Michelin has unveiled a new generation of agricultural tyre – the RoadBib – co-designed with agricultural contractors and said to define a brand new segment of the market.
Available from early 2018, Michelin says it will become the first tyre for 200+hp agricultural tractors specifically designed to provide high performance, longevity and traction on machines used intensively on roads.
According to the manufacturer, high-powered tractor fleets of farm and construction contractors typically spend more than 50 per cent of their time on the road – equivalent to 80 per cent of their total distance travelled, and are often coupled with heavy trailers, adding to the stress on the tyres. The research and development engineers at Michelin say the challenge was to find a solution that would work mainly on tarmac and hard soil roads, providing high traction and longevity, whilst also working well in fields on soft soil.
Commenting, Martyn Pointer, Commercial Director of Agriculture at Michelin, with responsibility for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, explains: “The new Michelin RoadBib is packed full of innovations, and is set to change the way contractors specify tyres in the future.
“Whereas a traditional agricultural tyre might have an average life of 4,000 hours, a Michelin RoadBib will deliver 5,000 hours in service. That’s a significant increase in tyre life, coupled with the benefits of increased comfort, reduced costs and high traction in the field.”
