Are you looking for a new piece of equipment for your fleet? Have you heard of Avant? Some jobs require a flexible piece of equipment, and with over 200 different attachments, Avant’s multi-functional compact loader could be the perfect addition to your team. With this said we understand that a new piece of equipment can be tricky to understand, so we are providing the tips and tricks you need.
The Basics
Foot Pedal Adjustment
One of the first things you may notice as you get inside the cab will be the foot pedals. At first glance, you will see a forward and reverse pedal. Upon inspection, you’ll see additional holes that allow you to move the pedals to adjust for foot size.
Tip: To improve your drive, keep the heel of your foot on the floor when driving.
Turning Your Avant On
When you get situated in your seat, make sure to fasten your seat belt. Avants will not turn on if your seat belt is disengaged. After this step, ensure your auxiliary hydraulics are not engaged and the battery disconnect is switched on.
Managing Your Throttle
In the Avant, the engine RPM is independent of the wheel speed. If your machine has an electronic throttle, make sure the throttle is returned to the home position before starting operation. The throttle won’t work, and the engine RPM won’t increase unless the throttle is at 0%.
Tip: If the throttle doesn’t kick into gear, return it to the home position and wait for 10 seconds. Try again.
Finding your Articulation Locks
Articulation locks are required by most regional DOTs, so it’s important to know where they are. In the GT cab model, the locks are located under the seat. For ROPS models, the locks are found at the bottom of the front half of the loader cab, above the articulation joint. Look for the bright red lock bar.
Pump Settings
The Avant may have one or two pumps, depending upon the model. Using one pump reduces oil flow and should be your default setting unless a higher hydraulic flow is required. Only switch to two pumps if the attachment requires more hydraulic power. As a rule of thumb, use one pump unless more flow is needed to avoid over-speeding attachments or stalling the loader.
Add-Ons
Anti-Slip Valve
The anti-slip switch is located at the back of the joystick. This valve equalizes the oil flow between the left and right hydraulic motors, improving traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. To engage, hold down the switch. To disengage, simply release it.
Speed Controls
If you opted for the two-speed equipment, you will have the choice to choose between “turtle” and “rabbit”. When selecting your speed, please note that it will affect your pull speed. When going at “turtle” speed, you will have 100% pull force and “rabbit” speed will decrease pull force to 50%. If you look to change speeds during a project, make sure to come to a complete stop before doing so.
Smooth Drive Button
Select machines will have a button for “Smooth Drive” which provides a dampened suspension for the boom. When driving at high speeds on uneven terrain, the machine can bounce, but this setting allows the boom to move up and down with an accumulator to make the ride smoother. When active, the boom will drop around 6 inches with a heavy load.
Tip: Turn off the “Smooth Drive” setting when loading or lifting heavy loads. It’s only intended for driving.
Maintenance
Greasing
Although you might be tempted to grease the boom, it’s not recommended. Instead, focus on greasing all the fittings on the front half of the machine. Use a high-pressure grease and apply it daily to ensure the longevity of your equipment.
Final notes
When operating your Avant loader, keep in mind that it may feel different at first. Your weight is positioned towards the back, and you’ll feel quite close to the front. When making turns, the back wheels will follow the exact path of the front wheels. If the front wheels fit, the back wheels will fit as well.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We’re here to help!