jim454
Participating member
- Location
- The land of Utopia
"Gale Wars" Articulating loaders
- Thread starter tnttree
- Start date
- Location
- Midland,Ontario,Canada
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Hail to the king of minis.
Hail to the king of minis.
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
[ QUOTE ]
Now the only small Articulating machines that are available in the US, are the Japanese Kubota, the German made Nueson/Wacker, the American made Gehl, American made Swinger, and the lessor known American made Power Trac.
[/ QUOTE ]
UPDATE on Minis AVANT is back in the US
on the way home from TCI Expo I stopped in at the new US division of Avant Techno the Finnish made mini articulating loader. signed up to be the 1st dealer and bought the 1st NEW Avant in the US since 06. They are bringing in all there models except the 200 and 300 series.
http://www.avanttecno.com/www/index.php?PAGE=133&NODE_ID=133&LANG=2
I took the 420 back to Mpls as it is the 2012 update of the ole Gehl AL20s. There is nothing "NEW" in America that compares to this machine. Price points on the 420 make them very competitive to some of the "Cadillac" Stand on Minis.
I will get a grapple on it and snap some pics & video of it pulling some brush and logs around. Try to get them posted in the coming week.
Those people that already own the old AdvantAL20 and even multione/trac owners may want to look at these very well designed machines.
Stay tuned if you are in the Market for a NEW class of mini loader.
[ QUOTE ]
Now the only small Articulating machines that are available in the US, are the Japanese Kubota, the German made Nueson/Wacker, the American made Gehl, American made Swinger, and the lessor known American made Power Trac.
[/ QUOTE ]
UPDATE on Minis AVANT is back in the US
on the way home from TCI Expo I stopped in at the new US division of Avant Techno the Finnish made mini articulating loader. signed up to be the 1st dealer and bought the 1st NEW Avant in the US since 06. They are bringing in all there models except the 200 and 300 series.
http://www.avanttecno.com/www/index.php?PAGE=133&NODE_ID=133&LANG=2
I took the 420 back to Mpls as it is the 2012 update of the ole Gehl AL20s. There is nothing "NEW" in America that compares to this machine. Price points on the 420 make them very competitive to some of the "Cadillac" Stand on Minis.
I will get a grapple on it and snap some pics & video of it pulling some brush and logs around. Try to get them posted in the coming week.
Those people that already own the old AdvantAL20 and even multione/trac owners may want to look at these very well designed machines.
Stay tuned if you are in the Market for a NEW class of mini loader.
Attachments
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Merry after Christmas
Put together this quick Video of the new Avant 420
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCuz06hesKc
yep same as the ole AL20 just better - heated seat on this one is a nice Minnesota option
After the Italian Fiasco, I pretty much felt burned by oversea's Mfgs. I still feel buying American is a very very good thing, but these little guys are about half the weight of the AL140. Everybody talks about low impact on Turf, this is now the lowest impact sit down Arty you can get in the US (2150#). It is basically the same machine as the Blue one in the Gehl Wars video.
Money? Base Avant 420~25K, AL140 Base~28K, Boxer 532 Miniskid ~ 25K
I'll have to make a better "Avant wars" video now.
Getting educated on options and the bigger models
Avant America plans to bring in container loads monthly, setting up computer parts ordering, and working out Service plans. I get a strong feeling these guys are doing it right and are in for the long haul.
comparison photos, The Avant lifts 4" higher than the Gehl 140!, and about 2' higher than the old Al20s
Merry after Christmas
Put together this quick Video of the new Avant 420
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCuz06hesKc
yep same as the ole AL20 just better - heated seat on this one is a nice Minnesota option
After the Italian Fiasco, I pretty much felt burned by oversea's Mfgs. I still feel buying American is a very very good thing, but these little guys are about half the weight of the AL140. Everybody talks about low impact on Turf, this is now the lowest impact sit down Arty you can get in the US (2150#). It is basically the same machine as the Blue one in the Gehl Wars video.
Money? Base Avant 420~25K, AL140 Base~28K, Boxer 532 Miniskid ~ 25K
I'll have to make a better "Avant wars" video now.
Getting educated on options and the bigger models
Avant America plans to bring in container loads monthly, setting up computer parts ordering, and working out Service plans. I get a strong feeling these guys are doing it right and are in for the long haul.
comparison photos, The Avant lifts 4" higher than the Gehl 140!, and about 2' higher than the old Al20s
Tr33Climb3r
Participating member
- Location
- Wisconsin
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Looks like a great machine. I have called you a couple times about the Ditchwitch Zahn. Obviously this Avant is a much bigger machine and they don't really compare. I will keep in touch.
Casey
Looks like a great machine. I have called you a couple times about the Ditchwitch Zahn. Obviously this Avant is a much bigger machine and they don't really compare. I will keep in touch.
Casey
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
I love the idea of the maneuverability of the articulated tractor and decided back in '95 to make a tractor/trailer I called the Jitney. It had an 18 horse engine powering two hydraulic motors, one on each front wheel. The cab was attached to the trailer with a wheel bearing mounted on a boom overhead, and the cab could be driven in any direction(360 degree rotation), even back towards the trailer. Where ever you steered the cab, the trailer would follow. It took a zero turn radius with trailer to a whole new level. : )
I love the idea of the maneuverability of the articulated tractor and decided back in '95 to make a tractor/trailer I called the Jitney. It had an 18 horse engine powering two hydraulic motors, one on each front wheel. The cab was attached to the trailer with a wheel bearing mounted on a boom overhead, and the cab could be driven in any direction(360 degree rotation), even back towards the trailer. Where ever you steered the cab, the trailer would follow. It took a zero turn radius with trailer to a whole new level. : )
boreality
New member
- Location
- boreal forest
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Never seen anything like that before. Makes sense. Miners need something like that, or arborists. Looks like the hitch wants to come down and say hi.
Never seen anything like that before. Makes sense. Miners need something like that, or arborists. Looks like the hitch wants to come down and say hi.
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
[ QUOTE ]
I love the idea of the maneuverability of the articulated tractor and decided back in '95 to make a tractor/trailer I called the Jitney.
[/ QUOTE ]
Surveyor
That is very cool - I love homemade innovations
[ QUOTE ]
I love the idea of the maneuverability of the articulated tractor and decided back in '95 to make a tractor/trailer I called the Jitney.
[/ QUOTE ]
Surveyor
That is very cool - I love homemade innovations
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Dave,
I have been looking into mini loader options to replace my Ramrod 1150. Of the machines potentially available to me, the Wacker Neuson, the Schaffer and the Gehl appear to be the same machine, just with different paint. Am I wrong? The other machine I was considering is the Avant.
The 400 series Avant is available in gas or diesel, and the "local" dealer has a strong preference for the diesel. My usage is primarily fall and winter (in Northern Saskatchewan) snow removal and utility work, occasionally some construction thrown in. I don't put a lot of hours on my machine. I would tend to lean towards the gas unit: lower initial cost, simpler maintenance, better cold weather performance. What do you think?
The Avant appears to be significantly smaller than the other machines, but its capabilities are comparable to the machine I currently own. I don't feel that I need more. Price wise though, there is not much between it and the larger compeditors.
Now that you have had more time on the Avant, do you have any further opinions regarding its functionality, how it compares to the other mini loader options out there?
I am not strictly an "arborist", although there are elements of my yard work that might qualify. From what I can find, you might be the foremost authority on these mini loaders. For certain, the best source of information on real world usage. I was hoping you might have an opinion for me, as well as an update for this thread.
Thanks.
Chip
Dave,
I have been looking into mini loader options to replace my Ramrod 1150. Of the machines potentially available to me, the Wacker Neuson, the Schaffer and the Gehl appear to be the same machine, just with different paint. Am I wrong? The other machine I was considering is the Avant.
The 400 series Avant is available in gas or diesel, and the "local" dealer has a strong preference for the diesel. My usage is primarily fall and winter (in Northern Saskatchewan) snow removal and utility work, occasionally some construction thrown in. I don't put a lot of hours on my machine. I would tend to lean towards the gas unit: lower initial cost, simpler maintenance, better cold weather performance. What do you think?
The Avant appears to be significantly smaller than the other machines, but its capabilities are comparable to the machine I currently own. I don't feel that I need more. Price wise though, there is not much between it and the larger compeditors.
Now that you have had more time on the Avant, do you have any further opinions regarding its functionality, how it compares to the other mini loader options out there?
I am not strictly an "arborist", although there are elements of my yard work that might qualify. From what I can find, you might be the foremost authority on these mini loaders. For certain, the best source of information on real world usage. I was hoping you might have an opinion for me, as well as an update for this thread.
Thanks.
Chip
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Chip
Thanks for appreciating my 2 cents,
Gehl copied The German Nueson (almost identical), Wacker bought Nueson. Schaffer I believe is a different German MFG not available in the States.
I think the gas Avant is a great money saver, gas starts a little easier in the cold, Diesel cost savings probably cover the cost of a future gas Engine. I would spiff for the diesel if I was in hill country. Power/lift wise its probably pretty comparable with the Ram 1150 and other Cadillac Minis, cept maybe the new DW 750 or the monster mini Vermeer 800(3800#s WOW).
The Avant is superior to the Ram and all mini SKIDS in lift height, ground speed (7.5 MPH)and NO TURF DAMAGE. + Little known to new mini owners is significant* tire and track replacement costs, compared to Articulating Loaders that virtually never wear out there tires. (*Top Notch Tree's mini skids, would average about a 9 month replacement cycle on the front tires, from lots of skidding on asphalt when chipping in the street)
There is no doubt in my mind which type of machine I would buy if my budget was around 24K. The Avant wins hands down, (I could see it riding sideways on a class A chipper). The Avant Gas option should save you bout 3K.
AvanttechnoUS, I am learning, their attachments are diverse, unique, high quality and only ~ 10% more cost than US MFGs if there is even any thing that compares. They have only shipped Diesels to America - a gas would have to be ordered (12 weeks!).
Lots of options like, Cabs, wider tires, 6 way function joystick, heated seats, and transport covers.
Avants advanced engineering and styling, to me, is like the BMW of Articulating loaders. If they hold up like their predecessor the Gehl Advantage AL20DX's did, they will continue to be very popular. From what I have seen so far I am pretty confident about that.
Chip
Thanks for appreciating my 2 cents,
Gehl copied The German Nueson (almost identical), Wacker bought Nueson. Schaffer I believe is a different German MFG not available in the States.
I think the gas Avant is a great money saver, gas starts a little easier in the cold, Diesel cost savings probably cover the cost of a future gas Engine. I would spiff for the diesel if I was in hill country. Power/lift wise its probably pretty comparable with the Ram 1150 and other Cadillac Minis, cept maybe the new DW 750 or the monster mini Vermeer 800(3800#s WOW).
The Avant is superior to the Ram and all mini SKIDS in lift height, ground speed (7.5 MPH)and NO TURF DAMAGE. + Little known to new mini owners is significant* tire and track replacement costs, compared to Articulating Loaders that virtually never wear out there tires. (*Top Notch Tree's mini skids, would average about a 9 month replacement cycle on the front tires, from lots of skidding on asphalt when chipping in the street)
There is no doubt in my mind which type of machine I would buy if my budget was around 24K. The Avant wins hands down, (I could see it riding sideways on a class A chipper). The Avant Gas option should save you bout 3K.
AvanttechnoUS, I am learning, their attachments are diverse, unique, high quality and only ~ 10% more cost than US MFGs if there is even any thing that compares. They have only shipped Diesels to America - a gas would have to be ordered (12 weeks!).
Lots of options like, Cabs, wider tires, 6 way function joystick, heated seats, and transport covers.
Avants advanced engineering and styling, to me, is like the BMW of Articulating loaders. If they hold up like their predecessor the Gehl Advantage AL20DX's did, they will continue to be very popular. From what I have seen so far I am pretty confident about that.
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Dave,
Thanks for the feedback!
I am in the early stages of this process. The Ramrod should last me for a bit yet, so I can take my time to get it right.
I am hoping to get over to the dealership sometime in the next month or so for a little hands on. My closest Avant dealer is about 9 hours away, so a little planning is required here.
I want to like the Avant, on paper it is pretty impressive. It seems like it should do almost everything the Ramrod can, and it should be even more functional in a number of areas too. Nothing like a little seat time, though.
The idea of a cab has some appeal (think snowblower). If I end up with a liquid cooled machine, a heater would be nice. Not sure how much difference there is between the 400 series and the 500 series (size, cost, etc) and whether that would be a deal breaker. Just thinking out loud here. All part of the process, I guess.
Still looking for a brush grapple, was thinking something along the lines of the Anbo or something similar. Are there benefits to the more horizontal rake teeth of the Avant grapple I should consider? What would be your first choice for a brush/utility grapple?
I appreciate all the help. Thanks again.
Chip
Dave,
Thanks for the feedback!
I am in the early stages of this process. The Ramrod should last me for a bit yet, so I can take my time to get it right.
I am hoping to get over to the dealership sometime in the next month or so for a little hands on. My closest Avant dealer is about 9 hours away, so a little planning is required here.
I want to like the Avant, on paper it is pretty impressive. It seems like it should do almost everything the Ramrod can, and it should be even more functional in a number of areas too. Nothing like a little seat time, though.
The idea of a cab has some appeal (think snowblower). If I end up with a liquid cooled machine, a heater would be nice. Not sure how much difference there is between the 400 series and the 500 series (size, cost, etc) and whether that would be a deal breaker. Just thinking out loud here. All part of the process, I guess.
Still looking for a brush grapple, was thinking something along the lines of the Anbo or something similar. Are there benefits to the more horizontal rake teeth of the Avant grapple I should consider? What would be your first choice for a brush/utility grapple?
I appreciate all the help. Thanks again.
Chip
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
Dave,
I have to admit this last tidbit was much less helpful than your previous posts.
Any thoughts on the Avant cab?
I have read some of your posts in regards to your Branch Manager Grapple. For moving trees and large brush, I can see the advantages, especially through standing trees. As a general purpose grapple, I am less convinced of its overall utility. I am open to other opinions, but as it stands I am not convinced that it would be my best option. Unfortunately, the likelihood of my seeing one first hand is almost nil. Do you truly see your grapple as the best all-round option?
I apologize if I seem ungrateful. I am just hoping to gain as much insight into my next purchase before actually spending the $.
Thanks for your help.
Chip
Dave,
I have to admit this last tidbit was much less helpful than your previous posts.
Any thoughts on the Avant cab?
I have read some of your posts in regards to your Branch Manager Grapple. For moving trees and large brush, I can see the advantages, especially through standing trees. As a general purpose grapple, I am less convinced of its overall utility. I am open to other opinions, but as it stands I am not convinced that it would be my best option. Unfortunately, the likelihood of my seeing one first hand is almost nil. Do you truly see your grapple as the best all-round option?
I apologize if I seem ungrateful. I am just hoping to gain as much insight into my next purchase before actually spending the $.
Thanks for your help.
Chip
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
I wouldn't run a machine with any other grapple than a BMG, FYI. Also not getting paid to say so. I don't see advantages with a grapple/demo bucket on that size machine. Other than moving stump grindings. Get the clam shells with the BMG, if planning on doing so.
BMG is great for loading the chipper, loading logs, skidding logs too heavy, also your not carrying a piece sideways like a bucket so less trimming to fit through tight areas, pulls small stumps/shrubs/trees, pulls/lifts hung up trees buy the but ends. very nice grapple, can't wait to upgrade to the new one some day.
I am in the same boat as you. Have an older Thomas, love the controls so much I can't upgrade. Would like to get a new mini loader, and a Gehl 340 size machine...someday.
I wouldn't run a machine with any other grapple than a BMG, FYI. Also not getting paid to say so. I don't see advantages with a grapple/demo bucket on that size machine. Other than moving stump grindings. Get the clam shells with the BMG, if planning on doing so.
BMG is great for loading the chipper, loading logs, skidding logs too heavy, also your not carrying a piece sideways like a bucket so less trimming to fit through tight areas, pulls small stumps/shrubs/trees, pulls/lifts hung up trees buy the but ends. very nice grapple, can't wait to upgrade to the new one some day.
I am in the same boat as you. Have an older Thomas, love the controls so much I can't upgrade. Would like to get a new mini loader, and a Gehl 340 size machine...someday.
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
[ QUOTE ]
Dave,
I have to admit this last tidbit was much less helpful than your previous posts.
Any thoughts on the Avant cab?
I have read some of your posts in regards to your Branch Manager Grapple. For moving trees and large brush, I can see the advantages, especially through standing trees. As a general purpose grapple, I am less convinced of its overall utility. I am open to other opinions, but as it stands I am not convinced that it would be my best option. Unfortunately, the likelihood of my seeing one first hand is almost nil. Do you truly see your grapple as the best all-round option?
I apologize if I seem ungrateful. I am just hoping to gain as much insight into my next purchase before actually spending the $.
Thanks for your help.
Chip
[/ QUOTE ]
Cab is Top Notch - can't get it on the 420 though
(can get a 3 window "workman's" cab though)
No worrys you ungrateful busterd tree guy,
. . just kiddin
a Rake/demoliton style grapple does have advantages if
you are doin demolition cleanups, dirt moving, rooting out small sucker brush, firewood, and it will grab brush and logs.
BUTT for strictly Tree Work operations the bypass grapple is far more eficient at moving brush and logs.
If you do a large share of tree work buy my grapple, if you scoop up a lot of misc crap/garbage get a bucket style grapple. HELL you just might need both styles in the case you do a lot of both.
mighty kind of you Brendon
[ QUOTE ]
Dave,
I have to admit this last tidbit was much less helpful than your previous posts.
Any thoughts on the Avant cab?
I have read some of your posts in regards to your Branch Manager Grapple. For moving trees and large brush, I can see the advantages, especially through standing trees. As a general purpose grapple, I am less convinced of its overall utility. I am open to other opinions, but as it stands I am not convinced that it would be my best option. Unfortunately, the likelihood of my seeing one first hand is almost nil. Do you truly see your grapple as the best all-round option?
I apologize if I seem ungrateful. I am just hoping to gain as much insight into my next purchase before actually spending the $.
Thanks for your help.
Chip
[/ QUOTE ]
Cab is Top Notch - can't get it on the 420 though
(can get a 3 window "workman's" cab though)
No worrys you ungrateful busterd tree guy,
a Rake/demoliton style grapple does have advantages if
you are doin demolition cleanups, dirt moving, rooting out small sucker brush, firewood, and it will grab brush and logs.
BUTT for strictly Tree Work operations the bypass grapple is far more eficient at moving brush and logs.
If you do a large share of tree work buy my grapple, if you scoop up a lot of misc crap/garbage get a bucket style grapple. HELL you just might need both styles in the case you do a lot of both.
mighty kind of you Brendon
- Location
- Decatur, AL
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
As a former "Boxer" dealer, I can certainly see a great deal of improvement in the arms and telescopic design on the Avant.
How though, does rollback or "tilt back" capacity compare between the Avant and the Boxers. We continually had a problem with the Boxers lacking rollback "power". There were many times (due to their telescopic design) that the machine wouldn't roll back even a marginally sized log.
As a former "Boxer" dealer, I can certainly see a great deal of improvement in the arms and telescopic design on the Avant.
How though, does rollback or "tilt back" capacity compare between the Avant and the Boxers. We continually had a problem with the Boxers lacking rollback "power". There were many times (due to their telescopic design) that the machine wouldn't roll back even a marginally sized log.
Lumberjack
Branched out member
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
It's hard to have much roll back force on a telescoping machine.
Roll back is one thing the AL540 exceeds in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwxzq4ZqJrc
It's hard to have much roll back force on a telescoping machine.
Roll back is one thing the AL540 exceeds in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwxzq4ZqJrc
Jeff_Cochran
New member
- Location
- Memphis TN
Re: \"Gale Wars\" Articulating loaders
That al540 is nice. Carl would you guy be interested in a trade in on a purchase I have a sk650 with the bmg grapple maybe 150hours
That al540 is nice. Carl would you guy be interested in a trade in on a purchase I have a sk650 with the bmg grapple maybe 150hours
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