AVANT Service Manuals, Fault Codes and Wiring Diagrams
History of AVANT
Finnish-crafted AVANT skid steer loaders stand as versatile and compact powerhouses, designed for a myriad of applications. Boasting an extensive array of nearly 200 quick-change attachments, AVANT positions itself as the epitome of functionality within the machinery market.
The inception of AVANT's multi-purpose loaders dates back to the distant year of 1991. A pivotal moment occurred in 2004 when the 200th series of these machines made its debut at BAUMA, introducing a completely novel and distinctive concept and design.
The genesis of AVANT mini loaders was rooted in the necessity for a compact, multi-purpose solution to service residential buildings, holiday homes, and small farms. The skid steer loaders quickly garnered phenomenal success, showcasing their capability to perform a diverse range of tasks over the years, tasks that other manufacturers' machines were unable to accomplish.
In 2015, AVANT TECNO OY unveiled the second generation, heralding a comprehensive redesign with features unparalleled even by larger mini-loaders. The new AVANT mini loader not only provides enhanced power but also prioritizes ease of use, offering an expanded array of attachment options. Improvements in ease of use and safety were also incorporated.
Given that private individuals constitute the primary purchasers of this equipment across numerous markets, the design ensures that even individuals without professional skills can effortlessly handle a mini-loader for various tasks.
A noteworthy technical enhancement in the 200 Series lies in the chassis, which is wider and longer than its predecessor, contributing to improved stability. This redesign translates to enhanced ergonomics, increased legroom for operators, and an augmented gas tank and battery capacity.
The new series shares the same attachment mounting plate as its larger counterparts, allowing seamless connection of hydraulic hoses to the multi-connector with the movement of a single hand in any condition. Another innovative addition is the multi-function monitor, displaying crucial information such as hours of operation, fuel level, engine status, and road lighting.
Powered by a robust 20hp Kohler gasoline engine, AVANT emerges as a bona fide multi-function household machine. This versatile equipment enables users to effortlessly beautify their surroundings, from landscaping tasks such as lawn mowing, leaf gathering, and sweeping to more substantial projects like earthwork and planning when creating a courtyard.
AVANT proves to be an efficient solution for winter tasks as well, excelling in snow removal and the distribution of salt or sand. Globally, landscape gardening companies, hotels, car dealerships, enterprises, utilities, and various organizations have lauded AVANT for its compact size, user-friendly operation, versatility, and cost-effectiveness in maintenance.
AVANT 520/523/528/530 is an articulated compact loader, designed and manufactured for both professional and private use. The loader can be equipped with attachments offered by Avant Tecno Oy, which enables doing of several different jobs. Because of this multi purpose nature of the machine and the various attachments and tasks, read always not only this Manual but also the Operator’s manual of the attachment, and follow all instructions. Every person who has to
do with this machine must follow work safety regulations, all other generally accepted rules related to work health and safety, and all road traffic regulations.
Remember that safety consists of several factors. The loader, equipped with an attachment is very powerful and can cause serious personal injuries or property damages if it is operated in a wrong or careless way. Do not operate an attachment unless you have familiarised yourself with the use of it and the eventual dangers related to it.
This loader has been designed to require as little maintenance as possible. The operator can perform the routine maintenance operations. There are however more demanding service operations that can be done by professional service personnel only. It is allowed to perform service operations only when wearing appropriate protective equipment.
General safety instructions - Always follow all instructions to avoid personal injury
1. Remember the correct working position. When driving,
be comfortably seated in the driver´s seat, keep your
feet in their proper place in the footwell and at least
one hand on the steering wheel.
2. When seated, always keep the seat belt fastened and
keep hands and feet inside the operator’s area.
3. Before leaving driver’s seat, always:
• Lower the loader boom and place attachment flat
on ground
• Engage the parking brake
• Stop the engine, remove the ignition key
4. Start the operation slowly and carefully. Practise
driving of the machine at a safe and open place before
connecting any attachment, and follow the instructions
in this Manual and also the operator’s manual of the
attachment.
5. Operate the control levers with careful and deliberate
movements. Avoid abrupt movements when handling
the load, in order to prevent the load from falling and to
keep the machine stable.
6. Keep away from the danger zone of the lifted boom
and don’t let anyone go there.
7. Keep your hands, feet and clothing away from all
moving parts, hydraulic components, and hot surfaces.
8. Make sure that there is enough open space around the
machine for safe driving.
9. Do not transport the load with the boom lifted. Always
carry bucket or attachment as low as possible, and put
the load down whenever you leave the machine.
10. It is not allowed to transport persons with this machine.
Do not transport or lift persons in the bucket or in any
other attachment.
11. Do not exceed the tipping load. Familiarise yourself
with and follow the load diagrams in this Manual.
12. When turning with the machine, remember that the
driver´s seat extends beyond the turning radius of the
wheels (collision risk).
13. Do not operate the loader in an explosive environment
or in a place where dust or/and gases can create a fire
or explosion hazard.
14. Keep the engine area clean of flammable materials.
15. Read the lifting, towing and transportation instructions
on page 42.
16. Switch off the battery disconnect switch whenever
leaving the machine unattended.
17. Follow all inspection, service and maintenance
instructions. If you notice any faults or damages on
the machine, these must be repaired before starting
operation.
18. Before any maintenance or repair operation always
stop the engine, lower the boom down and release
pressure from hydraulic system. Read safety
instructions for maintenance on page 46.
19. Do not let any person operate this loader who has not
read safety instructions and is not familiar with the safe
and correct use of this loader.
20. Never operate the loader or attachments while under
the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication that may
impair judgement or cause drowsiness, or if not
otherwise medically fit to operate the equipment.
Electric system and handling the battery
Always handle the battery with care. Follow the safety
instructions given below. The battery of the 12 V electric
system of the loader is located at the rear of the loader, on
the right side of the engine. See page 56 for more information
about battery and maintenance instructions.
Short-circuit of the battery can create
fire or explosion. Disconnect the
battery with the battery disconnect
switch before working on the engine
or equipment. Never lay metal objects
on the battery. Keep the top surface of
the battery clean.
Battery acid can cause severe skin
burns. Handle damaged battery with
extreme care and wear appropriate safety
gloves and clothing. Battery is a sealed
type battery, meaning that you should never
attempt to open the battery.
Lead acid batteries produce
flammable and explosive gases
during charging. Make sure that
ventilation is sufficient when
charging the battery. Keep arcs,
sparks, flames, and lighted tobacco
away from battery. Never charge a
frozen battery. A frozen battery can
explode during charging.
Battery and its terminals contain lead,
a harmful substance which should
not be handled more than what is
necessary. Wash hands with soap and
water after handling the battery.
Front frame
On the front frame are mounted: driver’s seat,
operating controls, hydraulic control valves, hydraulic
oil tank, auxiliary hydraulics outlet, front wheels,
hydraulic motors and the loader boom with attachment
coupling plate.
Back frame
On the back frame are mounted: engine with
accessories, battery, parking brake, fuel tank,
hydraulic pumps, rear wheels, hydraulic motors,
counterweights.
Articulation joint
Articulation joint connects the front and back frame.
The loader is steered hydraulically by the steering
cylinder which is mounted between the front and
back frames. Hydraulic hoses and electric wires are
conducted through the articulation joint.
Loader boom
Loader boom is mounted on the front frame with one
pivot pin. The attachment coupling plate is mounted
on the lower end of the boom. The boom is telescopic,
extending 700 mm hydraulically.
Attachment coupling plate
Attachments are mounted on the attachment coupling
plate. The locking pins on the plate can be operated
manually (standard) or hydraulically (option).
Auxiliary hydraulics outlet
The hydraulic hoses of hydraulically operated
attachments are mounted on this outlet. The outlet
is equipped with the multi connector quick coupling
system and is double acting: it has two pressure
lines and one tank line. In addition, as an option, it
is also possible to install a single or double acting
auxiliary hydraulics outlet in the rear of the machine,
or a double acting outlet in the front under the multi
connector.
ROPS safety frame
ROPS frame (Roll-over protective structure) complies
with the standard ISO 3471:1994 with Amendment
1:1997 and Technical Corrigendum 1:2000.
FOPS canopy
FOPS canopy (Falling objects protective structure)
mounts on the ROPS. It meets the ISO 3449:2005
FOPS level 1 (1365 J) criteria.
Rated operating capacity
To determine how much the loader can handle safely, a
table of the tipping load and a calculated Rated Operating
Capacity (ROC) is shown in the adjacent label.
A rated Operating capacity label is located near the driver’s
seat and can be read while you sit on the driver’s seat
Rated operating capacity depends on type of use of the
loader:
• In bucket and general application the rated operating
capacity is 50% of tipping load
• In pallet fork application the rated operating capacity is
60% of tipping load
The information shown in the table is the worst case
minimum load, with the conditions listed below. Actual lifting
capacity could be significantly higher, or it may be lower,
depending on terrain conditions, available lifting force, and
load distribution. Adding or removing counterweights will
affect the indicated ROC.
The ROC table is valid, when:
• The ground is firm and level
• Loader is stationary or driven max 2 km/h, with smooth
and slow control movements
• Driver 75 kg is seated on the driver’s seat
• Load is distributed evenly on pallet forks, with the load
centre of gravity at 400 mm from the vertical part of
pallet fork arms. The weight of the fork attachment is
taken into account in the indicated load values
Risk of tipping over when
handling heavy loads - See the
warnings and safety instructions
about handling of heavy loads
shown in this manual.
Tipping load
Tipping load is the load at which the rear tires lose contact
with the ground (tipping forward). Tipping load is influenced
by several factors:
• The total load on the loader boom (attachment weight
and load combined)
• The distance of the load from the front tires
• Straight or articulated position of the loader frame
• Levelness of the ground
• Installed counterweights
• Driver presence
• Movements of the loader and the load
Overload will cause the loader to tip
forward. Always pay attention to safe
conditions operating whenever loads or
heavy attachments.
The lifting capacity and the stability of the loader are at the
best, when:
• the loader frame is kept straight
• the centre of gravity of the load is as close to the loader
as possible
• counterweights are fitted to the loader
• swinging of the load is prevented and all controls are
used in a calm and careful manner
Example: If the centre of gravity of the load is 750 mm
in in front of the front axle (400 mm from the pallet forks
at ground level), the tipping load is about 1250 kg with a
driver weighting 75 kg and with the articulated frame turned
to max articulation.
If you leave the loader, tipping and max.
loads are reduced respectively. The
indicated load is the maximum load that
can be loaded on pallet forks and the
machine will not tip over, i.e. the weight
of the standard pallet fork attachment
(90 kg) is taken into account.
Load diagram
You can evaluate the load handling capability of the
loader with the load diagram, shown below, and the Rated
operating capacity shown on the next page and on the
label on the loader.The load handling capability depends
on the distance between the centre of gravity of the load
and the front axle of the loader.The diagram represents
the forward stability only, it does not refer to maximum
available lift force.
The load diagram below shows the tipping loads on a level
surface:
a) Tipping load with the loader frame in straight position.
b) Tipping load with the loader frame in maximum
articulation.
• ROC (Rate operating capacity), defined as 60 % of
tipping load for pallet forks.
Control of loader boom, auxiliary hydraulics and other functions
Most of the functions of the loader are controlled at the control panel on the right side of the operator: Boom and bucket
movements, auxiliary hydraulics (attachments), engine revs etc. , depending on loader model.
4. Control lever of boom and bucket
(Functions of the electric joystick are explained on page 30)
• Pull backward to lift the boom
• Push forward to lower the boom
• Push left to raise the tip of the bucket (filling)
• Push right to lower the tip of the bucket (emptying)
4b. Electric switches on joystick (optional equipment)
• Electric attachment control (8 function joystick,option)
- Auxiliary hydraulics control buttons, see page 33
- Electric control of telescopic boom, see page 33
• Attachment control switch pack (option) see page 33
• Anti slip valve control switch (option) see page 29
5. Hand throttle lever
• Push forward to increase engine RPM
• Pull backward to reduce engine RPM
6. Control lever of auxiliary hydraulics
(hydraulically operated attachments)
• Push forward carefully to test the operating direction
of the attachment
• For continuous operation of rotating atatchments,
push forward & right
• Pull back to operate the attachment in reversed
direction
• When using the electric joystick, this lever will
also move. Either way can be used to control the
attachment as needed.
7. Control lever of telescopic boom
• Push right to extend the boom
• Pull left to retract the boom
• When using the electric joystick, this lever will
also move. Either way can be used to control the
attachment as needed. See page 30.
8. Control lever of rear or extra front auxiliary
hydraulics outlet (optional extra)
• Operates in similar way as the lever no 6.
• See page 33 for further instructions
9. Selection lever of the pumps for auxiliary
hydraulics
• Lever in front position (1-pump): one pump
coupled for auxiliary hydraulics (lower oil flow).
Use this setting unless higher hydraulic flow to the
attachment is required.
• Lever in back position (2-pump): two pumps coupled
for auxiliary hydraulics
• Note: The position of this lever will also affect the
speed of the telescopic function of the boom.
attery disconnect switch
The loader is equipped with a
battery disconnect switch. The
switch is located in the rear of
the machine, on the right side
(see picture). Always switch off
main current when you leave the
loader unattended, and before
you do any maintenance or inspections.Switching the
battery disconnect switch to position OFF (horizontal
position of the switch key) will isolate the battery from the
electric system of loader, and will prevent hazards related
to damaged electric wires, short-circuit, and overheat of
electric components.
Risk of fire - Always switch off main
current when the loader is not used.
Turn the battery disconnect switch to
position OFF whenever leaving the
loader unattended or before servicing
the machine. If left on, there is a risk
of sparks and short-circuit during
maintenance and if any electric
insulator is faulty.
To maintain the machine in a good and safe working order follow the instructions in this chapter regarding the daily
inspections, regular maintenance tasks, and periodic service.
More information about the services on the periodic service schedule is available from your Avant dealer or service
partner. Parts that are required for periodic maintenance are available through your Avant dealer or authorized service.
Risk of personal injuries - If the loader is damaged or poorly maintained it can cause or
increase risks of unsafe operation.
Never use a loader that is not in good operating condition. Lack of maintenance and damaged
equipment put you and others near the machine into risk. Leave the more demanding service tasks
to a professional technician. If you are not sure about how to do any maintenance task, ask for
additional information before you start any inspection, maintenance, or service work. Contact your
nearest Avant service for more information.
Always follow all instructions regarding the daily inspections, maintenance, and periodic
service of the machine. Consult your Avant dealer or Avant service partner if you need more
information or professional maintenance services.
Risk of personal injuries and/or equipment breakdown. Follow all safety instructions and
guidelines regarding safety of work. If you are not sure about how to do any maintenance
task, ask for additional information before you start any inspection, maintenance, or service work.
Contact your nearest Avant service for more information.
Some of the listed service procedures listed in this chapter can be performed by trained or
otherwise experienced operators. If you are not sure about how to do any service operation, ask for
additional information before you start any service or maintenance work.
If the periodic service schedule is not followed, and services made are not marked in the table in
this manual, the warranty may not cover for damages of the loader.