We ensure that the customer is getting more value for the money he is investing on our machines.

Rohit Punjabi, Vice President & Business Head, LiuGong India

What are the latest innovations in your range of excavators?

We are using the latest hydraulics from Kawasaki in our excavators. The coupling between the engine and the pump has resulted a drastic drop in fuel consumption. Another innovation is that we have introduced different kinds of attachments. We have a more than 20-meter long arm on our 24-ton class excavator, which is the longest arm available in India. They are used in the well digging, cleaning of lakes, drains, etc. 

How are you making a difference in the excavator market with your products and services?

Today’s business is all about value for money. We ensure that the customer is getting more value for the money he is investing on our machines, whether it is the cost benefit or peace of mind. We try to make it a zero-defect machine for at least 2,000 working hours which is very rare not even the biggest brands have that. Working towards it but I would not say we have reached 2,000 hours but we have neared it.

What are your initiatives in electric excavators?

Electric excavators are the latest development happening in excavators globally. Started in the markets of Europe, USA, and Australia, the trend is gaining momentum in other markets as well. We caught up with the concept of electric excavators in 2023 and introduced the 20-ton class electric excavator, which is already working at a stone quarry in Uttarakhand.

What are the products and solutions offered in excavators?

Starting from 2-ton class, we have a wide range of excavators up to 75 ton as of now. These include excavators of 2 ton, 2.5 ton, 3.5 ton, 8 ton, 14 ton, 21.5 ton, 22 ton, 24 ton, 26 ton, 35 ton, 38 ton, 50 ton, 65 ton, and 75 ton class. 

How are you placed in the Indian excavator market? What is your vision in the excavator market?

Our biggest forte till 2023 was wheel loaders and we continue to be number one in that. We have been in excavators since 2017 with a humble beginning. However, the focus shifted in 2023 and now the whole focus is on excavators. We created a separate vertical, appointed new people, dealers and exclusive teams for excavators.

In the next two years, we want to be one of the top three players in excavators aiming at 5,000 units by 2025.

How do you view the overall market trend for excavators in India? What is the trend in exports?

If you consider the excavators working in developed markets like Europe and US, and even Latin America, the average use of excavators is 1,000-1,200 hours. But the average usage of excavators in India is 2,500 hours minimum. India will also gradually come to the level of developed market as we aim to become a developed nation. In all the developed nations, the number of excavators sold is much higher because compared to the job in India done by one excavator, it is normally two in developed nations. So, volume goes higher. This year, the excavator market in India is expected to be of around 30,000 units and I am sure in next two years, it will be more than 35,000. The current excavator market of China is more than a lakh. So, we still have a long way to go and we are in the right direction.

As of now, our major export markets are SAARC countries: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

How do you view the transformation of India’s excavator market?

The excavator market has travelled a long way in the last 10 years from a market of 2-3 players to some 14 players today. So, the market share is changing and competition is increasing. Internationally, the market leader holds the position with a market share of around 13-14%. Indian market is also following this trend.