Tuesday, 07 April 2015 11:34

Tyres’ technology saves money

Written by 

Shallower Ruts and less soil compaction came to light in a field test of Michelin XeoBib tractor tyres.

The tyres featured the maker’s Ultraflex technology, reports the New Zealand distributor, TRS Tyre & Wheel.

The XeoBib tyres were fitted to a Massey Ferguson 6616 tractor/ Kuhn power harrow drill combination in a 100ha field. 

With conventional tyre pressures (20 psi front and 30 psi rear) it cost the NZ equivalent of $1932 in fuel to drill the field, and resulted in an average rut depth of 133mm.  But when the pressures were dropped to 7 psi front and 13 psi rear the cost was just $1142, saving $790. The average rut depth was 88mm, and soil compaction was markedly lower.

Michelin’s agriculture technical manager, Gordon Brookes, commented, “The benefits of Michelin’s Ultraflex technology lie in its ability to be run at incredibly low pressures. This not only has multiple paybacks for the soil, notably reducing compaction and therefore enhancing yields, but the enhanced traction also means the wheels don’t slip as much, so don’t use as much fuel to complete the job.”

As well as Xeobib and Axiobib tractor tyres, Michelin has Ultraflex tyres for other applications – CargoXBib high flotation tyres for trailers, CereXBibs for combines and forage harvesters and SprayBibs for high-clearance sprayers.

Tel. 0800 336 334

www.trstyreandwheel.co.nz

More like this

European tractor registrations down

A total of 108,800 tractors were registered across Europe in the first six months of 2022, with 31,900 tractors of 37kW (50 hp) and under and 76,900 of 38kW and above.

New tyre for pivots

Alliance, a part of Yokohama Off-Highway Tyres, has introduced a new tyre, especially designed for pivot irrigation systems.

Featured

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

Applications open for 2027 Zanda McDonald Award

Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.

GP Rural: New Pathway Proposed to Fix Rural GP Shortage

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter