“BEML is the first ever company to domestically manufacture and supply 150 ton and 205 ton class dumpers to the industry,” Pawan Kumar, Chief Regional Manager – Mumbai & Delhi, BEML Limited.

What are the emerging trends in the earthmoving equipment sector? 

When we speak about earthmoving equipment, it includes the construction and mining equipment. 

As per the trends, several mining projects are expanding today; hence, there is a need to shift towards higher capacity equipment and highly efficient equipment. 

BEML as an OEM is introducing upgraded/high capacity equipment like bulldozers, excavators, dumpers and other equipment in the market requirements. Higher capacity equipment with latest technologies introduced in the market, are equipped with the high-end gadgets so that safety and fuel efficiency of equipment is taken care which is the need of the hour. 

What are your offerings to the construction and mining sector? 

In the mining sector lot of coal companies prefer higher capacity mining equipment. We at BEML manufactures high capacity bulldozers, hydraulic excavators and dumpers, and we are proud to say that BEML is the first ever company to domestically manufacture and supply 150 ton and 205 ton class dumpers to the industry. We have also introduced 180 ton class electric excavator which is highly productive and environmental friendly. 

BEML equipment have the local content up to 90-95 percent. In some of the higher capacity mining equipment which were developed recently the import content is 30-40 percent and efforts are being made to indigenise the same and reduce the import content to the maximum extent. Domestic manufacturing and increase in indigenisation will create local employment opportunities, contributing to the nation’s GDP, technology upgradation and skill development opportunities, further, reducing dependency on imports. 

Talking about our 180 ton class electric hydraulic excavator, it is environmental friendly, as no diesel consumption is involved in it. We have also come up with the higher capacity bulldozer manufactured for first time in India competing with the available imported machine. 

Looking at the increasing environmental concerns, which products and measures are in place to meet the emission control norms? 

The engines fitted on our range of equipment are emission norms compliant as per standards of CEV & HEMM. BEML is regularly upgrading its products with fuel efficient and environmentally friendly equipment. 

How is technology helping the equipment sector to attain efficiency? 

In today’s scenario Mining & Construction equipment are powered with latest technology fuel efficient engines and fitted with advance gadgets. Electric hydraulic excavators powered by electric motors are also trending in the market at large. We, at BEML are supplying 100 ton and 180 ton class Electric Hydraulic Excavator equipment to the coal mining sector and it is powered with 6.6 kV motors. 

New technologies like Payload Monitoring Systems (PLMS) and Equipment Health Monitoring systems provided on equipment are assisting timely corrective actions and avoiding long breakdown, which in turn increasing the availability and productivity of equipment. 

What are the upcoming market trends and technology in the earthmoving equipment segment? 

Modular design equipment are the latest trend in the market, where each machine can be split into eight – nine pieces, and can be assembled again to its original design. This type of equipment can be used in the remote and strategic areas; as they are easy to transport and assembled again in a minimum time. 

Artificial Intelligence and Telematics are need of the hour; and we are yet to utilise it to its entire capacity as it has just introduced in India. Talking about its application and utilisation, right now these are being used at some places where connectivity is good. 

How do you evaluate the future prospects for earthmoving equipment in this sector? 

We believe the infrastructure and equipment industry is expected to bloom in the coming years. This growth is not only in the coal sector, but also in the construction segment. Moreover, the government’s expansion plan in the construction and Infra projects will further boost India’s economy, along with the manufacturers and users of earthmoving equipment.