Michelin Ultraflex Technology

Low pressure tractor tires are tires with reinforced high flexion (HF) sidewalls with special rubber blends that make the casing extremely durable at low pressure. Tires are certified IF (Improved Flexion) or VF (Very High Flexion) reducing pressure from 20% to 40%, vs. standard tires – while supporting same loads⁽³⁾.

Michelin designed the first low pressure tire (VF) with MICHELIN Ultraflex technology in 2004 with the launch of the MICHELIN XEOBIB.

• Tractors: MICHELIN EVOBIB, MICHELIN AXIOBIB 2, MICHELIN XEOBIB, MICHELIN YIELDBIB, MICHELIN AXIOBIB

• Harvesters and floaters: MICHELIN CEREXBIB 2, MICHELIN FLOATXBIB, MICHELIN CEREXBIB

• Sprayers: MICHELIN SPRAYBIB CFO, MICHELIN SPRAYBIB, MICHELIN AGRIBIB ROW CROP IF

• Trailers and implements: MICHELIN TRAILXBIB, MICHELIN VF XP27, MICHELIN CARGOXBIB HIGH FLOTATION

A study carried out by Harper Adams University⁽¹⁾ demonstrates that MICHELIN ULTRAFLEX technology increases agronomic yields by 4% on average due to lower soil compaction, while improving traction and fuel economy. These results are confirmed by similar studies completed in the United States (Illinois) and Brazil (Mato Grosso).

For example: a farm that produces 8 tonnes of wheat per hectare and sells each tonne of wheat for $200 would earn an extra $64 per year per hectare. (based on 4% of additional yield)

Michelin designed low-pressure tires to reduce farming machinery from compacting the soil.

For example, for a 13,271 lb (6,020 kg) load, the MICHELIN AXIOBIB 2 tire would be at 1 bar (15PSI) of pressure while the standard / non VF (Very High Flexion) tire would be at 1.6 bar (23PSI), at 40.39 miles/h (65 km/h) and with a 710/75R42 size.(3)

The higher the pressure, the more the soil is compacted, and we know that soil compaction modifies the structure and chemical composition by removing the macro-pores that foster air and water flow. By altering the mineralization of roots, significant compaction reduces the soil’s yield.