For Paul Nolan and his team at Toberona Stables in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, the Avant 423 compact loader has proven to be “essential to their ongoing success”.
Toberona Stables accommodates over 60 horses in training, with an additional 50-60 horses on-site for resale.
The Avant 423, a compact and versatile compact loader, is used extensively throughout the year at Toberona Stables. The machine’s hydrostatic drive system, with just a forward and reverse pedal, makes it easy to operate, even for those without prior machinery experience.
Paul Nolan said, “We had heard about the Avant and saw one in action, and we really liked what we saw. We had another machine here before, and it wasn’t nearly as versatile. It was awkward to use, and compared to the Avant, it didn’t match up at all. Now, we couldn’t imagine managing without the Avant. It’s the best machine we’ve ever had on the farm.”
The Avant 423’s compact size makes it ideal for manoeuvring in tight spaces, such as in the stables or along narrow pathways, yet it packs enough power to perform a range of tasks efficiently.
Nolan added: “We use the Avant for a whole range of duties. We use it for feeding the horses, pulling trailers with hay, loading barrows with wood chips or shavings, and sweeping the yard. It does a lot of hours every day and is used 365 days a year without fail.”
Nolan and his team use several attachments to tackle the different tasks required on a horse farm.
Nolan said, “We have a brush, a bucket, and a grab. The grab is great for mucking out the stables. The brush attachment is a game changer – it sweeps the entire yard and deposits everything into the dung heap. It doesn’t leave anything behind.
“Before, one man would need a whole day to sweep the yard. We had brushes on the back of the tractor, but they didn’t work half as well as the Avant. It does the work of 3-4 men and gets the job done in no time.”
He also credits Ferrybridge, the authorised Avant dealer, for providing exceptional service and support.
Nolan said, “Service is crucial, especially these days when it’s hard to get people round for repairs or maintenance. Having a good dealer like Ferrybridge has been a blessing. Any issues we’ve had have been resolved within a day, and their service is always first-class. We know we can always count on them.”
The team also uses the Avant 423 for specialised tasks like maintaining the gallops, which are crucial for the horses’ training.
Avant will be showcasing the Avant 423 at GroundsFest 2025, taking place on 9-10 September at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
