New mid-range tractors now arriving at McCormick dealers throughout the country have replaced two of the famous marque’s best-selling ranges with increased power and torque from new engines, and a broader range of features to give added performance, fuel economy and driver comfort.
The three models in the McCormick X6 line-up come in ‘standard’ and higher-spec ‘LS’ versions, main differences being in the hydraulics, wheel equipment, transmission speeds and availability of suspension for the front axle and driver’s cab.
“The new X6 Series covers applications previously met by the McCormick MC tractors and the top end of the McCormick X60 line, both of which were among our best-sellers,” says Ray Spinks, sales director and general manager at McCormick distributor AgriArgo UK. “The X6 models are in many respects more advanced, with features not previously available and higher power and torque outputs delivering increased performance.”
All three McCormick X6 Series tractors are powered by four-cylinder FPT engines with an SCR emissions management system widely regarded as one of the most efficient available. For the X6.420, this 4.5-litre engine delivers 111hp for draft work but 121hp when the Power Plus electronic engine management system automatically engages for pto-driven implements and road travel.
The X6.430 starts with 121hp and gains another 12hp with this system, peaking at 133hp, while the X6.440 goes from 130hp for draft work to 140hp with Power Plus for pto and transport applications.
“These new models combine the best features of the tractors they replace in a package with more features and options than before,” emphasises Paul Wade, McCormick product specialist. “In standard form, they will appeal to farmers wanting a relatively simple tractor with a smart, well-equipped cab and good manoeuvrability. The ‘LS’ version, with additional features like load sensing hydraulics and suspension, will appeal to operators wanting more performance.”
Base specification for all three McCormick X6 Series tractors includes items that often appear as options on other makes, such as a telescopic pick-up hitch, swivelling front mudguards, telescopic exterior mirrors and remote pto switches on the rear mudguards.
Also standard are cab air conditioning, rear wash/wipe, a radio, roof beacon and Deluxe air driver’s seat. The front drive axle incorporates disc brakes to give true four-wheel braking performance.
Standard transmission for the X6 tractors is a 36x12 40kph configuration. Creep gears are available for specialist applications and the two-speed pto (which can be operated from the mudguards to make hitching to implements easier), can be swapped for a four-speed set-up that provides 540rpm and 1000rpm at either full power or more economical engine speeds.
Three thumb-switch selected powershift steps provide clutch-free up and down-changes to quickly match working or travel speeds to the load on the tractor. A smooth power shuttle for fingertip direction changes can be fine-tuned to react gently or with more bite to suit different applications and operator preferences.
At 66-litres/min – plus 38-litres/min dedicated to steering – the base gear pump hydraulics system provides more oil flow than the previous tractors to handle more demanding implements. Two additional auxiliary spool valves are available to supplement the three supplied as standard, giving a full suite of float, motor drive and single- or double-acting characteristics.
“The higher spec ‘LS’ versions of these tractors come with some significant additional equipment, including a flow compensating piston pump hydraulics system similar to that on the McCormick MC but with higher output – up to 110-litres/min.” notes Paul Wade. “One of the main attractions is that oil is pumped only when it’s needed – so there’s minimal power drain when the hydraulics are not being used and less wear and tear in the hydraulics system generally.”
The X6 ‘LS’ tractors also come with 38in rather than 34in rear tyres for increased traction and flotation, with the option of sophisticated independent axle suspension that allows the front wheels to move independently over rough or undulating ground.
“This is the perfect complement to the optional cab suspension because it adds to the driver’s ride comfort in the field and on the road, as well as improving traction on a rough field surface,” says Paul Wade. “We’ve not had it on McCormick tractors of this size before – but on our bigger machines, drivers say it’s the most effective suspension there is.”
In addition to the two suspension options, buyers can also go for the new 50kph transmission. This can be used to shorten journey times or to run at 40kph with much lower engine revs, resulting in a quieter, more relaxed drive as well as a welcome reduction in fuel consumption.
Add in the new four-post cabin with its anti-drop door hinges and soft-shut latches, upmarket steering column-mounted instrument display, and easy to handle controls, and it is clear that the new X6 Power Plus tractors represent a significant advance for the McCormick range.
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