An air filter for heavy dust conditions has an efficient scavenging system. The air filter includes: a housing, a permeable filter, and a scavenger system. The scavenger system disposes of particles collected on the upstream surface of the permeable filter. The scavenger system includes: an air suction source, and a shutter. The shutter is positioned substantially along, typically below, the permeable filter, at a certain distance from a wall, typically the bottom wall, of the housing. The air suction source draws air from a collecting space located between the shutter and the wall of the housing. The shutter is being selectively operated to permit or restrict passage there-through. The air suction source efficiently operates to scavenge particles from the collecting space when the passage through the shutter is at least partially restricted.