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2. Skid-steer loaders remain niche in Germany

Sales of skid-steer loaders in Germany stood at 356 units last year, or less than 1 per cent of the 39,000-unit construction equipment market. According to Off-Highway Research’s latest Equipment Analysis on the market, demand is expected to remain between 300 and 350 units per year over the next five years.

The report said, “In common with many European markets, acceptance of the skid-steer loader concept in Germany has at best been muted and, despite the improvements made by manufacturers in terms of operator comfort and safety, the growth of sales has yet to reach its anticipated potential. In the agricultural sector, the product has long suffered from competition afforded by the ubiquitous small articulated wheeled loader of between 30 to 40 horsepower and compact telehandlers, whilst in the construction industry the main competition comes from wheeled loaders of 75 horsepower and, more recently, from compact telescopic handlers.”

This limited appeal saw skid-steer loader production disappear from Germany some 15 years ago. This is in contrast to the situation in the early 1990s, when the country had no fewer than six manufacturers.

Off-Highway Research’s May 2018 Skid-Steer Loaders Germany Equipment Analysis is now available to subscribers to the European Service. Click here to log in. The report can also be bought as a stand-alone publication by non-subscribers. Click here for more details or contact [email protected] to enquire about a subscription.