How do Russian users choose excavators? What is the primary criterion for selecting the best model?
How do Russian users choose excavators? What is the primary criterion for selecting the best model?
Blog Article
Disclaimer: this article was originally published by Mechanical Intelligence Station. Source:
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/utjF9wQv-TO46_GCLwK4bA
In this review, we discuss the differences between excavators and have compiled advice on how to choose the best machine for a specific project. Our focus will be on medium tonnage excavator models. (Report excerpted and translated from the Russian Construction Equipment Site)
What are the main supplier countries for excavators?
China
The Russian earthmoving machinery market is constantly evolving, sometimes even dramatically so. After long being dominated by brands from Korea, Japan, Europe, and the United States—depending on the type and class of machinery—Chinese brands have now become the frontrunners on the supply lists. It is worth mentioning that excavators from Chinese brands are available for purchase, both with configurations familiar to Russians (complete with well-known branded components) and predominantly using Chinese brand parts.
Notably, the supply of Chinese excavators had been increasing even before 2022: About 600 units were supplied in 2021. But then a sharp increase followed. About 3,000 units of earthmoving equipment were imported in 2022, and 8,500 in 2023. Hence, one can now boldly rephrase the question of “which excavator to choose” to “which Chinese excavator to choose.” By the early part of 2025, there were about 30 different Chinese brand excavator products on the Russian market.
Korea
Korean excavators are well-known in Russia, and the supply from that country is ongoing. However, there’s a significant change: if previously the products were directly imported from Korea, they are now also supplied from assembly plants in China. According to manufacturers, there are no differences in configuration between the equipment assembled in Korea and China, but the cost reduction and decreased logistics expenses have had a positive impact on the price of Chinese-assembled excavators.
Belarus and Turkey
Supplies from some other countries also continue, including Belarus (AMKODOR) and Turkey (HIDROMEK). However, the supply is overall limited. It is worth mentioning that Turkish brand backhoe loaders are more well-known among Russian consumers.
Western brands
In 2022, Russian consumers became familiar with the term “parallel imports.” If initially it could be assumed that these were isolated supplies, subsequent market analysis indicated that the supply of construction machinery continued despite some brands departing the Russian market. Suppliers have given buyers the choice: either continue using familiar brands despite sharply increased prices and a lack of guaranteed post-sales service, or try new brands.
Sino-Russian brands
Another new trend is the production of construction machinery in China under the own brands of Russian suppliers. Through this method, market participants pursue several goals: to increase supply; better control the production and supply process as well as the quality of the final product.
Russia
As for production within Russia, the main issue that became more evident in 2022 is the lack of components or insufficient output. After production of earthmoving machinery stopped at the Russian factories of foreign brands, which used to be the main source of local assembly, there has been a long-term decline in the volume of earthmoving machinery. Nevertheless, Russian local companies did not stand still. Top projects by Russian manufacturers include：
the UMG’s renewed line of wheeled and tracked excavators, with an increased localization rate. The group’s production base has completed modernization.
Kraneks’ tracked excavator series began production in the spring of 2024 at the Komatsu Manufacturing Rus factory in Yaroslavl (under an agreement signed with the Japanese company).
Chetra’s tracked excavators began production in partnership with Kraneks at the production base in Ivanovo since 2023.
Professional tracked excavators, with assembly handled by a local manufacturer of attachments equipment in Russia.
DST-Ural’s excavator localization project, planned for implementation from 2025 to 2029.
Rostselmash’s venture into the construction machinery field, announced in 2021. It was initially announced that excavators would enter the product line following the company’s launch of telescopic and front loaders and backhoe loaders.
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