SALES of construction equipment in Scotland rose by more than 23% in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2021, new research has shown.
Overall UK sales of construction equipment in March were 3.5% below 2021 levels, but sales for the whole of Q1 ended up 2.7% above the corresponding period last year.
The finding were revealed by the construction equipment statistics exchange, which is run by Systematics International. The scheme is run in partnership with trade body Construction Equipment Association (CEA).
The slowing rate of UK growth is said to be in line with expectations following the very high levels recorded in 2021.
Wheel loaders showed the strongest growth in Q1 sales with an increase of 38%, followed by telehandlers (37%). The weakest start to the year has been experienced by road rollers, showing nearly 40% lower sales than in the first quarter of 2021.
The most popular equipment type in the UK – mini/midi excavators – is showing a small shortfall on sales last year, with sales in Q1 at just under 4% below 2021 levels.
Most regions have shown higher levels of sales with Scotland, England’s north east, and Yorkshire being the strongest.
