John Deere launches low-cost loader for Russian market

John Deere launched a new, low-cost WL56 loader for the Russian market. The machines are manufacturered in China.
"We will compete mostly with Chinese producers," Valentin Kushneryov, a John Deere marketing director, said during a presentation of the WL56 loader at the company's plant near Domodedovo.

About 3,000 low-end loaders worth roughly a total of 7.5 billion rubles ($242 million) were sold in Russia last year, according to Kushneryov.

He identified the top four competitors in the segment as XCMG, SDLG, SEM and Liugong — all based in China and two of them having Volvo

and Caterpillar as investors.

Low-end loaders typically sell for 2.5 million rubles ($80,000) in Russia, whereas high-end models cost at least triple that.

John Deere's lower-cost loader has the company's trademark engine, high-quality ZF transmission and an Italian hydraulic system. Kushneryov said he could not pinpoint what made the model more affordable.