Michelin has announced that is to release the Michelin RoadBib tractor tire to improve the versatility of tractors and ensure effective on and off-road performance.

The RoadRib has been developed for different kinds of uses such as manure and silage hauling; spraying and spreading tasks; and public works projects where the tractor runs more on the road than in the field. The tire will be available in a 600/70R30 size for the front axle and a 710/70R42 for the rear axle.

“This new tractor tire answers the call for long life, fuel savings, operator comfort and exceptional road handling,” says David Graden, Agriculture Operational Marketing Manager for Michelin North America. “Michelin answers all of these road-use performance challenges in one tire solution.”

This directional tire has been engineered to offer the following:

• Decrease in fuel consumption due to low rolling resistance, saving up to 5 percent fuel.
• Improved wear life, along with a possible 25 percent increase in tire life.
• Better road handling with 20 percent more rubber contacting the surface; additionally, an optimized tread pattern for long tire life.
• great ride comfort through sculpture configuration. This technology minimizes cabin vibration and sound impact.

The new tractor tire sports a “revolutionary” new tread design, according to Michelin. Deviating from a traditional lugged tire, the RoadBib contains 52 blocks with a wide footprint and a shallow tread. It also features a plain, central rib that ensures protection against soil crushing, reduces plant damage and makes the ride more comfortable. The tire also comes with a wear indicator and accepts studs for specific applications.