AN innovative design improves performance by 10% in the agri-loaders sold by Avant, a Finnish company.

The novel drive system in Avant loaders consists of a variable displacement hydraulic pump, four hydraulic drive motors for each wheel and valves which are connected together with hoses and fittings.

But the latest ‘new thinking’ is aimed at reducing power loss in the system caused by heat generated by high flow rates when working. This uses more fuel and less engine power is available.

In the new system, the number of hoses and fittings has been reduced by 60% and optimised by reducing the number of 90° bends. The Optidrive system also has a centralised valve block located in the front frame of the machine.

It will be a standard feature in the Avant 700 series and available later in the 500 and 600 series.