Michelin to expand updated EvoBib range in 2023

The update to the EvoBib that Michelin announced last year has now arrived. The tyre maker is offering UK customers two sizes of Michelin EvoBib – VF 710/70 R 42 and VF 600/70 R 30. These ‘2-in-1’ tyres are suitable for use on tractors between 200 and 300 hp that are equipped with Central Tyre Inflation Systems (CTIS). Michelin will expand the range in 2023 with the addition of new sizes for larger tractors of more than 300 hp.

The Michelin EvoBib is the first agricultural tyre on the market specifically designed to be used with CTI. As such, Michelin states it is now possible to “obtain excellent performance on the road and in the field due to its adaptive design.”

In field use, the footprint is maximised due to the tread design, and its very low-pressure structure – utilising Michelin Ultraflex Technology – which reduces soil compaction and improves the tractor’s traction capabilities. In road use, the reduced footprint and the central rib of the tread pattern cut rolling resistance, while longevity is improved and fuel consumption is reduced.

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

Testing highlights improvements

Based upon the results of internal testing, Michelin says the new EvoBib offers a footprint variation of 47 per cent between road and field, almost double that of a VF tyre such as the Michelin AxioBib 2 that would have typically been paired with a CTIS.

Other tests show the EvoBib to offer 15 per cent more traction than a competitor’s VF tyre with a hybrid tread pattern and the same traction capability as a VF tyre with a lug tread pattern (under normal field conditions). Testing also reveals an improvement in fuel efficiency. Fuel consumption approaches that obtained when using a standard road profile tyre and is two litres per hour less than the competitor’s hybrid VF tyre as well as one litre per hour less than the AxioBib 2 paired with CTIS.

Complete range of solutions

With the debut of the latest EvoBib, Michelin says it “now has a complete range of solutions for powerful tractors.” To help customers make the correct tyre choice, the tyre maker has published the following recommendations:

• If more than 80 per cent of usage is in fields and/or difficult working conditions, Michelin AxioBib 2 is preferred because of the traction capabilities offered by its lugs.
• Between 20 and 80 per cent field use, Michelin EvoBib with CTIS makes it possible to optimise all 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 (mostly road use), and the tractor is not required to work in extreme conditions, Michelin RoadBib will be the most suitable option due to its increased longevity and the fuel savings it offers.