France has a liking for wheeled excavators
Just under 14,200 excavators were sold in France last year, up 35% on the previous year. Of these, 1,400 wheeled machines have been sold. Therefore, one in ten excavators sold in France is a wheel excavator.
The French market of wheeled excavators is the third largest market in the world after Korea and Germany. In Europe, it is the second biggest market after Germany and represented 20% of global demand for wheel excavators last year (in unit terms). But, regarding only light machines (wheeled excavators with an operating weight below 11,000kg), France hold the first place in Europe. Indeed, this market has grown faster than heavy wheel machines (over 11 tons). According to the sales volumes in the first four months of 2017, this trend is continuing.
The operating weight range of 8,000 to 15,000kg concentrate the largest part of the total market, a bit more than two thirds.
This kind of machine is very popular in France and particularly well adapted for urban projects.
At last, the overall French wheel excavators market is expected to grow this year by more than 10%. The increase will be stronger concerning machines under 11 tons with a forecast between +20% / +30%.