McCormick tractors power ahead with latest easy-use technologies

A mass of switches, dials, levers and displays in a tractor cab may look impressive at first sight – but for practical day-to-day use, a large array of controls can make life more difficult, not easier, for operators.

So engineers at McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors have continued to pursue the ‘simple but effective’ formula when incorporating advanced control and information technologies into their latest models.

X7.6 VT-Drive tractors unveiled at Agritechnica

With the new X7.6 VT-Drive tractors unveiled at Agritechnica, the constantly evolving McCormick range gains 4 models with proven continuously variable transmissions.

Starting with the X7.620 VT-Drive at 180hp (plus 10hp boost for transport and pto-driven implements), the range culminates with the 230/240hp X7.624 VT-Drive – a finalist for the Tractor of the Year Award 2020.

This model, with more power, torque and performance than any previous McCormick X7.6 Series tractor, taps into growing demand for relatively light-weight and highly manoeuvrable tractors with high performance potential.

Fresh appearance

A fresh appearance distinguishes the new tractors, which have heavier duty rear axles and pto assemblies, and increased permitted maximum weight to handle heavier implements and more ballast for optimum traction.

New engine hood styling matches the bigger 264-310hp McCormick X8 VT-Drive models, and a sleek new cab roof panel houses 12 LED lamps to illuminate the work space all around the tractor.

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With guidance installed, operators of the McCormick X7.624 VT-Drive can adjust manual steering response for headlands and hitching manoeuvres from 3 turns lock-to-lock to less than one and a half. – Photo: Argo Tractors

Simple, clear control layout

Inside the Premier cab, operators are presented with a modest collection of control buttons, switches and dials – modest, not because there are few features, but because McCormick engineers recognise that a simple, clear control layout encourages operators to regularly make use of the technological features available to optimise performance.

Most frequently used function controls are laid out clearly and logically on a console mounted on the air suspension seat along with a 12in colour touch-screen display – one of the largest fitted to any tractor.

For the ultimate in control flexibility, the new tractors have 5 MySwitch multi-function buttons on the VT-Easy Pilot controller that can be allocated one of several functions chosen by the operator.

Following the same principle, the electrically-operated spool valves can be allocated to a joystick, paddle switches and buttons according to the operator’s preference.

Touch-screen display

Flow rate, timing and response are all adjustable so that the ideal configuration can be set for every hydraulic cylinder on any implement, and this is done through the touch-screen display, which also provides access to set up various tractor functions using a newly enhanced layout of clearly understandable icons.

The transmission section, for example, configures the powertrain to respond in the most effective, efficient and productive way for the implement being used and the work being done.

And a new headland management menu is used to store and recall different tractor and implement control sequences, all of which can be edited to fine-tune the finished sequence with the perfect timing for each step.

Advanced precision farming apps

With Isobus, fully integrated Topcon guidance, advanced precision farming apps and McCormick Fleet Management telematics available, the new McCormick X7.6 VT-Drive tractors can be equipped with all the essential technologies – and all easily accessible through user-friendly controls to suit novice and experienced tractor drivers alike.

Also read: Argo Tractors CVT has the edge for productivity