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.
17 Machines and Counting… A Business with AVANT
/in UncategorizedFor British Grass Care Services Ltd, investing in Avant isn’t just a preference — it’s a proven business strategy.
Founder Adrian Smith has spent over 30 years building his company across grass cutting, ground maintenance, poultry site work, and hedge and tree management. Throughout that journey, one thing has remained consistent: Avant loaders at the heart of the operation.
This spring marked another milestone – the company’s 17th Avant acquisition.
Built on Versatility and Reliability
From the very beginning, Avant machines transformed the way Adrian worked.
“My first Avant was second-hand, and it completely changed how I operated, especially in tight spaces,” he explains. “They’re incredibly versatile, easy to transport between jobs, and adaptable across so many tasks. For our business, they just make sense.”
Today, the company runs four machines, each playing a key role in day-to-day operations.
“The loaders have been integral to the growth of the business. They’ve allowed us to take on more work, work more efficiently, and deliver better results.”
Backed by Strong Support
Performance is only part of the story — reliable support is just as critical.
“The machines are only as good as the backup behind them,” says Adrian. “Fentons of Bourne have been outstanding. Always there when needed, although, to be fair, we’ve had very few issues.”
That combination of dependable machinery and strong dealer support has helped Grass Care Services scale with confidence.
The Latest Addition – Avant 640
The newest addition to the fleet is the Avant 640 — and it’s already proving its worth.
With a 1.1-tonne lift capacity and powerful auxiliary hydraulics, the 640 can operate a huge range of attachments — giving the team flexibility across multiple job types.
Key advantages include:
Whether working on landscaping projects, poultry sites, or general groundworks, the 640 delivers consistent, efficient performance.
Expanding Capabilities, Growing the Business
Avant didn’t just improve efficiency — it opened new opportunities.
Originally focused on poultry farm maintenance, Adrian quickly realised traditional machinery wasn’t suited to the confined working environments.
“Using a compact tractor inside sheds wasn’t ideal. Once I saw an Avant in action, I knew it would change things … and it did.”
With the addition of Avant loaders, the business naturally expanded into new areas, including groundwork contracts, tree work, and hedge cutting.
A wide range of attachments, including root grapples, augers, pallet forks, mowers, brooms, and buckets, has allowed the company to diversify its services without investing in multiple specialist machines.
The Right Machine for Every Job
Today’s fleet includes:
The 528, in particular, plays a crucial role in maintaining high presentation standards.
“It allows us to work on sensitive ground without leaving marks or ruts and that makes a big difference to our clients.”
A Proven Formula
Seventeen machines in and still growing – British Grass Care Services Ltd is a clear example of how the right equipment can drive long-term success.
Reliable, versatile, and built for real-world demands, Avant loaders continue to deliver exactly what the business needs – day in, day out.
Modern Maintenance at the Historic Widooie Castle Estate
/in UncategorizedSet 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.
Avant Tecno to Unveil Game-Changing Equipment at GroundsFest 2025
/in UncategorizedCovid-19…….doing our bit
/in Blog & UpdateA local NHS worker collecting some Hazmat suits to deliver to the Morecambe Bay NHS Trust Hospitals at Lancaster, Kendal & Barrow.
One of our tents set up at Bentham Medical Centre for doctors and nurses to be able to access patients away from the main surgery.
If Carlsberg did Workshops…
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