Video: Breaking Down Avant Tecno’s Small Articulated Loader Lineup with U.S. President Beau Slavens
In Compact Equipment’s latest Machine Heads video, host Wayne Grayson sits down with Beau Slavens, president of Avant Tecno USA, to discuss the growing popularity of small articulated loaders (SALs). Avant’s lineup of compact tool carriers offers versatility across various industries, making these machines increasingly popular in North America. This video interview provides valuable insights into Avant’s machines, attachments and the expanding demand for SALs. Here’s a quick summary of what Avant offers, the history of SALs and advice on selecting the right model for your business.
A Quick History of Small Articulated Loaders
Small articulated loaders aren’t a new concept. In Europe, German machine makers like Weidemann KG (Hoftrac) and Schäffer started building small articulated loaders in the 1970s. Brands like Avant Tecno, MultiOne and Tobroco-Giant have been producing SALs for decades. In the United States, early adopters like Power Trac and Waldon Loaders have been offering SALs since the 1960s and 1980s. These machines gained more traction in Europe due to their ability to maneuver in tight spaces, avoid ground disturbance and perform various tasks with a wide range of attachments. Over the past decade, North America has started catching on to the benefits of SALs, and manufacturers like Avant Tecno have played a big role in educating the market.
Why Choose a Small Articulated Loader?
SALs offer a unique blend of versatility, agility, minimal ground disturbance and minimized tire and fuel costs compared to wheeled loaders like skid steers. Unlike skid steers and compact wheel loaders, SALs are lighter and more maneuverable. Their articulated frames allow them to make tight turns, making them ideal for landscaping, tree care, agriculture and municipal work. SALs shine on jobsites that require precision and care, such as golf courses or residential areas, where minimizing turf damage is critical. They’re also ideal for indoor applications or areas with noise and emissions restrictions.
Key advantages include:
- Minimal ground disturbance
- Exceptional lift capacity for their size
- Compatibility with hundreds of attachments
- Better visibility and entry and exit vs. skid steers
- A steering wheel for intuitive operation
Avant Tecno’s Impressive Lineup
Avant Tecno offers one of the most comprehensive SAL lineups in the industry, with 15 models ranging from 25-hp compact units to larger 57-hp machines. Here’s a breakdown of their key models:
- Avant 220: A small, 25-hp gas-powered model with 772 lbs of lift capacity. Ideal for light landscaping tasks.
- 500 Series: Avant’s most popular lineup in the United States. These models balance power and affordability. The 528 model, with a tipping load of 2,100 lbs, is particularly favored by landscapers.
- 600 Series: Offers higher hydraulic flow for attachment-heavy tasks.
- 700 Series: Popular in tree care and snow removal industries. These units have a 56-hp diesel engine and a lift capacity of over 3,000 lbs.
- Avant E527: A fully electric model with a 9-kWh battery, offering five hours of runtime in load-and-carry applications.
How to Choose the Right SAL
Choosing the right small articulated loader depends on your specific jobsite needs. Here are some questions to ask when renting or buying an SAL:
- What’s your primary application? Are you working on turf, snow or construction materials?
- How much lift capacity do you need? Some models can lift nearly 8,000 lbs.
- What type of attachments will you use? Avant offers more than 200 options, from buckets to stump grinders.
- What kind of terrain will you cover? SALs are ideal for sensitive surfaces but may need extra traction for rough ground.
- Do you need a telescoping lift arm? This feature increases lift height and reach for pick-and-place jobs.
The Rise of Electric SALs
Battery-powered SALs are already entering the market. Avant’s E527 model provides zero emissions and quiet operation, ideal for indoor and environmentally sensitive worksites. Other brands, like Case and MultiOne, are also exploring electric options. Expect more battery-powered SALs to become available in the near future as demand for sustainable construction solutions grows.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
For more insights on Avant Tecno’s SAL lineup and the future of compact equipment, check out our full Machine Heads interview with Beau Slavens on Compact Equipment’s YouTube channel. Whether you’re a landscaper, municipal worker, or tree care pro, SALs could be your next favorite machine on the jobsite.
Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.