Tyre choice on new tractor

[Ted M]

Got a new tractor on order for April time, current one is shod on 600/65 r28 and 650/85 r 32 michelin mach x bibs.
I have to say I'm disappointed by the wear rate of them over 3000 hours compared to previous tractors we've had, all on michelins which have done well in excess of 4500 hours and still had 50% left on them. Main roadwork consists of a couple of weeks in the spring lugging slurry onto maize ground but nothing excessive after that.
I like the ability to drop the pressure down low for jobs like rolling and drilling for which the michelins are great.
Saw a new tractor in the dealers yard yesterday on trelleborgs same size as ours.
Any thoughts?

 

[ED.D]

Anything but Michelin, been happy with bkt, hear good things of Trelleborg and curious about vredestein. Seems the French are getting left behind, currently have some on a valtra and noisy as sin with after sales service lacking.

 

[Mrs Brown]

Saw a new tractor at dealers twa days ago with Michelins fitted and couldnt believe how much the tyres on our 2500 hr tractor had worn in comparison they are also Michelins and don't do a great amount of road work.

 

[Ted M]

We had one of the michelin reps out a few months ago and he more or less admitted that bkt were giving them a run for their money.

 

[laoisfarmer]

Have 650/65/42 and 540/65/30 Michelin’s on two tractors and not happy with the wear at all,have replaced the fronts at 4700hrs on one as they are gone to 10% . looking at a new tractor and trelly’s are going to be my choice.

 

[Matt77]

Trouble is, can they all handle low pressure?? I’ve xiobibs on the main 2 tractors and change the pressures to suit every job, I drill at 8 psi. Can they all do that, serious question as they maybe able to now.

 

[ED.D]

We had one of the michelin reps out a few months ago and he more or less admitted that bkt were giving them a run for their money.

Not surprised, xm108 tyres never gave a problem and had loads of life in them but these things (multibibs)are not conducive to a happy days work. Any chance you can forward reps number?

 

[Ted M]

Not surprised, xm108 tyres never gave a problem and had loads of life in them but these things (multibibs)are not conducive to a happy days work. Any chance you can forward reps number?

I'll have to see if I've still got it. I'm sure he gave me a card

 

[Muck Spreader]

I always tend to use BKT's simply because they are cheapish, But I find them bouncy on the road and mediocre on wear, as with most things you only get what you pay for.

 

[Ted M]

Not surprised, xm108 tyres never gave a problem and had loads of life in them but these things (multibibs)are not conducive to a happy days work. Any chance you can forward reps number?

Have looked everywhere and can't lay my hands on it sorry, it'll probably turn up in a fortnight.
Try your tractor dealer (they pointed me in the right direction) or your local tyre fitter.
If it turns up I'll let you know.

 

[Muck Spreader]

Have 650/65/42 and 540/65/30 Michelin’s on two tractors and not happy with the wear at all,have replaced the fronts at 4700hrs on one as they are gone to 10% . looking at a new tractor and trelly’s are going to be my choice.

4700 hours sounds OK to me on fronts.

 

[Gerbert]

Maybe try bridgestone. They should be keen being new and all. Though I doubt they would do that size reartyre.

 

[Mrs Brown]

Bridgestone are the new Firestone which mayby is/was the poorest tyre on the market for wear

 

[Ted M]

Bridgestone are the new Firestone which mayby is/was the poorest tyre on the market for wear

2nd that, wore a front set of firestones out in a 1000 hours. Had michelin ever since until now maybe.....

 

[Gerbert]

I very much doubt that as they look very different and priced near michelin. Also they have vf and if tyres, can't remember firestone doinh those.
Agree that firestone is a no go.

 

[2wheels]

Maybe try bridgestone. They should be keen being new and all. Though I doubt they would do that size reartyre.

i have bridgestones on my new motorbike, they are shite.

 

[Ted M]

Trouble is, can they all handle low pressure?? I’ve xiobibs on the main 2 tractors and change the pressures to suit every job, I drill at 8 psi. Can they all do that, serious question as they maybe able to now.

Just been on the trelleborg tyre pressure calculator, the pressures they quote are pretty much the same as Michelin( At least for the axle loadings I have for the slurry tanker)

 

[oval]

Tractors are getting faster heavier the machinery on the back likewise we are looking for tires to run at lower pressures so flex more with a bigger contact patch which scrubs more so it's probably to be expected that they will wear out a little quicker than the last generation but give better performance hopefully

 

[horizontal]

I very much doubt that as they look very different and priced near michelin. Also they have vf and if tyres, can't remember firestone doinh those.
Agree that firestone is a no go.

I think you’ll find Bridgestone own Firestone but it’s a bit like comparing Massey with Fendt. Same ownership but different spec and branding. Bridgestone are the largest tyre manufacturer in the world and their VF tyre is seriously worth looking at. Michelin’s are too soft IMO these days.

 

[Timbo1080]

I believe XM108 tyres are still available via the Kleber wing of Michelin.....Definately worth a shout.