The familiarity of sitting on the rear section of a centre-pivot articulated loader will attract operators to the R series mini handlers, hopes Avant Tecno. And that is despite some compromises versus the company’s established models, which are piloted from the front chassis.

Visibility to the attachment is not quite so good, admits the manufacturer while claiming it is still better than on competitor machines; the newcomers are 10cm taller than equivalent models; and tipping load capacity is a little lower.

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But these issues are compensated by easier reversing thanks to improved visibility in that direction and a layout that keeps the driver’s platform within the turning circle – so for operators working in very confined spaces, the Avant Tecno R loaders will be the better bet.

The R28 and R35 mini-telehandlers are powered by 28hp and 37hp Kubota diesel engines through a four-wheel drive hydrostatic transmission. Lift capacities are rated at 900kg and 1,050kg, and the lift height 2.82m in both cases, from a boom with 600mm of telescopic movement.

Avant Tecno will also exhibit the new 760i, flagship of the range, with 1700kg lift capacity, 3.1m of lift height and a 57hp diesel engine.