Michelin introducing updated EvoBib

After receiving a SIMA gold medal for innovation in late 2016 for its 2-in-1 tyre, Michelin is launching a new version of the EvoBib. The upgraded Michelin EvoBib will be available from 1 April, initially in the familiar VF 710/70 R 42 and VF 600/70 R 30 sizes suited to tractors between 200 and 300 hp, however Michelin intends to expand the range in 2023 by adding new dimensions for more powerful tractors.

When launched in 2017, Michelin EvoBib was the first agricultural tyre on the market specifically designed for use with Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS). The tread design maximises the tyre’s footprint during field use while its very low-pressure structure (Michelin’s Ultraflex technologies) reduces soil compaction and improve traction. In road use, a smaller tread pattern and the central tread rib lower rolling resistance. Michelin notes that this configuration also improves tyre life and reduces fuel consumption.

Michelin says it adapted the tread design to optimise longevity and offer excellent traction capabilities until the end of the tyre’s life. The casing of this new version of the tyre is now PFO (Pressure Field Operation), a standard that allows tyre manufacturers to increase the load capacity of their tyres for field use.

Internal testing conducted by Michelin found EvoBib to have a footprint variation of 47 per cent between road and field, double that of VF tyres typically used with CTIS such as the Michelin AxioBib 2 (24 per cent). Further internal tests revealed a 15 per cent increase in traction under normal field conditions compared to a competitor’s VF tyre with a hybrid tread pattern, and the same traction capability as a VF AxioBib 2 tyre with a lug tread pattern. As for fuel consumption, testing showed it to be close to that obtained using a standard road profile tyre. Michelin observed a 2-litre per hour reduction in consumption compared to the competitor’s hybrid VF tyre and a 1-litre reduction compared to Michelin AxioBib 2 with CTIS.

Choice of 3 tyres

With this new addition, Michelin says it “now has a complete range of solutions for powerful tractors.” To help make the optimum tyre choice, the tyre maker recommends the following:

• When working in fields and/or difficult working conditions more than 80 per cent of the time, Michelin AxioBib 2 is the preferred choice because of the traction capabilities that its lugs offer.
• Between 20 and 80 per cent field use, Michelin EvoBib with CTIS optimises performance characteristics on the road and in the field for users looking for a return on investment.
• If the field usage is less than 20 per cent and the tractor is predominantly in on-road service, Michelin RoadBib will be the most suitable option due to the increased longevity and fuel savings it offers.