Michelin is launching two new CerexBib tyre sizes which have been specially designed for the New Holland CR11 combine harvester, the top end model in the company’s range.
The tyre company tells us that the weight and dimensions represented a severe development challenge to the tyre designers – how to minimise soil compaction given the exceptional width of the machine and its tyres.
The answer is the addition of two new sizes, VF900/65 R46 CFO and VF 800/70 R46 CFO, which expands the dimensions offered in the Michelin CerexBib 2 range.
38t capacity
These two new sizes are designed to meet two significant technical challenges – the first of which is the load capacity of the new machine, with its much larger hopper (20,000L) and much wider, and therefore heavier, 15m header.
Coupled to this, are the constraints concerning the width of the vehicle when attempting to comply with the various European regulations for road transport.
Michelin claim that the tyres offer an exceptional load capacity of 19 metric tonnes per tyre, and an impressive diameter of 2.32m (for the VF 900/65 R46 CFO size) – representing a major advance in agricultural tyre technology.
When combined with a new rear axle configuration, these high-performance tyres not only increase the vehicle’s footprint by 23% and reduce ground pressure by 7%, but also optimise overall fuel consumption.
Speed or pressure
In effect, it is the only range on the market offering a bonus of 10 km/h to increase the load or reduce the pressure in the tyres. This speed corresponds to the average speed of the machines at work.
The new tyres are constructed using Michelin’s Ultraflex Technology, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Launched in 2004 with the introduction of the XeoBib range, the tyre design technology provides a larger footprint on the ground, reducing compaction and rutting for increased productivity.
UK studies have shown that tyres with Michelin Ultraflex Technology, inflated at low pressure, may increase yields by up to 4%.
This technology was associated with the very first industrial standard – VF (Very High Flexion), followed by IF (Improved Flexion) from 2006.
