Doosan Bobcat - One Machine Multiple Uses

What are the significant advantages of Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders?

The Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders can be used for multiple applications such as material handling, grading road cleaning, erection of road crash barriers, pavement repairs, brush cleaning in road sideways and many other jobs. In other words, this machine can be easily and quickly transformed into a loader with bucket, a sweeper for cleaning the compacted surface, and a cold planer with planer attachment.

The Skid Steer Loader's versatility increases its utility at road construction sites, which means that the user can meet a wide range of jobsite requirements using a single machine, thereby getting more value for his money.

How has Bobcat Skid Steer Loaders with grader attachment performed and what demand do you envisage this fiscal?

We registered the highest sales of our Skid Steer Loaders with grader attachment during 2018-19. In fact, more than 10% of the sales has been of the larger models of Skid Steer Loaders with grader attachment, which is a fairly high ratio, and very encouraging for us.

S. Manjunath, GM – Sales, Doosan Bobcat India, discusses emerging trends in technology, the company’s plans and growth prospects in the coming years, and the advantages offered by their Skid Steer Loaders with grader attachment.

Demand is coming from construction of rural roads and for road widening projects. The concept of Skid Steer Loader with grader attachment has been well received by the PMGSY and PWD contractors as the machine has proved to be very productive and efficient, especially so where space is a constraint and the road width is between 3 to 10 meters. Our grader attachment with blade comes with two blade widths of 7ft and 9ft, so the user has an option as per the requirement, which saves him from having to buy another machine of a different blade width.

Rural roads comprise almost 90% of the country's road network. Vehicle penetration into rural areas is increasing as they are getting developed. With the government's focus on building new rural roads for better connectivity, we envisage a positive and increasing demand for our products, at least for the next 10 years.

How do the grader attachments compare with a conventional motor grader?

Bobcat Skid Steer Loader's compact grader attachments with blade widths of 7ft and 9ft, are similar to large graders. The blade moves in six different ways to grade any surface. Features include a 25-degree blade angle, height adjustment, left and right-hand side can be operated through fingertip control on steering levers, and blade extension with maximum grading access. The bolster oscillates to minimize the impact on uneven ground, delivering consistent grading performance in various site conditions.

The grader's compactness, easy maneuverability and the multi-functionality of the Skid Steer Loaders, makes it the best machine for working in constricted rural roads as well as for widening existing roads, without hampering the flow of traffic.

What new technologies and application potential is the company offering in its graders?

Our machines are equipped with technologies such as 2D laser guided grading, 3D GPS-guided grading, sonic guided grading, and 3D UTS guided grading solutions. These technologies deliver precise grading with less time and using less labour. Given their accuracies, the automatic grade control systems also save time and material. Automated operation of the blade angle and position also enhances operator efficiency as it leaves him free to concentrate on steering the machine rather than focusing on the blade's position.

However, such technologies are being mostly used in developed markets where the application demands precise grading. In India, though we do not see their immediate requirement, we are keeping a watch on market trends, and will be ready to offer our advanced solutions if demand arises.

What initiatives is the company taking for further growth of Skid Steer Loaders with grader attachments?

We are gearing up by reaching out to customers through live demos to raise awareness of our Skid Steer Loaders and grader attachments, their versatility, compactness and cost-effectiveness. We are educating our customers through SAMM (Segment Application Market Management) where the demo truck carries a Skid Steer Loaders with seven attachments and visits key potential areas. Feedback taken from potential customers helps us understand the challenges faced by them. Based on the information collated, we promote the solutions that will best meet their requirements.