"The benefits of the Michelin AG tire more than out-way the difference in cost!"

Today one of my greatest challenges as a farmer is the weather.Our family farms about 3500 acres of soybean and corn near Magnolia, Illinois. The average rainfall is about 6 to 8 inches in the spring and again in the fall. It’s imperative that we are able, in a specific window of opportunity; to get in and out of the field with minimal damage during planting and harvesting.

About six years ago I was looking for a tire that would give me a specific footprint to help control soil compaction. I researched my options and visited the Michelin booth at the Farm Progress Show. I was impressed by the Michelin Radial. The lower pressure (PSI) as a result of a larger footprint sounded like a great way to control excessive soil compaction. The Michelin representative also pointed out other advantages including greater fuel savings, more traction and flotation, smoother ride, less power hop, better roading and less stubble damage compared to other tires on the market.

Since that day, I became a Michelin advocate and all our equipment has been ordered and delivered with the Michelin Brand, when available.

Today, I run two Magnum MFD tractors both equipped with the Michelin Agribib 480/80 R46 on the rear and 380/85R34 on the front. These tires react to the soil with all of the pluses that the Michelin representative claimed: better flotation, self cleaning and more resistance to stubble damage which was much better than any brand I had previously used. Also, since we farm more than 3500 acres, we do a lot of roading. The beauty of the Michelin Radial is that the stability of the tires helps create a more comfortable ride by reducing hopping. The longevity of the tire is definitely an asset when constant roading is a necessity.

In 2003 I took delivery of a new Case 8010 combine mounted with the 620/70R42 MachXBib and had the opportunity to run some pilot projects with Case on an 8010 combine mounted with a competitors tire. In the field, our combine ran more efficiently in more adverse conditions than the identical Combine mounted with the competitor’s brand tire. Both Combines weighed the same. When we left the field the competitor’s tires left tracks. The Michelin tires did not. The advantage was the 25% better flotation from the Michelin Radial, which naturally produced less compaction in the soil.

I’ve been farming 40 years and my experience with the Michelin product has been positive. It’s sometimes hard to measure all the advantages realized, but overall we have found that the Michelin brand far exceeds other brands in all areas. I recommend it highly to my fellow farmers and can say honestly say from first hand experience "the benefits of the Michelin AG tire more than out-way the difference in cost!"

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