From an 18-tonne motor grader built to global benchmarks to the UGV15 engineered for life below the surface, the focus for the company was firmly on purpose-driven design.
At EXCON 20205, amid the noise of machines, propaganda and deal-making, especially in the open stalls, ARX Mining & Construction Equipment quietly made a strong statement about where it is headed. For the Managing Director of the company Mr. Amarnath Ramachandran, the showcase was not just about new launches—it was about proving that Indian engineering can be premium, globally competitive, and future-ready.
The spotlight was on two very different but equally important machines. One was an 18-tonne motor grader, built to take on global benchmarks. The other was the UGV15, an underground mining vehicle designed to solve real problems faced deep below the earth’s surface. Together, the company revealed ARX’s clear intent: to build machines that combine performance, safety, efficiency, and adaptability.
Across mining sites, construction zones, ports, and industrial yards, the company’s machines are built to do one thing well—perform reliably, safely, and efficiently in demanding environments. Its engineering expertise spans a wide spectrum, from motor graders and blast-hole drill rigs to dust suppression systems, forklifts, reach stackers, container handlers, and loader cranes, creating a comprehensive portfolio that supports heavy operations from the ground up.
ARX’s motor graders form the backbone of its construction and mining portfolio. The company today offers graders from 12 tonnes to 32 tonnes, covering applications from highways and rural roads to mining operations. A much larger 75-tonne grader, being developed specifically for Coal India, is next in line.
What sets these graders apart is their premium specification. Operators sit inside Italian-imported cabins with near 360-degree visibility, air-suspension seats, and a high-end steering column with a 7-inch colour display. Safety, often overlooked in heavy equipment, is central to ARX’s thinking. Optional features such as collision-avoidance radar and autonomous emergency braking ensure the machine can stop itself if the operator is distracted.
Getting Aggregates Right
Under the skin, ARX has chosen proven global partners—Cummins engines, ZF drivelines, and axles from Germany. The focus has been on torque and fuel efficiency. Even ARX’s smaller graders consume around 10 litres per hour, significantly lower than the industry average. Importantly, this is not a brochure claim—the fuel data is visible on the machine itself, Mr. Ramachandran pointed out.
While these graders are manufactured in India with partner Apex Auto, ARX’s ambitions stretch far beyond domestic borders. The first phase of global expansion will target Africa, Australia, Chile, and South America, followed by the United States, where ARX sees potential for applications like snow ploughing.
Where Engineering Meets the Depths
If the graders show ARX’s strength on the surface, the UGV15 underground mining vehicle highlights its ability to innovate in confined, complex environments. Originally conceived as an underground grader, the project evolved after customer feedback into something more versatile—a modular underground personal carrier, he said.
The UGV15 has a fixed front section housing a five-person cabin, Cummins engine, transmission, and Dana Spicer axle. The rear section is interchangeable. Depending on the task, it can become a personnel carrier, a scissor lift, a rock scaler developed with Sandvik, a mobile lubrication workshop, or a simple load deck for material transport.
Designed for narrow mine shafts just three to five metres wide, the vehicle features a low profile and an articulated chassis with up to 40 degrees of movement on either side. This allows it to turn and manoeuvre where conventional vehicles simply cannot. As per Mr. Ramachandran’s estimates, the demand is already strong from Indian underground mines such as Eastern Coalfields, Jangra mines, and Hindustan Zinc.
Notably, ARX is the first Indian manufacturer to build such a machine—until now, these vehicles were imported mainly from Scandinavia. Beyond mining, ARX also sees potential for the UGV platform in disaster management, where its off-road ability could support rescue and emergency transport in rugged terrain.
Streamlining Through Standardisation
Behind these machines lies a strong focus on standardisation and technology. ARX uses common components—steering columns, controllers, drivelines—across its product range. This reduces inventory complexity, speeds up repairs, and simplifies aftermarket support.
Each machine is built around multiple electronic control units that communicate using the J1939 SAE protocol. Integrated telematics systems allow remote diagnostics, fault detection, and health monitoring through sensors and transducers. This not only improves uptime for customers but also feeds valuable data back into ARX’s R&D teams for continuous improvement.
Easing Ownership
To make ownership easier, ARX has tied up with Tata Capital, Axis Bank, and several NBFCs, offering flexible finance and even five-year rental models for customers who prefer asset-light operations. Alongside construction and mining equipment, ARX also plays a critical role in truck loader cranes through its partnership with HIAB of Sweden, a global leader in the segment. In India, these cranes serve both commercial and defence customers. ARX maintains over 3,500 cranes for the Indian Air Force and Army, including systems used on platforms such as Rafale weapon launchers, and works closely with DRDO on turnkey defence projects. In the commercial space, these cranes improve efficiency by reducing manpower needs and speeding up loading and unloading.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ramachandra reiterated that ARX’s vision for the next five years is clear: diversification with stability. The company plans to expand within construction, mining, cargo handling, and defence, while also developing new products such as dozers and front-end loaders. This multi-vertical approach, according to him, ensures resilience even if one segment slows down.
Sustainability is also entering the picture. ARX is working with two Italian partners on an electric demonstrator unit for its largest machines, featuring advanced motors and lithium ferro phosphate batteries. The first prototype is expected by March next year, aimed at customers seeking lower emissions and carbon credits. At the same time, the company is keeping an eye on hydrogen engines, noting that its current engine platforms are already evolving toward hydrogen-ready versions.
In a sector where scale, safety, and technology often decide success, ARX is choosing a thoughtful path—listening to customers, building globally benchmarked machines in India, and preparing quietly but firmly for the future of heavy equipment.