GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America Inc. is adding a radial trailer tire, the TrailXBib, to its Michelin-brand agricultural tire portfolio, designed for slurry wagons, spreaders and trailers.
Designed for endurance, prolonged tire life and low soil compaction, the VF-designated TrailXBib was co-developed with farmers from several continents, Michelin said. The tire uses Michelin's Ultraflex Technology to help reduce soil compaction, optimize yields and improve puncture and aggression resistance.
Michelin lists three major benefits the TrailXBib offers:
• High endurance due to a new steel-belted casing meeting the VF2 standard for better robustness and soil protection;
• Self-cleaning properties provided by a specific tread pattern for better evacuation of mud with no closed areas; and
• A tread pattern design incorporating a central rib designed to ensure regular wear and increase tire life.
The product launches in North America in sizes VF 560/60 R22.5 and VF 650/55 R26 and is "air-systems" ready. Michelin anticipates offering additional sizes over time.
"The TrailXBib allows the farmer to easily adjust trailed equipment tire pressure with remote inflation systems in real time and according to the type of soil-load distribution," according to David Graden, agriculture operational marketing manager, Michelin North America.
"This solution reduces soil compaction and protects the soil for future harvests for increased agricultural yields."
In addition, Michelin is offering new sizes of its MachXBib radial tractor tire and SprayBib sprayer tractor tire lines.
The MachXBib, used in soil preparation, planting and treatment, is now available in sizes 600/70 R30 and 600/65 R28, with an increased speed rating. This tire is designed for both flotation and soil protection, Michelin said, especially in heavy tillage applications.
Introduced in 2011, the radial Spray Bib high-clearance sprayer tractor tire is now available in a VF 320/90 R46 size. Designed to operate at lower inflation pressures than conventional narrow tires, the Spray Bib can carry the same load as standard radial tires with up to 40% lower pressure or 40% more load at the same pressure.
Michelin sources its agricultural tires from plants in Europe.