Avantco A36038 User manual

Manure Fork
2020 1
Operator's Manual for Attachment
Manure Fork
Product number
A36038
English
A439878 2020 1 EN 2014-
www.avanttecno.com

Manure Fork 2020 1

Manure Fork 2020 1
CONTENTS
1. FOREWORD ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Warning symbols used in this manual ...................................................................................................................................5
2. DESIGNED PURPOSE OF USE.......................................................................................................... 6
3. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE ATTACHMENT...................................................... 7
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Safety labels and main components of the attachment ....................................................................................Error!
Bookmark not defined.
4.2 Safety labels and main components of the attachment ....................................................................................10
5. ATTACHING THE ATTACHMENT ................................................................................................. 12
6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ................................................................................................................ 14
6.1 Checks before use .....................................................................................................................................................15
6.2 Operation.....................................................................................................................................................................15
6.2.1 Using the Manure Fork.....................................................................................................................................16
6.2.2 Material handling ................................................................................................................................................16
6.2.3 Working on uneven ground............................................................................................................................17
6.3 Transport position.....................................................................................................................................................17
6.4 Storing the attachment .............................................................................................................................................18
7. MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE ....................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Cleaning the attachment...........................................................................................................................................19
7.2 Inspection of metal structures................................................................................................................................19
8. WARRANTY TERMS .......................................................................................................................... 20

4 (22)
1. Foreword
Avant Tecno Oy would like to thank you for your purchase of this attachment for your Avant loader. It has
been designed and manufactured based on years of experience on product development and manufacturing.
By familiarizing yourself with this manual and following the instructions, you ascertain your safety and ensure
the reliable operation and long service life of the equipment. Read the instructions carefully before starting to
use the equipment or performing maintenance.
The purpose of this manual is to help you to:
operate the equipment in a safe and efficient manner
observe and prevent any hazardous situations
keep the equipment intact and ensure a long service life
With these instructions, even an inexperienced user can use the attachment and loader safely. The manual
includes important instructions for experienced AVANT operators as well. Ensure that all persons using the
loader have received proper guidance and familiarised themselves with the manual of the loader, each
attachment that are used, and all safety instructions before using the equipment. Using the equipment for
other purposes or use in any other way than described in this manual is prohibited. Keep this manual at hand
throughout the service life of the equipment. If you sell or transfer the equipment, be sure to hand over this
manual to the new owner. If the manual is lost or damaged, you can request a new one from your Avant
dealer or from the manufacturer.
In addition to the safety instructions included in this manual, you must observe all occupational safety
regulations, local laws, and other regulations concerning the use of the equipment. Particularly the regulations
concerning the use of the equipment on public road areas must be observed. Contact your Avant dealer for
more information about local requirements before you operate the loader on road areas.
Contact your local AVANT dealer for any questions, service, spare parts or about any problems that may
occur with the operation of your machine.
This manual contains the original instructions in English. Due to continuous product development some of the
details shown in this manual may differ from your equipment. Pictures may also depict optional equipment or
features that are not currently available. We reserve the right to change the contents of the manual without
notification. Copyright © 2020 Avant Tecno Oy. All rights reserved.

5 (22)
.
Warning symbols used in this manual
The following warning symbols are used throughout this manual. They indicate factors that must be taken into
account to reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to property:
WARNING SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This symbol means: “Warning, be alert! Your safety is involved!”
Carefully read the message that follows, it warns of an immediate hazard
that could cause serious personal injury.
The safety alert symbol by itself and with related safety statement
indicates important safety messages throughout this Manual. It is used to
draw attention to instructions involving your personal safety or the safety
of others. When you see this symbol, be alert, your safety is involved,
carefully read the message that follows, and inform other operators.
DANGER
This signal word indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will cause
death or serious injury.
WARNING
This signal word indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
This signal word is used when minor injury could result if the instructions are not
followed properly.
This signal word indicates information about the correct operation and maintenance
of the equipment.
Failure to observe the instructions accom
panying the symbol can lead to equipment
breakdown or other property damage.

6 (22)
2. Designed purpose of use
The AVANT Manure fork is an attachment that is suitable for use with AVANT multi purpose loaders that are
shown in Table 1. The Manure fork is a very useful attachment for handling and loosening manure and similar
materials. The strong tines penetrate also into compacted manure and can carry a heavy load. The Manure
fork is equipped with bolt-on replaceable tines, made of high tensile forged steel.
The attachment is intended for loosening compacted manure from hard indoor floors. The long tines make
other material handling more difficult, and the fork is not designed to withstand loads from other types of use
than handling soft materials. The Manure fork is not designed for any other use than what is specified in this
manual and must not be used for any other purposes than what is intended for.
The attachment has been designed to require as little maintenance as possible. The operator can perform
regular maintenance tasks. All repair work can’t be performed by the operator, and demanding repair and
maintenance operations are to be left for professional maintenance. All maintenance work must be done using
proper safety equipment. Spare parts must be identical with original specifications, which can be ensured by
using only original spare parts. A separate spare parts catalogue may be available, consult your Avant dealer.
Familiarise yourself with the manual's instructions regarding service and maintenance. Please contact your
AVANT retailer if you have additional questions about the operation or maintenance of the equipment, or if
you require spare parts or maintenance services.
. ..
Table 1 - Manure Fork - Compatibility with Avant loaders
Avant
220 series 2
225
225LPG
313S
320S
320S+
420
423
520
523
525LPG
528
530
R20
R28
R35
630
635
640
745
750
755i
760i
850
860i
e5
e6
A36038 - •••••••
The compatibility recommendations are based on the width of the loader, lifting capacity, and adequate
breakout force. . When using too wide or long attachment the actual breakout force (bucket tilting capacity)
decreases and the overall performance will decrease. To estimate the lifting capacity of the loader the load
diagram shown in the operator’s manual of the loader can be used.

7 (22)
3. Safety instructions for using the attachment
Please bear in mind that safety is the result of several factors. The loader-attachment combination is highly
powerful and improper or careless use or maintenance may cause serious personal injury or property
damage. Due to this, all operators must carefully familiarise themselves about correct use and the operator's
manuals of both the loader and the attachment before starting operation. Do not use the attachment if you
have not completely familiarised yourself with its operation and the related hazards.
DANGER
Misuse, careless use, or using an attachment that i
s in poor condition, may
cause risk of serious injuries.
Familiarise yourself with the controls of the loader,
correct coupling procedure, and the correct way to operate the attachment at a safe
area. Study especially how to stop the equipment in a safe ma
nner. Read all safety
precautions carefully.
Read all safety instructions carefully before handling the attachment
WARNING
When attaching an attachment to the loader, ensure that the locking pins of the
loader's quick attach plate are in the lower po
sition and that they have locked
the attachment to the loader. Never lift or move an unlocked attachment.

The Manure Fork is designed to be used by one operator at a time. Do not let others
near the danger area of the equipment when it is in use.
Always tr
ansport the attachment as low as possible to keep the centre of gravity low,
and keep the telescopic boom retracted during driving.
Risk of crushing - Never go or allow anyone else to go under the loader boom
or attachment. The stability of the loader may change when leaving the driver’s seat,
leading to tipping over of the machine. Always remember that the boom may lower
unexpectedly due to loss of stability, mechanical fault, or if another person operates
the controls of the loader, leading to crushing
hazard. The loader is not intended to
be left to keep a load elevated for longer periods. Lower the attachment firmly on the
ground before leaving the driver's seat and never allow anyone to be under the boom
or attachment.
Risk of tipping over - Keep loads close to ground while driving. Carrying heavy
loads can shift the centre of gravity of the loader and lead to tipping over of the
loader. For the best stability always transport loads as low and close to the loader as
possible, with the telescopic bo
om completely retracted, to keep the centre of gravity
low.
Sudden movements can cause the loader to tip over - Operate the controls of
the loader in a slow and calm manner.
Be careful when lifting load to high level or
lifting load from high. Avoid sud
den changes in speed or direction to maintain
balance of the loader especially when handling heavy loads. Drive slowly and
carefully especially on inclined terrain or slippery surfaces.
Risk of dropping of load - Use the attachment only for its intended purpose.
Use the fork only to handle soft materials, other use may damage the fork and lead to
risk of falling materials. Also make sure not to tilt or raise the fork in a way that the
material could slip and fall on the loader.
Risk of collision - Hitting any obstacle can result in sudden stopping of the
loader.
Always drive very slowly and carefully when scraping compacted manure off
from hard floors. Check the operating area and mark any floor obstacle that could be
hit with the fork. Keep the angle
of the fork to the floor relative small to help avoiding
sudden stopping of the loader if the fork hit an obstacle.

8 (22)
WARNING
Never use the attachment to lift or to transport persons or as any kind of work
platform even temporarily.
Pay attention to the surroundings and any other persons and machines moving in the
vicinity. Pay attention to the contours of the terrain and other hazards, such as
branches and trees that can reach to the driver's area, loose rocks, and slippery
surfaces.
Make sure that overhead clearance is sufficient. Hitting an overhead obstacle may
cause the loader to tip over. Keep a safe distance from electric cables, lamps, or
other electric systems; hitting live parts may cause electric shock.
Ensure that ventilation is sufficient when operating indoors. Do not operate the loader
in closed spaces regardless of the engine or fuel type. Exhaust gases may
concentrate to hazardous levels.
Keep the loader articulation in straight position when handling heavy loads. When
turning the articulation, the loader may tilt forward.
Observe maximum load indicated in the operator’s manual of the loader. Be
especially careful when the load sensor indicator is activated, if your loader is fitted
with a load sensor system.
Make sure that the surface can bear the total load. Also follow the correct tyre
pressure settings.
Make sure to use only an attachment that is in good condition. Check the attachment
thoroughly in regular intervals. Do not modify the attachment in a manner that would
affect
its safety. It is prohibited to drill holes on the attachment, and welding or other
means of fixing hooks or other objects on the attachment is strictly prohibited.
Use the attachment only for its intended purpose. Other use may create unnecessary
safety risks, and the equipment may get damaged.
Make sure that the loader is equipped with necessary safety components, and that
they are in working condition. Seat belt must be used. If there are specific hazards
related to the operating area, use appropriate safety equipment.
Also read the safety instructions and correct use of the loader from the operator's
manual of the loader.
DANGER
Risk of crushing -
Going under the loader boom or an attachment can cause
serious injury or death. Never go und
er the loader boom and prevent others from
getting near lifted boom or attachment. Going under a raised attachment or loader boom
is dangerous, as the boom may lower due to loss of stability, mechanical fault or when
other person operates the controls of t
he loader. Lower the attachment firmly on the
ground before leaving the driver’s seat.
WARNING
Risk of crushing -
Never allow anyone to get under a
lifted attachment or loader boom.
Keep in mind that the
loader boom can be lowered or tilted even if
the engine has
been shut down (crushing hazard). The loader is not intended
to be left to keep a load elevated for longer periods. Always
lower the attachment to a safe position before leaving the
driver's seat.

9 (22)
Remember to wear proper personal protective equipment:

The noise level at the driver's seat may exceed 85 dB(A) depending on loader
model and operating cycle. Extended exposure to loud noise can cause
hearing impairment. Wear hearing protection while working with the loader.
Wear protective gloves.
Wear safety boots whenever working with the loader.
Safe position of the attachment, before going near the loader boom:
WARNING
Always set the attachment to a safe position before going near the attachment.
Safe position will prevent u
nintentional movements of the attachment and the loader
boom. Note that the attachment can move even if the engine of the loader is turned off.
Safe stopping procedure:
Lower the boom completely down and lower the attachment flat on the ground.
Shut down the loader engine and lock the parking brake.
Prevent starting of the machine, remove ignition key.

10 (22)
4. Technical specifications
Table 2 - Manure Fork - Specifications
Product number A36038
Width: 1100 mm
Tine length: 890 mm
Number of replaceable tines: 13
Gap between forks: 86 mm
Weight: 120 kg
Maximum allowed load: 1000 kg
Suitable Avant loaders: See Table 1
4.1 Safety labels and main components of the attachment
Listed below are the labels and markings on the attachment. They must be visible and readable on the
equipment. Replace any unclear or missing label. New labels are available via your retailer or contact
information provided on the cover.
WARNING
Make sure all warning decals are readable. The warning
labels contain important
safety information and they help to identify and remember the hazards related to the
equipment. Replace damaged or missing warning labels with new ones.
Attachment identification plate A417898
A46771 A46772
To apply a new label: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove all grease. Allow it to dry completely. Peel off
the protective film of the label and press firmly to apply. Take care not to touch the glue of the label.

11 (22)
Table 3 - Decal locations and warning messages
Decal Warning message
1 A46771 Misuse hazard -
Read instructions before
use.
2 A46772 Crushing hazard -
Do not go under a
raised attachment; stay away from raised
equipment.
3 A417898 Attachment identification plate
. ..
Table 4 - Manure Fork - Main components
1 Frame with quick attach brackets
2 Bolt-on replaceable fork tines, 13 pcs

12 (22)
5. Attaching the attachment
Attaching the attachment to the loader is quick and easy, but it must be done carefully. The attachment is
mounted to the loader boom by using the quick attach plate on the loader boom and the counterpart on the
attachment.
If the attachment is not locked to the loader, it may detach from the loader and cause a hazardous situation.
The loader must not be driven and the boom must never be lifted when the attachment has not been locked.
To prevent hazardous situations, always follow the coupling procedure shown below. Also remember the
safety instructions shown in this manual. The attachment is mounted to the loader as follows:
WARNING
Crushing risk - Make sure that an unlocked attachment will not move or fall over.
Do not stay in the area between the attachment and the loader. Mount the attachment
only on level surface.
Never move or lift an attachment that has not been locked.
Avant quick coupling system:
Step 1:

Lift the quick attach plate locking pins up and turn them backwards into the slot
so that they are locked in the upper position.

If your loader is equipped with a hydraulic attachment locking system, see
additiona
l instructions about the use of the locking system from the relevant
manuals.
Ensure that the hydraulic hoses are not in the way during installation.
Step 2:
Turn the quick attach plate hydraulically to an obliquely forward position.
Drive the loader
onto the attachment. If your loader is equipped with a
telescopic boom, you can utilise this.

Align the upper pins of the loader’s quick coupling plate so that they are under
the corresponding brackets of the attachment.
Step 3:
Lift the boom slightly –
pull the boom control lever backward to raise the
attachment off the ground.

Turn the boom control lever left to turn the bottom section of the quick attach
plate onto the attachment.
Lock the locking pins manually or lock the hydraulic locking.
Always check the locking of both locking pins.

13 (22)
WARNING
Risk of crushing - Avoid tipping over the attachment.
Excessive tilting or lifting of an
unlocked attachment increases the risk of tipping the attachment over. Do not use the
automatic locking of the
locking pins when the attachment is lifted more than one meter
from the ground. If the locking pins do not return to the normal position when tilting, do
not tilt or raise the attachment any more. Lower the attachment on the ground and
secure the locking manually.
WARNING
Risk of falling objects -
Prevent dropping of
attachment.
An attachment that has not been completely locked to the
loader may fall on the boom or towards the operator, or
fall under the loader during driving, causing loss of
contro
l of the loader. Never move or lift an attachment
that has not been locked. Before moving or lifting the
attachment, make sure that the locking pins are in the
lower position and come through the fasteners on the
attachment on both sides.
WARNING
Make sure the loader is compatible with the attachment.
Stability of the loader,
possible overload of the attachment, and compatibility of loader control systems must be
ensured in addition to mechanical compatibility of the attachment. If you use the
at
tachment with a loader that is not fit to be used with the attachment model you have,
risks include tipping over, damage to attachment due to overload, and risks related to
uncontrolled motion of attachment and its parts. If your loader is not listed in Ta
ble 1 on
page 6, ask your Avant dealer before using this attachment.

14 (22)
6. Instructions for use
Practise the use of the attachment and its controls in an open and safe area. If you are unfamiliar with the
loader in use, it is recommended to practise its use without any attachments.
WARNING
Risk of tipping over - Avoid overload.
Loader can tip over
when handling too heavy loads, or because of dynamic
movements caused by driving with and handling of a heavy
load. Do not extend the tel
escopic boom when the load
approaches the lifting capacity of the loader, or when the
loader boom is in horizontal position. When you notice that
the rear wheels of the loader are about to lift from the ground,
or if the load indicator of the loader (if fitted) signals:
Lower the load calmly and retract the telescopic boom
Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction whenever load is lifted
Use additional counterweights as needed
. ..
WARNING
Crushing risk - Make sure that load will not move or
fall
over.
Never tilt the attachment back when it is lifted high.
Operate only with machines equipped with ROPS and FOPS
structures.
WARNING
Risk of falling from height and crushing under bucket or
loader - Never use a bucket as a lifting platfo
rm or to
carry people.
Never use the loader or its attachments to lift
persons or as any kind of work platform even temporarily.
Never climb on the attachment.
Always lower the bucket on the ground before leaving the
driver's seat. The loader is not intend
ed to hold loads lifted for
longer periods of time.
.

15 (22)
6.1 Checks before use
Check that all fork tines are fastened tightly.
Check the general condition of the attachment. Do not use if the forks are bent, worn excessively, or
there are signs of damage on the metal structure. See Chapter 7.
Ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance when operating the equipment. Do not let anyone to
enter danger area of the boom or to stay directly in front of the loader. Also make sure that it is safe to
reverse with the loader. Never assume that bystanders will remain where you last saw them;
especially children are often attracted to the moving equipment.
Check the general condition of the attachment and the loader, and check for possible hydraulic oil
leaks. The attachment must not be used, if there is a fault in the hydraulic system of the loader or the
attachment. Refer to Chapter 7 for maintenance instructions.
Operate the attachment and the controls of the loader only when seated on the driver’s seat. Ensure
that the loader and the attachment are used in a safe manner and as intended. Do not allow children
to operate the equipment.
Never operate the loader or attachments while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication that
may impair judgement or cause drowsiness, or if not otherwise medically fit to operate the equipment.
Remember correct working methods and avoid leaving the driver’s seat unnecessarily.
6.2 Operation
The Manure fork is intended to be used for
collecting and transporting manure and
simil
ar material together with AVANT
loader.
Pick up the material to be transported and
set the Manure fork to transport position by
lifting it slightly off the ground with the
loader, as shown in the adjacent figure.
The material can then be transported to the
desired unloading location and emptied
with the loader.
Always drive slowly while operating the Manure fork. Adjust the drive speed according to the operating
conditions and the ground.
If your loader is equipped with a telescopic boom, you can utilize it for a better view to the working
area.
Avoid sharp turns while operating the Manure fork. Lift the attachment off the ground
before sharp turns.

16 (22)
6.2.1 Using the Manure Fork
When collecting material from the floor:
Keep the forks low and at a low angle
Drive slowly and carefully
CAUTION
Collision hazard -
Never keep
the fork lifted or at high angle
relative to the floor while
driving.
Hitting any obstacle
can cause sudden stopping of
the machine and damage.
6.2.2 Material handling
Use maximum load indicated in the diagram of the operator’s manual of the loader as a guideline. Remember
that the actual load carrying capacity varies according to operating conditions, especially unevenness of
operating area has a great effect. Be especially careful when the load sensor indicator is activated. Also,
make sure that the ground surface is firm and follow recommended tire pressures.
WARNING
Risk of tipping over -
Avoid overload and keep heavy load close to the loader. Keep
loads close to the ground
whenever driving, especially during turns and uneven
terrain.
Pay attention that a heavy load or long distance between the loader and the
centre of gravity of the load will affect the balance and handling of the loader. The use of
additional counterweights
is recommended especially when operating smaller loader
models. For 200 series loader the wheel weights are recommended. With heavy loads,
the telescopic boom must be kept retracted while moving with the loader. Always wear
seat belt.
WARNING
Risk of crushing - Abrupt movements can cause loss of stability.
Movements, such
as stopping, turning, or lowering the boom abruptly, can cause loss of stability. Always
drive slowly and operate the controls of the loader very carefully when handling heavy
loads.

17 (22)
WARNING
Avoid sudden loss of stability - Never drag loads from e.g. a shelf.
If the load that
you want to lift from height is too heavy, the loader can tip forward when reversing with
the loader. Never reverse and drag with the loader before makin
g sure that the loader
can handle the load that is being lifted.
6.2.3 Working on uneven ground
Extra caution is needed when using the equipment on inclined terrains and slopes. Drive slowly especially on
inclined, uneven, or slippery surfaces, and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction. Operate the controls
of the loader with careful and smooth movements. Watch out for ditches, holes on the ground, and other
obstacles, as hitting an obstacle may cause the loader to tip over.
Maximum lifting capacity can not be achieved on inclined terrain. On horizontally tilted terrain the load must
not be lifted high. The loader frame articulation should be kept straight when lifting heavy loads; turning the
load during lifting operation will affect the stability of the loader and may lead to overturning of the machine.
6.3 Transport position
When driving with the loader, keep the Manure
fork as close to the ground as possible as shown
in adjacent figure. Lift the load only at unloading
location while not driving with the loader.
Always drive slowly when transporting the load.
CAUTION
Keep the loader stable. Always transport the attachment as low and close to the ground
as possible. Keep the telescopic boom retracted during transport drive.
.

18 (22)
6.4 Storing the attachment
Uncouple and store the attachment on level ground. The best way to store the attachment is a place where it
is protected from direct sunlight, rain, and extreme temperatures.
Avoid leaving the attachment laying directly on the ground. Place it on blocks of wood or on a pallet, for
example.
Make sure that the attachment is secured against all movements during storage.
Never climb on the attachment.
For longer storage periods touch up the paint where needed to prevent rust damage.

19 (22)
7. Maintenance and Service
The attachment has been designed to be as maintenance free as possible. Continuous maintenance includes
regular cleaning and lubrication, and monitoring the condition of the attachment. Because of the crushing
hazard caused by lowering machine parts, all maintenance work must be done when moving parts have been
lowered down completely and the attachment is lowered flat against the ground.
DANGER
Risk of crushing - Never go under lifted attachment.
Make sure the attachment is
properly supported duri
ng all maintenance work. Never go under a lifted attachment. The
loader boom may lower unexpectedly during maintenance causing serious injuries from
crushing or impact even when the loader engine is not running. All maintenance and
service must be performe
d when the attachment has been lowered down to a safe
position.
7.1 Cleaning the attachment
Clean the attachment regularly to prevent accumulation of dirt which is more difficult to remove. A pressure
washer and mild detergent can be used for cleaning. Do not use strong solvents.
7.2 Inspection of metal structures
Also the metal structures of the attachment must be inspected regularly. Check visually for damages and
inspect the quick attach brackets and their surrounding area carefully. The attachment must not be used if it is
deformed, cracked, or torn.
Welding repairs are only allowed to be carried out by professional welders. When welding, only methods and
additives suited for steel used in attachment must be used. For more information about repairs contact your
nearest service point.

20 (22)
.
8. Warranty terms
Avant Tecno Oy grants a warranty of one year (12 months) from the date of purchase for the attachment it
manufactures.
The warranty covers repair costs as follows:
Work costs are covered, if the repair is not performed at the factory.
The factory replaces any defective components or consumables.
The factory may reimburse the price of components purchased by the customer in special cases that have
been agreed in advance.
The warranty does not cover:
Normal maintenance work or parts and consumables required for it.
Damages caused by unusual operating conditions or ways of use, negligence, structural changes made
without the consent of Avant Tecno Oy, use of non-original parts or lack of maintenance.
Consequences of a defect, such as interruption of work or other possible additional damages.
Travel and/or freight costs caused by the repair.