CASE STUDY

LEAFLAND LTD

Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand

Industry: Horticulture / Tree Nursery
 

OVERVIEW

Led by Ben Currie, Leafland Ltd has been cultivating and supplying trees across New Zealand for over 22 years. What started as a modest operation has steadily grown into one of the country’s largest and most respected tree nurseries. Managing a large-scale nursery demands machinery that can handle diverse tasks reliably and efficiently — something Ben found in Avant. 

CHALLENGES

As Leafland expanded, so did the need for machinery that could keep up with daily operations, including transporting large trees, working in muddy and dusty conditions, and operating in tight nursery rows.

Traditionally reliant on tractors and small front-end loaders like Kubotas, Ben found these machines increasingly limited in their capabilities. Tasks such as loading curtain-sided trucks or removing embedded posts were time-consuming and required multiple hands. The lack of versatility in the old machinery was becoming a bottleneck for productivity.

THE SOLUTION

Ben introduced Avant loaders to the fleet at Leafland and hasn't looked back — they have become an essential part of the business' day-to-day operations. With four Avant machines now operating daily, Ben and his team have found significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and versatility.

Whether it's loading trees, clearing land, or navigating tight spaces, they "punch well above their weight." 

 

KEY BENEFITS

  • Versatility

    Avant loaders perform multiple roles, replacing the need for several separate machines.

  • Reach & efficiency

    The adjustable forks allow the team to load curtain-sided trucks from one side, saving considerable time.

  • Time-saving attachments

    The grapple attachment is a game-changer for hedge and debris clean-up. One operator now achieves the work of three or four people in a fraction of the time.

  • Narrow access

    Avant machines navigate narrow nursery rows with ease, ideal for tree handling and transport.

  • Heavy-duty performance

    In tough environments — dusty, muddy, and wet — the machines remain robust and reliable.

  • Innovative features

    Heated seats and other operator-friendly features make winter work more comfortable and efficient.

  • Cost-effective

    While initially perceived as more expensive, Ben has proven Avant loaders offer exceptional value. Their functionality replaces multiple machines and easily outperforms lower-cost options.

Customer testimonial

Hear from Ben Currie, Owner & Operator at Leafland Ltd.

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