I take delivery of an Avant 528 tomorrow

ddbackhoe · Mar 23, 2015

BX tent guy said:
I agree about their website. More info is available on the UK version of the site as the machine is more popular over there. I'll take some measurement once it gets in. Regarding lifting capability I believe the figure is retracted but I don't see why that would matter in the fully raised position. As in, if you pick up 2100# (the machine rating) and try to extend it straight out that might be a problem. However, if you lift it all the way up and then extend it should be ok as it's going more "up" and less "out". I have a few tons of pellets around to experiment with. Regarding the bouncy factor, there are counter balance weights for the machine, I plan to adjust those to suit the job. For tenting I'll need no weights, for pellets the 400# side weights and maybe a 70# rear weight or loaded tires.

Oh. :duh: I jumped the gun and thought you already had yours. Some of the youtubes I watched makes it look light in the rear. but the one that has me in the 85% sold category is here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kWseMKRKmY

BX tent guy · Mar 23, 2015

ddbackhoe said:
Oh. :duh: I jumped the gun and thought you already had yours. Some of the youtubes I watched makes it look light in the rear. but the one that has me in the 85% sold category is here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kWseMKRKmY

Unloaded they are very light in the front. The motor is behind the back tires as is a 375# built in counter weight. If it does start lifting the back tires there is an alarm that sounds. Mine was supposed to arrive by now, Apparently it will be tomorrow. In that video the machine has one suitcase weight on the back, 70#, but it does not have the 400# side weights.

BX tent guy · Mar 26, 2015

I took delivery of this machine and immediately put it to work. A ton of pellets is right at the limits of it's operating range. It was able to pick up and transport a 1 ton pallet of pellets, that is pretty impressive for a machine that weighs 3500#. There are some tricks to getting it off the ground due to the geometry of the boom. Once in the air about 6" me and a friend bounced on the forks in an effort to tip it. With the ton plus 400# of human at the fork tips we couldn't get it to fall forward. It's a very odd thing to drive, foreign to anything I've experienced. The operator sits on the front and when turning the rear pivots dramatically. In a left turn you look over and the rear of the thing is beside you, it almost folds in half, the tires come within 4" of each other.

SweBota · Mar 26, 2015

The Avant is invented and made in Finland, and has a very good reputation here.

It turns just like the Husqvarna Front Deck Riders. It takes a while to get used to but its much better than conventional steering in most situations.

There is an R28 model if you prefer to sit on the back part of the machine and have the front part turn.

/Marcus

woodchipper · Mar 26, 2015

Congratulations on the purchase of your new articulated mini loader! Seems like a small skidsteer with central articulation. Definitely a machine that could favor many in situations where confinement and ease of mobility are part of day to day work environment. It will definitely boost you tent business.
Maybe you could post pics of your machine, with the attachments, so we can all benefit from your teachings!

ddbackhoe · Apr 11, 2015

BX tent guy said:
I took delivery of this machine and immediately put it to work. A ton of pellets is right at the limits of it's operating range. It was able to pick up and transport a 1 ton pallet of pellets, that is pretty impressive for a machine that weighs 3500#. There are some tricks to getting it off the ground due to the geometry of the boom. Once in the air about 6" me and a friend bounced on the forks in an effort to tip it. With the ton plus 400# of human at the fork tips we couldn't get it to fall forward. It's a very odd thing to drive, foreign to anything I've experienced. The operator sits on the front and when turning the rear pivots dramatically. In a left turn you look over and the rear of the thing is beside you, it almost folds in half, the tires come within 4" of each other.

What are your impressions about it now?

JJZ 109 · Apr 11, 2015

I'd consider something like that if the hydraulics could run a snow blower and there was a heated cab option. But the Bobcat S185 is serving me well so far. And it's paid for.

Tor Arne · Apr 11, 2015

JJZ 109 said:
I'd consider something like that if the hydraulics could run a snow blower and there was a heated cab option. But the Bobcat S185 is serving me well so far. And it's paid for.

They can be supplied with heated cabin, Snowblower is no problem.

JJZ 109 · Apr 11, 2015

Tor Arne said:
They can be supplied with heated cabin, Snowblower is no problem.

I like it.

Dadnatron · Apr 18, 2018

BX tentguy...

How are you liking the machine?

I've been thinking about getting something smaller, (tractor) but as I've thought about it, one of these would likely fit my needs and utility much better. I've looked at the PowerTracs as well, but this one seems to have more history/activity concerning attachments et al.

I'd be using it on 85ac horse farm. I'd also use it as a mower... if it would work in that regard. It appears to... but I don't know whether anyone is using it as a general mower for along fences etc. I have a batwing for big stuff... but given I was looking at getting a Ferris 3200IS for $12K, I thought this might add more utility than a purpose built mower.