George Ionescu, product manager at Finning, said the GC machines remain a popular option for plant hire companies looking for equipment with low fuel consumption following escalating charges and which are simple to use with a level of in-built tech features to get everyday jobs done.
He said: “We’re seeing a 50/50 split between customers opting for our standard GC models and those using the performance models with embedded technologies which are very much needed on infrastructure projects such as HS2, where the latest technology is driving safety improvements, optimising productivity, and reducing the carbon footprint.
“Sustainability, the current economic climate, and the benefits of current technologies within the plant hire market drive this trend.
“The GC models are ideal for the plant hire business, and the Cat 313 GC has become one of the most popular choices in this segment because of its versatility, lack of DEF sage and exceptional fuel consumption.
The rise in sales of Cat GC machines is set to be boosted further this year when Finning launches the medium class 22-tonne Cat 966 GC medium wheel loader into the UK market, offering low operating costs, durability, and load sensing hydraulics with the same level of access to the quality after-sales support Finning has championed for decades.
He added: “At the other end of the market, Caterpillar is also developing premium technologies and electric-powered machines which will help reduce carbon emissions, but these are in the development stage and will hit the market in several years.
“Again, as a customer, there is a balance to be struck between the cost of investment in these new technologies – as an electric machine could cost five times as much as a similar diesel-powered one – and the number of hours the machine will be used and the type of jobs that these machines will be performing. With the current economic climate and market challenges, the question is which sustainable solutions are best for each of our customers. It is why Caterpillar offer a broad range of products to meet these differing customer needs.”
