Michelin AG - Advantages - Bias vs Radial

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Patented and introduced by Michelin® in 1946, the radial tire construction is recognized worldwide for its ability to deliver numerous benefits that bias-ply tires cannot. In the agricultural industry, radial technology delivers large benefits:

Long tire life
Resistance to cuts, punctures and tears
Excellent traction
Improved handling and fuel economy
Smooth ride and operator comfort

Bias Ply

The drawbacks of using Bias-Ply Technology:

In bias-ply tires the tread & sidewalls share the same casing plies

All sidewall flexing is transmitted to the tread, resulting in:

deformation in the tread contact patch

friction with the ground

rapid wear

reduced traction

higher fuel consumption

Radial

The benefits of using Radial Technology:

Outstanding traction due to flat stable crown & larger footprint
Better distribution of pressure in footprint resulting in reduced soil compaction & greater flotation
Reduced working time due to less tire slip, greater productivity
Reduced fuel consumption
Longer tread life
Comfort & handling on the road


		The lugs stay in contact with the ground.

Compare footprints of a 18.4-38 Bias and the 18.4R38 Michelin Radial Agribib™

The bias tire requires an internal inflation pressure of 19psi to carry this load, while the Michelin Radial requires only 15 psi. The casing factor of the bias tire adds an additional 4 psi to the contact pressure between the tire and the soil (23 psi).		The casing factor of the Michelin tire only adds an additional 1.5 psi (15.5 psi), thanks to the flexibility of the sidewall.
Cross-Ply Tire	Radial Tire
		Click on the picture to the left to view an animation of a bias-ply tire vs. a radial tire under load. (Windows Media Player required to view the animation). More information about windows media player can be found here. Sidewalls and tread are independent. Sidewall flexing is not transmitted to the tread. It provides: A flat, stable and wider footprint on the ground Less distortion of the contact patch surface Better ground pressure distribution and reduced friction on the ground
	Contact +40%

Radial Ag tires are far superior to bias-ply tires.