Michelin is launching its new SprayBib agricultural tyre into the UK and Irish tyre market at Cereals 2011. The launch follows its international debut at SIMA in February and is the first row-crop sprayer tyre to feature Michelin’s patented Ultraflex technologies.
SprayBib has been designed to improve productivity by supporting the trend for manufacturers to build increasingly larger farm machines. With the latest-generation of sprayers reaching widths of up to 50 metres, machines are becoming increasingly heavier and are therefore more likely to compact soil.
Rob Beddis, Commercial Director of Michelin’s Agricultural division in the UK and Republic of Ireland, says: "Our unique Ultraflex technology is the key to SprayBib’s performance. It helps to protect the soil more effectively, reduces fuel consumption and lasts longer compared to a standard tyre."
The SprayBib is available as a VF 380/90 R 46 and offers an increased load capacity at the same pressure, compared with a tyre made using conventional technology. Similarly, it allows a dramatic reduction in pressure when carrying the same weight as a standard agricultural tyre. This means that the SprayBib operates at 35 per cent lower pressure than a standard tyre on the same-size rim. For example, a conventional tyre inflated to 5.5 bar can carry 5.8 tonnes, while for the same load, a Michelin SprayBib is inflated to 4.6 bar.
"Sprayers are generally fitted with narrow tyres, which are renowned for causing deep ruts," adds Beddis. "This problem is magnified as these machines are typically used at a time of year when the soil is often fragile and crops are in an early stage of growth. However, because SprayBib tyres operate at low pressure, they are able to reduce soil compaction caused by the sprayer. At the same time, they deliver better traction thanks to their larger contact patch."
With a bigger contact patch and more efficient lugs, SprayBib allows farmers to work faster while reducing fuel consumption.
They are also designed to be driven on the road at speeds of up to 65 km/h, subject to local speed restrictions, while carrying loads of up to 6,500 kilograms per tyre. As well as delivering superior traction, the new lugs offer exceptional driver comfort since they reduce vibrations.
The new Michelin SprayBib has been available as original equipment on leading brands of sprayers around the world since its February 2011 international launch. With immediate effect, the new tyre can be ordered on the replacement market throughout the UK and Ireland.
