Tech
Kioti ready to release new skid steers and CTLs in mid-2023
Kioti will be formally launching itself into the compact construction equipment market with the release of its first skid steer and compact track loaders in the first half of 2023.
The Daedong-owned brand, which has been a fixture in the hobby farm market with its compact utility tractors, introduced its dealers to the concept of entering the compact construction equipment market in late 2020.
Design changes, supply chain challenges and the pandemic set back the official debut of the machines, originally slated for early 2022.
A key component for Kioti is that the new machines are designed, engineered and manufactured by the company. Kioti has emphasized that it is not privately labeling anyone else’s machines.
“The design, engineering and manufacturing, everything is being done in-house,” said Jason Boerger, Kioti product manager. The company’s goal is to bring a product to the market that will benefit its customers at an affordable price. At the 2022 Equip Expo in Louisville, Boerger said there were just a few things to line up before the SL750 and TL750 hit the market in 2023.
“The machines themselves, the design, everything is pretty well raring to go,” he said.
Pricing on the new machines is still being finalized, but Boerger said Kioti would be aggressive and competitive.
At the heart of the Kioti loaders is a 4-cylinder 74-horsepower Daedong engine, the newest engine entrant among CTLs and skid steers, competing against such established compact engine manufacturers as Yanmar, Kubota and Kohler. Almost all Kioti’s under-75-horsepower products, except for the zero-turn mowers, have Daedong engines. Engine software has been updated to include an anti-stall function.
All specs remain preliminary; however, the 74-horsepower compact track loaders and skid steers will be positioned mid-range in both markets. Preliminary specs have the TL750 CTL weighing 9,315 pounds, and the SL750 skid steer has an operating weight of 8,157 pounds.
“A lot of the specs will look very similar to some of the things you see in the industry, but we always try right out of the gate to one-up each other and come up with a new model,” Boerger said. He cited the Kioti lift heights to the pins of 126 inches as the spec that sticks out compared to some other brands.
“The theory that we’re working with is we’re trying to be very competitive due to being a new entrant into this need space,” he said. “Part of that is we’re just going to offer a lot of standards.”
For example, the layout of the control buttons was shifted so it lines up with what’s common within the industry, geared toward potential rental customers.
“We kept that in mind when looking at this from a rental perspective,” Boerger said. “As a rental customer is jumping in from one to the other, or a customer needs to rent for a short time, they’re not going to jump in this and be completely lost.” If someone owns a Bobcat, Case or Cat loader and a short-term rental, generally everything will be the same if they rent a Kioti machine.
“We kind of took a look at it from the perspective of how can we make this as simple as possible and try to match the industry the best we can,” he said.
Plans are to offer open and enclosed cab versions of the two machines. The enclosed-cab machines would include several standard items including front and rear LED lights, two speeds, self-leveling, a hydraulic pilot joystick, an in-cab display, a suspension seat. From a comfort perspective, Kioti is going with a roll-up style door, which Boerger says customers requested.
Kioti is going with a roll-up style door and customers who have seen the machines up close have commented on the overall roominess of the cab.Equipment World
“We’ve gotten a lot of comments on the door, which might not look like anything, but just overall, it’s a lot easier to use,” he said. Also, those who have seen the machines have noted the overall size and roominess of the cab.
“A lot is going on this cab,” Boerger said. “There’s a lot of space in there and a lot of foot room.”
The display in the cab has access to a rearview camera, so operators can see what’s going on behind them when backing up. In addition, the monitor provides service codes and service reminders to the operators.
“It’s a very intuitive system,” Boerger said.
Along the front of the machines, there have been a few changes since the original prototypes were unveiled. One thing that stands out for Kioti customers and dealers about the company’s products is their quality and durability.
“We were close when we showed them last year, but we started adding more durability elements to this,” Boerger said. “We just kind of started bolting on some stuff; we added more steel, so we’ve got a lot more protection up front.” More bolt-on pieces were also added to make it easier to replace a section should it get damaged.
“There’s a lot of protection in steel that’s built into the design of this machine, so there’s a lot of robustness,” Boerger said. “Customers are very impressed with how rugged this machine looks with some of the features that we’ve designed into it.”
Along the sides of the machines, where often you’ll see exposed hoses, Kioti routed them to limit the possibility of snags and tucked them behind the arm for additional protection.
For service access, Boerger said, you lift the rear hatch and open the tailgate and remove a couple of bolts to swing the radiator out. “We pulled a lot of the common components you see underneath the seat or under the cab to the back of the machine,” he said. “They’re easy to reach, and they’re easy to service.”
Removal of a few bolts at the rear of the machine provides access to all major components.Equipment World
Kioti has about 500 dealers throughout North America. It expects both new machines to benefit from those established relationships it has in the hobby farm and rural lifestyle markets.
Also, Boerger said, the zero-turn mowers it launched in 2019 have attracted landscape contractors. Likely, those landscapers and other contractors will be interested in the new skid steer and CTL.
“There’s a lot of different things that these machines can do, they’re the Swiss Army knife, I guess of equipment,” he said.
Its dealer network drove Kioti to enter the compact construction equipment market. “Whenever you ask the dealer network, the conversation is always, what do you want to go to next?” Boerger said. “Their ask matched our data, which all led to compact construction equipment.”
As for size, that decision was based on where the sales are. In recent years, compact equipment has been getting larger, with multiple brands coming out with their biggest CTL or biggest skid steer ever. While there is a growing market on the upper end for 90-plus-horsepower machines, Boerger said, the volume remains in the compact world.
“That’s why you are seeing us start you with the 74-horsepower medium-frame loaders,” he said. “In theory, the bread and butter, the volume in the industry is still a compact.” Many customers are trying to avoid diesel exhaust fluid, which is not required if the engine is under 74 horsepower.
Although the new loaders and their related attachments have not even reached the market yet, Kioti dealers are already asking, what’s next?
“We’ve got a couple of projects that are already in the works,” he said. “They’re in the very early stages, but you can expect to see more products in this compact construction-type lineup in the future.”
Quick specs
SL750
- Engine: Kioti 74 hp
- Tipping Load: 5,380 lbs.
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,689 lbs.
- Operating Weight: 8,157 lbs.
- Lift Height To Hinge Pin: 126.6 inches.
TL750
- Engine: Kioti 74 hp
- Operating Weight: 9,315 lbs.
- Tipping Load: 6,570 lbs.
- Rated Operating Capacity: 2,300 lbs.
- Lift Height To Hinge Pin: 126.4 in.
Additional steel plating was added to the machine from the original design. In addition, hose routing was carefully plotted to avoid snags.Equipment World
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.
On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.
So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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