AVR has unveiled the fifth generation of its self-propelled four-row potato harvester, the Puma, marking what the company calls the “ultimate version of a legend.” The redesigned model represents the culmination of nearly two decades of continuous innovation since the first Puma rolled off the production line in 2006.

“The very first AVR Puma came off the production line in 2006. Up till then, 4-row self-propelled harvesters were either cumbersome oversized machines, or they lacked the necessary sieving capacity to achieve a 4-row harvest. The AVR Puma was a real game changer,” said Pieter Galle, Product Director at AVR. “We saw one last chance to transform our existing machine into this ultimate, perfect version. An ultimate version that is ready to take on the challenges of both today and tomorrow.”

According to Galle, the machine has been re-engineered to address the increasingly demanding conditions in the field, such as erratic weather, drought, and soil variability, while preserving the core attributes that have defined the Puma for two decades: versatility, fuel efficiency, and operator comfort.

More Capacity, More Control

The new Puma increases cleaning surface area by 20 percent and improves potato handling through reduced drop heights at the haulm roller units. Each sieving web has its own reversible drive for greater flexibility, and the company’s patented Varioweb system now features inclination control, allowing operators to adjust the cleaning unit angle between −2.5° and 7.5° directly from the cab. The pintle belt surface area has also been extended by 10 percent for higher sieving capacity and smoother throughput.

Expanded Bunker and Faster Unloading

The redesigned bunker now holds up to 10 tons, a 25 percent increase in volume. Its parallelogram lifting mechanism raises the bunker by 40 cm, enabling unloading up to 50 percent faster. The unloading arm can discharge across four rows, even into high dumpers, which is especially advantageous when opening plots. Additional cleaning elements—such as an extra roller and open-rod elevator—support AVR’s Clean & Go concept.

Haulm Processing Reinvented

The haulm topper now delivers 40 percent more rotor power for heavy haulm conditions and integrates a standard haulm spreader with reversible ejection. The haulm roller units have been upgraded to minimize drop height and improve handling, with all settings adjustable from the cabin or side of the machine.

New Digging Unit and Maneuverability

The ACC digging unit has been redesigned for improved visibility and equipped with a quick-change system that lets users switch to alternative crops—such as onions—in under 30 minutes. The harvester’s front axle now achieves a 55° steering angle, while the rear axle rotates 24°, improving turning radius and field handling. The machine maintains its reputation as the “Gentle Giant” thanks to its wide wheels, balanced ground pressure, and optional tracks for enhanced traction.

Cabin and Connectivity

The fifth-generation Puma features the CLAAS X11 cabin, with an ergonomic joystick, upgraded user interface, and unified camera display supporting up to 18 feeds on one large, bright screen. Through AVR Connect, operators can remotely monitor performance, sensor data, and alarms, and dealers can conduct remote diagnostics.

Technical Overview

From Field Trials to Global Launch

Prototypes of the fifth-generation Puma underwent extensive testing during 2025, earning positive feedback from operators. A limited pre-production run of 15 machines is scheduled for 2026, with the official public debut set for AGRITECHNICA, taking place 9–15 November 2025 in Hanover, Germany.