Urbanisation Boosts Attachments Market
For decades, India’s construction sector has been synonymous with labour-intensive techniques and traditional methods. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift towards mechanisation, driven by the realisation that time, labour, and resources can be optimised more effectively. This transformation has been accelerated by the adoption of attachments for construction equipment, a trend that is set to redefine how projects are executed in the nation.
Shift towards mechanisation
In India, the market for attachments has witnessed significant growth alongside the expansion of infrastructure projects. Traditionally, the use of attachments was limited to basic tasks like digging buckets for excavators. However, as construction practices have modernised, so too have the attachments. Today, the market offers a plethora of advanced attachments including hydraulic breakers, grapples, augers, compaction plates, and tiltrotators, each tailored to meet specific operational needs.
India's construction industry has long been characterised by its reliance on manual labour. Traditional methods, such as manual excavation and concrete mixing, have been the norm. However, the challenges of a growing population, increased urbanisation, and a demand for infrastructure development have necessitated a change. The introduction of advanced construction equipment, including excavators, loaders, and bulldozers, has been a game-changer, allowing for faster project completion and reducing the reliance on human labour.
However, the true revolution is not just the machines themselves but the plethora of attachments that can be added to these machines. These attachments, ranging from hydraulic hammers for breaking rock to concrete pulverizers for demolition, are transforming the way construction tasks are executed.
The market for attachments in India is dynamic and competitive, with both domestic manufacturers and international players vying for market share. Domestic companies like ACE, Suretech Infrastructure, and JCB India have expanded their product offerings to include a range of attachments tailored to local requirements. International giants such as Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo Construction Equipment also have a significant presence in the Indian market, leveraging their global expertise to offer advanced attachments with cutting-edge technology.
The competitive landscape is further enriched by specialised attachment manufacturers focusing on niche segments such as demolition, forestry, and landscaping. These players often collaborate with construction equipment OEMs to develop custom solutions that cater to specific industry demands.
Said Sunil Newatia, Chairman and Managing Director, Suretech Infrastructure, “Growing urbanisation and industrialisation leading to rapid implementation of infrastructure has raised the demand for excavators, Backhoe loaders and skid steer loaders, which directly affects the growth of the attachments market. Attachments not only facilitate performing jobs which otherwise an excavator cannot do, but also speed up the project execution. Furthermore, an increase in the number of smart city projects and heavy spending by government on infrastructure development is propelling the growth of the attachments market.”
“Our product range isn't just extensive; it's a symphony of complementary innovation that includes crusher buckets, screening buckets, shafts screeners, drum cutters, and sorting grapples. Each of these products is meticulously designed and engineered to work with your excavator or backhoe loader and provide exceptional performance, efficiency, and versatility, aligning with the evolving demands of the Indian market,” said Piero Guizzetti, CEO, MB Crusher India.
He added, “The star of our installed base in India is the BF90.3 crusher bucket, our flagship crusher bucket across other markets as well that shook up the industry when it was introduced and patented back in 2001. This ingenious attachment for excavators is a force to be reckoned with, transforming inert materials into valuable resources right on the construction site. The BF90.3 crusher bucket’s compact design conceals its immense versatility, refined over years of innovation to handle an array of crushing tasks effortlessly. It's designed for the heavyweights, excavators weighing over 21 tons, and its adjustable output size ranges from 20 mm to 140 mm, ensuring a tailored approach to every job.”
“On another note, the MB-S18 screening bucket is optimised for efficiently screening a wide array of materials. Its adaptability before or after crushing operations translates to up to 60 per cent reduction in crushing time. Notably, the MB-S18 screening bucket accommodates the screening of various natural materials like quarry residue, dry soil, and river stone, facilitating on-site processing. It's an indispensable tool for material size optimisation for specific applications. Featuring interchangeable modular panels with holes of varying sizes from 10 x 10 mm to 100 x 100 mm, the MB screening buckets offer versatility to match specific requirements.”
Says Deepak Shetty, MD and CEO, JCB India, “Our telehandlers come with a variety of attachments which makes them versatile. The widely used attachments are a shovel, heavy duty forks, grabs, unloading rake, crane hook - fork mounted, jib crane, grain bucket, cotton bucket, power grab, man platform and drum handlers, etc. Every machine incorporates the traditional JCB strengths of ruggedness, reliability, structural integrity, performance, visibility and safety. With the use of JCB’s purpose-designed attachment range further enhancing the tasks possible, the world-class range of Made in India JCB telehandlers offer exceptional versatility, productivity and reliability for all material handling applications.”
Versatility and efficiency unleashed
Attachments add an entirely new dimension of versatility to construction equipment. For instance, a single excavator can now become a multi-purpose tool capable of digging, lifting, demolishing, and even drilling. This level of flexibility has the potential to streamline construction projects significantly. Contractors no longer need a separate machine for each specific task, reducing the overall equipment costs and project timelines.
Take, for example, a major urban development project in Mumbai. A few years ago, the construction team would have required a fleet of specialised machines and a small army of workers to excavate, clear, and prepare the land. Now, with the introduction of versatile attachments, a single excavator can handle all these tasks, significantly reducing the project's budget and the environmental impact.
Training: The need of the hour
To maximise the productivity of attachments it may be important to quickly switch between them. If the job site requires the equipment to perform different tasks ensure you get the right coupler. The right quick attach system (coupler) can decrease downtime when switching attachments. Quick attach systems can save 30 minutes to two hours depending on how the traditional attachment system was designed. Couplers can reduce operator fatigue – they will be able to focus on the tasks of the job site instead of attaching and detaching specialty attachments. Many machines available today come standard with quick attach couplers. However, older machinery can also be retrofitted with these new couplers. When retrofitting ensure the system is both lightweight and made of high-quality steel and materials. These tips keep your fleet dynamic and productive, improving the return on your investment.
Said the CEO of MB Crusher, “At MB Crusher, our unwavering dedication revolves around delivering a holistic training and support experience to our esteemed clientele. This encompasses a dual focus on technical proficiency and maintenance know-how, both pivotal for optimising equipment utilisation and performance. To facilitate seamless engagements, we proudly present a specialised service team, diligently operational round-the-clock to provide on-site customer support, assuring immediate assistance whenever required. Our commitment transcends the point of purchase, resonating through the entire equipment lifecycle, as we remain steadfast in propelling our customers towards sustained success.”
Proper training is extremely important. Training increases productivity and safety for both the equipment and the operators. The difference between a trained and an untrained operator on a new piece of machinery can be staggering. Often, new equipment has special systems to improve performance and productivity specifically designed for certain conditions. Attachments can have their own parameters for maximum efficiency and it is important to understand these before application.
Proper maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for the optimal performance and longevity of construction equipment and attachments. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and keep the machine or tool clean and well-lubricated.
In conclusion, using construction equipment and attachments requires proper knowledge, skill, and caution to prevent accidents and injuries on the job site. By reading the manual, inspecting equipment, using the right attachment, using personal protective equipment (PPE), avoiding overloading, and proper maintenance, workers can use construction equipment and attachments safely and efficiently.
There are many different types of construction attachments that can help to improve the efficiency of your projects. Let’s take a look at some of these attachments and their benefits.
The Future is attachment-driven
Looking ahead, the market for attachments in India is expected to continue its upward trajectory fuelled by ongoing infrastructure projects, urbanisation trends, and technological advancements. The adoption of attachments will likely increase as construction companies recognise the efficiency gains and cost savings associated with these specialised tools.
Moreover, sustainability concerns and the emphasis on reducing carbon footprints are likely to drive demand for attachments that promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Manufacturers that can align with these trends and offer eco-friendly solutions will be well-positioned for future growth.
In conclusion, the market for attachments in India represents a dynamic and evolving landscape shaped by infrastructure development, technological innovations, and changing industry dynamics. As construction practices evolve, attachments will play an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and operational versatility across the sector, driving the next phase of growth in India's construction equipment market.
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