Michelin North America introduced two tires for the backhoe sector at the Conexpo-Con/Agg construction equipment show here March 5.
The Power CL is the company's first bias-ply tire for the backhoe market, said James Crouch, compact equipment segment marketing manager. The tire can handle the same load capacity as a radial tire but "it's competitively priced," Couch said.
It is scheduled for production in July, and Michelin plans to have a full product size offering in this tire line by the end of the year.
"This is a product we have needed in our portfolio to cover the needs of the market, and we're excited to finally offer it," Couch said.
Michelin also introduced the Bibload Hard Surface radial tire for backhoes. A version of the XMCL all-terrain backhoe radial tire, the HS is designed for use on asphalt, concrete and other hard surfaces. It features radial construction, steel belts and reinforced casing for puncture resistance. "It also has a nondirectional tread design, which is widespread in Europe, but fairly new to the U.S.," Crouch said.
The company plans a November launch.
