Gear-up to experience the versatility of technology-enabled, smart and sustainable machines that are displayed at Excon.

Confederation of Indian Industry, India’s apex Industry body and Premiere Exhibition organiser, is hosting the 11th Edition of Excon – Exhibition on Construction Equipment & Construction Technology, from 17– 21 May 2022, at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

EXCON serves as a forum for the construction equipment and components sector, bringing together stakeholders to further consider and comprehend the newest advances in the industry with the goal of positioning India as a worldwide hub for construction equipment manufacture.

Leading construction equipment manufacturers will demonstrate the versatility of machines, the sophistication of construction technologies, and, most importantly, show builders and contractors cost-effective solutions for quick project implementation with a focus on quality, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Construction and mining becoming smart and sustainable 

Customers today prefer technologically advanced equipment with superior features that offer higher productivity, reliability, and safety; thus, companies are developing the latest technology in mining equipment and upgrading old equipment with advanced technical characteristics based on market input and the appropriateness of equipment for local circumstances.

“When it comes to sustainable equipment, BEML has always been working at the ground level to develop products and technologies as per the latest emission norms. Moreover, our product offerings are extremely environment friendly as they are powered by electric motors”, says Amit Banerjee, CMD, BEML.

“We have successfully embraced the Bharat CEV Stage IV norms and upgraded and launched new truck cranes and motor graders in the market. Adhering to the new emission norms, the new truck cranes have been manufactured at Sany India’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Chakan in Pune to support the government’s “Make in India” initiative and, most importantly, to regulate and decrease emissions” says Dheeraj Panda, Chief Operating Officer (Sales, Marketing & Customer Support) Sany Heavy Industry.

Whereas, V G Sakthikumar, Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India, proudly mentions about Schwing’s R&D team making strides in adding technology advancements in their manufacture to make them smarter and greener.

With major companies across the construction and mining segment taking strides in innovating green and smart equipment, AJAX emphases on the very fact that equipping manufacturing the highest R&D concrete equipment has always been their focus, in addition to innovation and development for their existing range, says Debasis Bhattacharya Head – Sales Marketing – Product-Support, AJAX. “As part of the “Make in India” initiative, we have indigenously designed and manufactured slipform pavers for catering to paving width requirements varying from 3.5 m to 12 m. These pavers have been manufactured with high quality components and offer features on par with all global players.” 

Komatsu excavators now have enhanced ecot3 (Ecology, Economy, Technology engine technology), according to Vivek Hajela Vice President – Construction Equipment Business, L&T, who is explaining L&T’s product improvements. These modern excavators

use less fuel, are more adaptable, and produce more output, all while lowering manufacturing costs. Komtrax’s newest edition offers a revolutionary approach to monitor Komatsu equipment from anywhere on the internet at any time. Komtrax optimises machine control while also monitoring its health and performance. It also gives operators with cost-effective operation suggestions. “We are also working with our principals to develop equipment that runs on alternative fuels and uses more green electricity and less fossil fuels,” he says.

Consumers nowadays are concerned about the environment but also looking for new equipment to use in their everyday operations. While planning and developing all of our products, we have always considered environmental and human concerns as part of the CASE DNA. CASE already provides ecologically friendly solutions such as Project TETRA, a methane-powered concept wheel loader, and the CASE 580 EV, the industry’s first fully electric Loader Backhoe with zero emissions, on a global scale. Alok Jha Director – Sales & Marketing, India & SAARC, CASE Construction Equipment adds, “We’re focusing on making contemporary, ecologically friendly equipment available in India as well.” 

ARX Mining was established three years ago, in 2019. We have developed and built prototypes for four machines, with two more coming later this year. “We have also been working on upgrading the Indital Reach Stackers to closed centre hydraulics and moving from a normal full powershift gearbox to a CVT to conserve fuel,” Amarnath Ramachandran, Managing Director, ARX Mining & Construction Equipment Pvt. Ltd. explains. In the medium term, we hope to verify our big grader as a completely autonomous equipment for haul road maintenance, as well as increase dumper suspension and tyre life. “The focus is on ergonomics and CVT drives to reduce fuel consumption by at least 20–25 percent, as well as site safety through the use of a brake by wire system, where the hydraulic brake actuation is assisted by electronic proportional signals from a radar sensor, which will automatically slow down the machine if an obstacle is detected,” he continues.

Capitalising market opportunities 

Because of the different development activities taking place around the country, the need for power is always growing. As a result, the coal mining industry has a lot of promise. By 2024-25, the Indian government wants to have a $5 trillion economy. From fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2025, India’s overall infrastructure capital spending is anticipated to reach ₹111 lakh Crore. “Furthermore, the government’s infrastructure development plans are boosting demand for iron and steel, cement, copper, and aluminium sectors, which is driving demand for mining equipment,” according to Amit.

The last few months have been quite exciting for the construction industry as there is a definite push to build India’s infrastructure in a drive to make it the preferred global manufacturing hub. Sharing optimism on this, Alok Jha believes, with new ambitions and large construction projects announced by the Government of India for infrastructure building, the construction and mining equipment industry will also benefit in terms of growth.

Overall Strategy of ARX is to build machines that are ergonomically sound, equipped with cutting-edge drivelines, and equipped with mechatronics that ease operation and maintenance, before validating these machines in India and beginning exports. “We are conscious that we have only begun our trip, but everyone on the team is excited about the adventure that awaits us.” We are quite hopeful about the future since the administration has shown an unrelenting commitment to increasing infrastructure spending. There will be several chances for Indian players in a variety of fields,” Amarnath articulates.

Massive demand for construction equipment is being driven by rapid urbanisation, massive on-going national highway projects, and, most crucially, the government’s unwavering commitment on infrastructure development. “Construction equipment such as hydraulic excavators, mobile cranes, piling rigs, and motor graders are in strong demand right now.” Apart from that, equipment is in high demand in a variety of enterprises, including mining, shipping, oil & gas, railroads, and the power industry,” Dheeraj Panda concludes.

Conclusion 

Moving ahead, the thrust will be on technology without compromising on the user-friendly aspect of the machines. All in all, we want to offer the best-in-class equipment, like the industry have been doing since inception, so as to retain their position as a market leader and aid in the infrastructural development of our country.