Cutting down time and money

The Cat 257B3 Multi Terrain Loader is one of multiple new compact equipment products recently launched. Photo: CaterpillarSaving time and money are the two main elements landscape contractors are looking for and manufacturers are working to provide.

Those trends have translated into features that result in ease of use, versatility and speed in the latest compact equipment products. And experts say those trends will continue for years to come.

“Especially in light of the current economic times, people are really trying to do more with less,” says Jason Williamson, Caterpillar’s product solutions team supervisor for mini excavators. “Customers are trying to find ways to take equipment they have and get more utilization out of it – find ways to utilize that piece of equipment in more ways without necessarily having to spend a lot of money.”

Here are some of the ways compact equipment is enabling more flexibility.  

Tracks
Landscape contractors want equipment they can use every day, no matter the conditions. They want better flotation. They want less lawn damage. In many cases, that has meant tracks replacing tires.

“One feature that stands out is the request for tracks on smaller equipment,” says Matt Collins, compact equipment product manager for Ditch Witch. “Customers are asking for improved flotation, improved traction and looking for equipment that can operate in varying soil and weather conditions.”

That request means tracks will most likely gain popularity in the years to come.

“Tracks are going to become more prevalent in a lot of the smaller products where they didn’t have an option before,” says Greg Lawrence, product marketing manager for Toro. “People also are focusing on ease of use and products that are easy to train operators to use the equipment.”

Attachments
Manufacturers have the challenge of adding enhancements and technologies, while still making the compact equipment simple and reliable.

Landscape contractors, more and more, are looking for equipment that they can add different attachments to in order to get more usage out of their machinery.

“Customers continue to ask for more and more hydraulic outlets, easier to install implements and attachments, and greater comfort features on both open station and cab tractors,” says Dan Paschke, tactical marketing manager, compact utility tractors for John Deere.

Compact equipment will continue to be versatile in the coming years based on contractors’ requests.

“More robust, total solutions that meet their needs,” can be expected in the next five years, Paschke says. “I think we’ll continue to see implement attachments improve and become easier to make a compact tractor capable of doing more jobs and making it easier to switch between those jobs.”
 

Serviceability
When running a business, having equipment available and working when you need it is crucial.

“Another thing customers are asking a lot about is they want a machine that is easy to take care of and easy to service,” says Todd Lynnes, Caterpillar’s manager of compact construction equipment product solutions for skid-steer loaders.

For example, manufacturers are incorporating ground-level servicing and making it easier to access service points without having to use tools to remove panels.

“Serviceability has become a big focus for equipment of all sizes,” says Curtis Goettel, marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment. “Our philosophy is that the easier it is to perform service, the more likely it will get done.”


Smaller and faster
The need for certain equipment might depend on the type of customer the business is catering too, whether commercial, residential or a mixture of both. Some manufactures have seen an increase in sales of smaller loaders to access projects such as those done in the backyard.

At the same time, two-speed track loaders are gaining momentum. Bobcat is introducing two speeds that can travel up to 12.7 mph across its entire line.

“That request was mainly driven by a lot of the developments they get in to cover large areas, and they just want machines that can go as fast as a skid-steer loader,” says Robert Gilles, marketing manager for Bobcat.

Bottom line
Manufacturers expect strong sales as contractors look for versatility in their machinery.

“In a tough economy, as contractors try to do more with less, we expect continued strong demand for compact equipment,” Goettel says. “These machines are affordable, productive and reliable – all key attributes that will help keep contractors competitive and profitable.”

Focusing on the future

The EPA’s Tier 4 emission standards will have an impact on future equipment.

The latest compact equipment is barely off the production line and manufacturers have already turned their focus to the next generation of products. The reason being new models must comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 emission standards, which mandate reduced emissions from nonroad diesel engines by integrating engine and fuel controls.

The EPA expects exhaust emissions from these engines will decrease by more than 90 percent once the standards are completely instated. The majority of the changes will be rolled out in the next four years with yearly mandates being made based on engine power.

“In most products, in most manufacturers’ lines, you’ll see upward of a 20 percent increase in price just to meet engine regulation changes,” says Robert Gilles, marketing manager for Bobcat. “I don’t think you’ll see a lot of major changes in the products themselves because most manufacturers are focused on meeting these new regulations for diesel engines.”

Those who buy new compact equipment after 2013 can expect changes such as diesel particulate filters in place of mufflers, larger cooling systems and higher fuel consumption, says Matt Collins, compact equipment product manager for Ditch Witch. Many of the new engines will also include electronic controls for the exhaust after treatment and fuel injection systems.

“Contractors will see new machines completely redesigned to produce more horsepower and torque for smaller, more efficient engines that use new technologies to meet stricter emission standards,” says Curtis Goettel, marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment. “These changes promise benefit for both the industry and the environment.”

The author is associate editor of Lawn & Landscape. Send her an e-mail at clawell@gie.net