Michelin North America Inc. is introducing four tires for tractors, sprayers, harvesting equipment and large implements in North America at the 2015 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill., Sept. 1-3.
The company is also launching a satisfaction guarantee on its Ultraflex line and a mobile app that calculates the proper air pressure for tractor tires.
All six tire models, each with a unique tread design, feature Michelin Ultraflex Technology, which enables tires to operate at up to 40% lower air pressure compared to standard radial tires, resulting in a larger footprint for reduced soil compaction and higher yields. A recent Harper Adams University study demonstrated a 4% yield increase with Ultraflex tires compared to standard radial tires, according to Michelin.
A description of the new tires in Michelin’s lineup follows.
The MICHELIN VF480/80R50 179D SprayBib is an expansion of Michelin's popular VF (Very High Flexion) high-clearance sprayer tire offering. “The tire is designed to offer farmers a unique balance between a narrow tire to avoid crop damage and a flotation tire to minimize compaction,” says James Crouch, farm segment marketing manager for Michelin North America. “With a maximum load of over 17,000 pounds and a top rated speed of 40 mph, this wider and higher-load capacity addition to the SprayBib family is equipped to handle the largest high-clearance sprayers on the market.” The new VF480/80R50 179D SprayBib will be available in September 2015.
The MICHELIN 710/45R22.5 165D CargoXBib High Flotation is one of the latest additions to Michelin's renovated large implement line. A new tread design, which will replace the current CargoXBib tread design that has been available in North America for the past seven years, provides improved cleanout. This new tire line, designed with Michelin Ultraflex Technologies, allows the tire to fully utilize central inflation systems and get to the lowest pressures possible while in the field for the most soil protection possible. The 710/45R22.5 165D CargoXBib High Flotation will be available in December 2015.
The MICHELIN IF900/65R46 190D AxioBib offers the highest levels of load capacity and the lowest levels of compaction a farmer could ask for on large mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD) and four-wheel drive machines in singles. At 7 feet 6 inches tall with a capacity of almost 24,000 pounds, it is the largest farm tire in in the world. Introduced in Europe in 2014, this new size addition to the AxioBib family will launch in March 2016 for North American farmers.
The MICHELIN IF1000/55R32 CFO 188A8 CerexBib is the newest Michelin tire designed for large harvesting machines and grain carts. Launching in June 2016, it will offer a massive load capacity and a giant footprint. Built with Michelin Ultraflex Technology, it also minimizes the soil compaction caused by new large harvesting equipment.
Ultraflex guarantee
Michelin also announced a full-year farmer satisfaction guarantee for the purchase of any Ultraflex tire. Farmers can try Michelin Ultraflex replacement tires risk-free for a whole year and return the tires for a refund if they are not satisfied. The company says the guarantee is the first of its kind in the industry.
Free mobile app
Michelin is offering an easy-to-use mobile application that calculates agricultural tire pressure at no charge to farmers. Real-time agricultural tire pressure information is just a photo and a couple of clicks away, according to Michelin.
Using the Michelin Pressure Calculator involves three steps:
1. Type the load supported by front and rear axle.
2. Enter the type of tire fitted to the front and rear of the tractor using the drop-down menus.
3. Take a photo of the tractor with a smartphone. The application’s built-in camera function precisely calculates load distribution and the length of the overhang measured from the wheel axles. This feature is the only one of its kind on the market.
The Michelin Pressure Calculator can instantly work out the most appropriate tire pressure for the desired load and speed. This gives farmers the best pressure information possible to help them maintain road safety as well as protect the soil. The app is free on both Android and iOS devices and available in four languages: French, English, German and Spanish.
