Product Flexibility

In 2005 Michelin, Europe’s leading agricultural tyre supplier, focused its efforts on promoting its Xeobib and CargoXbib product lines. At the same time the global manufacturer launched the Exelagri dealer scheme as a way of strengthening its relationship with dealers on local and regional levels.

Michelin’s Exelagri scheme is not dissimilar to the manufacturer’s passenger car accreditation scheme. In both cases the aim is for the standard to be worth more just a label, but to actually be recognised and meaningful. Launched at the end of last summer, the scheme has eleven members so far in the UK – Bridgate Tyres, Farol Ltd, McConechy’s, M P Foulkes, Tawse Tyres, Treadfirst, Dingwall Tyres, J B Tyres, Micheldever, Redpath Tyres and Totnes Tyres. The plan to improve service levels and give customers access to better technical information about the manufacturer’s, spreads across Europe.

But as T&A readers will know, even the best dealer network and marketing strategies cannot amount to much if the products are not up to scratch. In this respect Michelin has a lot of faith in its products. The XeoBib tractor and CargoXBib agricultural trailer tyres may cost a little more, but they generate savings as a result of their reduced soil compaction and increased floatation characteristic, according to the French manufacturer.

Reading the comments of Farmer’s Weekly readers, it is clear that the Xeobib is a well respected tyre. Some even called it “the best.” But it was also interesting to note that increasingly price conscious farmers are happy to switch to a less expensive brand, particularly (as in the case of Kleber) it has an implicit association with a premium product. Furthermore it is clear that today’s farmers and contractors will not stand for a tyre that cannot stay the distance when it comes to road work.

The Xeobib boasts the ability to travel at 30, 40 or even 50 km/h – all at a tyre pressure of less than one bar. The fact that this product is designed to operate at such an incredibly low pressure means it has low soil compaction rates and strong floatation properties. Furthermore, the XeoBib is available in 10 sizes covering more than 80 per cent of agricultural machinery between 100 and 200 horsepower.

Ploughing ahead…

The CargoXBib also has some quite impressive properties. For example, this product is capable of carrying 6,500 kilograms at 30 km/h, when inflated to 2.5 bar. The fact that competing tyres need to be inflated to between 2.7 and 2.85 bar to achieve this speed means that the CargoXBib has improved floatation properties. Another of the product’s strengths its stability. Michelin designers claim the CargoXBib’s tread block pattern improves the stability of equipment in the raised position, such as tipping trailers. The CargoXBib is currently available in 13 sizes.

In 2006 Michelin says it plans to appoint up to 30 Exelagri dealers and attend more regional shows – supporting existing customers and displaying new additions to its portfolio. And at the same time, in parallel with the manufacturer’s local concerns, Michelin confirmed the continuation of its global intentions by announcing that it would begin selling Michelin and BFGoodrich branded products in Mexico from the 1 January 2006. Demonstrating some similarities with the UK policy, the tyres will be available through a “network of select dealers” in Mexico. Michelin North America says it will offer radial Michelin brand tyres, and “value priced” BFGoodrich units.