With the Puma 4.0, AVR introduced the world to a robust, high-tech 4-row self-propelled harvester. For the 2023 season, AVR is planning a major upgrade of the All Conditions Control (ACC) digging unit’s depth control mechanism. With this feature, operators can harvest without exerting any pressure on the ridge.
The control technology responsible for depth control when harvesting using probes was thoroughly reviewed. Control is now a lot more accurate, which means the digging unit, and as a consequence the whole machine, can be operated more stable than ever.
Advantages
- More comfortable for the driver: the control performs very well under all circumstances (also in case of spray tracks, on inclined terrains, etc.), meaning manual intervention is no longer necessary.
- A more precise control also improves the harvesting quality. A potato harvester’s performance is largely determined by an accurate harvesting depth. Harvesting should not be too deep, nor should it be too shallow. The less soil enters the harvester, the less processing is required. This means less load on the machine, resulting in a higher harvesting speed, less wear and a lower fuel consumption per hectare.
- Also at higher speeds, the control – and as a consequence the whole machine – remains remarkably stable.
AVR Connect
Each Puma 4.0 is equipped with the necessary modules for machine connectivity. Clients can register for free at connect.avr.be.
AVR Connect is an online reporting tool for all machine activities and an online repository for both on- and off-field machine data. AVR Connect offers users more data, and as a result a more effective use of machines and resources.
The pre-installed unit (with SIM card) collects data and transmits it wirelessly and in real time via the internet to the AVR Connect platform. The platform visualizes the data in a comprehensible way. Users can monitor machines remotely, and there are also options for remote diagnosis.
AVR also offers an optional Trimble NAV900 GPS sphere ex factory. Precision GPS is a must for accurately collecting data, e.g. yield measurement at the Puma’s picking-off table. This is the reason why AVR offers the precision GPS ex factory, including a 1 year RTX precision subscription.
Low fuel consumption
With fuel prices at an all-time high, AVR would also like to stress that the Puma’s fuel consumption is very low thanks to an efficient Volvo engine, a sophisticated hydraulic system, a lightweight construction and large tire sizes. This is especially the case when it is possible to harvest at slower speeds (1,250 rpm). For example, looking at the average consumption per engine hour (i.e. these are not just harvesting hours) of all connected Puma 4.0s, 27.6 l/h is the average for the 2022 harvesting season.
The AVR Puma 4.0 Comfort Drive will be on display for the first time from November 27 to 29 at Interpom at the Kortrijk Xpo, hall 6 (Belgium).
Source: AVR
Photo: Inside the cabin of the Puma harvester
