300 tons. PSR

3,800 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Terminal Tractors to be produced in North America (United States) in 2023.

Terminal Tractors are specialized heavy duty vehicles designed to move loads at container ports and container terminals. Generally, they are slow moving (under 30km/h) and employ a high torque diesel engine and 4×4 wheel drive which enables them to move very heavy trailer loads, sometimes up to 200 or 300 tons

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.

Exports: Collectively, up to 40% worldwide

Market Share:  With 31% of total units produced, Tico leads in production of Terminal Tractors in North America.  In second position is Kalmar–Ottawa with 26%; third is Capacity Trucks with 19%. 

Trends: In 2021, production of Terminal Tractors in North America increased nearly 16% over 2020 production.  Production is expected to gain another 22.5% in 2022.  Over the past few years, airlines have tightened expenditures and reduced purchases of Terminal Tractors.  This is accredited to the downfall of the industry with no leftover monies for new units due to tight or minimal budget constraints. 

The production increases in 2021 and 2022 are the result of increased demand for new products that improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

2018 was an exceptional year in the North American Terminal Tractor industry. Hesitations of increase in prices from additional tariffs and trade wars made several customers bring forward orders, resulting in significant growth in sales for most manufacturers. Production is expected to remain steady with an additional increase of 10% by 2025.  PSR

Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research

A Crawler Loader is a piece of mobile construction equipment used to load materials; it’s used primarily in tough, off-road terrain. It’s similar to a wheel loader, except it has treads instead of wheels.

A Crawler Excavator is a self-propelled crawler mounted on heavy equipment that is designed to dig or move large objects. The main function of a Crawler Excavator is to dig holes or trenches for construction related activities.

4,100 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Crawlers to be produced in North America (United States and Mexico) in 2022.

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.

Exports: Collectively, up to 30% worldwide

Market Share:  With combined plant totals of 52%, Cat leads in production of Crawlers in North America. In second place is Deere with 30.5%, and third is Case, with 11%.

Trends: In 2021, production of Crawlers in North America (US) decreased 4.8%. However, production is expected to gain near 3% in 2022, compared to 2021.  The carryover decline into 2021 was mostly due to COVID-19 related factors such as plant shutdowns, parts availability and lack of workforce.

The market significantly dropped during the Spring of 2021, caused by low oil prices and a lull in mining and construction projects. 

A few years ago, construction spending in the United States was above normal yearly levels, according to a new analysis of federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Construction and mining activities increased resulting in a substantial gain for 2018.

Recent decreases in production are attributed to several trends: public sector construction activity continues to decline while private sector demand for new construction continues to strengthen.

Even though sales dropped considerably in 2020 and 2021, production is expected to gain up to 15% by 2025, primarily influenced by the outlook for construction, driven by infrastructure spending, and mining related activities.     PSR

Carol Turner Is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research

The CTT Bauma trade show is main event of construction industry in Russia. Since 2017 it’s owned and operated by Messe Munich. The show was conducted this year in Moscow May 25-28 in its usual place, the Crocus Expocenter. Last year, the fair was off because of the COVID pandemic, but this year we saw that both the exhibition and construction industries are showing a growing trend. The fair’s indoor exposition was restored to three pavilions, and the outdoor exposition also grew in size versus 2019. There were 351 exhibitors from 17 countries, somewhat better than last time. A total of 184 brands were represented.

Here is, however, one unpleasant factor. Most of the international OEMs did not participate in the fair this time. Wirtgen, Volvo, Cummins, Caterpillar, Ammann, Hyundai, Renault, Komatsu machines were missing from this fair. John Deere, Doosan, Kato, and some other brands were limited, having only small booths, set by the local dealers. Many Russian machine makers, who usually participate in the fair, also ignored the event. Among them – GAZ, Chetra, DST-10, Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, YAMZ.

The most obvious reason for this limited participation is a lack of interest in these mass events by sellers. Given the growing market, the companies do not see a reason to spend resources on expensive trade shows with doubtful pay-back. Large companies are focusing on direct relationships with large customers such as the State, which is the largest one. Smaller companies still consider participating in the fair as useful.

There were many companies from Germany, Italy, Finland, Switzerland, and Belgium. Putzmeister and MG were a few foreign companies, who kept the tradition to participate in the fair over the years. Japanese Kubota showed their small diesel engines and gen-sets. A Honda distributor presented a range of its compact engines for various applications, but Belorussian Amkodor reduced its exposition to one single grader.

Meanwhile ,the vacant places were taken by the Turkish and Chinese companies. Although Turkish Hydromec was absent, many other companies, most of them unknown to the Russian market, were participating. Among them were Gosmaksan, Ermak, and Gelen. They were supported by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Exporter’s association.

China did not set up a national exposition, but Chinese machines were shown by their companies in large numbers. Zoomlion has set a comprehensive range of their machines, including cranes, dozers, concrete mixers, excavators. XCMG also took a big part of the outdoor exposition and showed its road construction machinery, including graders, dozers, rollers, excavators and so on. SEM construction machines were shown by its distributor Zeppelin. SDLG, Weichai, Sunward, JAC, Hongyan showed smaller exposition. So, at the end of the day the number of the Chinese machines on the fair was second after machines made in Russia.

Trucks (especially dump trucks) represented a significant part of the fair. Besides traditional KAMAZ, MAZ, Ural, there were significant fleets from Mercedes. OEM shown 6 Arocs trucks and Unimog communal machine. There were also trucks from Scania, Fuso and MAN. All of these trucks are assembled in Russia, with one exception – Unimog is of German origin.

Russian companies made up a vast majority of the exhibitors. KAMAZ showed 8×4 and 6×4 dump trucks with P6 910.15 engines, developed together with Liebherr. Another feature in the KAMAZ stand was a driverless truck, equipped with AI, side radars and a number of cameras. This truck can be operated without use of satellite navigation. The prototype is being tested now, but the date of mass production is unknown.

Sankt Petersburg Tractor plant showed its K-708 wheel loaders. UMG Group (part of Russian Machines presented wheel loaders, excavators and the large mulcher M-300 for the forest industry. Klintsy plant, besides truck-chassis based cranes, showed its self-propelled crawler crane, powered by a YAMZ engine. Rybinsk Dormash presented a modified vibration roller with new original cabin.

Smaller companies showed some interesting machines. Kameshkovsky Mekhanical Plant showed a new skid steer loader Vladimir. It has Xinchai 48hp engine. The rest of components are local made, according to the company representative. They plan to make and sell at least 20 units in 2021. Mitrax, from St. Petersburg, showed a mini loader with articulated frame. The OEM claims that its price and operational cost are lower than for skid steer loaders, and the machine is more efficient. The company with same location – Katrina – also showed a mini excavator. The machine weights 770 kilogram and can be used both indoors and outdoors, since it’s possible to get it through a regular doorway. Now, the machine is assembled from foreign components, but the plans call for them to use local components. 

We see that the Bauma CTT fair is quite modest. At the same time, practically all the market participants in the fair are talking about the active growth trend in the Russian construction industry. Some of them are even talking about an “overheated market”. So, according to AEB, the construction machinery market in Russia has grown by 25% Q1 2021. Similar growth is expected through the end of this year, then the growth will remain, but at a slower rate.

The main factor driving this trend is pent-up demand from 2020, increased export demand and continued State support for the industry. For example, the State is subsidizing the creation of new components for the construction machines. It sponsored transport expenses during export (as a result, it’s sometimes cheaper to sell a machine to Africa, than to Russian Far East). Compensated leasing payments is also powerful tool. It has helped to increase production by 30% on average.

Restrictive measures are also working. For example, the anti-dumping tax for Chinese dozers below 250 hp, set by Euro-Asian Economic Commission, are still in force. The size of this tax varies from 9.65% to 44.65%. It was established in November 2015 for five years and should have expired last November. However, authorities decided to make an additional investigation regarding possible dumping, and extended the restriction until the end of investigation, which should be completed at the end of July 2021.

After this, it’s a high chance, that the restrictions will be continued for the next five years. Despite this situation, Chinese OEMs are optimistic regarding the Russian market. XCMG is planning to increase supplies to Russia by 1.5 times. Zoomlion has opened the official representation in Moscow in 2021. We should note that the quality of Chinese machines has increased significantly during recent years. So, they have a good chance to take a big market share in Russia. For current statistics, China takes about 50% of dozer imports to Russia. The leader here is Shantui with 30% (this OEM did not participate in the fair). Only problem with these machines is a weak service support.

Russian OEMs are also optimistic about the market. They grow their share in the market to 43% (from 20%), and are going to increase it further, to 50% and more. Local dozer and loader maker Chetra, claims that for four months of 2021 they have increased production by 40%. The export figures are up by 200%. International OEMs are not so happy, because to get the privileges, they have to set more production plants in Russia. Volvo get frozen out of its project to make excavators in Russia. The reason – according to the SPIC (Special Investment Contract) they have to localize engine production. They estimated their market size for 5000 engines, whereas their expectations were on the level of 30,000 units. So, the project was cancelled (or, at least, postponed).

The clear negative factor for the Russian machinery market is raising prices for metal. It started last year and now continues. Metal products have increased in price by 50%-80% for the year. In the worst case, the current growth trend may be interrupted by the rising metal prices. Actually, it is an old problem, which was discussed even five years ago, but now the government is working out measures, which are very unpleasant for local metallurgic companies. Among them are compulsory sales of metal by fixed prices, increased taxes, export restrictions and some others.

Recently, Russian vice-prime minister Belousov has blamed owners of metallurgic companies for “greediness” and told them that they have to share their extra incomes, including returning to State budget US$ 1.5 billion (100 billion rubles) of “unjustified enrichment”. Taking into consideration the trends in Russian hierarchy of power, this claim will be fulfilled, and Russian machine makers will have more time to adjust to the growing steel prices in more friendly environment.

Finally, market players have shared their vision of the global trend in construction market development. Foreign companies were talking about changes in fuel environment. They expect to get out of diesel engines. Smaller machines could be powered by electric batteries, whereas larger ones will use hydrogen as a fuel.

Local experts were talking at the fair about changes in component production. Metal parts could be replaced by parts made of carbon, aramid, and plastic. Classic process of production could be replaced by additive technologies, such as 3D printing. Prototype tests will be changed by computer modelling, which will reduce the R&D process from years to weeks and days. And manual operations of machines will be transferred to autopilots, neuron networks and AI. PSR

Maxim Skov is Market Consultant in Russia for Power Systems Research