AVR launches size measurement on its Puma 4.0 potato harvester

AVR is presenting its latest innovation at the Interpom fair: the size measuring system on the Puma 4.0 potato harvester. Thanks to the camera system on the bunker filling web, growers get more accurate insight than ever into yields: potatoes are recognized using vision technology, while stones and clods are disregarded. 

Why size measurement?

Pieter Galle, Product Manager at AVR:

"For years, various yield measuring systems have been available for potato harvesters. One of the disadvantages of these systems is that they are nothing more than weighing cells relaying a certain value."

"The system cannot distinguish between potatoes and soil clods or stones. The size measuring system based on camera data first recognizes the potatoes in the product stream and then measures them. As a result, the displayed data is 100% relevant."

"The size measuring system based on camera data first recognizes the potatoes in the product stream and then measures them. As a result, the displayed data is 100% relevant."

Size is a very important quality parameter in the potato cultivation industry.

Pieter Galle:

"Just think about seed potatoes, potatoes for the fresh market and the French fry industry."

"As a grower, you can see what share of the harvested potatoes has the desired size, which means you have detailed information on at least one quality parameter of your product. Furthermore, the results of the size measurement can provide insights for future agronomic decisions."

It also gives the rest of the chain a perfect view of which sizes will be delivered, which means they do not solely have to rely on spot checks. 

In the context of precision agriculture – where the main objective is to achieve as efficient a result as possible with the available resources – size measurement, like yield, is a very interesting litmus test.

Pieter Galle:

"The knowledge about all inputs is already there, but now the result data also becomes available. And not only as far as the number of trucks per field is concerned, but also for the corresponding position or zone in the field."

How does it work?

To gain a perfect insight into what is harvested in the field, AVR has integrated a digital size measurement system on the Puma 4.0 self-propelled potato harvester. This system utilizes cameras mounted on the bunker filling web to determine potato size during harvest. 

The images are processed through AVR Connect, and the gathered data can then be displayed in two ways. 

The size measurement data can be displayed either as geospatial or matrix data. The geospatial data provides an overview of which potato sizes are harvested in each zone of the field. 

The matrix structure gives an overview of the different sizes (length and width) of the potatoes as a percentage of the total harvested quantity of a trip or field. All data ranges within the matrix can be dynamically adjusted based on specific customer needs. 

In short, the AVR size measurement system allows for a fully digital size outlay of the harvested potatoes. 

In practice 

Size measurement will be presented at the Interpom fair on November 24, 25 and 26, 2024 in Kortrijk (Belgium) and will from now on be available on the Puma 4.0.

Size measurement on the Puma 4.0 potato harvester.

175th anniversary at Interpom

At Interpom, AVR’s 175th anniversary will also be highlighted. The Puma 4.0 limited edition model will be on display at their booth: A high-tech self-propelled harvester with a retro look – old meets new. 

In addition, every day at 3 p.m., AVR will have some surprises in store at the booth, and on Sunday November 24, we will organize something extra for the youngest visitors. 

1.75% stunt leasing 

A challenging market requires more than just traditional methods. That is why AVR has been offering leasing formulas since 2023. 

To celebrate its 175th anniversary, AVR is offering an exceptional 1.75% leasing rate for the Puma 4.0! This promotional rate is valid from November 1, 2024 until December 31, 2024. Details and terms and conditions via your AVR representative.

AVR Winter Fest: customer event in renovated headquarters

On Saturday December 21, AVR warmly invites all customers and interested parties to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary together at its site in Roeselare. This will be the first public event in their completely renovated headquarters. Guided tours of the plant, machines on display, catching up over a tasty snack and a drink around a warm winter fire: the cosy recipe for the AVR Winter Fest.

Registration is required. Follow AVR’s social media for further details.