.jpg)
With regard to global sales, skid-steer loaders constitute the second largest equipment category for JCB. The Tier 3 range offered by JCB includes 16 models across two different platform sizes, both radial and vertical lift path options, and a range of engine capacities from 36–68kW on either wheels or tracks.
Skid steers are an important product offering for JCB in the Middle East, representing 15–18% of the overall construction equipment market with an annual volume potential of 3000 machines. The main customers of these machines have been construction contractors and municipalities, and recently, JCB has seen increasing demand from the landscaping industry.
Currently, the JCB 135HD and the 155HD are the most popular models in the Middle East, because both are radial lift machines, better suited for digging and ground engaging applications, suited to the region’s conditions. The HD machines are also mechanically controlled machines making them suitable for harsh conditions and easy maintenance.
Rajbir Sandhu, regional general manager-Middle East, JCB, points out that the manufacturer will continue to improve its product offering with improved feature and attachments, especially as the company sees increased adoption of larger machines and high-performance attachments.
“All of our large platform machines now feature a new Hi-viz boom which provides better visibility of the right side tyres or tracks and allows the operator to have a better view of the right-hand side of any attachment. We changed the boom profile in response to feedback received from existing JCB customers and to improve the customer experience going forward. The first of these machines are now being supplied to dealers globally, and we expect the change to be very well received,” says Sandhu.
Another recent product innovation from JCB was the JCB Teleskid, the world’s only single boom telescopic skid steer and compact tracked loader launched a year ago.
“The Teleskid is a unique product that can lift higher, reach further and dig deeper than any skid-steer loader. Since its launch, the popularity of the JCB Teleskid has far exceeded the company’s expectations,” says Sandhu.
According to Sandhu, JCB has increased its market share in the region, despite slow growth in the skid-steer market during 2018.
“We expect this trend to continue until the first half of 2019. We have a positive outlook because JCB customers appreciate the versatility of its skid-steer loaders and their enhanced safety features, particularly the single boom and side entry. Furthermore, JCB continues to provide support for its entire product range via our extensive dealer network throughout the Middle East, which offer modern workshops, mobile workshops for on-site service, trained technicians and access to genuine spare parts from our own parts warehouse in Dubai,” says Sandhu.
.jpg)