Equipment

In a significant step toward streamlining India’s construction equipment purchase landscape, Desi Machines has officially launched as a digital-first platform aimed at simplifying the discovery, comparison, buying, financing, and insurance of construction, earthmoving, mining equipment, and heavy engineering machinery. The platform has been developed specifically for the rapidly expanding needs of Tier II, III, IV, and V India, where infrastructure development is accelerating but buyers still lack easy access to informed, unbiased decision-making tools.

DesiMachines.com solves one of the most important market problems: the lack of clear and transparent advice for contractors and builders when purchasing heavy machinery and equipment. The majority of buyers— especially in rural and semi-urban India— struggle with questions like what type of machine is suitable, whether to buy or rent, how to compare between new and used models, and which financing or insurance options truly meet their needs. Purchases often rely on word of mouth, sales pressure, or limited exposure, leading to inefficient decisions and financial strain.

Currently, the platform features over 400 machines across major categories, including backhoe loaders, excavators, motor graders, and wheel loaders, and is rapidly expanding into additional segments such as dumpers, crushers, concrete equipment, and more. It empowers users to compare machines across brands, specifications, and applications, and submit inquiries for pricing, finance, and insurance—all from a single interface.

Importantly, Desi Machines operates with complete platform neutrality—it does not sell equipment nor push any specific brand—ensuring buyers receive unbiased and transparent guidance tailored to their actual project needs.

According to founder Saurav Agarwal, “At Desi Machines, we believe every contractor—whether in a metro or a Tier III town—deserves access to clear, honest guidance when investing in construction equipment. With over a decade of experience in this industry—including serving as a dealer principal for a leading OEM, overseeing on-ground sales, service, and spares, and later supporting multiple brands through my branding and marketing agency, PromotEdge—I’ve seen firsthand the confusion and inefficiencies that buyers face. Our mission is to bring clarity, transparency, and confidence to Bharat’s builders.”

With India’s construction equipment market projected to reach USD 25 billion by 2030, Desi Machines aims to bring over 4,000 products onto the platform by year-end. Since its soft launch, the platform has been receiving consistent daily inquiries from Tier III and IV regions, validating its mission.

OEMs, their dealers, and financiers are also showing strong interest, recognizing the platform’s potential to increase brand visibility in underserved markets. For newer and regional players in particular, Desi Machines offers a valuable channel to reach and educate prospective buyers who would otherwise remain inaccessible through traditional sales routes.

Desi Machines plans to continue scaling with new machine categories, expanded brand partnerships, and support services—aiming to become India’s most trusted, transparent, and comprehensive construction equipment platform.

The first quarter sales of Construction Equipment in FY 2024-25 grew 5% on a year-on-year basis, from 27,577 units in Q1 FY2023-24 to 28,902 units in Q1 FY 2024-25. The growth was a result of increasing sales in three of the five main equipment segments of the CE industry in the period April – June 2024 as compared to April – June 2023. These were Earthmoving Equipment with a 5% increase, Road Construction Equipment with a 9% increase, and Concrete Equipment with a growth of 11%. Material Handling Equipment and Material Processing Equipment, on the other hand, clocked 3% and 4% reduction in sales in Q1 FY25 as compared to Q1 FY24.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, however, the total sales figures for Q1 FY25 were 29% lower than 40,965 units sold in Q4 FY24. Except for a 1% increase in sales of Material Processing Equipment, all the other equipment segments sold lesser units than in the previous quarter. Earthmoving Equipment, which accounts for around 70% of total CE sales, registered 31% Q-o-Q de-growth, while the percentage drop Q-o-Q for the other segments stood at 29% for Material Handling Equipment, 32% for Road Construction Equipment and 19% for Concrete Equipment.

“The first quarter of the financial year is traditionally a slower one due to normal seasonality that the industry experiences every year,” said Mr. V. Vivekanand, President, ICEMA and Managing Director, Caterpillar India Pvt. Ltd. “Further, this year, there was the added effect of the General Elections in the country, which normally dampens the pace of projects in the first quarter due to the Election Code of Conduct in force, we expect with the thrust on infrastructure spending is intact and industry is hopeful to resume the momentum in demand after monsoon,” he added.

Of the total 28,902 units of Construction Equipment sold in Q1 FY25, 26,020 units were sold in the domestic market while 2,882 units were exported. The Earthmoving Equipment segment sold 19,858 units while the sales of Material Handling Equipment stood at 3,760 units, Concrete Equipment at 3,199 units, Road Construction Equipment at 1,457 units and Material Processing Equipment at 628 units for the first quarter of FY 2024-25. “Since the Indian CE industry has been on a record-breaking growth trajectory over the past two years, the slowdown in demand for construction equipment experienced during Q1 of FY 2024-25 is less than what is usually experienced in any election year,” said Mr. Jaideep Shekhar, Convener, ICEMA Industry Analysis and Insights Panel, and VP & Managing Director, APAC & EMEAR, Terex India Private Limited. “In fact, sales in the first quarter of the present year are 5% higher than those in the first quarter of last year, despite the General Election effect,” he said.

On a month-on-month basis, sales in June 2024, at 9,363 units, recorded a 2% de-growth as compared to May 2024, while there was a 5% increase over the 8,889 units of sales recorded in June 2023. While two of the five key equipment segments – Earthmoving Equipment and Concrete Equipment – registered 9% and 13% respective growth in monthly sales for June 2024, the rest of the segments, namely, Material Handling Equipment, Road Construction Equipment and Material Processing Equipment, clocked reduced sales to the extent of 7%, 15% and 5% respectively vis-à-vis June 2023.

“Overall, the industry is optimistic about the current year’s growth, as the CE industry in India has embarked upon a phase of accelerated growth spurred by the adoption of new technologies in response to emerging demand, increased localisation of components, and policies to attract increased foreign investments,” said Mr. V. Vivekanand.

CASE Construction Equipment, a CNH brand, has rolled out its Made-in-India Skid Steer Loader (SSL) for the domestic market from its state-of-the-art facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The company announced the foray of its indigenously made SSL in India during last edition of CII EXCON, extending its product range in the country.

CASE India has handed over the SSL – SR130B machine to the first Indian customer, Global Enterprises based in Pune. This marks as a momentous occasion in CASE’s journey to cater to the evolving needs of the Indian construction industry.

On this occasion, Mr. Shalabh Chaturvedi, Managing Director, CASE Construction Equipment – India and SAARC region, said, “We are delighted to offer our made-in-Pithampur Skid Steer Loader for the Indian market. Expanding our product portfolio is a step towards leveraging the enormous prospects that the country presents to the CE industry with its increased focus on infrastructural development. With our full range of construction equipment, we hope to establish ourselves as a reliable partner on the road to Viksit Bharat.”

Contrary to common perception, company’s only plant in the country has a women-led production line to manufacture the world class quality SSL, breaking gender stereotypes.

Handing over the machine, Mr. Satendra Tiwari, Executive Director- Operations, stated, “We have been exporting world-class equipment from our Pithampur facility to 105 countries, across several parts of the world in addition to India. We are pleased to provide Indian customers with these exceptional machines that boast cutting-edge technology and outstanding performance. We hope to see more of these machines on Indian roads, strengthening the nation’s infrastructure.”

India built SSL SR130B, is a 49hp, BS3 compliant model, powered with a globally renowned Perkins engine, and has rated operating capacity (ROC) of 590kg, and operating weight of 2.3 tonnes.

Globally, the company started manufacturing the SSLs since 1969 from its facilities in Burlington (USA) rolling out the 1526 Uni-Loader as the first model. Now, the company manufactures it from its Wichita (USA) & San Piero in Bagno (Italy) and Pithampur (India) facilities addressing the global demand for CASE machines.

CASE India offers a complete range of construction equipment localized in Pithampur, including vibratory compactors, excavators, backhoe loaders & now skid steer loaders.

Komatsu has introduced its first-ever electric underground drilling and bolting rigs, marking a significant advancement in the Japanese construction giant’s hard rock mining portfolio.

The launch is part of a broader update to the second generation of Komatsu’s Z2 line of small-class development drill and bolting equipment. This updated line includes an innovative resin-pumping system, optimized operator cabin ergonomics, and advanced telematics. The all-electric versions of the Komatsu ZJ21 jumbo drill and ZB21 bolter are built on a common platform, featuring a modular battery driveline specifically designed to endure the demanding cycles and challenges of hard rock mining.

“As underground mining operations increasingly shift toward electrification of their fleets, our innovative, battery-powered Z2 jumbo drills and bolters will support that pivotal transition. By integrating into existing infrastructure, we can help enhance productivity while helping to reduce operating costs,” said Johan Kempe, product director for underground drilling at Komatsu. “The rollout of our second generation Z2-class marks a milestone in our commitment to advancing mining technologies and building upon the proven success of our products to empower the future of mine operators.”

ZB21 Bolter

The new Komatsu ZB21 bolter is a small-class machine with a fully enclosed, ROPS/FOPS-certified operator cabin featuring updated controls, integrated screen handling, and industry-leading drifters manufactured by Montabert. This second-generation bolter also offers an optional pumpable resin system using J-LOK P, developed by Jennmar. This unique system allows resin to be pumped into drilled holes before bolt installation, enabling the use of more economical bolts and reducing overall project costs.

ZJ21 Electric Drill

The Komatsu ZJ21 jumbo drill, which shares many modular components with the ZB21, includes a similar operator cabin, innovative drilling feeds, advanced pilot hydraulics, and new Montabert drifters. Both vehicles are equipped with an 83 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, likely developed in collaboration with American Battery Solutions (ABS), which Komatsu acquired last year. This acquisition aligns with Komatsu’s ESG goals of achieving a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from its products by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and achieving company-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

Komatsu asserts that its battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are designed to boost productivity compared to diesel-powered alternatives, thanks to onboard charging, smart opportunistic charging capabilities, and full compatibility with existing infrastructure. These new electric vehicles represent a strategic move by Komatsu to mine lithium using lithium-powered machinery, demonstrating a smart, forward-thinking approach.

Looking ahead, there is anticipation for more electric vehicle innovations from Komatsu as they continue to push the boundaries of mining technology.

AJAX Engineering, a prominent name in India’s concrete equipment manufacturing sector, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian company to export Slip-form Pavers. These specialized machines are crucial for precise and efficient concrete laying, essential for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Highlighting this achievement, Mr. Shubhabrata Saha, the Managing Director and CEO of AJAX Engineering, remarked, “India’s engineering exports have seen impressive growth, rising from US$96 billion in April-Feb 2022-23 to US$98 billion in the same period for 2023-24. AJAX’s international business has outpaced this growth, with a 58% increase in FY24, reflecting the increasing global demand for Indian-manufactured equipment. Our success in exporting Slip-form Pavers demonstrates our commitment to technological innovation and excellence.”

Slip-form Pavers are highly versatile, used in a variety of construction projects to create smooth and durable concrete surfaces. These machines are indispensable in the construction of roads, highways, and airport aprons that connect runways to terminals and other airport facilities.

A company statement noted, “By exporting Slip-form Pavers to markets in Russia and Africa, AJAX Engineering is setting a new standard for Indian innovation and quality in the global concrete equipment industry.”

With its products now reaching over 45 countries, AJAX Engineering is firmly aligned with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India, made for the world’ initiative, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in manufacturing and engineering on the global stage.