McCormick launches the biggest, most powerful tractor built in Britain after £2m-plus investment
• Three model ZTX range takes McCormick into the high horsepower class
• Unique combination of proven components for durable performance
• McCormick ZTX range is the result of more than £2m investment
• With up to 280hp, ZTX is the biggest, most powerful tractor built in Britain
The UK launch of the McCormick ZTX range of high horsepower tractors at this year's Cereals Event (16-17 June, Leadenham, Lincs) marks a crucial phase in the development of the McCormick business.
Since its formation in January 2001 as McCormick Tractors International, the Doncaster, South Yorkshire based company has quickly become one of the major players in the worldwide agricultural tractor industry, attracting premium dealers and a growing number of customers.
But the engineering, development and commercial introduction of the three-model McCormick ZTX tractor range is expected to take the business to a new level.
"This is the prestige end of the tractor market, where power, performance and durability is everything," says managing director, Roger Purdy. "It's where McCormick belongs."
Having initially focused on developing and adding to the 'bread and butter' four- and six-cylinder models in the range, McCormick engineers turned their attention to building a high horsepower tractor of the type used by big acreage arable farmers and contractors across northern Europe and in North America.
"We had some steep learning curves – this is the first McCormick product with CAN-Bus electronics and the first for which we have developed control software for the engine and transmission," notes Mr Purdy.
Apart from people's time and energy, the ZTX project has involved direct investment in new tooling for components such as the front bolster, the cast frame that supports the 8.3-litre Cummins engine, bodywork panels and the seat-mounted power control system. It also involved some upgrades to the assembly plant to cope with the size of the new model.
All told, McCormick has invested more than £2 million in its new tractor. It now looks forward to reaping a return from that investment as series production of the ZTX alongside existing McCormick products builds up at the Doncaster factory and farmers get their first look at the machine during the commercial launch at the Cereals Event.
"The structure of farms in Britain and across Europe is changing, with steadily increasing demand for high horsepower tractors like the ZTX," says Mr Purdy. "We promised to have a world-class contender in this important power sector and now we are delivering that promise."
A 280hp ZTX280 will be shown on McCormick's stand and a 260hp ZTX260 will be at work with a Dowdeswell plough. The 230hp ZTX230 completes the range.
