Fruit farm discovers the many benefits of an Avant compact tool carrier

Lower Hope Fruit, part of the Lower Hope Farms Group, has recently purchased an Avant 640 compact tool carrier from local dealer Beddoes, complete with several quick-fit attachments to streamline a variety of routine tasks.

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The company is best known for its award winning cherries and raspberries which are distributed to wholesale outlets as well as many supermarkets.

Based in north Herefordshire, Lower Hope Farms has been growing fruit for many years but in 1999, Lower Hope Fruit was established and has been increasing production year on year with the cherry crop now accounting for some 80% of total income.

The Avant’s principal role is the regular mowing of grass around the large site including between the rows of cherry trees growing inside nearly 60 km of poly tunnels. In addition, thanks to the machine’s outstanding versatility, it is used with a sweeper attachment for cleaning around the concrete yards and buildings, general handling jobs using a set of pallet forks, moving bulk material with a bucket and collecting trimmings with a grab when the trees are pruned each year.

Commenting on the acquisition of the Avant machine, cherry expert Andy Hunt who is in charge of the 150 acre fruit operation at Lower Hope said: “We were looking for a machine to replace a ride-on mower which could also undertake other jobs outside of the grass cutting season. The Avant is proving perfect for us, helped by its very low ground pressure and compact dimensions which enables it to work safely in all areas around the farm.”

The Avant 640 is one of a range of compact tool carriers available. This model is powered by a reliable and economical Kubota diesel engine developing 28 kW (37.5 hp) and features an articulated chassis and 4-wheel, 2-speed hydrostatic drive which provides outstanding manoeuvrability and traction at all times.