Michelin displays big agri prototype at SIMA Show

At the Paris-based SIMA show, Michelin is pushing back the limits of agricultural tyres with the presentation of a prototype of the Michelin AxioBib IF 850/75 R 42, the largest tractor tyre in its line-up. It is using the exhibition to demonstrate the tangible solutions we develop for our customers, whether they are users, dealers or equipment manufacturers.”

This RCI 50 (rolling circumference index) tyre is the largest tractor tire in the Michelin line-up, with a height of 2.32 meters and a load capacity of 9.5 tonnes.

In addition to the technological and engineering achievement involved in designing and manufacturing this tire, the Michelin AxioBib 2m32 is aligned with an emerging trend in the world of farming. To the challenges posed by today’s ever-more powerful tractors (from 160-220hp to 220-280hp, 260-350hp and most recently more than 350hp), Michelin has responded with larger-diameter tires (from 1.95m to 2.05m, 2.15m and finally 2.32m).

To meet demand for increased crop output, farming equipment is getting bigger. The prototype version of the new AxioBib 2m32 is designed for very powerful tractors that deliver 350hp and more. On display outside the SIMA trade fair, the New Holland T9 is the perfect illustration of this winning combination of the future.

Michelin operates three agricultural tyre plants in Europe. These are in France, Spain and Poland. A spokesman says that it “continuing to develop thanks to substantial investments.”

Michelin also says that it is supporting farmers who use today’s ultra-powerful machines with the most recent additions to its agricultural tyre line-up. Innovations such as their AxioBib IF 900/60 R42 allows farmers to till their fields while protecting the soil. And their CerexBib IF 800/70 R38 CFO and the IF 900/60 R38 CFO protects crops.

In the second half of last year, Michelin launched its AxioBib agricultural tires in a new size: the IF (for Improved Flexion) 900/60 R42. The tire was purpose-designed for powerful tractors used to decompact soil. This flagship product in the AxioBib lineup enables farmers and farm operators to optimize one of their core operations, i.e. tilling the soil. Successful tilling eliminates the remains of the previous year’s crops and enables the land to restore its yield potential.

Very powerful tractors delivering 350hp are often used to effectively plow bigger and bigger farms. As a result, farmers need tires that enable them to enhance the performance of tractors that have to pull wider equipment. That’s where the MICHELIN Total Performance concept comes into play, by providing more performance in the same tire.

The key advantage of the new AxioBib IF 900/60 R42 tires resides in its ability to deliver superior traction. Operating at low pressure with a 16% larger footprint than a tire made using conventional technology, the Michelin AxioBib is specially designed to allow these very powerful tractors to fully transmit their engine torque. At the same time, the tire holds firmly to the rim, thus eliminating the shifting that can damage the soil and increase fuel consumption. To reduce slippage, each tire has 40 robust lugs that improve traction and enable farmers to use these powerful tractors to their full potential.

With a diameter of 2.15 meters, the Michelin AxioBib IF 900/60 R42 is certified for use at speeds of up to 65 km/h (where permitted by law) while delivering optimal comfort and safety. Despite its impressive size, the AxioBib IF 900/60 R42 ensures that a tractor fitted with the tire is less than 2,997mm wide and thus complies with maximum width limits and heavy load regulations for road transport.

The AxioBib IF 900/60 R42 has been certified by all major equipment manufacturers and can be seen at the SIMA show on such tractors as the Fendt 939, the Claas Axion 950 and the Valtra S353.

Michelin also reminds us that it is supporting the emerging needs of farmers and grain producers by bringing to market two new sizes of the MICHELIN CerexBib tire: the IF800/70 R38 CFO and the IF 900/60 R38 CFO.