DECATUR, Ill. (Sept. 2, 2015) — Group Michelin is expanding its North American agricultural tire portfolio with the launch of a range of “Ultraflex” tires for tractors, sprayers, harvesting equipment and large implements and introducing a satisfaction guarantee on all Ultraflex tires.
The tires, SprayBib, CargoXBib, AxioBib and CerexBib, are debuting this week at the Farm Progress show in Decatur, which runs Sept. 1-3.
In addition Michelin North America Inc. is launching a full-year farmer satisfaction guarantee for the purchase of any Ultraflex tire, which Michelin said is an industry first. Farmers can try Michelin Ultraflex replacement tires risk-free for a full year and return the tires for a refund if they are not satisfied.
The tire maker also is rolling out a free mobile application to calculate agricultural tire pressure, which uses a photo of the tractor to determine proper pressures.
Michelin said its Ultraflex technology produces tires that can operate at up to 40 percent lower air pressure compared with standard radial tires, resulting in a larger footprint for reduced soil compaction and higher yields.
A recent Harper Adams University study demonstrated a 4-percent yield increase with Ultraflex tires, according to Michelin.
The new tires are:
- SprayBib — in size VF480/80R50 179D — is an expansion of Michelin's 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,” said James Crouch, farm segment marketing manager for Michelin North America. The tire carries a maximum load of more than 17,000 pounds and a top rated speed of 40 mph; it's available starting in September.
- CargoXBib High Flotation — in size 710/45R22.5 165D for harvesters — features a new tread design that will replace the CargoXBib design that has been in use for past seven years, Michelin said, and provides improved cleanout as well designed to be used with central inflation systems. It will be available in December.
- AxioBib — in size IF900/65R46 190D for tractors — offers a load capacity of almost 24,000 pounds for use on front-wheel and four-wheel-drive tractors in single fitments. With an outside diameter of 7 feet 6 inches, this is the largest farm tire in in the world, Michelin said. It is scheduled to be available in March 2016.
- CerexBib — in size IF1000/55R32 CFO 188A8 — is designed for large harvesting machines and grain carts. It launches in June 2016 with a “massive” load capacity and a giant footprint.
- Michelin also is displaying its XeoBib and YieldBib tires in sizes VF710/60R42 and VF480/80R50 166A8/166B 161D, respectively, for high-horsepower tractors. The YieldBib offers a reinforcement in the center line of the tire and an exclusive rubber compound to guard against stubble damager, Michelin said.
The Michelin Pressure Calculator can recommend the appropriate tire pressure for the desired load and speed, helping farmers maintain road safety and protect the soil, the company said.
The app involves three steps:
- Type the load supported by front and rear axle.
- Enter the type of tire fitted to the front and rear of the tractor using the drop-down menus; and
- Take a photo of the tractor; the app's camera function calculates load distribution and the length of the overhang measured from the wheel axles.
The app is free on both Android and iOS devices and available in French, English, German and Spanish.
Michelin North America sources ag tires from plants in Europe.