While attending the Automotive Market Research Council (AMRC) conference recently, the Off-Highway Committee presented a forecast for North American production of lifting machinery, material handling, skid steer loaders, hydraulic excavators, highway equipment, earthmoving equipment and forestry equipment. Although this equipment isn't a typical repair for automotive technicians, it's beneficial in understanding the broad picture of mechanical repair and the potential market for skilled technicians.

Agricultural equipment is forecasted to continue production growth, reaching 79,000 units this year and with year 2004 production surpassing 101,000 units. Lifting machinery shows a similar trend, increasing from 2,050 units produced this year to 2,200 in year 2004.

Materials handling equipment climbs to an estimated 260,000 units produced in 2000 and an expected 290,000 units produced in 2004. Skid steer loaders are also enjoying an increase in unit production. The 2000 units produced are projected near 78,000 and continue to increase in 2004 with near 87,000 units.

Hydraulic excavators are projected to bobble down a bit this year with approximately 15,000 units produced. This is expected to increase by 2004 to approximately 18,250 units. Highway equipment production for 2000 will near 17,000 units. Production increases continue to 2004, with an estimated 18,500 units.

Earthmoving equipment is projected to slump in 2000 at approximately 74,000 units produced. Like other off-highway equipment, earthmoving equipment shows a projected increase through 2004 and culminates at approximately 84,000 units. Forestry equipment production in 2000 also declines from the 1999 units of 4,450 to 4,200 units. This decline is short-lived and increases are projected through 2004, ending with an estimated 4,600 units produced.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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