Modern Maintenance at the Historic Widooie Castle Estate

Set within the rolling countryside of Tongeren, Belgium, the Widooie Castle Estate is a remarkable blend of history and forward-thinking land management. With roots dating back to the 9th century, the estate stands today not only as a heritage site, but as a carefully managed ecological landscape.

At the centre of its daily operation is a commitment to efficiency, reliability, and intelligent mechanisation – powered by a fleet of Avant loaders working across the estate.

Where Heritage Meets Innovation

Owned and managed by knight Norbert de Schaetzen van Brienen, Widooie has evolved significantly over the years. Inspired by his grandfather’s passion for land stewardship, Norbert transformed the estate from open grassland into a structured ecological park, complete with planted woodland, defined pathways, and extensive hedging.

This transformation serves more than aesthetic value. The estate plays an active role in supporting biodiversity while acting as a protective buffer against environmental encroachment — a project that demands consistent, high-level maintenance.

Built for Daily Demands

Maintaining an estate of this scale requires dependable machinery. Avant loaders are central to the operation, handling everything from mowing and hedge cutting to tree handling and heavy lifting.

“The machines run here every day, from morning until night,” says Norbert. “Combined with other equipment like our crane and Unimog, they allow us to maintain the estate to the standard it deserves.”

With hydrostatic drive technology, Avant loaders deliver precise control of speed and power — ensuring maximum efficiency without unnecessary fuel consumption. This makes them ideal for sustained, intensive use across varied terrain.

Investing in Performance

With a background as a former John Deere importer and agricultural machinery developer, Norbert understands exactly what high-performance equipment should deliver.

“Every three years, we update our Avant machines,” he explains. “Partly due to depreciation, but also because the technology is always improving. Each new model is more efficient and capable than the last.”

For Norbert, it’s a practical decision — ensuring the estate benefits from the latest advancements in productivity, reliability, and sustainability.

A Vision That Keeps Moving Forward

Beyond day-to-day maintenance, Norbert continues to think ahead — developing ideas and exploring innovations in land management.

His decision to invest in Avant was deliberate: a balance of cutting-edge engineering and proven reliability.

“My body no longer allows me to do heavy work,” he says. “But with these machines, I can still manage the estate exactly as I want. That keeps me young.”

The Avant Fleet at Widooie

Over time, the estate’s machinery has grown into a carefully selected fleet, each model serving a specific role:

Avant 635
A long-standing workhorse, used for routine maintenance such as mowing large areas. Reliable, efficient, and essential for day-to-day operations.

Avant 760i
Introduced to handle more demanding tasks, offering increased stability and power — particularly valuable for managing the estate’s extensive hawthorn hedges.

Avant 855i
The latest addition, designed for heavy-duty work such as moving large trees. Previously requiring external machinery, these tasks can now be completed in-house — saving both time and cost.

Why Avant Works for Widooie

Full Hydraulic Drive
Independent hydraulic motors on each wheel provide superior traction, even across uneven or challenging terrain.

Fixed Articulated Steering
Enhanced stability during turning and loading reduces the risk of tipping and ensures consistent control.

Compact Versatility
With a wide range of attachments, a single machine can handle multiple tasks — from landscaping and maintenance to material handling — making Avant a true all-round solution.

With an engineering mindset and a clear vision for the future, Norbert demands machinery that is efficient, durable, and easy to maintain.

At Widooie Castle Estate, Avant delivers exactly that — combining performance, practicality, and innovation to support one of Belgium’s most unique and historic landscapes.