Puma 4.0 ready for 2023 harvesting season

With the Puma 4.0, AVR introduced a modern 4-row self-propelled harvester. On their journey to further improve this Puma 4.0, the manufacturer realized a number of updates for the 2023 harvesting season.

At the end of 2022, AVR launched a major software upgrade of the ACC digging unit’s depth control mechanism. This provides more driving comfort. The control performs 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 entire machine, remains remarkably stable.

AVR Comfort Drive is standard on the new Puma 4.0. It enables precise depth control, harvesting less deeply, lower fuel consumption and better harvesting quality.

Reversible digging web

It is also possible now to reverse the direction of the digging web. This allows any blockages in the digging unit to be quickly resolved or any loss of potatoes to be avoided between the sieving and digging web when reversing the rotation direction of the sieving web circuit. This is an optional feature on the 2023 Puma 4.0 with ACC digging unit (4*75/4*90).

A scraper on the lashing belt roller avoids soil sticking to the roller above the belt under heavy harvesting conditions. A PUR scraper is now available that keeps the roller clean. This prevents the loss of potatoes and general wear on the belt. It is an optional feature on the 2023 Puma 4.0

Fuel consumption is very low thanks to an efficient Volvo engine, a well-thought-out 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 was the average during the 2022 harvesting season.

Autosteer provides more comfort for the driver, who will also be able to fully focus on the harvesting process: that’s what the new Autosteer option offers. A sensor unit mounted on the haulm topper between rows 1 and 2 steers the front wheels, allows the machine to automatically follow the rows. This allows you to confidently reach the end of the right row even in very dusty conditions. It is an option on the 2023 Puma 4.0.

To ensure a smooth transition from the digging webs to the sieving webs on 4*90-Pumas with ACC digging units, an active narrowing system was developed as a standard feature. Two driven rollers on the side of the channel smoothly guide the entire product flow to the sieving webs. As a result, the machine runs more lightly, pressures remain lower, there is less chance of soil sticking under and/or to the narrowing plates, and consequently less wear and tear.