Michelin shows agri ‘flagship’ prototype at SIMA

According to Emmanuel Ladent, president of Michelin’s Agricultural Tyres global business unit, exhibitions like the Paris-based SIMA show give the tyre maker an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity for innovation. Speaking at SIMA, Ladent commented that “trade shows of this size serve as showcases that enable us to demonstrate the tangible solutions we develop for our customers, whether they are users, dealers or equipment manufacturers.”

Referring to Michelin’s presence at this year’s show, Ladent said the company had positioned itself in the near future through the presentation of a new prototype product intended for fitment on ultra-power tractors, the Axiobib 2m32. “This concept tyre perfectly illustrates our commitment to ‘innovating to meet farmers’ needs’ while reaffirming our constant focus on research and development,” the business unit president shared. “This focus and commitment continue with our Axiobib 2m32 and are leading to the Michelin Axiobib IF 900/60R42 and Michelin Cerexbib IF 900/60R38 CFO for today’s powerful tractors and combine-harvesters. Introduced in 2012, these two new sizes respond to the needs of today’s farmers and farm equipment manufacturers, and have been enthusiastically welcomed by key manufacturers.”

The size IF 850/75 R 42 AxioBib prototype is the largest tyre in Michelin’s agricultural line-up. This RCI 50 (Rolling Circumference Index) tyre has a height of 2.32 metres and a load capacity of 9.5 tonnes. The AxioBib 2m32 caters to an emerging trend in the world of farming. Tractor size and power has steadily increased, with the latest models boasting more than 350hp. Michelin has responded with larger diameter tyres, from 1.95m to 2.05m, 2.15m and finally 2.32m. Michelin describes the tyre as the flagship product in its agricultural portfolio; the AxioBib 2m32 integrates the company’s Ultraflex technology, which makes it possible carry heavier loads at low pressure (up to 0.8 bar). This means more traction without any shifting on the rim as well as less soil compaction.

In addition to displaying its agricultural tyres, at this year’s SIMA show Michelin showcased products and services Ladent described as “beyond our tyre line-up.” Specific products and services on display at the Michelin stand include Michelin Exelagri certification. This, he explained, “highlights the expertise of more than 700 agricultural tyre distributors in Europe.” Michelin also showed off the lugged sole boots the company developed in partnership with footwear brand Le Chameau. Michelin also demonstrated the importance of tyre pressure to profitable farming with its new agricultural tyre simulator, which showcases the company’s Ultraflex technology.

Although Ladent described the current economic environment as “uncertain”, he said Michelin would continue to invest in its agricultural operations. The business unit president added that the company’s three agricultural tyre plants, in France, Spain and Poland, are “continuing to develop thanks to substantial investments.”