As a technology leader in the agricultural tire market, Michelin has a complete range of products to support farmers all year round, regardless of the vehicle type or application, and this extensive offer will now be available in the digital world.

In addition to offering players access to Michelin’s wide range of innovative agricultural tires, this new launch of Farming Simulator 22 offers many new features and technical improvements. Developed and published by GIANTS Software, Farming Simulator was introduced in 2008 and more than 25 million copies have been sold worldwide since – this is the eighth evolution of the popular farming simulation game.

Speaking about the partnership, Bastien Nourisson, Agriculture Communication Manager at Michelin, says:

“Since 1935, Michelin has been helping farmers to equip their vehicles with tires that have constantly evolved in terms of sizing and technology. Michelin has always been committed to advising farmers on the optimum choice of tires for their vehicles and activities to ensure the best possible performance. As a natural evolution, we are pleased to continue in this direction by offering millions of Farming Simulator players our complete range of tire solutions. From tractors and sprayers to the harvesting equipment and back to the trailer, all our ranges, sizes, and technologies available in real life will now be available in the virtual world.”

Farming Simulator 22 will release on 22 November for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia.

The post Michelin Agricultural Tyres Available in Farming Simulator 22 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The Head of Product Partnerships at the CLAAS-owned tech company 365FarmNet has been tapped for a new position within CLAAS’s North American operations. Patrick Honcoop has been hired as Head of Digital Business Development at CLAAS of America and will be responsible for the oversight and business development of all CLAAS and 365FarmNet digital solutions to help drive growth at the global ag equipment company. Patrick will report to the President and General Manager – Sales, Eric Raby.

“We’re excited to have Patrick join our operations here in North America,”

said Raby.

“He brings a tremendous amount of experience to this new position and has an excellent understanding of the latest technologies impacting ag professionals around the world.”

Patrick first joined the Berlin-based operations at 365FarmNet in 2014, as a trainee product manager. After completing his program in 2016, he assumed the role of Product Manager/Owner-Partner Integration, leading the partner-integration Scrum Team working to build and expand 365FarmNet.

In 2018, Patrick transitioned to the role of Head of Product Partnerships, leading a partnership team of product managers, owners and developers in building new partnerships and developing existing partners such as John Deere, Kubota, Horsch, Yara, BASF, Michelin, Topcon and Uniform Agri.

Patrick holds an MSc agricultural and bioresource engineering degree as well as a BSc in agricultural engineering from Wageningen University, the Netherlands.

Source: CLAAS of America

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Source: Michelin

The post Michelin Launches New Tractor Tire for Heavy Road Use appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The power and performance of the 580 EV is equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the Case product line and provides considerably lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions — a motivating factor for utility and government contractors incentivized to work with equipment that leverages alternative fuels and lowers emissions.

City governments and municipalities will also benefit from the elimination of emissions for working in urban environments and close to other buildings/people, as well as the reduced noise generated by the equipment.

Two units have already been sold to utilities in the United States — NYSEG and RG&E, AVANGRID companies, and National Grid. Case has the capability to produce additional units throughout 2020 before ramping up production to meet greater demand in following years.

“Case built the very first factory-integrated backhoe loader in 1957 and has been at the forefront of backhoe innovation. The 580 EV is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability, the evolution of earthmoving equipment and truly practical innovation that drives real savings and competitive advantages for backhoe owners.”

says Leandro Lecheta, head of construction equipment — North America, CNH Industrial.

“The backhoe loader is perfectly suited for electrification as the varied use cycles, from heavy to light work, provide an excellent opportunity to convert wasted diesel engine hours into zero consumption battery time — yet provide the operator with instantaneous torque response when needed. At low idle a diesel engine has reduced torque and requires time for the engine to ramp up to meet the load demands. Electric motors, on the other hand, have instantaneous torque and peak torque available at every operating speed.”

says Eric Zieser, director — global compact equipment product line, Case.

The 580 EV is the second major alternative-powered machine introduced by Case — the manufacturer rolled out the FPT Industrial methane-powered concept wheel loader ProjectTETRA at Bauma 2019. Electrification was performed in conjunction with Green machine and Moog and with direct input from utilities and other businesses focused on converting significant portions of their fleets to fully electric backhoes. Case also partnered with Michelin to outfit the first-of-its-kind machine with specialized Michelin CrossGrip tires for even greater efficiency and handling.

Electrification Ideal for Utilities, Urban Environments

The 580 EV is powered by a 480-volt, 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged by any 220-volt/three-phase connection. While applications will vary, each charge will support most common eight-hour workdays. The battery separately powers the drivetrain and hydraulic motors, resulting in hydraulic breakout forces equal to diesel-powered machines and improved performance during simultaneous loader and drivetrain operation.

Utilities, utility contractors, as well as government and public works operations, are well suited for the 580 EV as they generally have initiatives aimed at lowering emissions, reducing noise in public workspaces, and finding new ways to work within budgets. Contractors who bid work in states where even greater regulations are in place — such as New York, California and Florida — may also benefit from deploying electric backhoes in their fleet. Many contractors in these sectors either road or trailer these machines back to a central shop or yard at the end of the day, making it easy to plug into existing electrical infrastructure, or to develop charging stations in a controlled yard. Utilities who operate their own backhoe fleets can power each machine off of the electricity they generate, essentially operating the machine at cost.

Sustainable for Budgets and the Environment

The 580 EV operates with zero emissions — lowering the total carbon footprint for its owners. These are important environmental considerations, but the new backhoe also helps improve fiscal sustainability.

• While every application will be different based on its workload, it is estimated that the 580 EV could save fleets as much as 90 percent in annual vehicle service and maintenance costs when taking into account the reduction/elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid, regular preventive maintenance and long-term engine upkeep/maintenance (and the associated labor rates and time savings).
• Some utilities and contractors are incentivized to deploy electric equipment and vehicles in their fleets, providing even greater financial benefit and further lowering the total cost of ownership.
• Operating electric construction equipment may make contractors eligible for work they may have otherwise been unable to bid on, expanding their business opportunities and allowing them to win more work each year.
• While the 580 EV will be sold at a higher initial price than diesel-powered backhoe loaders, it is estimated that average fleets will see a payback on that premium in roughly five years. All savings achieved after that will go to improve the bottom line and continue to lower the operation’s carbon footprint.

Each 580 EV comes standard with Case SiteWatch telematics for additional monitoring and management of machine performance and utilization.

Historic Case Backhoe Performance — Improved Operating Environment

While the new 580 EV is electrified, it retains many of the hallmark features that contractors expect from Case backhoe loaders. It retains the precision and efficiency of diesel-powered Case backhoes with features such as ProControl, which allows for extremely precise boom movement and placement, as well as Comfort Steer, which significantly improves steering while working in tight quarters or in truck loading operations. The machine’s cab is spacious with large windows that provide excellent sightlines to all sides of the machine. It also features the new and enhanced joystick controls found in the most recent generation of Case N Series backhoes, as well as in-cab amenities such as premium seat options and Bluetooth radio.

All of this is achieved with a machine that significantly improves the working environment for the operator and laborers alike, as it runs with zero emissions, and significantly lowers sound levels on the jobsite for improved communication between the operator and staff on the ground.

“The 580 EV performs like a Case backhoe — matching the power and performance expected from CASE with the advantages of an electrified machine. Operators will experience the same digging, lifting and craning performance achieved in a diesel-powered machine in a quieter, emissions-free work area. That’s the ultimate goal of our sustainability efforts — improve the world around us, make equipment more sustainable, and to do so while finding new ways to improve productivity and the experience of the people who use the equipment.”

says Zieser.

Adding Power and Ease to the Ride

Case has partnered with Michelin on tires for two of its alternative-powered equipment solutions — the methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader, and now the 580 EV backhoe loader. The 580 EV backhoe loader showcased at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 includes Michelin CrossGrip tires that feature a non-directional tread design and provide exceptional handling, comfort and high-load capacity for operation on a variety of surface conditions from asphalt to snow.

“The Michelin CrossGrip tires are great for general use with construction equipment, and offer great handling and reduced rolling resistance. Whether under full load or roading to a jobsite, these tires will provide the optimal match of power and efficiency for an electric vehicle.”

The new Michelin CrossGrip is a multi-purpose radial tire designed for use on the road, grass and snow. Using a special rubber compound, this four-season tire is designed for high-load-capacity use on loaders, backhoes, telehandlers and tractors. The tire has a patented, non-directional tread for excellent handling in both forward and reverse gears. With 196 tread blocks per wheel rotation, the tire achieves driver comfort by reducing vibration. Asymmetrical lateral blocks help to provide good traction in winter conditions when short starting and stopping distances are imperative for safety. Reinforced for excellent puncture resistance, CrossGrip is designed to offer increased productivity and can be studded for ice usage.

“We designed the CrossGrip tire for year-round use — and backhoe loaders responding to utility or municipal demands require that level of availability and performance. Its unique design provides excellent reliability and traction, helping the industry’s first fully electric backhoe loader road and operate even more effectively in all conditions. We are proud to outfit a first-of-its-kind machine with the first CrossGrip backhoe tires — showcasing two great new technologies for the construction industry.”

says Justin Brock, senior marketing manager, Michelin North America.

The Future of Electric

The 580 EV is the first formal entry into the electric equipment market for Case. The manufacturer, in partnership with FPT Industrial, continues to explore additional solutions in electrification, alternative fuels and alternative propulsion systems for equipment across all product lines and industries that help achieve sustainability for all in the construction industry without sacrificing power and performance. These solutions will be introduced and brought to market as industry demand requires.

“We’re proving the viability of electrification at the larger end of the compact and light equipment spectrum,” says Zieser. “Our goal now is to further expand electrification and alternative propulsion into other product lines and markets that will also see the benefits from these advances related to sustainability and performance.”

Source: Case Construction Equipment

The post Case unveils “Project Zeus”- the all-new 580 EV – the industry’s first fully electric backhoe loader appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Movin’On brings together almost 5,000 people each year from the major players in sustainable mobility, both collectively and individually.  It aims to offer concrete solutions and innovations to meet everyone’s mobility needs, with the aim of contributing to the progress of society while acting for the good of the planet.

Commenting on the cancellation, Florent Menegaux, President of the Michelin Group, and Honorary President of Movin’On, said:

“Faced with this unprecedented global health crisis, the main priority of the Movin’On team is to protect the health of our employees, our ecosystem partners and our participants.  This is why we have decided to cancel the Movin’On World Summit, which was planned to take place in Montreal.”

Anxious to continue advancing their projects, Michelin teams are currently working in close collaboration with all stakeholders of the Movin’On ecosystem to find alternative scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on the development of working groups (communities of interest), which together remain committed to building concrete solutions for sustainable mobility.  The next events in the Movin’On ecosystem will be announced soon.

Source: Michelin

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Two years ago, the Ram Truck Division of FCA US LLC, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles subsidiary, created a benefits package for customers who buy a truck from a certified, elite agriculture dealership. Known as Ram AgPack, the program’s goal is to save American farm and ranch customers thousands of dollars after they purchase a truck on products and services they can use in running their business.

As one of 10 Ram AgPack family members, Michelin and BFGoodrich Tires brands will serve as tire partners for Ram AgPack through Nov. 30, 2021.

The Michelin/BFGoodrich discounts include a diverse portfolio to meet the needs of American agricultural producers and their families, including tires for:

• Michelin agriculture and Ultraflex products
• Michelin X TWEEL airless radial for skid-steers, UTVs, ATVs, mowers and golf carts
• Michelin off-road bias, telehandler and forklift
• Michelin light truck
• BFGoodrich commercial truck
• BFGoodrich light truck

The program also includes offers from Farm Credit, AgDirect, Rhino Ag products, Dixie Chopper,  NK Seed, AgroLiquid Crop Nutrition, Reinke irrigation system, Gallagher livestock products, and Eby truck bodies and upfits. For a directory of Ram-certified agriculture dealers nationwide, visit www.ramagdealer.com.

The Michelin SprayBib portfolio will be expanded to include three new additional sizes of Michelin’s popular VF (Very High Flexion) high-clearance sprayer tire offering ─ VF 320/90R54, VF 320/90R50, and VF 380/80R38. SprayBib, which will make its U.S. debut at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio next week, offers farmers a unique balance between a narrow tire to avoid crop damage and a flotation tire to minimize compaction.

SprayBib is designed for performance in the field:

• improved stubble resistance and better grip
• the longer footprint for reduced soil rutting and optimized yields
• reinforced tread design for improved comfort and speed

SprayBib also achieves these performances on the road:

• speeds up to 40 mph
• new casing architecture offers the advantages of Michelin Ultraflex technology
• greater wear resistance and exceptional loading capacity

Source: Michelin

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