McCormick tractor dealers throughout the UK are eagerly awaiting the launch of new, more powerful models featuring a fully automatic transmission that eases the driver’s workload and increases their productivity.

Dealers heading for the Argo Tractors stand at the LAMMA show in January will see the McCormick X7.624 VT-Drive with up to 230hp for draft work such as ploughing and 240hp for pto-driven implements and road transport.

Although it is the most powerful model in the latest X7 Series, lower running costs are promised thanks to engine service intervals doubled to 1200 hours; more comprehensive 360deg LED lights set into a new cab roof panel turn night into day around the tractor; and there are new control features in the Premiere cab.

Adrian Winnett, Argo Tractors managing director in the UK and Ireland, said: “The push for more performance is relentless so we’ve taken the opportunity when switching to Stage V emissions-compliant engines to introduce more powerful VT-Drive models giving farmers and contractors a very productive but versatile package with all the performance and driver-comfort attributes of a stepless transmission.”

With a continuously variable transmission (CVT), mechanical gears and hydraulic motors are used in combination to provide fully automatic shifting and seamless acceleration from zero to 50kph.

The advanced Argo Tractors electronics that regulate the system provide different powertrain control strategies to suit different jobs – from maintaining a set ground speed over undulating terrain when spraying to exploiting maximum power and torque from the engine for ploughing and heavy cultivations.

Four working speed bands can be set by the operator through the 12in Data Screen Manager touch display in the cab, and manual control is available through the accelerator pedal and Easy Pilot proportional controller.

The latest Betapower by FPT engines make a significant contribution to reduced running costs through optimised fuel filters, a more comprehensive oil filtration system and a new engine oil specification that have allowed service intervals to be doubled from 600 hours to 1200 hours.

An engine braking system also contributes by easing reliance on the service brakes, which can extend the working life of the friction materials, while the four-speed pto provides fuel-saving ‘economy’ as well as ‘power’ gearing to suit different implements.

Electric steering wheel tilt adjustment is a new feature in the cab and the unique ‘MySwitch single button, multiple functions’ concept has been extended to include a further four buttons to which operators can allocate various hydraulic and other functions as they see fit.

New headland management control features include dedicated command buttons on the armrest console for quick and easy access to record, edit or engage previously-recorded automatic tractor and implement control sequences for different implements.

The Premiere cab’s mechanical coil spring and damper suspension can be upgraded to a semi-active hydraulic system with damper settings adjustable through the Data Screen Manager display.

Both systems complement the smoothing-riding and field traction-enhancing characteristics of the front axle with its parallel link hydraulic independent wheel suspension.

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