ULTRAFLEX TECHNOLOGY TYRES DELIVER DUAL SPRAYING SOLUTION
Stoke-on-Trent – April 2, 2015
A farming contractor in Leicestershire has developed the optimum set-up for its self-propelled sprayer, using two different sets of Michelin Ultraflex Technology tyres to reduce soil compaction year-round.
Steve Heard Contracting’s advanced tyre choice means its 12-tonne Agrifac sprayer can operate at lower tyre pressures than conventional farm tyres permit, and without the need to adjust pressures between the road and the field.
Owner Steve Heard explains: “The biggest advantage is their flexibility. Ultraflex Technology tyres enable us to operate at the same pressures in the field as we do on the road, but without compromising our in-field performance.”
Heard’s option to fit only Ultraflex Technology tyres means his sprayer is fine-tuned for efficient running. He has specified VF710/60 R 38 Michelin XeoBib tyres for working on wet ground and dealing with shorter winter crops, switching to VF380/90 R 46 Michelin SprayBib tyres for taller crops and drier ground.
“Sprayers are notoriously heavy machines and so the risk of soil compaction is high if you don’t pick your tyres carefully. Our dual XeoBib and SprayBib set-up gives me total confidence we’ve taken every possible step to reduce compaction to a minimum, which in turn increases yield. That’s ultimately what our customers are most interested in,” he adds.
Ultraflex Technology tyres are renowned for offering a larger footprint than standard farm tyres, with less soil compaction and improved fuel economy, plus improved driver comfort. Despite running the narrow tyres at pressures as low as 32psi, Heard says that there is no impact on stability either on the road or in the field.
The sprayer operates within an approximate eight mile radius of Steve Heard Contracting’s base at Thistle House Farm, Billesdon, and is responsible for working around 25,000 acres of land every year.
Ultraflex Technology was the creation of a Michelin developer who had previously worked on tyres for the Space Shuttle. Michelin says this is a clear indication of just how advanced the technology is.
For more information about the range of Michelin farm tyres available visit www.michelin-agricultural-tyres.co.uk.
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Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle, including aircraft, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has 111,200 employees and operates 67 production plants in 17 different countries. The Group has a Technology Centre in charge of research and development with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)
For further press information please contact:
David Johnson, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: d.johnson@uk.michelin.com
James Keeler, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 Fax: +44 (0)20 8544 4711 E-mail: james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
MICHA/113/15
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