In the current historical context, where national tractor registrations have sharply declined after two years of growth, there’s a real risk that by year-end, numbers may fall below 17,000 units as for the Italian market. It’s only the vehicles with innovative technical features that can generate the most promising returns for manufacturers and dealers. Market data for 2023 confirms that agricultural companies think twice before investing in new tractors, but when they do, they’re looking to the future, aiming to enrich their machinery fleets with vehicles offering the best balance in terms of performance and operational costs.
This characteristic has always been at the core of McCormick’s product line, particularly evident in the “X6 Xtrashift” mid-power open-field series, designed to meet the needs of a wide range of agricultural organizations. These models can handle soil cultivation and road transport within small to medium-sized farms, or alternatively, support livestock and forage applications in more structured settings. This is mainly thanks to a structural configuration that combines a wheelbase of 2,420 millimeters with a gross vehicle weight of around 4,800 kilograms. These parameters allow them to serve as both compact open-field and structured medium utility vehicles. The former profile is further facilitated by the option to mount 38-inch diameter rear tires, enhancing traction and loading capacity beyond class standards.
For typical medium utility applications, they offer a turning angle of 55 degrees, enhancing manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Additionally, there is the option to directly install an original McCormick front loader from the factory to handle livestock and forage operations.
Maximized operational versatility, regardless of the application domain, is a distinctive feature, particularly induced by the presence of the “Xtrashift” transmission, a three-stage powershift operating on a three-range, four-speed mechanical gearbox, offering 36 forward and 12 reverse gears, extendable to 48+16 through a super reducer operating on the low range. Reverse gear engagement is also manageable via the electrohydraulic “Reverse Power Shuttle,” adjustable in responsiveness to make the responses more or less aggressive depending on the task. Additionally, the “Eco Forty” and “Park Lock” functions allow traveling at 40 kilometers per hour at 1900 rpm, minimizing fuel consumption, and locking the tractor on sloped terrain without the need to maintain pressure on the brake pedal. This results in operational efficiency that simplifies and streamlines application management regardless of operating conditions, aided by the responsive power delivery ensured by Fpt Industrial “F36” four-cylinder engines with a displacement of three liters and 600 cubic centimeters.
Compliant with stage V emissions standards through SCR systems accompanied by DOC catalysts and DPF filters, the units provide the “X6.125” and “X6.135” models with 119 and 127 horsepower respectively at 1900 rpm, and maximum torques of 518 Newton-meters for both versions at 1300 rpm. This enables the machines to benefit from linear and progressive torque curves that minimize energy consumption and consequently fuel usage, even during demanding applications involving equipment with high hydraulic requirements. To address these needs, a closed-center dual pump system is provided, delivering 38 liters of oil per minute for onboard services and an additional 110 liters per minute to power up to five auxiliary distributors and a rear lift with a maximum capacity of six thousand kilograms.
Optionally, a front lift with a capacity of two thousand two hundred fifty kilograms can be added to facilitate combined work sites, and to simplify management, the machines can be equipped with an electronically controlled front axle suspension with independent wheels. This not only improves tractor stability during field work but also dampens the stresses induced by front-mounted equipment during road transport. Standard features include the ISOBUS system for equipment dialogue, preparation for satellite guidance “PSM,” achievable through the interconnection of the “Ags-2” antenna with the “Aes-35” steering wheel and “X25” monitor, and the “McCormick Fleet & Remote Diagnostic Management” system, which monitors the main activities of a tractor fleet at any time and anywhere in the world. Via computer or mobile devices, the data is available along with consumption, levels, temperatures, and work sessions, ensuring constant monitoring of machine efficiency and enabling remote diagnostics.
Full-time comfort
Designed for mixed uses and therefore almost always continuous operation, the McCormick “X6 Xtrashift” models offer the highest standards of comfort and ease of management. These goals are pursued by the engineers of the brand under Argo Tractors, working on the four-pillar cabin structure, visibility, and ergonomics of the controls. Optimal isolation of the cabin from vibrations is ensured by a system of mechanical suspensions operating through springs controlled by hydraulic shock absorbers capable of providing up to 96 millimeters of travel, while full visibility of the work area is guaranteed by large, heat-resistant panels and transparent roofs that facilitate the use of a front loader if needed. The management of the loader is delegated to a specific electroproportional joystick, which also allows control of the lift and engagement of the reduced gears, while the presence of ten LED lights ensures full usability of the machines even in conditions of poor or no visibility.
