The rising demand for road construction equipment has been triggered by increasing road development projects undertaken by the central and state governments, explains Dheeraj Panda, Chief Operating Officer, Sany Heavy Industry India Pvt Ltd.

Present performance analysis of earthmoving equipment in India
Earthmoving equipment is witnessing substantial growth due to increasing road development programmes undertaken by the central and state governments. The sustained growth of urbanisation and major ongoing national highway projects across the country are driving huge demand for road construction equipment, which includes earthmoving equipment as well. We are already seeing high demand for equipment like hydraulic excavators, mobile cranes, piling rigs, motor graders, etc.

What are the most recent advancements in excavators and asphalt plants to improve onsite performance?
Sany excavators and asphalt plants developed by Sany adopt major breakthrough technology ranging from the power system to the control system for high efficiency and energy savings. This is in addition to our insistence on ‘Quality changes the world. We have delivered the  aforementioned equipment for a multitude of work requirements. All our machines come with the superior advantages of unmatched  productivity and better fuel economy, thereby helping our clients maximise gains. For instance, Sany excavators come loaded with a Dynamic Optimisation Matching Control System (DOMCS), which realises a match between the engine and external load demand for better fuel efficiency. Our excavators’ enhanced reliability and long life of components are provided by reinforced front attachments, strengthened upper  structure, and robust undercarriage. Our machines also have comfortable seating arrangements and cabin space for wider visibility  and easy access to switches. Needless to say, these best-in-class features and advancements certainly maximise onsite performance.

Dealing with procurement challenges
The procurement of equipment is an important factor in the success of a construction project. Topography, logistics, technology, availability of labour and finance are some of the parameters that help us decide on the type of procurement. Some of the roadblocks we encounter are the cost-to-profit ratio, time taken to get the project rolling, poor planning methods, and lack of collaboration. However, one should remember that these roadblocks are not permanent fixtures that we encounter at all times. With certain guidelines laid down by the government and professionalism exhibited by the stakeholders involved, the process of procuring equipment and projects is relatively smooth these days as compared to yesteryears.

Electric-powered equipment taking over fuel-based equipment
The overall trend of electrification in the construction equipment industry was triggered by the affordability of necessary technologies as well as strict emissions regulations. In addition to the aforementioned advantages, what electrification can offer goes far beyond environmental friendliness. Electric-powered machines lay the technical foundation for the rise of our unmanned products, leading to a new era of greater levels of efficiency and accuracy.

The entire industry is echoing the advantages of electric equipment, as it comes with the inherent advantages of reducing cost, emissions, and increasing efficiency. Sany Bharat is one of the few OEMs with a clear plan for introducing electric CE in India. We believe that electrification of the CE segment is an essential requirement for the industry. We have also started work on remote-controlled excavators, electric trucks, and lots of other technologies.