EARTHMOVING
TLB versus Compact Excavator The backhoe loader, better known as the TLB in our local circles, has always been deemed the trusted ‘pick and shovel’ of the local construction industry, and continues to dig its way onto local sites. However, in line with global trends, the compact excavator is continuously digging for a sizeable share of the market as the move towards compact solutions on African sites continues to gain pace.
T
he ever-growing trend towards smaller construction equipment is at this point anchored by mature markets, where about 70% of total equipment sales are driven by compact ranges. In Africa, the opposite is true; 75-80% of machines sold are still heavy ranges. However, there is a gradual growth of smaller machines in Africa.
We are slowly moving towards the European ratio and we believe the potential is massive for compact excavators and compact equipment at large Exact opposite A few years back, the local sales ratio was a single compact unit for every 20 heavy machines (20-t plus). In Europe, it was the exact opposite; 20 compact units for every single large excavator sold. "We are slowly moving towards the European ratio and we believe the potential is massive for compact
Tom Bloom, Director for Construction Equipment at Smith Power Equipment
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Mar/Apr 2020
excavators and compact equipment at large," says Tom Bloom of Smith Power Equipment.
Bread and butter "We would all agree that generally the TLB has for years been the trusted solution for the industry, accounting for a sizeable chunk of the total equipment sales in South Africa. This machine is by far the ‘bread and butter’ line in the construction and plant hire industries." The versatility of the TLB has made it a machine of choice on construction sites where applications call for digging and loading of material. While the TLB has long been a staple on many job sites, in recent years, more contractors are opting for a mini excavator instead. "Both machines have their own benefits, but understanding your jobsite applications is the key to making the right decision for your job," Tom comments.
