For larger machines in regulated markets, it is continuing to use the familiar Isuzu engines. Another manufacturer to favour Isuzu is Hitachi, which used Intermat to launch five from 25 to 70 tonnes. The ZX250LC-5, ZX290LC-5, ZX350LC-5, ZX470LCH-5 and ZX670LCH-5 all feature Stage IIIB engines, while the new TRIAS hydraulic system contributes to the increased productivity,  faster operation with lower fuel consumption than on the previous Zaxis-3 range. Auto idle and auto shutdown functions help conserve fuel in periods of inactivity, and these systems also help to reduce noise. But, just as hot spots are emerging in the countries of the Middle East benefitting from an oil revenue windfall, elsewhere economies are underperforming and the region's oil importers, including Jordan and Lebanon, face challenges thanks to the higher prices.

Government spending in the region's oil importing nations is being constrained, and economies are less resilient to issues affecting the global economic environment such as the Eurozone crisis, which is also hitting the tourism industry hard.

Meanwhile, Liebherr's new additions at Intermat included the 24 tonne R 924 crawler and the 50 tonne class R 956. The R 924 features redesigned upper structure, which has a new layout to make maintenance simpler. All the daily maintenance points have now been grouped together and can be reached via the gull-wing doors. New hydraulics are teamed with a low emission 115 kW engine and the machine comes with Liebherr's LiDAT telematics system as standard.

Rising unemployment and decreasing construction spending look set to dominate in such countries for the next 12 months, and it is clear that a drive to create economies with less dependence on oil is necessary.

The R 956 also features a Stage IIB engine and is offered with an increased range of undercarriage options. This includes a mechanically retractable option, which keeps the width of the machine under the 3 m limit that is critical for transportation in some countries. There are also heavy duty undercarriage options available for harsh quarrying applications.

Indeed, while the oil exporting countries look set to see a solid year in 2012, they are also vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices, and could also be hit hard in the event of a slump.

New from Liugong is the Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim 22 tonne class 922E jaw crusher, which the company plans to start producing in Poland later this year. Liugong says fuel consumption is -8% lower than on the D-series machine it replaces. This follows the 18% improvement in fuel economy the D-series jaw crushers made over the machines they replaced.