PRODUCT INFORMATION
New products aplenty at SIMA IN 1922, THE VERY
FIRST
SALON
DE LA
MACHINE AGRICOLE, or SIMA, exhibition was
held in Paris. Aside from a pause during the Second World War the international agri-business show has been held annually since then, and in 2013 it celebrated its 75th edition. More than 1,350 exhibitors were present at this year’s show between 24 and 28 February, including a number of familiar tyre industry names.
Michelin shows agri ‘flagship’ prototype
are users, dealers or equipment manufacturers.” Referring to Michelin’s 2013 SIMA According to Emmanuel Ladent, presi- presence, Ladent said the company had dent of Michelin’s Agricultural Tyres global positioned itself in the near future business unit, exhibitions like SIMA give through the presentation of a new protothe tyre maker an opportunity to demons- type product intended for fitment on trate its capacity for innovation. Speaking ultra-power tractors, the Axiobib 2m32. “This concept tyre perfectly illustrates our commitment to ‘innovating to meet farmers’ needs’ while reaffirming our constant focus on research and development,” the business unit president shared. The size IF 850/75 R 42 AxioBib prototype is the largest tyre in Michelin’s agricultural line-up. This RCI 50 (Rolling Circumference Index) tyre has a height of 2.32 metres and a load capacity of 9.5 tonnes. The AxioBib 2m32 caters to an emerging trend in the world of farming. Tractor size and power has steadily increased, with the latest models boasting more than 350hp. Michelin has responded with larger diameter tyres, from 1.95m to 2.05m, 2.15m and finally 2.32m. Michelin describes the tyre as the flagship product in its agricultural portfolio; the At 2.32m tall and weighing 9.5 tonnes, the Axiobib 2m32 is AxioBib 2m32 integrates the Michelin’s largest agricultural tyre company’s Ultraflex technoloduring the exhibition week, Ladent com- gy, which makes it possible carry heavier mented that “trade shows of this size loads at low pressure (up to 0.8 bar). serve as showcases that enable us to This means more traction without any demonstrate the tangible solutions we shifting on the rim as well as less soil develop for our customers, whether they compaction.
60
WWW.TYREPRESS.COM
New Apollo Vredestein ranges Apollo Vredestein launched a pair of new product lines at SIMA; the new Vredestein Greentrax for lawn and ground care equipment and new Apollo tyres for industrial and construction machinery. The Greentrax range is available from March 2013, while the Apollo product was earmarked for a late February launch. This second product’s introduction is a significant step for Apollo, as it represents the launch of the Apollo brand Europe’s industrial sector. The Vredestein Greentrax is designed for parkland use on verges, lawns, public gardens, football pitches and more. It works to preserve the green surface while offering improved operational efficiency at lower costs, the company says, adding that the tyre is built with a large amount of rubber in the contact surface, which allows rutting to be minimised. The Greentrax has also been designed to offer increased durability on paved roads when travelling from one mowing location to the next, while comfort and stability have been helped by the suspension offered by the tyre’s diagonal construction and a flexible carcass has been used to reduce vibrations. The open shoulder tread contains lateral grooves which, combined with the top-quality rubber compound, increase grip and traction. The reinforced sidewall of the Greentrax and raised rubber rim provide protection when the tyre comes into contact with kerbstones. Apollo’s new industrial tyres for construction applications are suitable for fitment on backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers, compact wheel loaders and soil
TYRES & ACCESSORIES 3/2013