You're researching loaders online, comparing specifications, watching YouTube reviews, and visiting different dealer websites. The problem? Every manufacturer claims their machine is perfect for your needs, but the reality is more nuanced. Choosing the wrong type of loader doesn't just waste money upfront, it creates daily frustrations that compound over time.
Whether you're expanding a landscaping business, starting a construction company, or looking to replace ageing equipment, understanding which type of loader actually matches your specific needs will save you significant time and money.
When you think "serious earthmoving," large wheeled front end loaders immediately come to mind. These machines range from 6 tonnes up to massive 100+ tonne mining giants, with some models like the Komatsu WA1200-6 weighing over 200 tonnes and capable of loading haul trucks with capacities between 144-222 tonnes.
This class of loader is predominantly manufactured by the main excavator OEMs like Komatsu, Cat, Liebherr, Hitachi, and Volvo. These are basic machines built for efficiency on stable flat ground, designed to maximise cubic metres per bucket load with a focus on operator comfort and on completing a set task, such as loading trucks.
Large wheel loaders excel when you need maximum lifting capacity for heavy materials and are built for continuous operation in demanding environments. They offer excellent operator comfort for long shifts and proven reliability in industrial applications. If you need a loader in this size bracket, there are plenty of major OEM brands available, all with their own unique features. This class of loader is the most common in the world.
If you’re trying to find a compact but powerful machine for your unique situation, especially one that balances size, cost, and versatility, Avant’s product selector tool can help. Use our free Product Selector tool to discover the best Avant loader for your needs.
Sitting between compact and large loaders, yard loaders represent the sweet spot for many medium-sized operations. These machines are built for simplicity and to be cost-effective, with no special features other than just functionality and completing a basic repetitive task.
Brands like Yanmar, Kubota, and Giant focus on this market segment. Yard loaders offer balanced capability and affordability, are suitable for diverse medium-scale applications, have lower operating costs than large loaders, and are easier to transport between sites.
Loaders in this class fill a unique gap in the market, as the large OEMs often only manufacture loaders as small as 6 tons. Which is why there are a select few brands that specialise in this size range.
When ground conditions are challenging or access is restricted, skid steers and compact track loaders excel. These machines are good in applications where ground conditions and traction are poor and access is poor, as they have tracks and can turn on the spot.
Major brands include Bobcat, Caterpillar, and ASV. The key advantage is their ability to turn on the spot and work effectively in soft, muddy, or unstable ground conditions. Compact track loaders use rubber tracks instead of wheels, distributing weight more evenly and reducing ground pressure.
Skid steers offer excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces, superior traction on challenging terrain, a wide range of compatible attachments, and can access areas larger loaders cannot. However, they have slower travel speeds than wheeled loaders, higher track replacement and maintenance costs, potential damage to hard surfaces like concrete, and require more maintenance attention.
For the tightest sites and residential applications, mini loaders offer unique advantages. These are stand-on or walk-behind machines that represent a good concept for particularly tight sites or residential applications and can be towed behind a standard vehicle.
Brands like Toro Dingo, Boxer, and Kanga excel in this market. These machines can be towed behind standard vehicles, making them extremely practical for contractors who work across multiple small sites daily.
Mini loaders provide access through standard gates and doorways, can be towed without special licensing, and require a lower initial investment. However, they have limited lifting capacity, reduced operator comfort, slower work speeds, and are less suitable for continuous operation.
Similar to larger Skid Steer Loaders, these Mini Loader versions also have slower travel speeds than wheeled loaders, higher track replacement and maintenance costs, potential damage to hard surfaces like concrete or delicate surfaces such as fine turf, and require more maintenance attention.
Avant loaders represent a unique category in the loader market. These small articulated wheel loaders combine the manoeuvrability of compact machines with the refined engineering typically found in larger equipment.
What sets Avant loaders apart is their articulated steering mechanism. Unlike skid steers that slip and slide their wheels, the articulation joint enables the rear tyres to follow the path of the front tyres during turns. This results in minimal turf damage and reduced tyre wear.
The offset telescopic boom provides excellent visibility to attachments and work areas, similar to larger telehandlers. This allows operators to see exactly where they're placing materials and how close they are to obstacles.
Avant loaders excel in residential landscaping projects, nursery and horticultural operations, municipal maintenance work, commercial property maintenance, and any application where precision matters more than raw power. They offer minimal ground disturbance, superior operator visibility, extensive attachment compatibility with over 150 options, are designed specifically for New Zealand conditions, and can be transported on car trailers.
People often ask why Avant loaders are chosen over other brands in specific markets. Below are some examples:
Beekeepers require a machine that can operate on steep, uneven terrain. Avant is the only class of loader with a rigid pivot point, making it incredibly stable on steep ground when placing hives. Furthermore, Avant loaders can still fit on a trailer and be towed behind their utes rather than requiring a transporter.
Landscapers choose Avant loaders because they don't cause ground damage, have good 360-degree visibility, and have large bucket capacity compared to other loaders with the same physical footprint. Furthermore, there are 200 attachments to choose from, and their telescopic boom offers extremely good reach.
Plant nurseries find Avant to be a strong contender, particularly if they need a machine for more than one application. For example, Avant has a unique, quick hydraulic coupler system, which makes it quick to switch between attachments. They can load trucks from both sides with their telescopic boom and are also very maneuverable thanks to their unique design.
Construction sites find Avant loaders useful, but only in specific applications. For example, you will often see them operating a milling head, then switching to a 4in1 bucket, then loading pallets with forks. However, if a site is looking for a loader to simply load bulk aggregate into trucks, Avant is too small and has unnecessary features.
Arborists are often replacing excavators with Avant loaders when they need to travel long distances with their branches/debris. Avant has a much faster travel speed than an excavator tracking. Most loaders are much too unstable and tall for tree work, but the Avant has a unique seating position, rigid pivot point, and low centre of gravity, which makes it stand out.
These are just some industry-specific examples of why Avant loaders (or any other class) may or may not work for you. Looking for a used front end loader? Explore used Avant models that deliver big value.
What is important to note is that, depending on your application, there will likely be a specific class of loader for your needs. You will never find a yard loader being used by a beekeeper, just like you would never find an Avant loader in a quarry. Listed above is only a selection of brands and options, and truth be told, there are dozens of reputable loader brands and providers in the marketplace.
Modern loaders work best when they can tackle multiple jobs with different attachments. A machine that switches from moving soil to mowing grass to handling pallets delivers far better value than single-purpose equipment. This versatility matters most for smaller operations where every piece of kit needs to earn its keep.
Take time to honestly assess your needs and talk to specialists who understand your industry. The right choice will make your work easier and more profitable. The wrong one becomes a constant source of operational headaches.
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