Agricultural machinery company AVR will be introducing its new Puma 4.0 at the upcoming Agritechnica fair, which is expected to take place between November 10-16, 2019 in Hanover.

The four-row potato harvester is the successor of the Puma 3 and is now fully cloud-connected.

Additionally, AVR is launching the AVR Connect, a digital platform that visualizes all measurements and functionalities including:

• Trips management: route to and from the fields, harvest duration, waiting times – if any – clearly displayed,
• geofencing,
• real-time position of the machine,
• settings and parameters at a distance,
• remote update option, and
• live overview of all Puma screens and parameters, with time recording. Some machine settings can also be linked with quality reports when delivering a load of potatoes.
• integrated yield measurement.

The platform can also accommodate other applications and combines this data as well, so that that they reinforce each other. AVR Connect is an open platform allowing, if desired, the sharing of data with other packaged through APIs. Link-ups with WhatITgrow, Akkerweb, John Deere Operations Center, etc., will be possible soon.

The yield data of the harvest is collected and displayed on a detailed map to give the farmer an in-depth insight into the efficiency of this field. Besides, the map can also identify the field’s more and less productive zones. The underlying cause can be determined so the farmer can take action to optimize the yield across the entire surface area.

Registering a variety of machine data through the AVR Connect platform, such as the output and consumption of the engine, provides the user with a wealth of information on the working conditions.

One of the benefits is the fact that this helps dealers and farmers analyze the machine so potential problems can be identified in advance. This makes a custom-tailored service possible.

Additionally, the Puma 4.0 has been fitted with a Volvo Stage V engine to comply with evolving legislation. The existing engine with SCR and EGT as emission after-treatment systems is supplemented with a DPF+DOC (particulate filter) to meet emission standards (specifically in terms of NOx content and fine dust).

AVR said it was key to install a system that in no way disturbs the operator in case of normal use. Particulate filter regeneration happens during operation: active regeneration burns the filter clean. This keeps the filter from clogging, eliminating the need for passive regeneration (idling) during the harvest season. This way standards are met without interfering with the actual purpose of the machine, i.e. harvesting potatoes.

What’s more, AVR has added a new and efficient air filter system sucks in clean air and this is indispensable, especially in light of the succession of dry seasons we’ve been having. In the new system, a Topspin pre-filter ensures improved efficiency. This reduces the need for cleaning or replacement and saves time and costs for the operator.

One more improvement is the improved clarity of the new AVR control screen (1350cd/m² vs. 500 in previous versions) makes it easier to read. Since the new screen is also capacitive, it is easy to operate with your fingers, just like a smartphone. The processor speed has also improved, offering good reaction times and new possibilities in terms of automation and IoT applications. In addition to the technical upgrades, the screen has retained the familiar AVR look and feel.