Domino

Giant looks great! The plastic/metal thing is a bit misleading. The multione/avant outer build is predominantly metal, but with polycarbonate panels covering the metal, giving the metal an extra layer of protection.

This is also my understanding of tipping weight and max lifting capacity. Therefore the tipping weight will always be less than the lifting capacity (in the case of articulated loaders). For example - My Avant 525 lpg has a Max lifting capacity (hydr) of 1350kg. At the standard weight of 1250kg (including inbuilt 170kg weight) the tipping load is 800kg. I have added 100kg of counterweights, so the tipping load has increased to circa 900kg. And yet on the Multione website, if you look into the technical data for the models it all seems to be the opposite, for example - Multione 25hp S525 Tipping load (w/backweights) 1020 kg (2249 lbs) Lifting capacity (straight and w/backweights) 820 kg (1808 lbs) So yes Shillo, you are in my opinion right. The lifting figures are not as they appear at first glance. I'm honestly not as sad as this post makes me look , but when I was looking to buy a machine I trawled through as much info as I could to help make the right decision on something very important. And I don't think it's particularly helpful when inaccurate opinions are given. The simple fact is, a loader is not going to lift it's own weight at an extended point beyond the front of the machine, that's just bloody obvious. The visibility factor of the Avant boom is much better, but fair play, I get that the original 'H' design used on the Multione may need less service attention and therefore be sturdier in the long run. To anyone who is actually looking at buying their first loader, the Avant and Multione are basically the same. If you are lucky enough to have both dealers in your area then try both, and then I suggest you play them off against each other to get the one you want at the best price you can. IMO that is

Oak tree for sale on Gumtree!! Just needs sectional dismantling, and all waste removed.....Yours for only £250 Kill me now

The design is basically identical, the Avant being the original version of the two. Something that I think is worth noting is that the telescopic piston on the Multione is exposed on the top of the boom, whereas on the Avant it is enclosed, which is something you would have to take care about in tree work. Also there is no mention of 'self levelling' on the Multione machines, but it must be an option, it is standard on the 500, 600 and 700 Avants. I personally really like the boom design of the Avant being off to the right leaving a clear line of sight through to the attachment.

Yes the jutting out of the seat area is different to other articulating loaders, but the theory that they can lift more compared to rear seated loaders is correct. Avant and Multione sell rear seated loaders now, but those models typically lift 150kg less on full articulation. Having the weight of the cab in line with the boom improves the lift and stability under full articulation. Had a great day this week thinning an understorey of holly. Was able to pull most straight out, roots an all.

Certainly sounds like this Avant 750 has been through the wars and not maintained. Thumbs up for the Avant from here too. Regularly used in the woods, and copes well. Heavy duty panels are a must for arb work. What are the advantages of the Mulitione over Avant? I didn't test drive one, but specs seem similar to me. I was led to believe that Norcar are the premium compact loader brand, though they only offer the rear seated chassis, which is compromised on lift and stability for smaller loaders, IMO.

Cheers. I'm quite pleased with it, nice to have in the yard. Not sure really, 6 or 7 cube?? All the lumpy bits in the centre must be nearly 3 I reckon.

Thought I'd give the old 'round wood pile' a go! I'll wait to see how well the roof holds up under high winds, only 300m from the north sea here

I was just thinking what would be the best all round 'grab' attachment, and the tree shear that Avant offer suited my needs best. Primarily it's just a grab, with the option of letting the blade in when the situation requires. Obviously yes, if the machine (and bank account) is big enough to run a beefier cut and hold shear, that's the way to go, though we would be talking more forestry or vegetation clearance type work I suppose, to justify that. Personally, the 'cut only' system looks precarious to me. But I have no experience of them, someone else on here might be able to offer their experience. I did speak to 'approved hydraulics', and they seemed to be happy to make to order ie. fitting your attachment plate, blade size, rotating options etc... Hope that helps. Defo worth looking into.

Yes very confident. In that instance though you would fold the blade out of the grab (locking spring bolt) to make it just a grab giving maximum purchase, then do a step cut below, break off the tree towards you using telescopic funtion, hey presto!....I would probably still stick a pull rope up also, just to have some extra control if there was a problem.

Get the shear, you'll love it. It can be mounted on a 90degree tilt plate now also, to give it some rotation. [ame] [/ame]

525 LPG, construction spec.

You are goading me into a compact loader off! All I will say is yes, the rear wheels weren't providing quite the same traction as the front This was another lifted out from a boarder using the same technique. Slightly heavier...

And for what you gain from being puncture proof... [ATTACH]213579[/ATTACH] Foam filled tyres giving extra counter weight and puncture resistance, are the way to go for a wheeled loader. Can be pricey though.

Yes all around very useful.....doin a proper bodge job on the old shed roof this morning...

Agreed. All these things are brilliant, but no ultimate solution in one package, unfortunately! Greater L/min on the Vermeer is another point in its favour.

Yep, the shear is a great bit of kit. Makes for an extremely powerful grab with the blade folded away. Really good for breaking unions in, and cutting up brash ready for chipping. As the pincers come to a point, it easily penetrates wood enough to pick up sections greater in diameter than the grab opening, which I was relieved about, as it only opens to 77cm.

Yep. That is the tree shear attachment, but on that one I grabbed it, then did a step cut beneath to be able to lift it away.

While important I wouldn't get too caught up about width, as suggested. Nothing against the skid steers, fantastic bits of kit, but make a mess of the ground compared to articulated loaders. The 500 series will comfortably get through a 4ft gap. I did go for an Avant, for me the reasons being - sturdy ROPS roof increases safety around falling objects. Telescopic boom which greatly increases lifting, loading, pushing, placing ability. Oh, and I like sitting down

If memory serves correctly, about £250...

Most certainly, a vast improvement. Sits about 35mm higher in general. I had a local mechanic fit mine, but should be quite easy if you've got the spare time. The bolts that hold the spring into the mount at either end can become corroded and prove difficult to get out, as was the case with mine.

Hi Treefolk, Your existing leafs will be 3+2 I should imagine. I ordered some 4+2 leafs through this company for my ranger tipper, good product and helpful people. Hope that helps. LCV & HGV Leaf Springs | Vehicle Spring Fitting - CSS Online Ltd

Hi shillo, Quite right, the bar does get in the way sometimes. But it's easy to lift out if needs be. Alternatively the tipper can be raised up so it shoots over the bar. If I'm not taking ladders to site then I may leave the hood and bar off, and just have the box. I have to say I like the fact it breaks down to a dropside/flat bed, often comes in handy.

Inosculation on Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea A branch that didn't like the look of the world!

Cheers...Very pleased with it. Courtesy of BL Searle body builders.