At the Ag in Motion Show in Western Canada, MICHELIN will unveil two new low-pressure tires. Designed to improve yield by minimizing soil compassion, these tire fitments operate at a lower pressure than standard radial tires. Attendees of the event will witness the first demonstration of how the tires with MICHELINER Ultraflex VF Technology can carry the same load as a standard tire with up to 40 percent lower air pressure, or up to 40 percent heavier loads with the same pressure.
The demonstration will show a prepared compaction pit 16 feet long by 24 feet wide and 3 feet deep. The pit is constructed with layers of soil separated by layers of limestone, with a cross-section exposed to clearly show the rut depth of the tires and the effects of compaction at different pressures. A 173-HP Apache Sprayer AS1020 equipped with MICHELIN R SPRAYBIBR VF380/90R46 singles on both sides of the rear of the machine was driven onto the pit with the tires pressurized at VF pressure on one side and as a standard radial tire on the opposite side.
In a second static demonstration using a Challenger MT965E (550-HP Engine) 4WD tractor equipped with CTIS (central tire inflation system) from PTG/Precision Inflation, LLC, the footprints will showcase differences in tire footprints from road to field. CTIS enables a tractor operator to change pressures on the fly for optimum performance. For example, CTIS allows for an easy reduction in pressures when changing from road conditions to field conditions. The tire pressure on this Challenger’s eight tires can be adjusted with the touch of a button on the tractor’s control panel. CTIS is widely used in Europe and has been increasingly used in North America to minimize compaction and increase traction, fuel economy and tire performance.
“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase why farmers should think about their tires and what loads they can carry, because that makes a big difference to their equipment performance, their soil, their crop yield and ultimately their bottom lines. MICHELIN Ultraflex Technology is one of the best investments they can make to help maximize equipment efficiency and
increase crop yields,” said Mike Pantaleo, customer engineering support for Michelin Agriculture tires. “We are excited to have the chance to conduct demonstrations to provide farmers with a chance to see with their own eyes the sharp contrast of a side-by-side comparison of our MICHELIN Ultraflex Technology.”
Michelin is also introducing three new tire sizes, available in North America. The new sizes will provide a high load capacity and low level of compassion. They were designed to promote soil protection, fuel savings and lover service life.
For more information on MICHELIN Ultraflex tires, visit www.MichelinAg.com or contact your local Michelin AgricultureTire dealer.