Michelin Discontinues Bias-Ply Agricultural Tyres in North America

Michelin Agricultural Tires has decided to discontinue the supply of BFGoodrich brand bias-ply agricultural tyres to North America. The company’s decision to market a radial only range comes at a time when radial tyres make up more than 30 per cent of the overall North American agricultural tyre market, and the benefits of radials to agricultural users, such as greater load carrying capacity and reduced soil compaction, ensure this proportion will continue to increase.

“Since Michelin acquired the BFGoodrich brand in 1989, we have seen tremendous change in the agricultural industry,” said Bill Schafer, vice president of marketing and sales for Michelin North America Agricultural Tires. “Farming operations have increased in size and tractors, harvesters and sprayers have grown larger and more powerful as a result. More than ever, these machines need the durability and performance advantages that radial technology delivers compared to bias-ply construction.

“Our goal is to offer customers advanced tyre technologies and exceptional support to help improve their field productivity, operating efficiency and – ultimately – their profitability,” said Schafer. “We believe that a radial-only offering is the best way to do that.”

The majority of BFGoodrich brand agricultural tyres are produced at Michelin’s factory in Hungary, and the company will continue to produce and market BFGoodrich brand radials for late-model and mid-sized 100- to 200-hp tractors.