Avant Tecno showcases largest wheel loader yet

TAMPERE, Finland – At a press conference at Avant Tecno’s Finnish headquarters, Lawn & Landscape got a first look at the 800-series equipment expected to be in production in September.

Two models round out the 800 series: The Avant 860i featured a Kohler KDI 1903 TCR 42 kW/57 hp common rail turbocharged diesel engine and is U.S. Tier 4 final compliant.

The Avant 850 with Kubota V2403 36 kW/49 hp diesel engine is designed for markets outside the scope of EU Stage V and U.S. Tier 4 final emission standards.

With these larger compact articulating wheel loaders, the machines reach speeds of about 18 miles per hour and have an increased lift and tow capacity. Each 800 series unit has a lift capacity of about 4188 pounds. Compared to Avant’s 700 series, the new loaders are capable of roughly 1,300 more pounds of lift capacity. The telescopic lift feature has been enhanced to make it easier to load and unload materials onto trucks. With the new models, the lift extends roughly 11 feet and the hydraulic system gives an additional 32 inches of lift height.

“These can still run on your turf and even over newly laid stone,” said Jani Käkelä, executive vice president of Avant. Käkelä said the turf-friendly design was well-liked in smaller models, and although the 800 series is Avant’s largest, customers can still expect the same feature.

Each loader can be transported on a 3-ton trailer as well and can be used with any of Avant’s existing attachments.

Photo by Lauren Rathmell
The expanded factory space will house a larger assembly line.

Production is scheduled to begin in September 2019 and testing is being carried out through March. Avant recently began to expand its factory space with an overall $11 million investment into factory operations. The factory is on track to produce 120 units a week by the spring and 150 machines by 2020 with the increased space. The expansion will boost Avant’s personnel at its Finnish headquarters from 200 to 250.

In the newly purchased wing of the factory, which was formerly a glass factory, the company has plans to create larger automated assembly lines to begin producing the 800 series machines. Currently, the line is about 230 feet long. With the expansion, the new line will be more than 420 feet.

Avant’s electric line, which features the E5 and E6 machines, has also received a series of updates, including a new digital display system. Export sales manager, Jukka Vaattovaara says the company has noticed that the demand for its electric machines has increased recently. The electric models make up about five percent of Avant’s production.