Why compact track loaders are still stealing skid steer market share at a relentless rate
At some point, compact track loaders (CTLs) will quit taking market share from skid steer loaders. But for now, the relentless march of CTLs continues, driven by the narrowing of the cost differential between the two machine types, CTLs’ enhanced suitability to common applications, and the expansion of models in a variety of sizes.
Let’s resolve this first: there are applications where skid steer loaders (SSLs) will remain dominant, such as jobs with speed requirements. Working on hard surfaces, including asphalt and concrete, is tough on both tires or tracks, but replacing tires costs less than replacing tracks. In this area, skid steers win the cost debate. Demolition sites and others with abundant debris are best left to skid steers, especially those with solid tire modifications. For almost everything else, CTLs continue to gain market share from SSLs.
Combined annual sales of SSLs and CTLs remains around 65,000 to 70,000 units, but the mix is changing. For example, Compact Excavator Sales, the U.S. distributor of IHI machines, has offered small loaders for four years. According to Kendall Aldridge, Compact president, the split of the company’s SSL to CTL sales volume by units has moved from 70/30 to 40/60 in that time period. Other OEMs report similar shifts.
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Hyundai CE taps Kong as new COO
Hyundai Construction Equipment has named 30-year company veteran Ki Young Kong as its new chief operating officer.
Kong, who has held numerous positions at Hyundai CE including head of global forklift sales and head of production, replaces S.G. Rhee who recently retired.
Beyond steering “the company through challenging times amid a recessive economy in global markets like Brazil, Russia, China and many others,” Hyundai CE praised Rhee for creating a “comprehensive program to reduce operating costs and to re-align and minimize the number of key suppliers.”
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Terramac adds Kirby-Smith Machinery to North America dealer network
Crawler carrier manufacturer Terramac has added Oklahoma-based Kirby-Smith Machinery to its North America dealer network.
Kirby-Smith says it will primarily serve the pipeline industry in its market area with Terramac machines in sales, rental and aftermarket support.
“Terramac is the ultimate Swiss army knife of the pipeline industry,” says Joe Trapani, director pipeline services division at Kirby-Smith. “All pipeline customers have a need for rubber track carriers and Terramac’s are well-known for reliability and extreme diversity. Including Terramac as part of our machinery tool kit will allow us to grow our customer base in the industry.”
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Prinoth adds Panther series at Chadwick-Baross dealer locations
Tracked vehicle manufacturer Prinoth has added additional products at dealer Chadwick-Baross locations in the northeastern United States.
Chadwick-Baross will offer the full product line for Prinoth’s Panther series for rental and sale in addition to the Prinoth Trooper and SW4S products it already carries. The dealer will provide these products from branches in Westbrook, Caribou and Bangor, Maine; in addition to Concord, New Hampshire; and Chemlsford, Massachussetts.
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Curry Supply names Hanson strategic account manager
Commercial service vehicle manufacturer and dealer Curry Supply has named Jim Hanson as its strategic account manager.
Hanson has more than 11 years of experience in fleet management and has held previous positions including fleet manager, fleet administrator/purchasing agent and accounts payable manager. Hanson also has certifications in Certified Automotive Fleet Management and Certified Automotive Fleet Specialist.
“I am very excited to be on board with Curry Supply and to be supporting the trucks and suppliers directly,” Hanson says. “My fleet management experience will be a value added tool that I can provide customers who are focusing on their return on investment.”
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Southeastern Equipment adds New Way refuse trucks to lineup
Southeastern Equipment has added New Way refuse trucks and attachments to its Environmental Division locations in Ohio and Indiana. The line includes front loaders, rear loaders, automated side loaders and satellite side loaders.
“The line of New Way refuse equipment leads the industry in durability and reliability,” says Southeastern Equipment president Charlie Patterson. “These trucks have been engineered for easy maintenance and to reduce collection times. We are excited to offer options for both private companies and public agencies to streamline their operations.”
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