Finnish wheeled loader manufacturer, Avant Tecno, has just launched its largest and most powerful range of machines to date.

Based at Tampere in the centre of the country, it is building a longer production line to cope with sales demand and build the new flagship 800 Series, with Scotland already viewed as one of the target areas that it sells to in the UK.

Consisting of two models, the 800s include the 860 for the EU and North American markets and the 850 model for all other regions. Production starts this summer for the new models which push the limits of compact loader’s performance to a 1900kg lift capacity and 3.5m lift height.

However, measuring only 1.5m wide, 3.4m long and 2.2m tall and weight starting at 2500 kg, the 800s have been designed to be a versatile and compact. When comparing the new series to the previous model range, the 700 Series, the 800s have an extra 600kg lift capacity and 10% extra pushing power.

They also have an extra 47cm lift height compared to the 700s and 500kg more bucket crowd force. They sits 12cm higher, 33cm longer, 5cm wider and have an extra 10cm in wheel diameter.

The Avant 860i is powered by a Kohler KDI 1903 TCR 57hp common rail turbocharged diesel engine, which is EU Stage V and US Tier 4 final compliant. For the Avant 850, a Kubota V2403 49hp diesel is used, making it suitable for markets outside the scope of EU Stage V and US Tier 4 final emission standards.

They have a hydrostatic transmission with a hydraulic drive motor on each wheel, together with two drive speeds, which is a familiar feature of Avant’s existing compact loaders. The maximum drive speed is 30 km/h and auxiliary hydraulics oil flow for attachments is as high as 80 l/min.

A telescopic loader boom is a standard feature on the series. As well as extending and retracting hydraulically 825mm, it gives a maximum lift height of 3.5m to the hinge pin. This enables loading on trucks with high sides, or mixer feeder wagons and unloading from a high level, their hydraulic self-levelling system keeps the load automatically level when lifting and lowering the boom.

The 800s have Avant’s quick attach system for implements, though other systems, like Euro 3, will be available as an option. The hydraulic hoses of the attachments are coupled with the multi connector, which allows easy connecting with a single hand movement, in all conditions.

Avant’s 800 series has a certified ROPS/FOPS open cab as standard, though an enclosed heated cab is an option. This DLX cab mounts on the chassis of the loader with anti-vibration mounts, which guarantees excellent noise and vibration isolation.

Heating, ventilation and large windows further improve the user friendliness of the DLX cab, which can be further equipped with air conditioning as well.

Avant can also supply more than 200 attachments for their loaders, all produced by sub-contractors.

The US is the most important market for Avant, where it sells around 800 loaders per year. In the UK, Avant sold more than 300 in 2018, plus 1500 attachments.

Indication are that the initial pricing in the UK will be in the region of £40,000 (€45,000) plus VAT.”

Avant also introduced the E6 fully electric loaders to the UK at LAMMA. The E6 machines are the first lithium battery-powered four-wheel-drive articulated compact loaders and are ideal where zero emissions and low noise are required, like working in confined areas, near to people, animals and plants.