Avant 600-series mini loaders to get cleaner Kohler engine

Avant Tecno, the Finnish maker of diddy green compact loaders, has added a brace of new models to its mid-range 600-series.

The primary difference between the two newbies is their transmission, with the single-speed 635i limited to a pedestrian 12kph and the twin-range 640i offering a more practical 23kph.

These new i-branded derivatives directly replace the previous 635 and 640, with improvements centring on a change of engine supplier.

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This has seen the old Kubota four-cylinder diesel block ousted in favour of Kohler’s naturally aspirated, 1.4-litre three-cylinder KSD 1403, which is tuned to deliver a princely 26hp.

That output, combined with the new electronic injection system, has allowed the designers to hit Stage 5 emissions standards without a particulate filter or any other exhaust after-treatment.

Avant reckons this setup delivers more usable power, so it should have the torque to simultaneously push and lift chicken litter without stalling.

The change has also allowed for an increase in hydraulic performance, up from 50 to 66 litres/min to help run oil-powered brushes and other attachments.

Lift capacity remains 1.1t and it will reach to 2.8m with the telescopic boom fully extended.

Four-wheel drive

The hydrostatic transmission remains as before, with drive motors on each wheel rigged up with valves that equalise the flow between the left and right sides of the machine.

This effectively works like a hydraulic differential, with the wheels on one side able to turn at a different speed to those on the other to reduce scuffing and tyre wear when cornering via the rear articulation pivot.

Both models come with a roll-over protected canopy as standard, but there is the option of an enclosed cab.

They also get a new multi-function display, which replaces the separate gauges of their predecessors.

List prices start at £32,750.