Michelin previewing next-gen ag tires at Ill. show

DECATUR, Ill. — Michelin North America is using this year's Farm Progress Show in Decatur to showcase several prototype tire designs, some of which are due on the market in 2018, that the tire maker claims represent "game-changing" solutions for the farm sector.

Among the tires on display is the LifeBIB concept, Michelin's vision of the next-generation farm tire with a tread pattern that emulates wheat grain in an attempt to protect soil fertility and enhance productivity. It represents a break from the traditional "V" lug design prevalent in this sector.

From a construction point of view, LifeBIB relies on Michelin's reduced air-pressure Ultraflex technology, which the tire maker claims yields tires that can carry the same load at up to 20 percent lower air pressure or up to 20 percent heavier loads at the same pressure as standard radial tires.

"Tires are the only link between the ground and the machine," said Laurent Le Dortz, director of marketing, Michelin North America Agricultural and Compact product line.

"Michelin is driving change through innovation. These prototype tires showcase our technical leadership in the agricultural industry and our commitment to customers to provide the best solutions for their challenges on and off the field."

Other tires on display include:

AgriBIB2 — the successor to the AgriBIB designed for row-crop applications for high-horsepower tractors (150 to 500-plus hp) and positioned as an affordable, premium row-crop tire. It features high traction level due to its R1W tread depth and 45-degree lug angle. It launches in September in two sizes — 380/80R38 142A8/139D and 480/80R50 159A8/159B — with 13 additional dimensions on tap for 2018.

EvoBIB — a patented two-in-one tire/tractor package that adjusts pressure and usage, allowing farmers to operate more efficiently in the field or on the road, utilizing tractors with 250-plus horsepower. Available in North America next summer, the tire works at ultra-low pressures in the field, with a contact patch that increases in size up to 20 percent to reduce soil compaction. On the road and at higher pressure, the tire transforms so that only the central continuous tread band grips the pavement, resulting in a smoother, vibration-free ride, fuel savings and improved safety. It will be sizes VF600/70R30 165D and VF 710/70R42 179D.

RoadBIB — Michelin's first offering for the emerging market segment of 200-plus horsepower tractors, the RoadBIB is designed specifically for intensive paved and gravel road use, demanding high performance, longevity and traction.

Such high-powered tractors can spend more than half of their time on the road — equivalent to 80 percent of total distance traveled — and often are coupled with heavy equipment, Michelin said, thus necessitating a distinct design. The new line offers 25-percent more tire life, and tread siping and an open shoulder to facilitate the evacuation of debris and mud.

Not a traditional lugged tire, the directional tread comprises 52 blocks to maximize traction, allowing 40 percent of tread to be in contact with the road surface and a special center rib to maximize efficiency and tread life for on-the-road driving, Michelin said.

The tire will be available in North American market starting in the second quarter of 2018 in size 600/70R30 for front and 710 /70R42 for rear fitments.

Crossgrip — A non-directional steel-belted radial with a reinforced casing for puncture resistance in multi-purpose applications. Designed primarily for loader applications, it will be available in 18- to 42-inch sizes when it is launched in July 2018, Michelin said.

"Loadster" — An extra-wide, double-lug tire designed for very-high-speed, high-load capacity applications such as floaters and other heavy equipment. The Loadster employs Michelin's Ultraflex VF (very high flexion) technology.

Standing 6 feet high and 3 feet wide, this tire is rated to carry loads ranging from 8.5 to17 tons while running at low pressure to minimize soil compaction. A new shoulder design enables better traction and load distribution.

Michelin builds its farm tires at plants in Europe.

For more information on Michelin Ultraflex tires, visit www.MichelinAg.com.