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A new era for electric loaders

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A new era for electric loaders: Working with an electric loader is now more efficient than ever – even in extremely cold conditions. Avant Tecno presents the renewed e series and the third generation of fully electric loaders, whose unique battery technology further improves the capacity, pricing, safety, working time, durability, and lifespan of electric loaders. With a fully charged Avant e527, you can work all day.

Finnish compact loader manufacturer Avant Tecno has been at the forefront of the development of electric loaders for decades. Now, Avant is launching two next generation fully electric loader models, the Avant e513 and Avant e527, which will renew the Avant e series and replace their predecessors, the Avant e5 and e6 models. The new loaders will enter production in January 2024.

A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders

Unique battery technology

The new loaders are equipped with Avant OptiTemp® battery packs (13 kWh and 27 kWh) manufactured by Avant Tecno’s subsidiary Avant Power. The globally unique battery technology brings capacity to a whole new level, and the energy density of the batteries is among the best in the world. The thermal management system of the patented lithium-ion batteries guarantees the same capacity in hot and extremely cold temperatures. Multi-level protection makes Avant OptiTemp® batteries very safe.

Power for demanding professional use

The new Avant e513 and Avant e527 loaders are almost identical, but the only difference lies in the capacity of the batteries. The Avant e513 (13 kWh) is a good choice for short-term continuous use on cattle farms, horse stables, greenhouses or DIY and leisure time, for example. The Avant e527 loader (27 kWh) with a larger battery is ideal for demanding professional use. Construction and demolition contractors will benefit from this model.

The fully electric Avants are ideal for working in confined spaces and on construction sites that have strict limits on noise and emissions.

A full workday on a single charge

When fully charged in the morning, the Avant e527 loader (27kWh) can be used for a whole working day. The maximum operating time of the machine is about 6 hours for medium-duty work, whereas for Avant e513, it is about 3 hours. The battery of both loaders can be fully charged with a fast charger in under 1.5 hours, allowing for long working days.

A new era for electric loaders

A new era for electric loaders

“For years, the market has been longing for fully electric loaders that would be more like diesel loaders in terms of functionality. Until now, operating time and pricing have been key issues related to electric loaders, but with Avant’s new e series, we solve them both”, says Jani Käkelä, CEO of Avant Tecno.

The renewed Avant e series

  • Fully electric loader series. Zero-emission, very quiet. Low operating and maintenance costs.
  • Two models: Avant e513 (battery capacity 13 kWh) and Avant e527 (battery capacity 27 kWh).
  • Excellent capacity in hot conditions and severe frosts.
  • Fast charge in under 1.5 hours. Type 2 charging, built-in 3 kW battery charger. The maximum charging current has been increased by 50% compared to previous Avant electric loaders.
  • Two electric motors: one for driving hydraulics, and one for auxiliary hydraulics, boom, and steering. Thanks to the electric motor, maximum torque is immediately applied, which ensures excellent thrust.
  • The further improved cooling system in the engine package keeps the machine’s heat under control even in soft terrain. Increased load resistance in short-term hard work.
  • The updated multifunction display provides information on battery status, temperature, power consumption, operating hours, auxiliary hydraulics output, maintenance needs, and more.
  • Same appearance as in Avant’s diesel-powered 500 and 600 series loaders.

Technical Information:

Technical information: Model Avant e513 Avant e527
Voltage 44 V 44 V
Capacity 13 kWh 27 kWh
Operating time* 3 hours 6 hours
Lift capacity 900 kg 900 kg
Li height, max. 2 790 mm 2 790 mm
Drive speed, max. 10 km/h 10 km/h
Weight 1420 kg 1500 kg
Auxiliary hydraulics 30 l/min 30 l/min

*In medium duty loading work; no hydraulic attachments used.

Charging Times:

Charging times: Loader model Avant e513 Avant e527
Onboard charger 3 kW (standard) 2 h 50 min 5 h 40 min
Rapid charger 400 V / 16 A (option) 1 h 10 min 2 h 20 min
Rapid charger 400 V / 32 A (option) – 1 h 10 min

*Charging time is affected by prevailing conditions and temperature. The charging times are indicated from 10% to 80% of the battery’s available charge level (SOC).

For more information, please visit www.avant.co.uk 

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Lantra Shines a Light on Land-based Careers

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Lantra Shines a Light on Land-based Careers: The spotlight is on land-based and environment careers during this year’s National Careers Week, showcasing the breadth and diversity of opportunities that exist in this exciting area.

Lantra, the leading awarding body for the land-based and environment sector, is highlighting that a career in this area is varied and open to all. From career seekers to career changers, there are entry-points and pathways for people from all backgrounds, and all walks of life, which are highlighted on the Lantra careers web resource.

Lantra Shines a Light on Land-based Careers

Lantra Shines a Light on Land-based Careers

Stephanie Stevens, Careers and Engagement Manager at Lantra commented: “There is a challenge in making young people, particularly, aware that the land-based and environment sector exists – never mind the range of jobs that fall under farming, looking after trees, landscaping and so much more!”.

“Lantra is delighted to be celebrating #NationalCareersWeek, following our recent attendance at What Career? Live. We want to support and empower individuals to take the next step in their career by finding out more about pathways like apprenticeships, further education, and the many vocations the sector has to offer”.

Lantra had a presence for the first time at the busy What Career? Live event which took place on the 1 and 2 March. The careers team were joined by Ollie Brisbourne, who works for a virtual fencing business and is an active member of the Newport Young Farmers Club in Shropshire, who also spoke at the event.

Ollie said: “Agriculture is modernising day by day, with technology becoming a more benefiting factor throughout. My job has allowed me to maximize the benefit of my understanding of the farming industry and farmers themselves, to offer support within the use of Nofence and the data provided.

This system enables fencing virtually, working with GPS and mobile signal to keep livestock within the virtual boundary, benefiting both animal welfare, habitat management, and a variety of other farming systems.”

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J Premier Pitch a game-changer

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J Premier Pitch a game-changer: J Premier Pitch from Johnsons Sports Seed has been described as a ‘game-changer’ for Northampton Saints Rugby Club, delivering outstanding resilience, wear-tolerance and overall turf quality at both the stadium and new high performance training centre.

As one of just three clubs in the Premiership with an all-natural pitch, expectations and demands on the turf are high – but with the right seed, feed and maintenance programme in place, the team lead by Head Groundsman Andrew Miller are delivering on every front.

J Premier Pitch a game-changer

J Premier Pitch a game-changer

The cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens has been the stage for a strong season for Northampton Saints, leading rugby union’s top division at the time of writing. Ensuring the aforementioned stage is set is Andrew and a team of three. “Maintaining top flight rugby facilities poses a number of challenges” he explains. “Not only do we have the micro-climate stadium conditions like many other sports, but rugby demands strong, healthy rooting if the surface is going to withstand the pressures exerted by two 900kg scrum packs! Without the help of any hybrid support, Johnsons J Premier Pitch has helped us deliver on this and so much more.”

Andrew has been using the 100% perennial ryegrass mixture for the last nine years. The new 2024 formulation blends five top-rated cultivars to create the ideal winter sport mix, incorporating Monroe and Gildara for significantly improved resistance to Brown Patch and other common turf diseases. Trusted by many of Europe’s leading stadia, J Premier Pitch delivers proven play performance and outstanding visual merit.

“The turf quality and quick establishment have surpassed our expectations, vitally important with the small windows we’re given to grow the pitch back in after concert season. It gives us more than just a great density of sward with vibrant green colour which looks fantastic in a stadium – the resilience and recovery is outstanding, particularly during intense periods of play and the bad weather we endure through the winter months.”

Besides the stadium, J Premier Pitch was also used on the replica stadium pitch at the club’s High Performance Centre – upgraded during the summer of 2022 and officially unveiled in April 2023. “We achieve fantastic consistency and know and trust the quality we’re going to get from every bag.” He adds, “This seed mix has been the foundation to elevating all of our surfaces to a standard that professional athletes love to perform on!”

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Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career in groundscare

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Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare: A former serviceman who started a new career as a technician working on machinery for groundscare professionals says the sector offers huge opportunities for those looking to resettle after life in the armed forces.

Andy Irvine is one of a number of individuals who have started new jobs at John Deere dealerships across the UK and Ireland following many years in service.

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare

Armed forces background ‘a perfect fit’ for career groundscare

Based at Turner Groundscare Machinery near Chester since last April, Andy stepped into a field service technician role, supporting customers at world-renowned football clubs, golf courses and rugby stadiums across north-west England.

He has recently been promoted to workshop manager and says there is job satisfaction and progression on offer for anyone leaving the forces with the appropriate skills.

Andy served 14 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), running workshops of up to 25 people on home soil and during overseas deployments.

He worked on a wide variety of machines ranging from chainsaws to quad bikes and diggers to main battle tanks.

“I’ve always been interested in engineering,” Andy said. “When I left school, I worked in a local garage I got a really good grounding of engineering standards.

“My foreman at the time said something to me that I’ve taken with me throughout my career; anything you touch has to be at a certain standard when it goes out the door, and if it’s not, then it’s your reputation that’s on the line.”

Andy said that the only way he would leave the army is for his dream job, which was to work for John Deere.

“The John Deere brand is the best of the best in the sector,” Andy said. “I couldn’t think of anything more I’d rather turn spanners on.”

Andy was keen to get started in a new career so he interviewed for a position at his local Turner Grondscare Machinery dealership. He was still contracted to the army for six months, but general manager Gareth Baker agreed to hold the post for him.

As a technician, Andy worked on a wide variety of machines, including the latest innovations from John Deere such as the 225 E-Cut which is the company’s first fully-electric walk-behind greens mower for golf courses. He serviced and repaired a equipment from Gator utility vehicles to compact tractors.

Being on the road daily meant he could be working at Liverpool FC’s AXA Training Centre in the morning and supporting the team at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in the afternoon.

Andy notes similarities in working as a technician and being in the army. He says every day is different, and when he was called to a job he never knew exactly what to expect.

“When you get the call, you only know you’re going out to a repair, where the location is and what the machine is, but everything else has to be dealt with when you arrive,” Andy said.

“The pressure is on you. Whether it’s soldiers or greenkeepers, people look to you to relay your intelligence and your thought process into what the fault could be and explain to them why a part has failed and how the issue is resolved.”

He describes the differences between army life and civvy street as “positive”, with some of the main benefits being routine working hours and a better work-life balance for him and his family.

“I’m finally able to plan my year in advance,” Andy said. “I now know that I can spend my evenings and weekends with my family and can even book holidays knowing I can actually go on them.”

Andy hopes to encourage those thinking of leaving the service to make the change and start a new career with John Deere.

“If you have the right mindset and you’re positive and proactive, you’ll be completely fine transitioning from military life to civilian life,” Andy said. It’s a step forwards towards not just a better job, but a better lifestyle.

“You’ll get an element of control back in your life. Since leaving, I can put my hand on my heart saying that I’m in a better place, workwise and mentally, than I was working for the army.”

John Deere launched its Military Hiring Programme in 2023 in a bid to attract people such as Andy to the agriculture and professional groundscare sectors. He thinks it will be a great springboard for those wanting to resettle into the sector.

Interested service and ex-service members can learn more about the programme and fill out a contact card by visiting www.deere.com/JDMHP.

After making contact, they will be put in touch with an individual from the John Deere network who has resettled following a career in the armed forces to discuss all potential options.

Gareth Baker added: “Andy’s been a breath of fresh air. His work rate and organisational skills are exceptional, which is exactly what you need for a role like this.

“We were prepared to wait for him to complete his transition from the army for six months, primarily because of his management experience.

“He’s now the workshop manager and has built a team underneath him, including a technician who has recently joined our team from the Navy.

“The calibre of people that have come into the sector from the armed forces really stands out.”

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Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

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Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work: This summer, Brian Dunne, celebrates 20 years as Course Superintendent at Adare Manor Old Course GC in the southwest of Ireland.

He has built a long-established relationship with local Wiedenmann dealer Seamus Weldon, at nearby Killarney.

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

Wiedenmann double all in a day’s work

“We go back years; they’ve always been there for us,” he said. “When we purchased a new blower back in 2008 or thereabouts, Michael Weldon pointed us in the direction of a Wiedenmann Whisper Twister. It was new to the market, and we were among the first to buy.

“You can’t fault it. Aside from a new belt and some wheel bearings, it’s never missed a beat. We’d be lost without it.

“From October to December, it’s out every day of the week on leaf clearance duty. Our course is lined with beech and oak trees so there’s plenty of work. One of the team on our small tractor blows the leaves into lines and our collector follows behind. It has dozens of tasks; we use it to dry off the fairways or tee boxes, it helps year-round with presentation and tidying and, of course, when we’ve had storms, it’s come into its own.”

“We used to bring contractors in to help with deep aeration on our fairways. It was always a struggle to book the right week: and balance weather and the needs of golfers. It was also getting very expensive.

“I asked Michael if he could source a second-hand aerator so we could do the job ourselves. He came back with a beautifully refurbished Wiedenmann Terra Spike XP, and we haven’t looked back.

“Your own machine makes such a difference.  We try to do our fairways twice a year. We just pick when the conditions are right and do two or three at a time. We’ve got twelve acres in total, as well as walkways and tee boxes, so it takes us around a week and a half normally to do all the split sessions.

“We were out in late January and with 20 mm diameter tines down to 250 mm. In some choice places known to hold water, we went a little deeper, so around 300 mm and we might revisit these more frequently.

Brian’s team, three at present, with a vacancy about to be filled, takes on two summer workers to help them cope. The friendly parkland club is constantly busy, its history and dramatic setting, marking it out as not your typical golfing experience, so enjoys lots of visitors.

Very few clubs can boast anything as spectacular as Desmond Castle (1200 AD) which nestles in the background of the 1st and 15th greens. Move to the centre of the course and the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (1464 AD) let you know you’ve arrived somewhere extraordinary.

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