Invader about to hit NZ shores

A walk around recent regional field days confirms there's plenty of choice, but users can be heard moaning about reliability and running costs.

A lot of machines can trace their roots back to the North American sports scene, and although modified and strengthened they can be seen lacking in the harsh New Zealand setting, prompting some manufacturers towards clean sheet designs for agriculture.

For example, Avatar Products' principal Hamish Gilbert first set about delivering machines better suited to farming, and he is now set to introduce a higher spec machine.

Says Gilbert, "A lot of machines in use are being asked to perform the duties of a 4WD ute or small tractor, when in some cases their chassis configuration is that of a stretched quad. Frankly it's always going to end in tears."

With this in mind Avatar will release its new Invader series at National Fieldays. The machine was originally designed and developed for military transport and reconnaissance unit, a job that took six years; now it is in production, under a 500 unit/year rolling contract.

The original design brief was for a robust, durable, easy to operate machine using readily available automotive technology. This last point shortened development time, and ensured time proven parts and spares availability anywhere.

The chassis is a cold rolled construction for maximum strength and the elimination of cut points, and sub-assemblies are made from steel using five different tensile strengths, offering durability and flex where required.

The heart of the machine is a 1.3L turbocharged common rail Fiat engine of 4 cylinders, using a Bosch fuel system to deliver 74hp. This is coupled to a newly designed, fully automated CVT transmission with high, low and reverse and engine braking feature, automated diff locks, selectable 2- or 4WD and a rated top speed of 100km/h.

The rear tipping load deck is rated to 500kg and a useful towing capacity of 1100kg is intended for users looking for a heavy duty machine built to last.

Machines are now on extended NZ test, and Gilbert is looking at a range of options for the launch in June. He comments that "the machines have been tested to military standards from 40oC degrees down to -20oC.

Basic, potentially troublesome items like wheel bearings have been subjected to 1000km tests then removed promptly from machines and submerged for 72 hours to measure the ability of the seals to keep out water and mud.

"We believe we will deliver a reliability standard that other manufacturers aspire to," says Gilbert.

For more information visit www.avatar-products.com