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. Oil sampling, fluid checks without opening compartments and a reduction in the number of special lubricating fluids should be considered.
Improved productivity is critical. Utilization of the machine in a wide range of applications, not the addition of expensive compromise attachments will improve cost recovery. Systems which assist the operators in reducing the cycle time and performing at expert operator standards will allow high performance.
The earthmoving equipment market will take-on a more global approach where users will select the most economically beneficial equipment available. Manufactures, dealers and users will form mutually economical beneficial alliances.
