The Avant range of mini loaders was first introduced to a leading gold mining group in South Africa during 2008. The experimental machine was utilized in the underground environment at first to establish durability and safety aspects related to clean up operations.
Various custom additions were made to the series 528 loader as one of the major challenges was to make the machine fit in the profile limitations yet maintaining operating excellence. Whilst utilizing the machine for cross cut cleaning, spillage loading and revamping it was considered that the grade of gold so obtained made it possible for the capital expenditure to be redeemed on the machine.
It was soon realized that the Avant range of mini loaders was ideal for the underground environment mainly due to its size, power to weight ratio, ability to handle heavy loads at a higher level and reach than competitors, as well as durability to minimize operational downtime.
This lead to AVANT being the preferred loader for Gold Fields mining group. It was a fairly simple exercise to make the loaders compliant with the stringent safety requirements and retro fitments which entail that engine protection systems as well as all required safety specifications can be adhered to.
