Gentle ride from MICHELIN

Michelin engineers develop and implement rigorous tests to measure the performance of agricultural tires and ensure their long service life, minimum soil compaction and fuel saving.

Reduced soil compaction

1. The tests are held on a sand track and repeated several times to ensure consistent measurements. Specialists compare the surface and depth of the imprint area. For example, the XeoBib tire leaves a 24% larger footprint than a regular tire while its rut depth is 55% less.

2. In order to measure the ruts and the effect on the depth, a ditch is dug and then filled with layers of soil of alternate colours. Farm machinery equipped with the agricultural tires to be tested rolls over the ditch. After the pass, specialists dig a trench perpendicular to the tire tracks in order to measure and analyse the deformation of the soil layers. The test has proved that the MICHELIN tire with Ultraflex technology reduces soil compaction by about 20% compared to a competitor tire featuring similar parameters (520/85R42).

3. The penetrometry test aimed at the measurement of the rut depth and soil compaction level is conducted out in the field. The machine, fitted with the agricultural tires to be tested, rolls over the test zone. After the pass, measurements are taken at various points at regular intervals along the track left by the tractor wheel. Soil compaction is measured at different depths with a penetrometer. The tests showed that after the pass of an agricultural machine equipped with Michelin® CerexBib tires, its quality remains at a level considered good for the development of roots, whereas after the pass of the same machine equipped with competitor tires, the limit threshold for good growth of crops is exceeded.

Fuel saving

The test is conducted in an actual soil preparation situation and calls for maximum use of the tractor output. The machine tows a cultivator along the plot with uniform soil composition. The test is repeated several times with different tires. Since the traction effort is identical at each pass, the spin and, therefore, the fuel consumption allow identifying the difference between the tires. An effort sensor installed between the tractor and the cultivator continuously measures the traction effort.

‘MICHELIN Ultraflex technology tires are able to function at lower pressures’, says Sergey Tikhomirov, Head of Spare Parts Department of AgroCentre-Holding. ‘Increased sidewall flexibility permits a larger footprint and improved traction, which results in a reduced slip rate and better fuel saving.’

Long service life

The accelerated wear test is based on actual rolling conditions and is carried out without a driver 24 hours a day. The implementation protocol integrates speed variation and the simulation of various kinds of use. After the test, engineers analyse the tire tread. The results are consolidated with the information on tire testing on farms.

‘MICHELIN radial tires guarantee a higher performance, a longer service life and increased comfort’, observes Sergey Tikhomirov. ‘The radial carcass allows the sidewalls to function independently from the protector, increasing the footprint up to 30%, reducing rolling resistance and ensuring better shock absorption in the field and on the road.’

AgroCentre’s clients know that in order to have a smooth farming season without emergency pit stops and receive high yields undamaged by tractor tires, they must equip their machines with MICHELIN tires. Farmers shared their experience of using MICHELIN products.

Igor Zaykov, Engineer of KDV Agro — Altay LLC (Verkh-Suetka village, Altai area):

‘We have purchased MICHELIN tires for JСB loaders. The machines work 24 hours a day in different conditions: in the field, on the farm and inside storage facilities. Compared to conventional tires, MICHELIN products “survive” much longer than one season even in harsh working conditions; besides, they feature a high flotation tread pattern.’

Semyon Sergeyev, Chief Engineer of Kolos LLC (Pokrovka village, Lokot district, Altai area):

‘We have purchased three JCB loaders from AgroCentre and equipped them with MICHELIN tires, which are extremely wear-resistant. The loaders operate on both asphalt and concrete. We tried working with other manufacturers before: once, we purchased tires produced by a Chinese manufacturer, but they could not cope with the workload and exploded before the end of the season. Therefore, the next time, we bought MICHELIN tires, which served us as long as two years. Currently, we are planning to order BibLoad MICHELIN tires — judging by their specifications, they should serve even longer.’

Nikolay Salomatnikov, Chief Engineer of Agrokompleks Olymskiy LLC (Kastornoye district, Kursk oblast):

'We have purchased MICHELIN tires for two JCB loaders. We have been using this brand for quite a long time and we are happy with it. MICHELIN tires serve longer than tires of other brands. At the end of the farming season, the protector is still in a very good shape. I am also very happy with the price to quality ratio. MICHELIN tires are much more durable: having installed them, you can forget about any troubles. When we used tires produced by other manufacturers, we had to take the machines to the tire shop quite frequently, which took a lot of time and led to additional costs.’

Vitaliy Volkov, Chief Engineer of Agroenergotelekom LLC (Zhernovets village, Zolotukhino district, Kursk oblast):

‘The machinery, which we acquired from AgroCentre, was initially equipped with MICHELIN tires. Later we started buying MICHELIN tires for all of our machines: tractors, loaders, combines. We decided not to experiment since we were happy with MICHELIN tires. We had tried other brands before MICHELIN: the tires had worn out very quickly.’

Vladimir Savochkin, Director of Noviy Put’ LLC (Tim district, Kursk oblast):

‘The JCB loader that we purchased was standard equipped with MICHELIN tires. We did not have to change the tires for three seasons, which proves how durable they are since our loaders operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week! This year, we have purchased MICHELIN again. I have had a bad experience of working with another brand: my friends recommended me some tires produced by an Italian manufacturer saying that even though they were not genuine, they were quite reliable. As a result, the tires rubbed off to a pathetic state at the very start of the season. With MICHELIN, I can be sure of quality: the tires are durable, provide less slippage and serve well and long.’

Yuriy Chasovskikh, Chief Engineer of Voskhod LLC (Gorshechnoye district, Kursk oblast):

‘We have purchased MICHELIN tires for our telehandler to replace the old ones by the same manufacturer. Actually, we have tried working with other brands and now we are sure that there is nothing better than MICHELIN even if other brands feature similar properties. It is evident that MICHELIN rubber is softer. I am convinced that it is better to buy good tires from the beginning than economise on tire quality and spend even more on changing tires during the season.’