Published by Farmers Guide, June 2005.

McCormick launches the XTX Series

Doncaster-based tractor manufacturer McCormick is confident it has designed a crowd pleaser with the introduction of its most sophisticated tractor to date.
The three models in the new XTX range, the company says, give buyers the most versatile mechanical transmission available, with the eight-speed, four-range, powershift box providing a level of speed control that only a continuously variable transmission can beat.
Replacing the three top models in the current MTX range, the new XTX185, XTX200 and XTX215 offer maximum power outputs of 173hp, 198hp and 202hp respectively. An advanced electronic fuel management system provides all three an engine power boost facility that gives up to an extra 26hp when the PTO is under load.
The XTX185 also gets a power boost when it is pulling in top gear, giving a welcome extra 25hp for road transport work.
McCormick is particularly proud of its new XtraSpeed gearbox. Designed and manufactured at the company's St Dizier factory, in France, it provides eight powershift gears in four forward ranges and three reverse ranges - a total of 32 forward and 24 reverse speeds. And if that isn't enough, an optional creeper box adds another 16 forward and reverse gears for extra-slow working.
The XtraSpeed gearbox is available in three configurations. The standard package utilises a gear-lever style joystick on the driver's right hand console to select each of the four ranges, with a side switch to move up and down within the eight gears in each range without using the clutch. A novel feature on this control is a clutch control button at the front of the gear lever that can be used instead of the foot pedal.
The XtraSpeed-E gearbox sees the range selection lever replaced by a modern joystick control on the right console. This uses push button controls to change up and down through the powershift gears and ranges, and it also has buttons to control the hydraulic linkage.
The top-of-the-range XtraSpeed-E plus gearbox performs the same functions as the XtraSpeed E, but relocates the joystick to a console mounted on the driver's seat, which also houses two mini joysticks and dials to control a set of four, electrically operated, external hydraulic valves.
McCormick has made the most of the advanced CanBus electronics, which allow the new transmission to 'talk' to the engine. This has allowed the company to program the tractor to restrict the top speed to 40kph. Even though it is geared to reach 50kph, the engine speed is restricted to 1,840rpm in top gear, saving fuel and giving the operator a quieter drive.
Two other transmission features also stand out. Speed Matching means that if, for example, the tractor is slowing down to turn a corner or stop at a junction, dipping the clutch will allow the tractor to select the most appropriate gear to pick up power again and continue on its way.
In the top gear range, Auto Roading puts the tractor in automatic mode, changing up and down the gears to suit road speed and power requirement.
The three new McCormick XTX models all come with a maximum lift of 10,950kg, with the lift's externally mounted cylinders and Category III arms being mounted on a new transaxle housing.
The main benefit of the new housing is that the PTO shaft is now positioned 150mm higher than before, which improves PTO shaft geometry when powered implements are lifted clear of the ground.
The new PTO design for the XTX also introduces a choice of 540/1000rpm or 540E/1000rpm gearing. In both cases, 1000rpm at the PTO is generated at 2,025rpm engine speed, which coincides with the top of the engine's power curve.
More versatile front implement lift and PTO systems have also been introduced. With a choice of PTO direction and higher clutch capacity, the new design will also handle a wider range of implements within its 3,500kg and 5,000kg lift capacities.
A new driver's cab with full-size rear-hinged doors filling both sides of the four-post structure is introduced with the McCormick XTX series. Eliminating the side posts significantly improves visibility to left and right, while the large doors make it easy to get in and out.
The large and roomy cab interior benefits from new-style instruments, first seen on selected models in the MTX series, along with fresh trim and interior colours. There is also an optional moulded storage compartment over the left mudguard for handbooks and other documents with a lid that can be used as a table for writing up field notes and records.
Outside there is an impressive array of work lights (four to the front and two to the rear) set into the front and rear of the cab's roof panel, which also houses a new arrangement for cab filtration which improves on the system used on the MTX.
McCormick's UK Sales Manager, Richard Bryant, is in no doubt that the new XTX puts the company in a good position to increase sales.
"Figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association show the 160-200hp sector to be the fastest growing so far this year," he told Farmers Guide. "This hasn't been the biggest sector for us, representing about 10 per cent of sales, but we definitely see that figure increasing with the introduction of the XTX.
"We talked to our customers and asked them what we could improve," Mr Bryant added. "We have kept the strengths of the MTX, but have added the improvements they asked for, and that includes a transmission that takes us ahead of the competition.
"We can honestly say that the XtraSpeed gearbox was customer driven and we're confident it will be a big selling point."