Athy farmer Neil Thornton has become the first to specify a combination of VF 710/60 R42 and VF 600/60 R30 Michelin XeoBib tyres on a Fendt Favorit 716.

It is believed to be the largest set of Michelin tyres ever fitted to this model of tractor in Ireland.

Michelin says the tyre is designed to deliver minimum ground compaction.

The XeoBib tyres have a 24% larger footprint than a conventional tyre of the same size.

Pressure is distributed across a greater area with the purpose of limiting rut formation, soil damage and wheel slip.

Farming more than 300 acres with his two sons David and Luke, Neil’s Fendt is one of four tractors shod with Michelin tyres. It will be used primarily for seasonal work, including stubble cultivation, crop establishment, ploughing, drilling, grain transportation and contract work.

“Running our tyres at the lowest recommended pressure is key to limiting soil damage and maintaining the health of our fields,” says Neil.

“Fitting XeoBib tyres gives us the flexibility we need to make sure we are running at the optimum pressure for each application, whether we’re in the field or on the road,” he says.