Previously the firm’s John Deere 8345R operated on dual fitments, before Greenshields Agri decided to switch to 900/60 R42 AxioBib singles on the rear, and 750/65 R26 MegaXBib singles on the front. Designed to enhance soil protection and lower fuel consumption, the tyres’ narrower width versus dual fitments allows the tractor to go straight from the field and onto the road.
Gary Sands, Farm Manager of Greenshields Agri, says: “We’re farming land over rolling hills and steep slopes, and the Michelin tyres have provided us with tremendous stability which gets the job done just as effectively as with duals.
“Previously, when we wanted to go on the road with dual fitments we were limited on speed and required an escort. The AxioBib and MegaXBib single fitments have reduced the time it takes to make a journey and are narrow enough to mean we don’t need an escort, which has saved us money – they have become a real asset to the way we operate.”
The John Deere is used for a range of duties using ancillary equipment specifically procured for this tractor, including a 6-metre combination drill, a fully-mounted Kverneland land plough, a 6-metre power harrow, and a Simba cultivator. The tractor also clocks up regular journeys up and down the A1, travelling between sites.
Michelin’s AxioBib tyres can be set at low pressures as their patented Ultraflex technology allows the tyres to carry the same load at lower pressures, or heavier loads at the same pressure, in comparison with conventional agricultural tyres. This ensures better traction on dry and wet soil, a larger footprint with less soil compaction to preserve the land’s yield potential, plus improved fuel economy and driver comfort.
The MegaXBib front tyres provide ultra-low soil compaction and are the perfect tyre of choice for applications where flotation and reduced compaction are critical. Their wide footprint benefits from excellent casing endurance to withstand heavy loads, thanks to the integrated metal plies in the crown. This technology improves productivity and tyre life in the field, while also improving stability on the road.
Supplied by local Michelin Exelagri dealer Redpath Tyres, Greenshields Agri has also benefited from technical assistance from Michelin.
Commenting on the service received from Michelin, Sands continues: “Our account manager, Tony Powell, gives us great technical support. He came on site to weigh the tractor and gave us bespoke pressure recommendations to get the best performance possible in the field.”
Greenshields Agri has been in operation since 2010. It boasts an impressive 5,000 acres of farmland to cater for its operations in precision farming, grain handling and grain marketing services.
