Influential factors

Reliability is the single most important consideration for operators when buying equipment, respondents say. Nearly 93 percent rate it as either “important” or “extremely important” when deciding what equipment they will buy. Coming in at a close second, safety is the next most influential factor for purchase. A combined 89.1 percent of respondents rate it as an “important” or “extremely important” part of the buying decision.

Other factors considered “extremely important” include parts availability (67.3 percent), dealer service (63.6 percent), and production capacity (57.3 percent).

Factors considered “not important at all” are a bit of a surprise. Operator comfort (7.3 percent), fuel efficiency (6.4 percent), equipment manufacturer (5.5 percent), warranty (5.5 percent), and dealer service (5.5 percent) are all listed among the factors having the least influence over purchasing decisions.

Table 1. Operator spending intentions for the next year.

                                                                              Spending           Spending           Spending  Stayed

                                                                            Increased           Decreased            About the Same

Automation/Technology                                       32.1%                   4.8%                      63.1%