Mini crawler excavators remain popular in France

Sales of mini crawler excavator accounted for 51% of total earthmoving machines sold in France in 2018.

Before 2015, mini excavators represented less than 50% of total earthmoving equipment sales. But the market share has risen gradually since then to 51% in 2016 and 52% in 2017, making them the biggest selling machines within France’s construction equipment sector, according to industry, according to a new report by CISMA, a Paris-based trade association for companies in France that produce and sell equipment for construction as well as the steel industry and handling sector.

The mini crawler excavator market expanded significantly from 2015 to 2018 due to the increased investment in not only construction but civil engineering. There is also a lot of ongoing work in many French cities which supports the market.

From 2015, the mini crawler excavator sales have increased by 18.5% each year on average. In 2018, the French market reached 11,390 units, a similar level to records set in 2007 and 2008.

Purchases by rental companies also has contributed to the growth of the market, reaching 2,800 units in 20189 - around 24% of the total market mini crawler excavator market.

However, manufacturers expect a stabilisation of the market in 2019 or possibly a very slight decline.

Meanwhile, CISMA says that it is merging with PROFLUID - the French association of pump, agitator, valve and compressor manufacturers - to form EVOLVIS, “dedicated to mechanical equipment manufacturers”.