MICHELIN® MegaXBIB® 580 85R42 runs between 30-inch rows
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Aug. 27, 2013) — This harvest, farmers will be able to mount larger-volume straddle dual radials on their combines and straddle 30-inch rows without changing rims – all thanks to a new radial from MICHELIN North America Agricultural Tires.
The new MICHELIN® MegaXBib™ 580/85R42 168A8/168B extends the popular MICHELIN MegaXBib line to include yet another high capacity straddle dual option for North American harvesting equipment.
“Flexible sidewalls, ultra-low tire pressures and an extra-large air chamber result in a comfortable ride for the operator with excellent handling and stability,” said James Crouch, farm segment marketing manager for Michelin North America Agricultural Tires. “This tire carries heavy loads and reduces soil compaction all while staying on the factory DW 18x42 wheel.”
The MICHELIN MegaXBib is designed for situations where floatation and reduced compaction are critical and, with its narrow width, doesn’t interfere with 30-inch row spacing. A huge footprint with a special casing design allows the tire to carry extremely heavy loads at relatively low pressures. A flat, stable tread helps to maximize floatation while minimizing soil compaction. The tire can bear the weight of increasingly large combines with 400- and 450-bushel bins, 16-row headers and front-axle weights of 50,000 pounds, and it still helps reduce soil compaction over traditional radials. The tire will be available later this year.
Visitors to the 2013 Farm Progress Show will be able to see a demonstration of the MICHELIN MegaXBib and the MICHELIN® MachXBib™ that shows how the choice of ag tires can affect equipment performance. Michelin equipped a John Deere 9870 STS combine with a 12-row header filled with corn. Two sets of tires have been mounted on the combine. On one side, MICHELIN MachXBib 650/85R38’s are mounted; on the other side, a set of MICHELIN MegaXBib 520/85R42.
Aiming to impress upon farmers how its low-pressure ag tires leave less of an impression in the soil, Michelin conducted a soil compaction demonstration to highlight its “Michelin tested, Farmer approved” capability during Farm Progress.
A soil compaction test plot will be formed by setting by concrete block around an area 16-foot by 24-foot. The four-foot high mount will be constructed of 6-inch layers of soil separated by half-inch layers of limestone. The concrete block will then be removed to expose the layers. The combine will then drive over the specially constructed test plot and then back off. The tracks will be visible and the compaction comparison can be made for the two tires.
“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase why farmers should think about their tires and what loads they can carry, because that can make a big difference to their equipment performance, their soil, their crop and ultimately, their bottom line,” said Bob Rees, OE technical manager for Michelin North America Agricultural Tires. “We are delighted to have the chance to conduct a demonstration and provide farmers with a side-by-side comparison of our MegaXBib.”
Michelin will also showcase a stubble display in their booth 618.