AgRover

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

MAPS (Mobile Agricultural Power Solutions)

Manufacturing/Building Method

The manufacturer has a dedicated workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. Prototypes have been built in 6 different countries as the AgRover can be manufactured locally using locally available materials. 

Intellectural Property Type

Trademarked

User Provision Model

Local companies (partially owned and supported by MAPS-International) will manufacture, market and sell the vehicles. The primary buyer is expected to be a farming co-op, large farm, business or local government. Small-holder farmers are expected to rent the vehicle from these direct buyers. Quotes for the AgRover can be requested on MAPS' website.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2020, 16 AgRovers have been built in 6 countries.

Design Specifications

The AgRover is a three-wheeled vehicle capable of navigating terrain both on and off road while carrying a payload of up to 1000 kg. Its design translates into a top speed of 20 mph. Testing showed fuel economies of 40 to 60 mpg (18 to 26 km/l) for the 10 hp diesel engine option. The truss-shaped chassis is designed to be lightweight and strong with options for utility attachments. The frame is made of commonly available angle iron. The suspension on all three wheels reduces the high stresses in the frame and a trailing arm with a torsion bar is used for the rear suspension, providing high roll stiffness to reduce the likelihood of rollover situations. Specifications:

Technical Support

Technical support is currently supplied by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

The AgRover is designed so that replacement parts are available locally.

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The manufacturer aims to save farmers time and money on tasks like transportation, food processing and light tillage. With higher efficiency the farmers can produce more, therefore increasing income and food supply. The manufacturer also aims to improve local economies through the creation of jobs in manufacturing, sales, rental and maintenance of the product.

Vetted Performance Status

PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta), in collaboration with cocoa farmers in Ondo State, MAPS and CA-NIG (Conservation Alliance Nigeria) conducted field trials and assessments on the AgRover. The trials identified the AgRover as a good solution for transporting farming products more efficiently over difficult terrain at lower costs to smallholder farmers and transport service providers. It found that smallholder farmers saved ~62% in transport costs per 65 kg bag of produce versus using a motorcycle, while reducing the number of trips. The vehicle performance has also been assessed in the U.S. through competitions and university trials. During student design competitions hosted by the Institute for Affordable Transportation, the AgRover was tested carrying loads of 1200 lbs through mud, hills and fields. On a Purdue University research farm, a prototype was used daily during the autumn with no noted problems and another vehicle was driven over 60 miles with different loadings to determine fuel mileage.^{Interview with designer}

Safety

Main hazards involve possible actions of the driver during product operation.

Complementary Technical Systems

Hitches, water pumps, maize grinders, generators, threshers, plows can be added, along with several tools traditionally attached to tractors and farming utility vehicles.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

None

Other Information

MAPS Nigeria video presents the AgRover. MAPS video describing the AgRover in 2 minutes.