Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/548484
will be noticeable and custom- ers whose work typically involves these applications should stay with higher-power machines. Examples include loading, roading and pro- duction work. Rent spec right for more than rental What OEMs often refer to as the rental market is much larger than rental and includes first-time buy- ers; owners, especially of large fleets, who never run their own equipment but instead rely on oper- ators; and those seeking to fill gaps in their fleets. "The new Case 580N EP model, with its lower horsepow- er engine and basic standard offer- ing, is ideal for the rental market but is also an excellent entry-level opportunity for that contractor who has thought about buying a back- hoe but hasn't pulled the trigger," says Katie Pullen, brand market- ing manager for Case Construction Equipment. "It's also more practical for contractors to add to their fleets than more fully-featured models. It's a great option for contractors seek- ing to grow their businesses." Although the 580N EP is relatively basic in order to meet the needs of the rental market, that's not its only configuration. "Renters don't want to pay for extra features," Pullen says. They want simplicity. "But contractors see the 580N EP as a blank slate that can be optioned up to provide the features they need for their businesses. That way, they're not buying more than they need." Even within the rental market, there are segments such as land- scapers and site prep contractors, utilities and oil and gas pipeline construction, says Joe Turnage, product specialist with Terex Construction Americas. Down-spec models are simpler to set up and use for those who don't run them every day and they're priced right for rental houses. Those attributes make them appealing to other cus- tomers, says Turnage. The type and number of stan- dard features varies on rental- ready machines. Although Deere's 70-horsepower 310L EP is consid- ered a down-spec model, it still has as standard a 4-speed powershift transmission, a fuel-saving economy mode that can be configured inde- pendently for backhoe and loader functions, a multi-language digital monitor with full text diagnostic dis- play and a three-year subscription service of JDLink telematics. Right for you So how do you decide whether a down-spec rental or full-featured backhoe is right for you? Tur- nage says those digging small trenches, swimming pools and septic systems will likely be happy with rental-spec machines. Those working in gravel pits or moving heavy loads such as rock or metal should look only at higher-spec machines with more power and heavier components. Kevin Hershberger, senior market professional of backhoe loaders for Caterpillar, says their 415F2 with 68 horsepower will hold its own against the compa- ny's 87-horsepower 416F2 dur- ing backhoe operation. "But in horsepower demanding situations like aggressive front loader work or extended roading applications, the higher power of the 416F2 will become more evident," he says. "In my experience, few customers are able to move down in perfor- mance and be satisfied with that change. On the other hand, not all customers use the full power available on their current ma- chines, so a move to a lower spec machine doesn't necessarily mean it won't meet their requirements. It all comes down to matching machine performance with the customer's needs." August 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com 44 machine matters | continued John Deere John Deere's new 310SL HL and its stable mate, the 410L, offer up to 25 percent more craning capability than their K Series predecessors. An additional 10 to 15 percent boost is available at the push of a button through the new Lift Mode feature. In Lift Mode, engine speed is set to 1,400 rpm and hydraulic pressure is maximized for craning operation.