Apart from the new X60 identification on the bonnet and a new bright finish for the headlamps and cab-mounted work lights, the latest addition to the McCormick range gives few clues to the extensive changes made beneath the bodywork. Yet with more engine power, increased linkage lift capacity and a new transmission, the X60 Series brings new levels of performance and features to the McCormick mid-range.
“The popular CX Series tractor have been our best-sellers for some time and have benefited in recent years from a number of improvements to the transmission, brakes and cab, but the time has come for a wholesale upgrade,” McCormick product specialist Paul Wade said. “With the X60 Series, our mainstream four-cylinder tractor moves up the power scale in line with buying trends and gets an even better specification.”
There are four Perkins-powered models – as opposed to three in the current CX range – and the X60 Series spans a wider power range. The line-up starts with the 92hp output of the X60.20, followed by the 101hp X60.30, which matches the most powerful model in the CX range.
It continues with the X60.40 and its 110hp output, and at the top of the range comes the McCormick X60.50 – which has a modest step-up in power for draft work at 112hp, but a more significant 11hp advantage for PTO-driven implements and road transport with 121hp output.
“This is the first McCormick four-cylinder tractor to feature a 16-valve cylinder head and common rail fuel injection with electronic management and two power outputs,” Mr Wade said. “These features make efficient use of diesel through precision metering and a reduction in engine revs to 1830rpm once a 40km/hr cruise has been reached to give a quieter, more economical drive.”
On all four versions, power and torque is channelled through a new power shuttle transmission that matches the three powershift steps of the current version but has 12 more forward speeds; that means 36 in total, or 48 when the optional creeper box is added.
“With more ratios available the operator has greater opportunity to achieve the best combination of engine and ground speeds for the work being done,” Mr Wade said. “Outputs can be improved and the job completed more efficiently – whether it’s ploughing a field, hauling a diet feeder or cutting a sports pitch with a gang mower.”
The powershift steps are still selected by the familiar thumb switch on the range lever where a button can be used instead of the clutch pedal for shifting from one range to the next. A new feature is the dial that adjusts power shuttle response to suit the type of work being done and personal preference.
Increased fuel capacity provided by the 180-litre tank allows longer working hours between refills.
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The new X60 can be specified with a mechanical loader joystick (far left) built into the right-hand console. |
Using a heavier-duty front drive axle built by Argo Tractors in place of the Carraro unit of the CX introduces a locking differential and an integral all-wheel braking system for the first time. In addition to the larger number of oil-immersed discs installed in the rear axle (five), this significantly improves the braking potential of the tractor, while the standard booster on all models eases the pressure required at the pedal.
“As the X60 can handle larger, heavier equipment, so the brakes need upgrading to match,” Mr Wade said. “With the integral braking system, the newcomer has true four-wheel brakes to help bring outfits safely to a halt.”
An increase in three-point linkage lift capacity to 5,000kg and a switch to lower link draft sensing matches the X60’s increased potential in terms of the implements it can lift. Also, operators can fit a greater number of remote valve couplings – up to five instead of three – to cater for greater use of hydraulic adjustments and features on modern implements.
A further advance is the option of three-speed power take-off for the first time, which adds a 750rpm speed between the regular 540 and 1000rpm settings.
“This can be used to obtain 540rpm at the shaft using a lower engine speed, and so save fuel and reduce noise level in the cab,” Mr Wade said, adding that noise levels for the driver are, in any case, very quiet in the X60 tractor’s Deluxe cab, which is the only major assembly carried over from the CX.
“The four-post cab with wide-opening doors filling both sides had already been introduced to improve all-round visibility – including upwards to a raised loader through the roof window,” he added. “Its modern design and fresh interior with an improved control layout meant there was no need for change.”
Prices for the new McCormick model start at £40,282 for the 92hp X60.20 rising to £46,555 for the 112/121hp X60.50 version.
For more information visit: www.agriargouk.com.
