Avant 528 Loader Helps Firewood Business Soar in North Wales

The purchase of an Avant 528 compact loader has significantly transformed operations for Keith Wheeler, who runs a firewood processing business in North Wales. Selling around 15,000 bags of firewood annually, Keith needed a reliable machine to streamline his workflow.

"I previously used a little tractor to move the firewood, and it was a complete nightmare," Keith shares. "But since I bought the Avant, it has made a huge difference to the workload."

Keith's Avant 528 has become an indispensable tool for his business. With a 26 hp engine, a lift height of 2.8 metres, and a lift capacity of 950 kg, the Avant 528 is designed for power and efficiency. "Without the Avant, I wouldn’t be working now – it is the best thing I have ever bought in my life. How much labour-intensive work it saves is unbelievable," he emphasises.

The machine helps him transport firewood from the field to cages, load them onto a Transit pick-up, and prepare them for customer pick-up with ease. "It just saves so much work and is so much easier."

Keith learned about the Avant loader through a customer who owns a campsite. "One of my customers has an Avant and has been urging me for years to get one. I didn’t need a demonstration because I had seen it in action many times," he recalls. After years of persuasion and witnessing the machine's capabilities, Keith decided to purchase one.

The shift from his previous manual methods to using the Avant 528 has been revolutionary, especially with the increased demand for firewood since the COVID-19 pandemic. "If I was still working the way I used to, I wouldn’t sell half of what I’m selling now. I just couldn’t do it," Keith says. "With the Avant, I can carry two cages at a time, making the work more efficient and faster.”

Choosing the Avant 528 over other models, was a decision made after consulting with Clwyd Agricultural. "The 528 seemed more suitable for me. There are a lot of turnings and not much room to swing around, and I can easily manoeuvre the Avant here. It is ideal, really," Keith says.

The Avant 528's compact dimensions and excellent manoeuvrability, with a top speed of 12 km/h, allow it to navigate tight spaces and varied environments with ease. The loader's auxiliary hydraulics provide 36 L/min, ensuring it can handle a wide range of attachments and tasks. Keith highlights the machine's versatility and ease of use.

"I couldn’t single out a best feature because it is all good. The quick-release coupling is one of the best features; there’s no effort involved," he says. It is very simple to use; you can get used to it very quickly."

The Avant 528's design, which places the driver in the front chassis, offers excellent visibility and a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability and safety. The articulated joint ensures the machine remains stable even on uneven terrain, while the advanced 4x4 system provides optimal traction. The telescopic boom allows for a compact machine with impressive outreach and lift capacity, enabling Keith to handle heavy loads efficiently.

The relationship with his dealer, Clwyd Agricultural, has been exceptional. "Out of ten, I would give them 15. They have been very helpful over the years, and I cannot fault them," Keith says.

The success of his business, thanks to the Avant 528, has even led him to consider expanding further. "The Avant has allowed us to upscale the business, and it’s going to get even busier. I think it’s going to treble, so now I will need another Avant!"