Avant "Knee"

[Brando CalPankian]

Folks who have run avant...

Does your left knee absolutely kill after a day of on and off the machine?

I'm beginning to hear complaints from my guys too, all left knee.

Wondering if we need to implement some stretching specifically for this.

 

[Boomslang]

Not an avant user, but I'm curious why it would be the left knee specifically on everyone?

 

[Brando CalPankian]

Not an avant user, but I'm curious why it would be the left knee specifically on everyone?

The entry and exit for the avant is only on the left.

 

[Jehinten]

Does everyone drive around with their left leg sticking out while operating? I catch myself doing that on a vermeer loader.

It could be poor ergonomics of not being fully seated in the machine. I've not ever ran the vermeer all day to have pain. I'm typically on a bobcat mini

 

[DRBetz]

I've never noticed left knee pain specifically, but I'm on the machine less than most of the rest of the crew. I have definitely noticed leaving my left leg kind of hanging out on multiple occasions, I blame my height, but at least a few of the other guys do it too.

 

[Brando CalPankian]

Does everyone drive around with their left leg sticking out while operating? I catch myself doing that on a vermeer loader.

It could be poor ergonomics of not being fully seated in the machine. I've not ever ran the vermeer all day to have pain. I'm typically on a bobcat mini

I do often actually. Hurts less to have my leg out if I'm only driving it short distances for some reason.

 

[Brando CalPankian]

I've never noticed left knee pain specifically, but I'm on the machine less than most of the rest of the crew. I have definitely noticed leaving my left leg kind of hanging out on multiple occasions, I blame my height, but at least a few of the other guys do it too.

Yeah my guys do too. We're all over 6'.

 

[RogerM]

The left leg hang out is real... My former co-worker always had it hanging out... 6'+...
I find the rigid (lack of) suspension can beat you up after a while, depending on terrain.. Lower back.
That being said.... What the Avant, or any mini articulated load can do, vs not having it... I accept the discomfort.

 

[ATH]

Isn't this the same case (left side access) with any of the articulated loaders? Mini excavator? Tractor with a cab? Your car and truck? Etc...

It certainly may be worth talking with somebody who studies ergonomics about a better way to get in and out of the loader if it's causing problems. I wouldn't be surprised if manufacturers even offered advice or training for that.

 

[Boomslang]

Is there really that little cab space in Avants? I'm 6'4" and can comfortably sit in my Giant. The thought of having my leg dangling never occured to me.

 

[DRBetz]

Is there really that little cab space in Avants? I'm 6'4" and can comfortably sit in my Giant. The thought of having my leg dangling never occured to me.

I'm not sure I think it's necessary, but I definitely find it happening. I do find driving it to be a little cramped. I'm also 6'4".

 

[Brando CalPankian]

Isn't this the same case (left side access) with any of the articulated loaders? Mini excavator? Tractor with a cab? Your car and truck? Etc...

It certainly may be worth talking with somebody who studies ergonomics about a better way to get in and out of the loader if it's causing problems. I wouldn't be surprised if manufacturers even offered advice or training for that.

That's an idea. I'll have to reach out.

One of the problems with the avant vs other equipment is that you're on and off a bit. Jump off to rig, jump off to ramp up the chipper, etc. Its also the lack of grab points and angle of the step... Idk. It's odd.

 

[ATH]

What size machine? Do I recall a 755? Is that a higher step up???

I bought a 528 late fall... haven't used it enough to really get that feel. I did add grip tape to the steps as they were slick with muddy boots when planting trees...

I'll have to intentionally think about getting on and off the machine. I think I just grab the roll cage. Maybe that's in a more difficult place on a larger machine. Are there opportunities to add a hand grab?

 

[Brando CalPankian]

What size machine? Do I recall a 755? Is that a higher step up???

I bought a 528 late fall... haven't used it enough to really get that feel. I did add grip tape to the steps as they were slick with muddy boots when planting trees...

I'll have to intentionally think about getting on and off the machine. I think I just grab the roll cage. Maybe that's in a more difficult place on a larger machine. Are there opportunities to add a hand grab?

Ours has a wind screen so grabbing the bar isn't feasible. Yes 755, it is a bit bigger.

 

[ATH]

I'd probably weld (or bolt) a handle on. But does that void any warranty? Is it a safety concern weakening the ROPS? I cannot imagine so, but I could imagine someone saying "it hasn't been tested so not OHSA approved".

 

[Friedrich]

i‘m still in the honeymoon with my intrepid loader. so far no pain and plenty of space to sit upright.

the dangling leg sound‘s dangerous to me

 

[Brando CalPankian]

i‘m still in the honeymoon with my intrepid loader. so far no pain and plenty of space to sit upright.

the dangling leg sound‘s dangerous to me

That's good to know. Intrepid is on my list to check out. I just know bm in Minneapolis carries giant loaders.

 

[Brando CalPankian]

I'd probably weld (or bolt) a handle on. But does that void any warranty? Is it a safety concern weakening the ROPS? I cannot imagine so, but I could imagine someone saying "it hasn't been tested so not OHSA approved".

Potentially, that could help. Even a couple of rope holds could be helpful.

 

[ATH]

That's good to know. Intrepid is on my list to check out. I just know bm in Minneapolis carries giant loaders.

I looked at Intrepid before I bought my Avant. They were a solid option...they were actually the first that changed my mind from a mini skid to an articulated loader.

For the smaller models and similar money to what I was spending (Intrepid KM85 would have been less), they had slightly less capacity and no boom extension. (It is available...but KM100Tele would have been $15K more than the Avant 528).

I also went back and forth about the driver in front and driver in back. I liked the driver in back because it seemed like the butt swinging around could cause problems. After using the Avant, I'm not sure that's a problem. Also the Avant sales guy, who sold other brands as well, pointed out that with small articulated loaders, the machine is more stable with a load when articulated in the "operator in front" designs (I know...he's a salesman, its his job, but it made sense).

Finally, the thing that may have been what pushed me over the edge towards the Avant was higher hydraulic flow. I'll use it to run an auger for tree planting, so that was an important factor (Intrepid KM 85 and KM 100Tele are 7.4 GMP, Avant 528 is 9.5 GPM).

That's not to downplay Intrepid - I think I'd have been happy with either. I went back and forth between the two before settling on the 528.

I looked at Giant, but no dealership anywhere near me, I didn't want to go that route.

 

[Brando CalPankian]

Avant definitely has its strengths. I really like the machine otherwise. We've had some electrical issues and dinged up plastics but nothing major. I just worry about msd's from overusing that leg.