Michelin launches row-crop sprayer tyre at Cereals 2011

Michelin has launched its new SprayBib agricultural tyre into the UK and Irish tyre market at Cereals 2011, which runs today and tomorrow. The tyre was debuted in the USA at SIMA in February; it is the first row-crop sprayer tyre to feature the brand’s Ultraflex technologies, which allow tyres to operate at lower pressures, helping to increase contact patches, in addition to increasing traction, comfort and road speeds.

Rob Beddis, commercial director of Michelin’s Agricultural division in the UK and Republic of Ireland, says: “Our unique Ultraflex technology is the key to SprayBib’s performance. It helps to protect the soil more effectively, reduces fuel consumption and lasts longer compared to a standard tyre.”

SprayBib has been designed to improve productivity by supporting the trend for manufacturers to build increasingly larger farm machines. With the latest-generation of sprayers reaching widths of up to 50 metres, machines are becoming increasingly heavier and are therefore more likely to compact soil.

The SprayBib is available as a VF 380/90 R 46 and offers an increased load capacity at the same pressure, compared with a tyre made using conventional technology. It also allows a dramatic reduction in pressure when carrying the same weight as a standard agricultural tyre. This means that the SprayBib operates at 35 per cent lower pressure than a standard tyre on the same-size rim.  For example, a conventional tyre inflated to 5.5 bar can carry 5.8 tonnes, while for the same load, a Michelin SprayBib is inflated to 4.6 bar.

“Sprayers are generally fitted with narrow tyres, which are renowned for causing deep ruts,” adds Beddis. “This problem is magnified as these machines are typically used at a time of year when the soil is often fragile and crops are in an early stage of growth.  However, because SprayBib tyres operate at low pressure, they are able to reduce soil compaction caused by the sprayer.  At the same time, they deliver better traction thanks to their larger contact patch.”

The new Michelin SprayBib has been available as original equipment on leading brands of sprayers around the world since its February 2011 international launch. With immediate effect, the new tyre can be ordered on the replacement market throughout the UK and Ireland.

Michelin is exhibiting a full range of Ultraflex tyres at Cereals 2011, including its XeoBib and AxioBib tractor fitments, and its CerexBib tyre for combine harvesters, which was launched in August 2010.

Related news:

• Michelin Xeobib removes need for pressure adjustments at Bowden Farms
• Michelin presenting Ultraflex tyres at SIMA 2011
• Michelin Demonstrates Benefits of XeoBib’s “Ultraflex Technology” at Contractor Panel