Jedburgh farmer fits Michelin BibSteel Hard Surface for increased robustness

A Jedburgh-based farmer is fitting Michelin’s BibSteel Hard Surface tyres to his Mustang skid steer. Scott Barbour, partner in RG Barbour & Sons says the robust tyres excel when working in some of the toughest farm conditions.

He uses the skid steer for a range of demanding tasks, including mucking out cattle sheds, moving hundreds of large square bales for the bedding machine throughout the winter, and  general farm jobs throughout the year at Crailinghall Farm and Samieston Farm. These tasks require the tyres to work on hard concrete ground, which in the past has caused the tyres to wear quickly.

Barbour says: “When we’ve fitted budget tyres in the past they have barely lasted two years before needing to be replaced. The BibSteel Hard Surface tyres, on the other hand, are hardly showing any signs of wear – and that’s after more than a year’s heavy use. We knew Michelin tyres were good, but we’ve been really impressed with just how well they are performing.”

The steel-belted radial tyre with heavy-duty rubber compound has superior tread life and resistance to cuts and abrasions compared with less durable cross-ply tyres used on around 90 per cent of the machines in this market. The tyre also has reinforced sidewalls for improved operator comfort, stability and smooth control.

Barbour adds: “When your tyres wear as well as these ones are, you don’t mind paying a little extra upfront. Michelin tyres may be more expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for and we couldn’t be happier with the total performance we’re getting from them.”

Michelin launched the BibSteel Hard Surface tyres to replace the former Stabil’X XZSL radial fitment in 2012. The range is designed for compact vehicles looking for maximum traction while working on asphalt and other hard, abrasive surfaces. Michelin also offers the BibSteel All Terrain, for off-road use.