AVANT Tool carriers prove perfect for block paving specialist

A Derby based block paving company has recently purchased its ninth Avant compact tool carrier since discovering the Finnish manufactured machines some 12 years ago.

Established in 1987, family owned Tecni:Block specialises in all types of paving for both commercial and domestic customers and now wouldn’t be without its fleet of little green Avants.

Commenting on its choice of machine, Tecni:Block’s managing director Phil Annable said: “I really didn’t think our first Avant would last five minutes on our type of work, but I have to say they have since proved to be absolutely brilliant with one of our 635 models now over eight years old and still going strong.”

The key feature that attracted Tecni:Block to the Avant units is their ability to lift 1 tonne plus packs of blocks and place them into position prior to laying.  In addition, the pallet forks can be quickly changed to a bucket for sand handling and levelling or a vacuum lifter when working on obstacles such as steps or even a breaker when required.

“Our latest 750 model”, continued Mr. Annable, “has a little more lift capacity which enables it to handle larger blocks with ease and also benefits from 2-speed drive which is useful when we have to carry packs some distance on large sites.”

With several gangs working at different locations throughout the Midlands, Tecni:Block also likes the fact the Avants can be safely towed to site behind a typical 4×4 vehicle.

The 750 model, delivered by local dealer Robert Lee Plant, is powered by a Kubota 4-cylinder diesel engine developing 36 kW (49 hp), driving through a 2-speed hydrostatic transmission which provides a top speed of 25 km/h. The all-wheel drive, articulated machine is just 1050 mm wide and can handle loads of up to 1.4 tonne.