GREEN DREAM MACHINE! Arrives at the Woodyard AVANT 860i

[@leeklemetti1887]

Advant pulled a fast one on Kubota and other machine makes as for the hydraulic and electric attachment. A great feature. I love your show. Hi to Hunter. Cheers to Mike and Melissa.

[@Avidwoodworker]

We love our Kubota R540 Articulating Wheel Loader for moving logs, stacks of lumber, dirt, etc. around the sawmill. It is rated for 7,000 pounds straight and around 5,000 on a turn. I have lifted 8,000 pound logs with it. Only 54 horsepower that sips diesel. We are thinking of getting a similar log grapple attachment that will rotate a log to get it out of tight spots

[@frederickburns1739]

As a retired CAT&CUMMINGS knuckle buster I'm impressed with the well thought out build of the little payloader/telehandler and it's attachments. Also I like the way you think; rent it a week or two and see how it fits in. And I was never impressed with wheel skidloaders but all that changed for me when they were produced with track's! It's almost like having a D3 but much more agile.

[@Mrbink01]

You worked on them and still call it a Cummings?

[@janvandenhurk3251]

Praises all around for a European made machinery from Belgium .... you know why it's so compact? Our European cities and roads are compact so we need compact machinery .... Have a nice day.

[@petermavus4131]

Green with envy Mike … you got the best toys. .. I wanna come over your house and play! Have a productive week and a good morning.

[@franklackie2469]

I think bobcat has a similar model

[@Jeff-ui7qz]

Carpenter from Arkansas have one question will the green dragon have a attachment to size and cut your trees up into rounds so you don’t have to wear back out just wondering because if it will I want one

[@Jeff-ui7qz]

Hey mike

[@petermavus4131]

@@franklackie2469 Qiute a few brands… watch Dirt Monkey .. got one for snow removal and I believe Stony Ridge Farmer played with one in one of his vids.

[@davidjavids2431]

Love the fact he keeps everything spotless

[@mr5039]

Been using 635 for a year or so here in Maine and I absolutely love it. It is not as powerful as a skid but unbelievably versatile!

[@terrencejreich]

Our neighbour (farmer) just bought a Cast Loader (40 XD, 38 HP, lifting capacity 4400 lbs). It looks similar to the Avant, but is made in Italy. He has 4 attachments (out of the 9 available): log grappler, V-plow, bucket, and bale grabber. Very impressive!

[@tuttova]

Love this green machine. Good wide tires for stability! A winner! From New Fairfield CT

[@MikeZMonroe]

The articulating feature works to your favor for sure. Less wear and tear to ground when turning, tighter turn radius too. Extending forks a game changer in capabilities. Temporary scaffold for construction / painting. Winter use - pushing snow? Total package wise…more useful features and unknown features for your many property uses. Big drop off when moving dirt.

[@richardmain8059]

Good morning Mike, this is well thought out. But I think you would really miss the skid steer if you were to get rid of it. Don’t get me wrong the green machine has its place, but it appears to me that you would be most comfortable in the green machine if you were doing a lot of repetitive work. The creature comforts heat/cooling, getting in and out repeatedly and the earth moving capacity are items on the negative side that come to mind. Moving splits out of the bunker with the bucket might be also on the negative side. One for final item I like the way you can rake with the grapple on the skid steer. But you ultimately know best and what will work best for you. Have a Wonderful Day and a Productive week. 😊👍👍👍

[@jerrygroen8163]

Say what you want ,I love your skid loader Mike.

[@walterdavis3638]

Funny, I was just investigating these machines last week and thought of Mike and how versatile it would be for him, BUT, I think he will always need the skid loader and can't imagine him being without it. I would rather put the money in this in lieu of the F550 dump.

[@Manufacturer001]

@@walterdavis3638 i have

[@dennisgiles958]

Good morning Mike Cool surprise on the green machine. Has a lot of features making it very handy no doubt. Have a good day.

[@phillipbecker4393]

Good morning, Mike and Morgan fans. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. God bless. 🇺🇲

[@matthewcampione6592]

The availability of over 200 attachments is awesome on its own. The 860 is a great unit , we sell a lot of 528’s and 755’s to arborists and contractors

[@paulpulaski-to3hq]

Just a boy (at Heart) with his toys! Great choice, go for it. You know you want it!

[@bubbakemp5817]

WOW! Excellent machine! Imagine when you are completely versed in the operation side! It's definitely a game changer!

[@sepperD3]

I use an 860i for my company and we also have a Vermeer of comparable size and the avant is far more capable and never gets stuck as we use it everyday on large construction sites that are incredibly muddy and we usually use the forks and the units we pick up with it are 2300 lbs. And it will easily carry these units through very deep mud with ease

[@alanthompson9291]

After one minute into the video, I said he will never give that up. What a handy machine. Love the hydraulic- electric disconnect! Really enjoyed the video Mike.

[@marvindiamonjr.9631]

Thanks, Mike. I really enjoyed that video. In my younger days, I was a diesel mechanic and worked on some of the largest mining equipment in the world. I believe I was the first non-Caterpillar employee to operate the new-at-the-time raised drive sprocket D10 crawler. It was deployed as a prototype to Mintac mine in northern Minnesota. We had some of the harshest operating environments on the planet, so we used to get a lot of equipment for testing. I miss those days, but at 70 years old, I'm happy with my tractor. But machines like the one you showed in this video intrigue me and bring back a lot of memories of the huge monsters I used to work on. Thanks for putting out such fantastic videos. I'm about to go out and use my logging winch to retrieve some downed trees on the otherwise inaccessible parts of my property. Working in my woods is keeping me young and fit. And machines allow me to continue to work beyond the point where my body would otherwise give up. I appreciate the content that you create. It's both useful and informative. Tell Hunter that I said hi, and best regards to you and the rest of your family. God bless.

[@garywilt76]

Hi Marvin. Hopefully Mike won't mind my using his forum. Please settle a friendly "disagreement." For what reason was the "raised drive" sprocket developed? I'm "remotely" familiar with your northern Minnesota winters. Drong Inc in nearby Hibbing was a customer for 60" wide conveyor belts. Flexibility at -60 degrees F was critical. Thank you.

[@davidmorse8432]

​@@garywilt76Hi Gary, I hope you don't mind me chiming in on your question but I may have some valuable information for you. Cat has always known that using a large diameter drive sprocket reduces wear on the track chain bushings when they engage with the sprocket especially when operating in reverse. They also wanted to use a larger planetary final drive for better durability. But an extra advantage was to reduce shock loads on the drive train because the sprocket is no longer in direct contact with the ground. Elevating the sprocket was an answer to all these problems. And there was also an extra added advantage that has to do with mud and dirt getting packed in around the sprocket and track frame. This packing can rob horsepower because of added friction. With an elevated sprocket the mud dirt and debris just seems to fall out because of the added space in and around the sprocket. I hope this helps.

[@marvindiamonjr.9631]

@@garywilt76 David Morse pretty much hit the nail on the head. One more thing that I would like to add is that the raised drive sprocket makes for a longer track. That translates into longer times between maintenance down time. The fact that the drive itself is not subject to shock or bathing in the abrasive materials also showed increased life and durability. And the tracks stay much cleaner. I don't recall ever changing a drive sprocket on those machines. I hope this helps.

[@jessecarpenter8760]

The connections and the fact it doesn't destroy the ground it's working on. I'm sold. Tyler from Guilty of Treeson has one now.

[@gmaster716]

the cons ...flat tires ...Kohler engine are junk,

[@Brian-Outdoors]

I believe his name is Jacob😊

[@harrykeel8557]

You are right about those tires. Won't pack your ground, or tear it up. Nice machine.

[@mjr_WhitenerAR]

Melissa, Mike needs one of those machines....thanks for sharing, honestly never seen one of those!

[@michaelfreehling1914]

Thanks for the video Mike. Like your new machine, but I can't imagine you not having a compact track loader not only for personal use but you use it to help others which is in your heart to do

[@NSResponder]

Love that one-lever release. Very well thought-out. Great way to make sure you don't misalign the hose ends and struggle to get them on.

[@haroldphipps3457]

They are a game changer for combines on the farms! The heads on those have 6 to 8 hoses and many electric circuits, so being able to do them all at once and having the mechanical advantage of the lever attachment is a labor and time saver.

[@oldtireman4665]

The hydraulic/electrical hookup is a very junior sized version of what the ag companies use on their massive combines to hook up the grain and corn headers. You can see them in action in the harvest videos posted by a number of big midwestern grain operations like the Larson and Brown Family Farms. Those 50’ grain headers have to be transferred to a special cart before the combines can move between distant fields.

[@robk1310]

I have a dingo with attachments. I spray painted my forks yellow. I give them a respray once a year. It makes it so much easier to spot them under all lighting conditions.

[@brianhildom9372]

That thing is the Swiss army knife of machines. I can see that in your future. Have a great day everyone.

[@ccfink]

I would say that after you get your projects done and don’t need the bigger equipment the Avant would be a good addition. Love your channel.

[@jameskennerly9748]

Awesome machine! Thank you for sharing Mike!

[@TheMr9fingers]

Those quick couplers are great as long as they are used frequently otherwise they like to seize up

[@jimburge5298]

Great new machine Mike. You can now stack the totes on top of each other to create more space. 👍🏻

[@IowaKLR650]

Hello Mike. I read most of the comments before I wrote this so as to not beat a dead horse. I owned one and it replaced our Kubota tractor. You and I know it will not replace the skid steer, but it can replace both tractors. That would mean half the expenses and maintenance with same mobility and the skid would still be in the fleet. With the optional front or rear 3pt available for an Avant, I think combined with the two tracked Kubotas you would have everything covered for years to come. It worked for me so thought I would direct your attention away from your first thought. I am 73,and learned the hard way sometimes or would not have commented. LOVE the videos!! Wayne

[@MikeZMonroe]

I might be wrong but I believe the tractors are loaners. He also mentions without a doubt the skid steer by far excellent for moving dirt, lots of dirt / landscaping. But my take is processing lumber and milling etc is becoming a priority. Priority that equates to income vs moving dirt on property.

[@IowaKLR650]

@@MikeZMonroe Hello, another Mike. After I commented I remembered the tractor deal. oops. My point was( as you know) he could justify an Avant especially with rear 3pt ability for his land plane driveway projects, etc. You are correct on your response in my opinion. I am sure he will enjoy it for the term of the rental. Wayne

[@maddogcyclone]

I have to say that is one great machine for around a wood yard. Very impressive.

[@kellymeade4587]

I love high tech equipment. This is like a Swiss Army knife…. when I was a kid in the 70s! I had to have one! It’s very impressive!

[@steveashworth6707]

Thats a neat compact utility loader, that will save wear and tear on your track equipment!.

[@michaelwhitfield9922]

Your stuff qas fun to see now your all about the toys

[@johns4584]

That's a nice addition to the Stable Mike, seems like you will get lots of use out of such a versatile machine!

[@donaldwhippleii9570]

Thank you for your videos, look forward to watching them every day. Keep Keeping It real.

[@olddodger7178]

I had a sawmill job two weeks ago today for a tree guy about 35 miles from me. He had one of those Avants and it worked pretty well. We were in a tight area and his machine did a great job. He was still getting used to handling the grapple.

[@vicbartsch351]

Mike, nothing is like a skid steer. The fact the bucket is quite literally at your feet makes it feel like your part of the machine. Everything feels effortless. I agree, the down side is climbing in and out and the older you get, the tougher that will become.

[@dagwood1327]

Looks like this machine hits so many needs in your work flow.

[@kevinmason3086]

I've seen the smaller machines before and I'm very impressed by them

[@liljoeii6091]

That is a nice piece of equipment THANK YOU FOR SHOW US THAT IS AWESOME THANK YOU

[@Tdale85]

Good Sunday morning Morgan family! Rainy and cool here in SE PA. Hope you have a great weekend and productive start to your week.

[@jim4448]

I see this machine as a property maintenance machine... And you're Kabod . More as a construction machine.

[@johnsadler8637]

That articulated steering and short wheelbase makes that loader really nimble in close quarters and the pivot on the grapple helps there too. Amazing lift capacity to weight ratio. It’s probably worth renting just to clean the long stuff off your road! Nice machine. Thanks for showing it to us.

[@scottredmond7322]

Good Morning to the Morgan Family hope you are all ok. Good morning to Hunter hope he is doing well and ok. and we have a nice big green mean machine on the homestead. this is going to be a game changer in lifting logs on to your saw mill and lifting lumber or using the forks to lift them. now all you need is somewhere to store them all under cover like a bilding hint hint LOL i know thats what you have in mind anyway.looking forward to next week all the best to you and your family mike all the best

[@georgefarning69]

Good evening, Morgan's and everyone! Hope everyone is having a great day. That Avant looks to be a handy machine

[@johnpyle8027]

That is quite a machine! I don't have all the answers for sure. You and I started out similar and I think we are the same age withing months, class of 1984. My dad was in the Masonry business so that's what I did from the time I was very very young. I bought land in 1988, built a house and all that. Whenever I hear someone starting out or thinking about acreage to build on I tell them the following. Buy the land. Buy as big of a tracked skid steer as you can afford, a trailer and truck that will pull it, forks, and a grapple for sure. Build an outbuilding twice as big as you think you want or need and it will still not be big enough so go big. Build the house, you will use the skid steer more than you would imagine. Keep the skid steer for 5 years or so until you get anything hardcore you can think of done and sell it. Finally if you are just going to live and maintain the property, buy a 4x4 35 hp tractor with a FLE, backhoe, tiller, forks, land plane or box blade and unless you are going to use the property as a business, you should be set. I believe you misquoted the lift capacity of your Kubota, I know you are excited and want the articulating machine, but I looked it up and it is 1985 lbs for the 4020. Dang my TYM T 25 is rated at 1400 IN the bucket. You just have to own equipment when you own property if you want to keep it nice and maintained. I'm down to a Gravely ZTR 60" with a water cooled Kawasaki 26 or 27 hp tractor with FEL, forks, and a tiller and a trailer. I am retired retired! I have right at a 4 acre square area on top of a hill that maintain and a concrete driveway and maintaining it is my occupation now and some metal fabrication. If I need to dig a hole and it takes more than a shovel, Home Depot rents mini excavators for about $180 a day.

[@HortonHill]

Looks like a very capable machine for the work you’re doing. Looking forward to seeing more of it!

[@murchlk]

We have a 528i and the machine is incredible. I prefer the avant hydraulic hookup system to standard skid loader types, much easier.

[@mikekeil5070]

Cool machine. Thanks for showing us!

[@W4GHW]

At least there is a touch of orange on the boom and an orange sign on the back. 😄

[@nilsvikstrom896]

Good job by the Finns👌

[@ScottyLo]

Definitely an impressive machine. 200 attachments is incredible

[@ScottfromNB]

Impressive. 23:52 - Tomorrow, Levi muttering: "Where did I leave that axe?"

[@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans]

Lol

[@robk1310]

😅😅😅

[@arnecarlsson9740]

Since 1991, Avant Tecno has manufactured more than 45,000 loaders at their manufacturing plant in Ylöjärvi, Finland. The company has sales offices in Germany, UK and US, and import partners in more than 55 countries.

[@ronallen6578]

You must be a salesman for this company with all this info??

[@arnecarlsson9740]

@@ronallen6578 Do you want to buy one?

[@johnking8679]

More toys for the Morgan boys !! Ha, Ha !!

[@arnecarlsson9740]

@@ronallen6578 Do want to buy one?

[@Mrbink01]

@@ronallen6578 or has access to Google

[@timraber6575]

i operated one of the small loaders that had four wheel steering to move concert equipment around a few years ago. It was an outdoor show with 5 big bands. The telescoping boom and self leveling made placement easy. I have seen these machines at the Equip Expo. I didn’t try to demo them.

[@haroldphipps3457]

A friend has a JCB Teleskid. Getting in and out from the side is a game changer when working alone and needing to "rig" for picks and material handling. Also the telescope feature is amazing. It'll reach out and load a full size semi dump trailer in the middle. It is also a cool cheat for landscaping dirt work, and seeing the fork ends. The tires on the Avant are a huge plus for the reasons you mention. I don't think you should get rid of your compact track loader if you are going to hire out to do "heavy" dirt work like you talked about doing when you bought it. The Avant was disappointingly weak digging in the pile. I bet it is worse trying to dig packed ground. Avant is ideal for wood yard, and yarding up timber and arborist type work for sure.

[@PatrickCPalmer]

Almost as handy as TWO pockets on a shirt! And great idea to rent for a week.

[@lorallamb2673]

Can you smell the diesel smoke inside the cab? All in all a very useful.machine. Can't wait to see the ladies run it!!

[@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans]

No smell

[@ITG45]

I went to the Avant website and am amazed at all the attachments available for this machine, extremely versatile!

[@matthennes9779]

I Believe a bucket with teeth for the Avant will make a world of difference… Love your videos!!

[@peteatthefarm4459]

Good Morning Mike and Friends.... gloomy, dark and raining here today, send me some sunshine svp... Pete 🇨🇦

[@davidmorse8432]

Hi Pete, Raining here too. 😢

[@peteatthefarm4459]

​@davidmorse8432 Morning David, tomorrow is sunny. I guess I'll just have to wait...

[@bennym1956]

Beautiful rainy morning again here in Ga. I will take any rain ! Been thru too many dry spells in last 30 years.

[@peteatthefarm4459]

​@@bennym1956be happy to send you some!

[@johnsadler8637]

Same in NCNC. Cool (59F/15C) and light rain with fog. Supposed to clear out in an hour or so. Have a good one!

[@chrispetrillose]

I love watching you expand your fleet!! Keep it up!!

[@rickharper1497]

The connection on the attachments is like what's used on farm equipment mainly combine heads.

[@dustinmarquand5301]

That avant looks like a great machine. I see them all the time around here on tree service trailers...

[@blaincarson8645]

Wow I love what this machine does. Looking forward to see what you decide.

[@scottmiller5799]

I think Mike that new machine would be a game changer in your yard, You need one.

[@barryl1072]

Big addition to the wood yard! The Green Machine will change the way you work. My guess is Melissa will say get one..

[@timwilcoxsr2712]

Very nice machine, I could see that being very much a helpful piece of machinery for you.

[@russellbowman8051]

Looks Very Handy And Versatile!! Keep Smiling On!! 😅👍👊❤️

[@garypaquin3465]

Morning Mike, when you were talking about the bucket on the Avant and getting/digging dirt compared to the skid loader, I think the adding of a tooth bar to the bucket would be a game changer. I know there are companies that make the bolt on tooth barthe and they're amazing.

[@martinrice6541]

Mike, we bought an 860i about 18 months ago for our firewood operation. Also an Avant side to-side forks and the Avant HD Timber Grab. It beautifully operates the Wolf Ridge Skid-Steer splitter which we use similarly to how you use your course splitter w Mini-X. Happy to chat on experiences thus far….

[@ronwood7040]

This will be great for kiln, Another great purchase. Ron

[@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans]

Didn’t but it yet

[@dealsfromvirginia1773]

A man of your stature should be able to just buy this machine and everything you already have. I've had a skid steer for 13 years and can't imagine life without one.

[@keithmanjourides1907]

Is this a serious comment 😂

[@dealsfromvirginia1773]

@@keithmanjourides1907 LOL!

[@barryshisler3720]

Good Sunday morning to The Morgan Clan Hope Y'all are having a great weekend God bless

[@chucknelson1079]

That line across the windshield would drive me crazy

[@robertbailey8444]

That new machine is surprisingly quite not to mention the versatility is incredible.

[@Hallnout]

Good morning Morgans and friends

[@davidmorse8432]

Hi Michael!

[@barrymacokiner9423]

Morning!

[@badcat4707]

Good morning friend 👋👋😸😺

[@Hallnout]

Good morning fellas. Thanks and i hope you all have a great day!

[@johnsadler8637]

Howdy guys!

[@ronnieferguson5706]

That is what you need at the wood yard look great working there keep the skid steer for moving dirt

[@jamesscurlock1997]

hi Mike, I use a Avant 560 most days in 16 years in a large garden, turning compost and moving stuff around with the ability almost any where, if only we had the out-front mower and road brush and full cab, i would be still in that job. i love your youtube,oh bye the way, i have cerebral palsy

[@Duncangonefishin]

Good morning y'all !! Have a great Sunday, spend some time with your family today.

[@SpicerDesignsLLC]

That MACHINE is perfect for your operation.

[@lindasaunders7835]

Love this little green machine!

[@bobdemuth8955]

That extension will be very handy for loading pickup where you have to set the pallet on the tailgate and push it into the bed, or conversely to unload drag it out to the tailgate and first. Should also be good for loading from the rear of trailers from the rear that are not over-the-wheel beds. Amazing machine and so versatile. Looks like a great fit for your type of operation. Hope all is well with you and family.

[@williamowen6060]

Good morning everyone!

[@nigelgrant9693]

Good morning 🙏

[@chipgoostree2959]

Love those adjustable forks, beats the heck out of lifting, and kicking them where you need them and have to do it again for next lift.

[@PatriotUpNorth]

Really impressed with the lifting capabilities, great design! Happy Sunday Mike! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@warrenjohnknight.9831]

The beauty and the beast, is the difference between the two machines, the Advant would definitely be OK for down at the cabin 👍. Plus around your home base, 😊.

[@john0119]

Nice! A Landscapers Dream for Big Yards. That Bucket would be good for pin pointing Mulch 👍

[@larrybushong9946]

Mike, I love the Avant. I can see where moving dirt could be a little more tedious. Especially after using the skid steer. They are pretty hard to beat in that department. I would like to see if you could dump a tote full of fire wood into the dump trailer with the forks on the Avant. I know you have done that with the Kubota and that worked pretty well. If this can tip far enough, that might be a pretty neat thing as well. I realize you would still need to strap the tote to the forks some how just like you did with the Kubota. Thanks for showing us this neat tool. I hope you are able to add one to your arsenal real soon.

[@lendevonuk5479]

Wow, very impressive! Never thought you would ever consider selling the skid loader though! Will the amount of real-estate you have I would have thought it a definite ‘keeper.’ Green machine is very adaptable, but that skid loader is the top machine. Len (Devon 🇬🇧)

[@Ianhurley54]

Looks like it’s going to be a great machine

[@joehawaii5788]

Take it back before it's too late ,this is to perfect for you 😅😊❤

[@roberthagood4770]

Thanks for the video. May GOD bless you and yours.

[@henryoppermann134]

I have two different sized units, with a Virnig grapple, tree grapple, and flat bucket, which BTW does an amazing job smoothing while back dragging, once you learn the controls… They are amazing, I had the same strategy as yourself, kubota goes bye bye at some time, and the Avant with another bunch of other accessories makes this machine a no brainer, and they sip fuel! You are gonna love it!

[@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans]

Virnig makes great stuff

[@at695mb]

Good Morning Morgans!! As always, another great video. Have a great day sir!

[@robintaylor-mockingeemill8223]

I could watch you do equipment reviews all day . I am impressed with the forks and grapple . The only thing missing was a cost of the machine and attachments .

[@hhazelhoff1363]

There obviously is a piece of specialized equipment for every application. But the reality is that most people can’t afford, or would want to have that much equipment to maintain. Store, and service. You could modify your excavator to do the exact same tasks. Or your skid loader. I understand the track vs wheeled machines. For me the skid steer hands down is the most handy piece of equipment anyone with property could ever own. It’s the Swiss army knife of all contractors. It’s unbeatable with a skilled operator. Even on grass.

[@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans]

Specialized equipment is just that specialized, real good at a few certain tasks, this has over 200 attachments available for it which is the opposite of specialized

[@hhazelhoff1363]

@@OutdoorsWithTheMorgans true but your original tractor, I believe the 3901 Kubota would of been just dandy for 99% of it.

[@NYBwilk]

Very similar to our bobcat mini loaders but the operating weight to weight of machine ratio seems better

[@lonniechartrand]

That Avant would be GREAT for setting up deer blinds onto tower stands!!!

[@johnkirby6547]

Good morning Mike. Very impressive machine.