Michelin introduces YieldBib agri tyre range

Michelin has introduced its new YieldBib agricultural tyre for high horse powered tractors and other agricultural machinery. Previously available solely on the North American market, Michelin executives in Stoke-on-Trent saw an opportunity for the YieldBib range to replace standard 85 series tyres in the UK and Ireland.

YieldBibs are a narrower tyre than normally fitted to 250+hp tractors when used for crops grown in rows, such as potatoes, carrots and maize. The new tyres can also be fitted to sprayers and treatment machinery, providing that the tyre is working within the capacity of its technical specification at all times.

Its key features include stubble deflecting lugs and an anti-stubble belt in the tread area, specifically designed to extend tyre life by preventing piercing, chipping and gouging from stubble. The 45 degree lug angle also provides better traction and less slippage in all weather conditions; improving fuel economy and helping the farmer to make full use of the machine’s power.

Mike Lawton, commercial director of Michelin’s agricultural tyre division says: “Farmers are under increasing pressure to be as efficient as possible so it’s important that the correct tyres are chosen for their intended application.

“The new YieldBib line extends our range of narrow tyres and ensures that row crop farmers receive the best total performance and soil protection possible,” he adds.

Benefiting from Michelin’s patented Ultraflex Technology, the tyres can carry the same load with up to 40 per cent reduced pressure, compared to standard radial technology tyres. They also limit soil compaction by spreading the tractor’s weight over a larger footprint.

The YieldBib tyres join an increasing range of Ultraflex Technology tyres covering a wide array of applications, including CargoXBib HF, CerexBib, XeoBib, AxioBib and SprayBib tyres.

YieldBib tyres are already available in the UK and Ireland in VF 380/85 R34, VF 420/85 R34, VF 480/80 R50 and VF 480/80 R46 sizes. Michelin will introduce two additional YieldBib sizes – VF 380/95 R38 and VF 380/80 R38 – later in 2015.