ArborAge Magazine Avant 745 Mini Loader Test Drive

TEST DRIVES REVIEWER | SHANE DUCK
Everyone knows by now how awesome an articulated loader can be for tree work. It almost goes without saying: boosting crew morale, saving your back, speeding up the jobs, not tearing up the grass like a skid steer or excavator might and, I am sure, there are more positives, but that’s just a few. The benefit of having a machine that can glide in and out of tight residential properties or quickly track across manicured acreage doing all the lifting with minimal or no damage to the property is enormous. It gives you the ability of turning a traditional two or three day job into a one day event.
Due to their articulation, these mini loaders can take a bit to get used to, when it comes to manoeuvring, but once you get the hang of it, they become a very valuable part of the crew.
The Avant 745 was one of the first articulated mini loaders I started to see around about 10 years ago and they are becoming more and more popular. While there are a few different brands on the market, there is a very good reason for the popularity of Avant. The quality of this machine is second to none. It’s very fast with speeds of up to 30km per hour, has easy to understand controls and a reliable 49hp Kubota engine. There is also over 150 attachments for Avant mini loaders. This 745 model in particular can lift approximately 1.5 tonnes up to 3m in the air (that I personally can vouch for), which makes it good for loading logs or mulch into the back of most tree trucks.
For more information on Avant ArborPro mini loaders and attachments in Australia visit avantequipment... or give us a call on 1800 686 411.