New Puma 4.0 connects machine data with the farmer

We are introducing our new Puma 4.0 at the upcoming Agritechnica fair 2019. The four-row potato harvester is the successor of the popular Puma 3 and is now fully cloud connected. We are launching AVR Connect as well, a digital platform that visualises all measurements and functionalities. This consolidates our position as the world leader in the segment of four-row self-propelled harvesters.

To help the modern farmer face the challenges of modern agriculture AVR has fully linked its new Puma with the internet, as illustrated by its fitting name: Puma 4.0.

The web connectivity indicates that sensors positioned in various locations on the Puma collect data from the field and send them online to the personal user platform AVR Connect. The platform can visualise a variety of data 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 they reinforce each other.

AVR Connect is an open platform allowing, if desired, the sharing of data with other packages through APIs. Link-ups with WatchITgrow, Akkerweb, John Deere Operations Center, etc. will be possible in the near future.

Optional: integrated yield measurement
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 his field. In addition, the map can also identify the field’s more and less productive zones. The underlying cause can then be determined so the farmer can take action to optimise the yield across the entire surface area.

Custom-tailored service
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 analyse the machine so potential problems can be identified in advance. This makes a custom-tailored service possible.

Innovation package
Last season eight Pumas were connected with the cloud to forward their data over the internet. The test users are very enthusiastic about the results:

As of now the users of the new Puma 4.0 can sign up for the Innovation package. Feel free to contact AVR’s IOT Manager Koen Uyttenhove for more details.

Technical analysis:

Stage V engine
The Puma 4.0 has been fitted with a Volvo Stage V engine in order to comply with evolving legislation. The TAD1383VE. The existing engine with SCR and EGT as emission after-treatment systems is supplemented with a DPF+DOC (particulate filter) to meet the tightened emission standards (specifically in terms of NOx content and fine dust). Volvo felt 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 the strictest of standards are met without interfering with the actual purpose of the machine, i.e. harvesting potatoes.

New air filter
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 this saves time and costs for the operator.

New touch screen
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 intuitive AVR look and feel.

Optional haulm distributor on the haulm topper
Since the new species exhibit growing haulm yield, which must be topped efficiently, the haulm topper had already been updated several years ago. To remove the topped haulm from beneath the machine so it doesn’t pile up in the rows a haulm distributor is now available that spreads the topped haulm evenly over the entire working width of the machine. For safety purposes the system includes a (hydraulically operated) valve that can be closed when a tractor with tipper passes alongside the haulm topper e.g. when unloading on the go. In addition, the system is retractable for road transport to stay within the legal maximum width on the public road. The haulm distributor will also be available for subsequent delivery on the Puma 3 harvesters.

Electric haulm roller adjustment
The right setting for the haulm rollers is key for an efficient haulm separation. As harvesting takes place under varying conditions (e.g. by contract workers) or early in the season (which can’t be compared to harvesting for storage), the right setup depending on the conditions is crucial to achieve good harvest results. That is why both the haulm rakes - that guide the haulm towards the haulm roller - and the ease of use in adjusting the haulm rollers have been upgraded.

Optional position sensor on Varioweb
The well-known Varioweb cleaning system has also been updated. An additional sensor indicates the position of the axial rollers. This makes it possible to save settings e.g. to switch quickly between harvesting in sandy soil versus heavier/wet soil in the same field, or the settings can easily be shared amongst colleagues.