Michelin's RoadBib tractor tire designed for on-road versatility

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America is adding the RoadBib, a directional tractor tire designed to make tractors more versatile and as effective on road as off, to its agricultural tire lineup.

Available in two sizes, the RoadBib is designed for uses such as manure and silage hauling; spraying and spreading tasks; and public works projects where the tractor travels more miles on the road than in the field.

"This new tractor tire answers the call for long life, fuel savings, operator comfort and exceptional road handling," David Graden, agriculture operational marketing manager for Michelin North America, said.

The tire features a tread design that's unusual for agricultural use. Instead of a traditional lugged tread design, the RoadBib features 52 blocks with a wide footprint and a shallow tread. The tire has a central rib that Michelin said protects against soil crushing, reduces plant damage and provides comfort on the road.

The tire—available in sizes 600/70R30 and 710/70R42 for front and rear axle applications, respectively—also offers a wear indicator and accepts studs for specific applications, Michelin said.

• reduced fuel consumption of up to 5 percent versus Michelin's MachXBib tire;
• 25 percent improvement in tire life versus MachXBib;
• improved road handling with 20 percent more rubber contacting the ground and an optimized tread pattern for long tire life; and
• enhanced ride comfort through sculpture configuration that limits cabin vibration and sound impact.

Michelin previewed the RoadBib at the 2017 Farm Progress Show, calling the product its first offering for the emerging market segment of 200-plus horsepower tractors, which can spend more than half of their time on the road—equivalent to 80 percent of total distance traveled—and often are coupled with heavy equipment.