We just bought a avant 755i to install home standby generators. We absolutely love it. It picks up almost 3000 pounds and it has no issues running any of our hydraulic attachments.
That Cast Loader is a good thing to consider over a skid steer in my mind. I like the idea of being able to turn on soft ground without ripping the ground up and making a mess! It can not replace a tractor for me but it sure can add value to my equipment list.
Thank you for Demo. At some sort of Dealer/ Manufacturers Show. I like the grapple on the larger Loader. It reminded me of the old heeling boom set up on Logging shovels.
Nice loaders. It sure does seem like a good alternative to a skid steer or track loader, especially when it comes to preventing damage to lawn areas etc.
I noticed both the front and rear axles normally run with open differentials combined with a locked center differential. While you were able to get stuck when the ground wasn't level, 99% of the time there would be more weight either on the front OR the rear - resulting in only one tire at the front OR the rear coming off the ground. I'll try to explain what I mean... In other words as long as either the front or the rear is heavier (than the other) then you should rarely get stuck like you did, and very rarely need to lock the differentials. This is because with either the front or the rear completely planted on the ground, you'll only get stuck when climbing a relatively steep obstacle or on very slippery surfaces - even with the differentials left open. I'll bet the owners manual states that you should add weight either to the front or the rear to make sure that you don't have a balanced situation where diagonal tires are able to come off the ground. It is surprising that they set it up the way they did. They should have added weight somewhere to ensure one of the axles remained planted on the ground. Back in the seventies, to muck out stalls, we used to occasionally rent a small four-wheel drive front end loader with limited articulation in the suspension. It too had a locked Center differential and open front and rear differentials. What you would notice when using it was as long as you had a load in the bucket, it had what amounted to a minimum of front-wheel drive, because one of the rear tires would regularly come off the ground but the front two would always stay on the ground. The problem with it was when there wasn't a load in the bucket it was very easy to get it stuck on only mildly uneven ground and it didn't have functioning locking differentials. When the bucket was empty you were regularly forced to use the bucket to push yourself off of little tiny bumps just to get yourself moving. You quickly learnt how to use inertia to move around the barnyard and get over all of the bumps when the loader was empty.
You should go check out the dirt monkey he’s had multiple versions of articulate loaders, and he has a cast loader that he keeps at his summer home for projects up there. He does a lot of snow removal, retaining walls projects.
After watching this I ended up having to check out their website to see the other models they have. One thing I did ponder though is, how could the traditional farmer (like Tom) benefit from an articulated loader? But I still tend to think that contractors like my uncle would be the ideal customer target. He's got an older Case skid steer which he uses in his line of work.
these are versatile machines, and as you mentioned, offer an interesting alternative to small skid steers. Just curious, does the loader use “skid steer quick attach?” Blessings.
It would Be interesting to see what this could do compared to Ventrac on brush cutting, flail mower, power rake, etc. Did I just put out a challenge,,? 😆 lol
I'd love to have a mini wheel-loader. I priced one out while shopping about for my tractor and boy are they expensive if all you're wanting to do is yard work like us. Of course that's not what they're designed for. They're made for doing big work in tiny spots. But if I had the money for something like this my main use for it would be adding a set of forks on it and using it for heavy lifting. If you're someone who sells natural animal compost this would be great for filling customers who want loads if it that are larger than what a sub-compact/compact tractor can shovel up. :)
Curt! It's been a while!Hope all is well with you and your family. The leaf plow has been an absolute game changer for me. I know you'll say no, BUT The offer is always there if you need help. I'll run it out there on a weekend if you need. BE WELL!!
@Rich Picone you are too kind. We are well, my daughter got a mobility / access service dog in January from ICAN, the Indiana Canine Assistant Network. Still getting through the learning curve, but she is doing great with him, he is changing our lives -- especially hers.
@@curtwhite876 That is great to hear! When you can witness firsthand the difference something like that can make, it truly is amazing. Continued prayers for your daughter and whole family. I look forward to checking in sometime down the road and hearing more good news.
I have been researching a lot and it seems only the Ventrac and Giant loaders offer both articulation and oscillation. Would love to know if there are other brands offering oscillating models. Have you run across any others?
I’m looking for a compact wheeled loader to replace the tractor in the wood yard for general utility work, moving logs, firewood, compost, and saw dust.
That is a very unique machine! I can see a lot of applications for it. Especially where lift capacity and size matter. It kind of reminds me of a bot on the bot wars show! Lol On a different but important topic Mr. Tim, have you heard anything about a national diesel fuel shortage coming very soon?
Problem with these machines avant- and such. The attachments are going to cost 4 times as much because there mostly all hydraulic ran instead of pto. And if your someone who is going to maintain there own machine they seem much harder to work on because everything is hidden.
As someone who operates a 4052R almost daily... It is certainly an incredible machine and has been extremely reliable after 900 hours. That being said, i dont think these castloaders are trying to directly compete with 4 series tractors.
Well, there are many machines at many price points for various needs and budgets. This one has enormous hydraulic power for its size, electric over hydraulic controls, etc. Definitely not an entry level machine. They are likely not marketing to the retired DIY person.