TRENDS versatile equipment . “ If a contractor is working on a jobsite to dig footings and a foundation , it ’ s not much different if they ’ re putting in piping for a water garden and an irrigation system ,” said Brady Lewis , product manager at Case New Holland . “ We think about how the customers are using equipment on different jobsites .”
Kioti is easing into the compact market with skid-steers and tracked loaders , steadily increasing the market range of its dealers .
What does construction mean ?
“ On the compact construction equipment side , we ’ ve expanded our distribution network beyond our construction dealers into more ag and turf dealers ,” said Emily Pagura , product marketing manager for John Deere construction . “ We find that a lot of landscapers may have a relationship with a Deere turf dealer , and they may not be buying compact loaders from there . We want to help our dealers help a broader range of pro users .”
Deere is well known in the construction market , so it makes sense for the company to market those vehicles to commercial landscapers through its own dealers in their specific markets . Meanwhile , Kioti is relatively new to this “ construction ” market , having launched skid steers and compact track loaders within the last year . The OEM is easing into the marketplace ; it initially allocated its new SL and TL machines to about 50 dealers and is now placing them in more than 100 Kioti dealers nationwide .
“ As these vehicles have become more popular , we see fewer compact tractors and more construction equipment in landscape use ,” said Justin Moe , product manager for Kioti ’ s new compact equipment line . “ Among ag users , there is some crossover between tractors and skid steers . But with construction uses and the heavier materials , the compact construction equipment is better .”
Moe said that Kioti has seen construction-specific crews buying the new compact equipment . “ We ’ re also attracting users in the ag market and in landscaping ,” he said . “ We come in at a competitive price point , with features like hydraulic controls and the roll-up door , plus the warranty .”
It ’ s hard to tell where construction ends and landscaping begins with many companies . That increases the appeal of smaller and more
Is smaller better ?
“ Contractors are recognizing that these small machines can do a lot of work and they ’ re less expensive , easier to operate , easier to trailer , and lighter weight ,” said Sam Dando , senior product marketing manager for Toro ’ s Sitework Systems division . “ People are recognizing , on the contractor side , it ’ s a versatile machine and easier to operate than a traditional skid steer . That ’ s driving a lot of the business .”
Smaller is relative , and the smaller machine Dando is talking about is the Toro Dingo . These stand-on mini loaders are making a hit with pro users and as rental equipment for DIY homeowners . I visited a dealer near St . Paul , Minn ., that carries Toro and Bobcat , among other equipment . The sales manager , who asked to remain anonymous , said that Dingos and Bobcat MTs “ are not just digging machines anymore . These are full operation machines . And while some jobs still require a full skid steer , these are increasingly popular .” He said arborists are some of his best customers , and they ’ ve
Bobcat ’ s MT line is biting into Toro ’ s dominance in this mini loader / excavator marketplace .
20 OPE + October 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com