Major overseas suppliers for the small, compact machines include Kubota from Japan and Ingersoll-Rand, which acquired SuperStay in the Czech Republic two years ago. Ingersoll--Rand now imports the SuperStay machines (sold previously under the EarthForce America brand name) and sells the machines under its own name as well as the Bobcat brand. In 2002, 1R and Bobcat accounted for about 9 percent of the small backhoe market -- that in the first year of marketing. In 2003, Ingersoll-Rand and Bobcat will very likely start taking share away from the leaders, which will alter the makeup of the market within 12 to 18 months. Going back to the standard backhoes, it is interesting to note that Case, Deere and Caterpillar (in that order) are still the major stakeholders in North America. New Holland also has a strong market position. These four companies accounted for over 85 percent market share in 2002, down a trifle from years past. Terex became a more active player in the marketplace in 2002, jumping from a 2 percent market position in 2001 to a 5 percent participant in 2002. Terex used a very aggressive pricing scheme to gain market share during the year, which apparently worked successfully. I believe the Terex product line, which is well-engineered, is going to be better known in the future.

"Our goal for the NAFEM show is to increase operator participation while maintaining the same level of support from the trade," said Mike L. Carpenter, NAFEM president and president of Amco Smallwares, a division of Focus Foodservice. "The consistency of dates and location will help improve brand recognition for the industry''s premier equipment and supplies showcase."Carpenter also added that "purchasing decisions made in the first quarter may be implemented in time to have a positive effect on an operation''s ability to meet its sales and operational goals."

Though light in weight, Airbor magnetic drill has a powerful 1.6-hp air motor and 1,600-lb magnetic holding strength. With its extra rack, stroke length is extended to 10 1/4 in. Annular cutter capacity is up to 2 1/16 in. diam. Geared chuck adapter converts the unit to a standard drill press. The Slugger Air Force pneumatic drill, at 24 lbs, 6 1/4" high, is useful for confined area drilling. The drill''s features include a permanent magnet that turns on or off by air power, a cutter capacity of up to 1 1/16" diameter x 3/4" depth and the ability to use ShortSlugger cutters and frame cutters. These cutters'' geometry allows the operator to drill multi-layered truck frames in a single pass.

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