Michelin has prepared tires for the New Holland CR11 combine harvester

As part of an exclusive partnership with New Holland, Michelin has developed two new sizes of the Michelin CerexBib 2 tire, specifically designed for the New Holland CR11 combine harvester. An exclusive two-year supply agreement has also been signed.

According to Michelin, the size and weight of the CR11 presented developers with a unique challenge - the combine and new-size tires, the VF 800/70R46 CFO and VF 900/65R46 CFO, have increased widths, but it was necessary to minimize soil compaction.

Engineers also had to consider two important factors: the high payload of the new combine with an enlarged tank (20,000 liters) and a wide cutter (15 meters), as well as European restrictions on the width of equipment used on roads.

The manufacturer adds that the CerexBib 2 in new sizes have exceptional load-carrying capacity (19 tons per tire) and an impressive external diameter (2.32 meters in the VF 900/65R46 CFO size). At the same time, the new sizes, in combination with the revised rear axle configuration, allowed not only to increase the total tire contact area by 23% and reduce ground pressure by 7%, but also to optimize fuel consumption.

"We are proud of our partnership with New Holland. This was a serious technical challenge," noted Nicolas Rebul, Director of Agricultural Tire Sales at Michelin. "Innovation and a drive for excellence are part of our company's DNA, and that's why Michelin will play an important role in the development of the agriculture of the future, increasing its environmental friendliness and efficiency."

The tires are made using the UltraFlex technology, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and was first used in the production of Michelin XeoBib tires. The technology allows for a reduction in pressure in agricultural tires, which increases the contact area and reduces soil compaction and rutting. Research conducted in 2012 by Harper Adams University in the UK showed that tires made using UltraFlex technology and operated at reduced pressure increase soil productivity by 4%. The development of the technology was associated with the introduction of a new IF standard (Improved Flexion, which allows tires to withstand the same level of loads at a 20% reduction in pressure) in the industry, followed by the VF standard (Very High Flexion, which allows for a 40% reduction in pressure) in 2006.