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2. Continued popularity for backhoe loaders in India

Backhoe loaders remain enormously popular in India, with sales last year reaching almost 30,000 units, and the working population of these machines exceeding 200,000, according to a new report by Off-Highway Research. There are 11 suppliers of backhoe loaders in India, but JCB remains the dominant force, having been active in the market for almost 40 years.

“The popularity of the backhoe loader is due to its versatility, mobility, low ownership and operating costs, easy financing and excellent resale values, as well as the widespread availability of after sales support.

“Specialist machines such as mini and midi excavators, and telescopic handlers, though perhaps more efficient in some applications, are considerably more expensive to buy and maintain, and do not have the mobility offered by backhoe loaders. These factors make backhoe loaders the preferred natural choice of small contractors and first-time buyers,” said the report.

Growth in the sector is expected over the next five years, thanks to the huge need for infrastructure in India. However, this also means the rate of growth is somewhat dependent on how effectively Government and other actors can channel funding into the sector and execute projects.

Off-Highway Research’s 58-page study on the Indian backhoe loader segment forms part of the company’s Indian Service, and is now available to subscribers via the Internet Access Service. More information on the Indian Service is available here. The report is also available to buy as a stand-alone product. Click here for more details.