GOLD awards in the innovations section for machinery at SIMA went to tyre designs from Michelin and Trelleborg.

Michelin's received a gold award for its latest tyre technology development, which it claims offers better efficiency on and off road using what it calls its '2 in 1' design – but it needs a central tyre inflation system on the tractor to make it work effectively.

Available in 650mm and 710mm width, Michelin said there is a 20% increase in ground contact when comparing a 710/70 R42 Evobib at 0.8-bar pressure to its 710/70 R42 Axiobib at the same pressure.

It has lugs on the edge of the tyre, both inside and out, which literally fold into work when the pressure is reduced for field work. This can increase traction by up to 50% while fuel use on the road can be reduced by 5% once the pressure is pumped up again.

A second gold SIMA award was awarded to Trelleborg for its combine harvester tyre inflation system, which automatically adjusts tyre pressure without the need for operator input.

Developed in association with Fendt on its combines, the VIP system maintains the front tyre’s contact patch by increasing tyre pressure as the grain tank is filled, and decreasing the pressure as the tank is emptied.

A compressor and sensing equipment are mounted inside each front wheel rim, allowing left and right wheels to be inflated independent of each other.

The system will be available later this year.