JCB India: Hi-tech Excavators, Telehandlers, Backhoe Loaders & AWP

JCB India, Deepak Shetty - CEO & Managing Director

Excon is the festival of the Construction and Earthmoving industry, providing an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase products and services under one roof. Once again, JCB will showcase its groundbreaking solutions and products with a strong focus on alternate fuels, and dedicated areas for finance and parts. We will also showcase a product, which will be ‘Asia’s First’ in its category.

JCB is a leading construction equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive range of products that include mini excavators, skid steer loaders, telehandlers backhoe loaders, access platforms, compactors, excavators, and more.

Building a New India with a focus on competitiveness, growth, technology, and sustainability

India is an economic power today and at a global level it is playing a critical role in the China Plus strategy. The recent focus on manufacturing led growth through the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat is opening up newer sectors, but for us to success, we need to be competitive and invest in the business.

The Earthmoving and Construction equipment industry has also seen a strong performance in exports. JCB today proudly exports Made in India machines to over 130 countries around the world. We have seen a nearly 300% increase in exports. The acceptability of these machines the world over is only because they are high on technology, energy efficient, and manufactured sustainably.

We are very proud that India is the global manufacturing hub for two of our product categories: Compactors and the Access range of our AWPs. This is also attributed to our commitment to global quality, a prerequisite for competing on the world stage. To achieve this, the entire value chain, including supplier partners, must operate with a similar commitment.

Innovation driving development of cleaner, more energy-efficient machinery

As the spectre of climate change looms large and resource scarcity becomes a reality, the clarion call for sustainability grows louder. The CE industry is making a paradigm shift - from optimising fuel efficiency to harnessing renewable energy sources, the industry is exploring solutions for a greener tomorrow.

Innovation is driving the development of cleaner, more energy-efficient machinery. Energy efficiency and real-time equipment monitoring are becoming increasingly prevalent, reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. A recent report by Deloitte-Shell indicates that construction accounts for 37% of global CO2 emissions of which 16% represent embodied carbon, that is carbon dioxide coming from material sourcing and manufacturing, logistics, and construction activities.

At JCB, we have made significant investments over the years to reduce fuel consumption and explore alternative fuels. The company introduced the industry's first Electric Excavator and the PNG Genset at the last Excon. In 2020, we also introduced the world’s first dual-fuel CNG Backhoe Loader.

Innovating for bringing security in machines and worker safety

JCB machines are a result of constant innovation. We have seen a significant digital influx in the past few years. Our advanced telematics technology, Livelink, allows customers to monitor their fleet in real-time by exercising control over service, operations, and equipment security. This technology also enables JCB and our dealers to monitor customer machines, facilitating preventive and predictive maintenance with real-time alerts on critical parameters.

A special focus has been given to operators with ergonomics a key factor while designing equipment, as we believe that a comfortable operator would also be a productive and safe operator. We introduced Access Platform Machines in the domestic market to bring safety while working at heights. JCB Telehandlers with their high standard safety benchmark are also safer in comparison to pick and carry cranes.

Our Design Centre in Pune has over 800 engineers, who work on various aspects of design and engineering. The facility works on domestic and global projects that give world-class innovative products for our customers not only in India but also around the world. Through innovation, we are continually improving fuel efficiency, and reducing the operating costs for our customers to improve their profitability.

Leveraging automation and robotic technologies

Digital technology, Industry 4.0 or Automation is fundamentally changing how we are operating our factories. Manufacturers are responding by transforming their sites into safe and nurturing environments. Enhanced safety protocols, worker training programs, and equitable compensation are becoming standard practices.

JCB aligns its operations with Industry 4.0 practices, investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, including robotic welding and a robotic paint shop. This commitment to technology ensures customers receive global products in India, which are being exported to over 130 countries, including developed markets like the USA, Australia, and Japan.

Hydrogen technology fuel of the future, especially in India

JCB leads the industry in decarbonisation, with investments in Hydrogen-powered machines operating satisfactorily in the UK. While Electric technology might be suitable for smaller machines, but for larger machines JCB has developed its Hydrogen powered Internal Combustion Engine.

Hydrogen technology is widely considered to be the fuel of the future, especially in India, because of abundant sunshine and the Government's push on the overall ecosystem. While Diesel technology is expected to continue for a few more years, we have introduced CNG-powered dual-fuel Backhoes and launched the industry's first Electric Excavator in India.

Maintaining technological prowess

We strive to offer suitable products for all our customers’ specific needs. With almost 15 different types of excavators, ranging from basic mechanical models to high-feature larger excavators, we meet diverse customer aspirations. Our 20-ton range, representing the largest segment, includes the JCB205, JCB215, JCB 220, and the newly launched JCB225, ensuring a balance between technological prowess and cost competitiveness. We've also introduced machines in the 30-ton segment, such as the 345 and 385.

JCB machines have always been known for their performance and reliability. Our customers have placed their trust in us irrespective of which product they buy. Thus, for every product category we have different types of machines, and all our equipment is built to the same quality standards.

Ensuring maximum machine uptime and availability of spare parts and service support

One of the leading differentiators of our JCB brand is our product support available through over 700 outlets across India. Our dealers, collectively employing almost 8,500 engineers, ensure professional product support, which includes supply of spares from five parts warehouses across India ensuring stocked parts for dealerships. Our services are supported by continuous interaction and monitoring through our telematics system, LiveLink.

With projects of national importance gaining momentum, projects are getting executed in record time. Our customers invest in the JCB brand because they are aware that as an organisation, we will be able to provide world class product support. Our dealers are spread across India, therefore whether it is having service vans, or having the right manpower or parts stock, our customers are never far away from professional product support. JCB prides itself on over 90% parts availability, which provides for efficient uptime.

Pushing the boundaries of engineering to set benchmarks in efficiency and durability

Over the years, JCB has continuously elevated its brand's value through innovation, reliability, and performance, and its customer-centric approach. Almost every job site in India today would have a JCB machine working on it.

Our products undergo rigorous advancements by integrating cutting-edge technologies. By consistently pushing the boundaries of engineering, we enhance user experience, delivering machinery that is not just dependable but sets benchmarks in efficiency and durability. Our focus on customer feedback and evolving market needs enables us to introduce features that align with their expectations, reinforcing JCB's position as a trusted and forward-thinking company.

Future trends and growth prospects for Construction Equipment industry

The Earthmoving and Construction Equipment industry has experienced strong growth this year, with estimates suggesting that this calendar year will be about 25% higher than 2022. This growth is attributed to the Government's strong intent towards Infrastructure Development, and it is evident through initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline and the Gati Shakti Programme.

Projects such as the Bharat Mala, Sagar Mala, new airports and massive focus on railways are driving this industry. This is expected to continue in the future as well. Although elections may cause temporary disruptions, the overall trajectory for infrastructure development remains upward. Elections are an important part of a thriving democracy and are thus important.

However, the CEV Stage V Emission Standards are anticipated to be a game-changer. While JCB is supporting Emission Control and Sustainability, we believe the industry needs more time for effective execution of these stringent norms. As an industry, we have requested our Ministry (MoRTH) through ICEMA to reconsider timelines. This would also be beneficial for the supply chain partners for their readiness and our customers as they would need some time for technology absorption.