Cockburnspath-based R&C Crichton has become the first farmer in Scotland to specify Michelin’s new RoadBib tyres – designed to provide high performance, longevity and traction on machines used intensively on the road.
Jamie Crichton specified the new tyres for his high-spec JCB Fastrac 4220 after hearing positive reports from Henzell Enterprises in Northumberland, one of the contractors involved in pre-launch testing for Michelin.
The tyres were supplied by local Michelin Exelagri dealer Redpath Tyres to replace a set of original equipment competitor fitments that needed replacing after only 2,000 hours operation.
“It didn’t make financial sense to invest in fitting an identical set of tyres, so we did some research and discovered Lee Henzell’s experiences testing the RoadBibs,” Mr Crichton said.
“Michelin has clearly invested heavily in manufacturing an all-new generation of tyres that are unlike anything we’ve seen on a Fastrac before. Being brand new, we presumed they’d cost us a fortune, so we were delighted to find they were pretty much the same price as everything else.”
Commenting on his experience with the tyres to-date, he added that first impressions were very positive.
“They certainly look like they’re built for longevity and road comfort is noticeably improved. It’s just going to take some time to get used to seeing my Fastrac without lugged tyres!”
Michelin’s local agricultural account manager, Tony Powell, visited R&C Crichton to weigh the tractor and provide pressure recommendations for different applications including drilling, cultivating, spreading and spraying, as well as for operation with a slurry tanker and for general trailer work.
“Offering pressure advice is all part of the service when you buy a set of Michelin tyres, and it’s especially important for a multi-purpose machine,” Mr Powell said. “It’s given Jamie the confidence to know he can run as low as 17psi in the field, but with tyres inflated to 35psi for the heaviest road work.”
The Fastrac supports two small family farms, planting and hauling about 5,000t of swede each year. It’s also used for local agricultural contracting work, and for special projects in a nearby cement works – with a 60/40 split between road and field work.
Michelin’s RoadBib tyres are purpose-designed for 200+hp tractors and feature a unique tread design comprising 52 tread blocks to maximise traction, coupled with a central spine. This allows 40 per cent of the tyre to remain in contact with the road surface – a 60 per cent increase versus a traditional Michelin lugged agricultural tyre – while increasing driver comfort and extending tyre life.
For more information visit http://agricultural.michelin.
