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What are some of the market influences changing the earthmoving equipment requirements as we face the next decade? How does the shifting age, immigration status and minority pattern affect the new entrants into the labor force? Earthmoving equipment users have expectations that a machine will be more productive, reliable and utilitarian. Earthmoving equipment must be simple to repair, troubleshooting convenience must be built-in from the start of design. Machines must be designed with reduced operating efforts and special fail-safe protectors provided for machines being operated by people without the background and experience to know when a machine is about to fail. Users want the machine service (lubrication, filter change and fluid checks) to be performed from ground level. A reduction in the number of service points and frequency of service is desired.

Although tires represent a major portion of the operating cost on rubber-tired earthmoving equipment, these costs are not as scientifically predictable as explosive costs or ripper teeth replacement costs when estimating a job. Tires have not developed at the same rate equipment manufacturers have improved the design and resulting performance of rubber tired equipment. Each year the construction jobs grow more rugged. The nature of jobs is such that tires for haulage equipment must be suitable for the short haul as well as the long haul type jobs. Although excellent haul roads can be maintained between the cut and fill areas, work at the cut and fill expose the tires to severe cutting. An integral part of the development of a suitable tire construction technique should be a low cost method of repairing a damaged carcass, thereby providing an extension of the tire life.