his report reviews the Indian market for backhoe loaders, and is an update of the study last published by Off-Highway Research in July 2021. The study includes only purpose-built backhoe loaders powered by diesel engines and excludes any other equipment such as skid-steer loaders, industrial or agricultural tractors with backhoe attachments.

All backhoe loaders manufactured in the country have a simple design with a rigid chassis and currently fall in the 49-100 horsepower range. In terms of sales by horsepower categories, the market has been witnessing a changing trend, particularly from the last year, with rising share of the under 50 horsepower category. The most popular models sold in India still feature a 70-79 horsepower engine, 2 wheel drive, side-shift, a 1.0 m3 loader bucket and a 0.23-0.25 m3 backhoe bucket. Centre mount models have only limited appeal, and some demand exists for higher horsepower and 4-wheel drive machines. This report includes the detailed analyses of sales trends by horsepower, which is especially important in view of the current market dynamics.

Backhoe loader manufacturers also offer only a loader version of the machine with a counterweight, which is included in the sales and production of backhoe loaders in this report.

The findings presented in the report are based on Off-Highway Research’s database, and on an interview programme which was undertaken with all the important domestic manufacturers during May and June 2022.