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SKID-STEER LOADERS AUGUS T 2018
and the machines sold and delivered to their customers have provided high performance and satisfaction for end users.” According to Rhayem, given the wide range of functions that an SSL can perform, it is indeed the Swiss Army knife of a construction site. “In fact, skid-steers and their tracked version – the compact track loaders (CTL) – are ‘tool carriers’. We have a plethora of attachments for this small machine that allows it to perform multiple jobs – such as digging, trenching, grading, paving and many others.” He cites the example of Bobcat’s T770, a large CTL that was recently used in a beachcleaning project in Abu Dhabi, where, equipped with the appropriate cleaner attachment it was put to work to clean and maintain a popular beach in the UAE capital. Customers are mainly working in construction, building and rental, says Rhayem, with skid-steer loaders used for building houses, villas, flats and offices. The landscaping and industrial sectors are also heavy users. “Landscaping is considered as the main growth sector after construction in the GCC. Rental follows closely after landscaping. The industrial segment is also a growing sector where skid-steer loaders are used.” In fact, Bobcat has consistently maintained its market share at around 50% in the skidsteer segment, Rhayem says, quoting figures provided by the Association of European Manufacturers (AEM). Bobcat, of course, pioneered the concept of the skid-steer loader and has a track record of selling more than a million units worldwide so far. Meanwhile, at Caterpillar, the B3 series is the bestselling SSL in the region, as it suits most market segments and meets a varying range of customer expectations, says Mamoun Mutair, product manager – Building Construction & Paving at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, Cat’s dealer in the region. “SSLs are used at almost every job-site, such as building and general construction, landscaping and road laying. They are considered the backbone of the building construction industry and form a high volume of building construction equipment,” says Mutair. “Our range varies from 635kg to 1.3t in capacity and covers almost all applications in the market. We have the joystick operation as standard across our overall range. Cat’s engine layout makes our SSLs unique when it comes to serviceability compared to other brands. In addition, air-conditioned cabins are available as options on all models. “Some other features that set Cat SSLs apart include the joystick operation of the hydraulic system and a long-life chain system with separate lube mechanism. Cat machines also have some of the highest levels of serviceability
CASE SR130 & SR150
caSeS for courSeS The SR150 is the staple of Case
attachments, from hammers and
range travel speed of 12.7km/h
Construction Equipment’s
cement mixers to dozer blades
is standard on both models,
skid-steer loader line-up in the
and broom buckets, as well as a
while a high range option offers
region. It and the SR130 are the
collection of loader buckets of
increased ground velocity.
firm’s most popular models.
various sizes. The SR130 is the
“These two models are
smaller of the duo, with a tipping
our bestsellers in the Middle
machines that score on
load of 1.1t, while the SR150 has
East. They are a common
versatility,” a Case spokesperson
a tipping load capacity of 1.3t.
sight at many construction
“These are general purpose
told CMME recently. “With
The SR150 also has a more
sites in the region,” the Case spokesperson said.
the SR150 and SR130, users
powerful engine, providing
get machines that can
60hp of maximum power at a
perform various tasks on
low 2,800rpm, while the SR130
with all the other hallmark
the job-site and give a great
offers 49hp of peak power at the
features of Case skid-steers.
return on investment.”
same revolutions. Peak torque is
A convenient cab tilt feature
143Nm and 171Nm respectively
gives access to the hydraulic
at an even lower 1,800rpm. A low
and transmission components.
Both machines are able to support a plethora of
Both machines come