Some markets can be characterised as backhoe loader markets, while others make do without. Spend a few days in India and you’ll see backhoes on every second street corner, and quickly understand why JCB built the world’s largest backhoe factory in the world in Ballabhgarh, near New Delhi. In cities in Saudi Arabia, backhoes are a common sight on the roads, travelling between construction sites; spend rush hour in Riyadh, and you’ll even be able to see a few backhoes in the traffic jam on Olaya Street, wedged in between the taxis, Ford Crown Victorias and SUVs.
Typically, the multi-applicability of backhoes is sought after in countries – especially developing economies – where there’s significant amounts of infrastructure work taking place. And a backhoe is a solid investment for a contractor, since the machine will be useful whatever the next contract is. The backhoe loader (BHL) is one of the most utilised machines in the Middle East, and – similar to the skid steer loader – it’s probably safe to claim that new uses and applications for the machine are found nearly every day, given the variety of roles it has to perform. With the machine a big seller, it’s a crowded segment, with most of the big brands offering backhoe loaders.
First off the block is JCB, the inventor of the backhoe. As they won’t hesitate to remind you, 50% of all backhoes sold globally are JCB. The manufacturer has five main models in the market, from the 1CX up to the supersize 5CX, but the 3CX is by far the biggest volume seller around the region, says Steve Ryder, JCB regional manager for the Middle East. Speaking to the favoured value proposition of the two largest markets – Saudi and UAE – Ryder says that in KSA the more basic variant, with canopy, two-wheel drive (wd) or 4wd, front shovel and standard backhoe is the bigger seller, whereas in the UAE customers opt for the fuller spec 3CX, with cab and AC, 4wd, the six-in-one front shovel with flip over forks and JCB’s Extradig extending dipper.
The larger 4CX comes with extra capabilities that could prompt buyers to consider upsizing, not least full-sized tyres on the front, which improve its ability to traverse rough terrain or soft sand.
“The 4CX goes one step further by offering sites more capability, with four equal-size tyres and fourwheel steering to get into and work in some of the toughest areas,” explains Ryder. “With the higher ground clearance and larger front shovel, the 4CXis capable of fast truck loading and the increased backhoe specifications make it a match for localised trenching work – a true two-in-one machine.”
Perhaps the biggest competition in the backhoe segment is between JCB and Caterpillar. While globally JCB is the top dog in the backhoe market, Caterpillar has entrenched market position in the GCC through the strength of its dealers. Both have a popular and respected product, with Caterpillar most recently updating its line of backhoe models to the F-Series, from the 7578 kg operating weight 422F up to the 9743kg 444F.
With five models in the F-Series, each can be ordered with one of two engine options. The smallest 422F is offered with a naturally aspirated diesel engine that puts out 56.5 kW gross power, or a direct injection turbo (DIT) engine outputting 68.5kW The Case Construction 695T is a significant model in the region, with operator comfort at the fore. Its strong performance is powered by a CNH-built engine.
On thegross, with air conditioning only available with the DIT engine. In the larger models in the range, the DIT engine option becomes the standard, with a C4.4 turbocharged after-cooled engine as the option. In terms of the model series update, all four machines benefit from the main improvements, including an updated high ambient temperature cooling pack.
The system utilises separate coolers for the engine coolant, transmission and hydraulic oils, says Adrian Forrester, backhoe loader marketing.
“The F-Series backhoe loader is unique in that all machines are supplied with a hinged cooling pack that enables the operator, without any tool, to clean out any debris that may become trapped between the transmission, hydraulic oil cooler and the radiator. This helps to ensure that down time is kept to a minimum, reducing servicing cost.”
Both the 432F and 444F are fitted with hydraulic servo operated controls as standard, which as a loweffort control system enables the operator to have full control over the hydraulic services, increasing productivity over long periods of operation.
Most of the established players in the market have a lengthy association with BHLs, and Terex Construction is no different, with a lineage that stretches back to some of the first backhoes built by Massey-Harris-Ferguson in 1953. The brand has three models in the market: the TLB8400, the TLB880 and the newly introduced TLB990. The TLB840 was launched in 2011, and has been well received. The smallest in the range, the TLB840 has a smaller boom and dipper, and so requires less hydraulic power and is equipped with a smaller engine, keeping overall costs low. The first order worldwide for the new TLB990 came from the Terex dealer for Oman, Al Fairuz, with ten units to be delivered in the new year, Oman being the most popular market in the GCC for the four-wheel steer model.
Upgraded features on the new generation models include a servo power synchro (SPS) transmission, replacing the powershift transmission. Richard Ghent, backhoe product specialist with Terex, says that with the powershift transmission, which has manual or automatic modes, the shifting is done through hydraulic clutch packs, resulting in a lot of frictional losses. The new SPS has the same advantages of auto and manual modes in terms of shifting, but it’s done through hydraulic selector forks, rather than clutch packs. This results in a 9% reduction in frictional responses, making the machine’s driving performance more lively. There is also the option of Rexroth-Bosche closed centre, load sensing control valves, or Walvoil’s open centre valves, built in India. The open centre valves require more effort from operators to work the levers. With the closed centre, much less effort is required by the operator, which can improve overall machine performance, especially since operators are more responsive even at the end of a long work shift.
Case Construction Equipment has a number of models in the market, including the newly launched down-specced 570T, but its most important machines for the Middle East markets are the 580T and 695T. Bassem Al-Bermawy,field marketing manager – Middle East, CNH, says that while the backhoe is in demand in all construction segments, they see particular demand coming from smaller and medium contractors.
“However, as the rental segment is expected to grow across the region, there will be considerable demand from the rental companies, which are by definition fleet owners.”
Explaining the launch of the 570T in July, Al- Bermawy says that the machine is able to play an “effective and main role” on construction sites, especially road projects, due to its high productivity, economical fuel consumption and durability, as well as its being equipped with ergonomic features which contribute to an improved working environment for the operator. “Customers looking for a simple, reliable and cost-effective tool will find that this machine matches their needs to the maximum.”
Key features of the Case T-Series range include an overall lower height, achieved by the use of overlapping cylinders, so that the backhoe needs a lower height clearance. The BHLs are built with CNH/Fiat tier 3 engines, with Case CE claiming a 10% power advantage over competitors. Design strengths include robust design of the backhoe boom and dipperstick, which contributes heavily to productivity and the safety of operators.
Volvo Construction Equipment’s backhoe range encompasses the BL61B and BL71B, and the brand is seeing increased market position in theGulf, especially where it is propelled forward by FAMCO, in Saudi and the UAE. Ahmad Halwani, general manager of the construction equipment division at FAMCO, recently gave a presentation to customers on the updated BL61B model, and cited the manufacturer’s reputation for operator comfort, leading to enhanced safety and productivity.
“The BL61B’s pilot joysticks and front mechanical controls enable easy control and manipulation of the bucket and other front attachments. The smooth steering along with a small turning radius provides excellent maneuverability on the jobsite.”
On the site, high breakout forces are delivered through a very durable loader linkage, and powerful hydraulics with precisely tuned controls enable efficient and productive loading, said Halwani. “The machine’s excavator performance excels from a harmony of linkage design, flow-sharing hydraulics and ergonomic controls. An excavator-style boom employs an arched, ridged design that is narrow and tall, which allows excellent trench visibility and for working around buried obstructions.” Other features include large stabiliser feet for improved stability on soft ground. For those looking for a larger machine, the BL71B offers 16% greater lift capacity and 26% greater breakout force than its smaller sibling.
The value segment of the backhoe market comprises a number of different manufacturers.
LiuGong launched a new backhoe in the Middle East in 2012, the 777A, which can be bought with either a Perkins (74.5kW) or Deutz Weichai (70kW) engine.
With a standard stick digging depth of 4,440mm, which rises to 5,610mm with the E-Stick extended, the machine offers good breakout force and lifting capacity, as well as a return to dig system and a larger radiator for the Middle East. Customers also benefit from LiuGong’s well-developed aftermarket support model, with a spare parts distribution centre in Dubai and strong training and inventory stocks with its dealers.
With so many brands already in the market, is there space for another? Gul Nalcaci, international sales and marketing manager at Cukurova, believes so, and the Turkish construction machinery manufacturer is busy re-establishing its dealer network in the Gulf. The brand is currently active in KSA and Oman, and a new dealer is soon to be announced in Qatar.
On offer are four backhoe models, from those with only basic specifications to more sophisticated machines. The brand has been importing its 880, 883 and 888 models into the Middle East, specced for the climate and powered by a Perkins engine with engine power of 94 HP to 100 HP and a fuel consumption average of 8.0 litres/hour.
Cukurova has seen signficant growth in exports in recent years, including in Latin America, but Nalcaci says that the Middle East and Africa have become more critical as export markets since the slowdown in 2008/9.
“We aim to increase our presence with our bigger product line and expansion in sales network. KSA is the strongest performer in ME and offers significant growth opportunities, followed by Oman, Qatar and UAE. We devoted more to develop our strategy, with the aim of making Cukurova a well-known brand and strengthening our position throughout the ME region as well,” says Nalcaci.
Meanwhile, at the smaller end of the modelspectrum, machines are in demand from specialised companies, as they are easily transportable. Ryder says that JCB’s 1CX is very popular with utility companies for repair and maintenance work, as well as with landscaping contractors, where the large range of special attachments available – both for the loader end and the backhoe end – can add considerable efficiency to a job site if correctly applied. The OEM has also recently launched a tracked version, the 1CXT, for improved traction and ‘go anywhere’ capability.
Manufacturers who design and build the full driveline in-house will claim an advantage, and Ryder says their production processes are to the advantage of their customers. “With JCB designing, testing and manufacturing the complete drivetrain – axles, transmission and engine – for our main backhoe product lines, it means we are in complete control of quality and can ensure a perfect match of components that enables us to deliver the key demands of our customers – reliability, ease of use, productivity and aftersales support.”