As farmers try to balance their use of larger machines and higher load capacities with soil compaction concerns, Michelin North America Inc. has updated the CerexBib harvester tire to address both needs. The CerexBib 2 has designations for increased flexion (IF) and very high flexion (VF), as well as Michelin's CFO+ for cyclical field operation, which the tire maker says is better than the standard CFO designation. CFO+ technology offers a second and lower 6 mph cyclic loading table over the standard 10 mph with CFO.
The second generation CerexBib 2 is available in nine front sizes and seven rear sizes.
Michelin says the CerexBib 2 may give farmers up to a 10% bonus in load-carrying capacity at the same pressure, or the option of carrying the same load at lower pressures to minimize soil compaction. The CerexBib 2 tire is engineered to provide optimal harvest time despite soil conditions.
Its tire tread is designed to increase traction, fuel savings and improve safety, key benefits for farmers who want to achieve shallower ruts and less soil compaction while they harvest the crops.
The CerexBib 2 was compared to these products on the market: the Bridgestone VT Combine IF CFO tire, the Trelleborg TM2000 tire, and a Mitas SFT CHO tire in size 900/60R32.
Michelin says the CerexBib 2 offers up to 35% more load capacity at the same pressure versus those competitors, and also runs at the lowest pressures. The tire maker says the CerexBib 2 may run as low as 17 psi while carrying a load of 21,740 pounds. The tire’s contact patch expands up to 35%, which helps reduce soil compaction and protect the soil for future harvests.
“Today’s farmers are using progressively larger machinery but must manage both load capacity and soil compaction,” says David Graden, Michelin's agriculture operational marketing manager. “Because Michelin’s CerexBib 2 is air-systems ready, it offers a solution that answers these and other performance challenges.”
Here's the rundown on front sizes:
VF520/85R42
VF580/85R42
VF710/70R42
IF800/65R32
IF800/70R32
IF800/70R38
IFVF900/60R32
VF900/60R38
VF900/60R42
And here's a look at the rear sizes available:
VF500/85R34
VF520/80R26
VF520/85R30
VF620/70R26
VF620/70R30
VF710/65R30
VF750/65R26
For more information, visit www.MichelinAg.com.
