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AGRICULTURAL
Michelin Tyres Expected to Outlast Unimog Sprayer’s First Life in Service
Ayrshire-based farmer and contractor James L Welsh & Sons has reported great longevity from Michelin SprayBib and XeoBib tyres specified for its Unimog sprayer – with the five-year-old sets of tyres predicted to outlast the machine’s first full life in service. James L Welsh & Sons is a third-generation family farm and contracting business based in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, milking 300 cows and rearing 400 cattle. The ex- demonstrator Mercedes-Benz Unimog U400 was supplied by South Cave Tractors and has clocked up more than 6,000 hours in
are maintained for road and field work. The bespoke pressures have contributed to the extended tyre life, whilst also preserving soil health through minimising compaction. “We work the Unimog extremely hard – particularly during the summer when it can complete more than 360 acres-worth of work each day, travelling up to 130 miles. This heavy workload, combined with a mix of steep hills and difficult soil conditions, can take a toll on tyres – but the Michelins keep on going.” Michelin SprayBib tyres are ideally suited to James L Welsh & Sons’
Trelleborg are going to visit multiple leading agricultural exhibitions and customer events over the course of 2017.
James L Welsh & Sons has been profiting from Michelin SprayBib and XeoBib tyres
operation – and still has approximately 40 per cent of tread depth left on each set of tyres. Andrew Welsh, Partner at James L Welsh & Sons, says: “The fact that both sets of tyres have lasted this well proves that while it’s important to invest in quality rubber, setting them up and using them correctly is equally as important. Tony Powell, our local Michelin Account Manager, assisted us at the outset by weighing the machine on-site and advising on bespoke pressures.”
The Unimog features a central inflation system, which enables tyre pressures to be adjusted from the cab, ensuring the correct pressures
intensive workload, as they’re designed for exceptional load capacity. The tyres carry almost 57 per cent greater load at the same pressure as traditional sprayer tyres. Michelin XeoBib tyres help to deliver efficiency savings thanks to reduced rolling resistance on soft ground and increased traction, allowing farmers to save both time and fuel.
Both types of Michelin tyres are designed to withstand extensive road use and are built to reduce vibration, improving driver comfort. This tyre for sprayers and treatment machines can be driven at speeds of up to 65km/h* while enjoying precise steering performance.
machinery in the field and the showcasing of the latest innovations across the agricultural industry, Demoagro 2017, provided the ideal platform for us to exhibit our innovative, VIP system. A smart and autonomous complete wheel capable of self-adjusting the pressure of a combine harvester’s tyre during operation, according to its precise load, the VIP System optimises the tyre’s footprint in order to reduce soil compaction.”
Trelleborg also hosted the first stop of its 2017 Roadshow at Demoagro. This comprised three field demonstrations per day to showcase the benefits of its TM1060 tyre, which has a large footprint that helps to boost the efficiency and productivity of farming operations. Capable of working at extremely low pressure, the TM1060’s wide footprint provides respect for the soil, enhancing farm productivity and crop yield, while providing high traction levels thanks to its ProgressiveTractionTM tread pattern. To do so, two Deutz-Fahr 6175 RC- Shift Agrotron tractors drove across
two 200 metre tracks with different tyre fitments. The first one was fitted with Trelleborg’s VF 710/60R38 TM1060 and VF 600/60R28 TM1060, while the second one was fitted with the 650/65R38 TM800 and 540/65R28 TM800.
Both tractors were linked together by a metal rope to a third Deutz-Fahr 7250TTV Agrotron break tractor. The rope was on a pulley and so it was free to move, enabling the tractor transferring the most power to the ground to arrive before the other one. The time gap between the two tractors was measured and a computer calculated the efficiency savings of each.
“After kicking off in Spain at Demoagro, the roadshow will visit multiple leading agricultural exhibitions and customer events throughout 2017 across Europe, as well as China and South Africa. Each stop will see us showcase the latest generation of Trelleborg tyres, complete wheels and the recently launched VIPTM system,” added Martinez.
BKT Develop Complete Tyre
Range for Loaders in OTR
Trelleborg Showcase Variable Inflation Pressure System at Demoagro 2017
Applications
BKT has shaped a product range for OTR loaders. This tyre line-up was conceived to face the challenges on differing terrains – from snowy and icy surfaces to muddy and rocky ones at quarries and mines.
For snowy and icy terrains, the All Steel radial tyre Earthmax SR 22 tries to satisfy all needs in terms of grip, adherence and braking response under any conditions. Enhanced traction and stability on slippery surfaces are largely thanks to a non- directional tread design. The Earthmax SR 22 is available in sizes 14.00 R 24, 17.5 R 25 and 20.5 R 25.
The Earthmax SR 31 is a radial tyre designed for even surfaces with
multi-ply steel belts, providing strength and stability. Traction as well as cut and heat resistance ensure better productivity during loading and material transport operations. At this point in time, it is available in three different sizes 23.5 R 25, 26.5 R 25 and 29.5 R 25.
The Earthmax SR 41 is made of BKT’s latest-generation compounds providing strong performance and a long life. The profile is completed by its extra-deep, L-4-class tread, which is increased by 50% compared to standard. It is available in sizes 26.5 R25and29.5R25.
The Earthmax SR 31 and Earthmax SR 41 have been designed with scattered terrains in mind.
Trelleborg showcased its innovative VIPTM – Variable Inflation Pressure - system for the first time in Spain, alongside its portfolio of agricultural tyres at Demoagro 2017 in San
Clemente, Cuenca (May 9 to 11). Ramon Martinez, Country Manager at Trelleborg Wheel Systems in Spain, commented: “Dedicated to the demonstration of agricultural
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