Load handling has just become affordable, thanks to the new Angry Ant DY840 articulated mini loader from Global Machinery Sales.
If you’re like me, then I’m sure at some point you’ve used one form of machinery for carrying logs from a backyard, feeding the chipper, loading logs into the back of a truck, or “landing” one of those five wrap hangs the climber has just sent down. If you’ve done everything just listed, you will appreciate just how valuable a decent machine is. They save time, make the job a lot easier and safer, and also put a bit of fun back into things!
This is where the Angry Ant DY840 steps up to the challenge. The machine moves with ease due to its ultra-reliable and economic 24.5kw Kubota diesel engine and full Hydrostatic 4WD system with a top speed of 12 kph. You won’t be tearing up any nice lawns with this beastie either, but if you need extra traction it’s just a flick of a switch away.
The DY840 is a compact machine and very versatile. With its articulated steering the turning circle is just a little over 2m and can be driven through a gap marginally wider than 1.24m and higher than 2.1m. When the boom is extended it can reach 3m away.
The loader is also fitted with a quick coupling system so changing attachments can be done in minutes. If you can’t find an attachment that suits your needs in the Angry Ant range, other well-known brands of loader attachments are interchangeable. This is very handy if you want to upgrade to an Angry Ant but keep your old attachments! Also available is the option for rear hydraulic output. With safety being paramount the standard features included are a rotating work light, reversing beeper, lights and cylinder protection to prevent boom failure.
I was lucky enough to trial the Angry Ant DY840 in my yard where there were plenty of logs to move around and lots of mulch to push into piles. As with all new machines it takes a little practice to master the controls, so I enjoyed the space of my yard to get to grips with things and test the boundaries of the loader. There was enough power to easily pick up large logs and I was surprised at the height I could lift them. Pushing the mulch up was a cinch as well.
Operations are from a combination of foot pedals, conveniently located switches and an ergonomic joystick. Maintenance is easy: the engine cover can be removed with four bolts, the instrument panel has warning lights for all systems and there is a pressure test connector for easy diagnosis in the unlikely event of a breakdown.
The DY840 weighs 1,600kg so it is towable behind most modern utes. For $39,900 plus GST it can be yours with a bucket of your choice, be it the log grab, leaf grab, 4-in-1 bucket, high volume bucket or even the auger drive.
Global Machinery Sales is confident in its products and the Angry Ant is no exception. This loader is backed with a massive three year warranty and a customer satisfaction history that is second to none. Even if you prefer to hire than buy, Global Machinery Sales can help as well.
This article originally appeared in The Australian Arbor Age Magazine. Reviewed by Mathew Smith. Images by Ben Vallis.
