McCormick X7.623 2024 review

McCormick’s X7 tractor range has been a mainstay in the ag market for years, diligently serving farmers in Australia and around the world. Known for offering reliable performance and strength, the Italian-made X7 is a true contender in the utility and high horsepower segments.

For MY2024, the X7 received several upgrades including a new paint job, new transmission and revamped bonnet and cab to bring it in line with McCormick’s overall design updates, giving it a more modern, stylish look. So now farmers will get a work tool that’s not just a powerhouse but turns heads as well.

Local McCormick Tractors’ distributor, Clark Equipment, invited farmmachinerysales to hop in the driver’s seat of the X7.623 for a first-hand account of the real farm office and workhorse the X7 has been designed for.

The McCormick X7.6 has received a major glow-up from its previous iterations. The new and improved model has a sportier look, a new metallic red paint scheme, and Transformer-like grilles and lights at the front.

The bonnet has been redesigned not just to look more stylish but also to offer better forward visibility.

Overall, the McCormick X7.623 boasts an automotive-inspired design that reflects both functionality and sophistication. The wheelbase is now longer for enhanced stability, while the revamped cab emphasises visibility and operator comfort.

These design elements make the X7.623 as stylish as it is practical, setting it apart from the competition in its segment.

Under the hood, the X7.623 is powered by a robust 6.7-litre FPT NEF engine. Compliant with Stage 3 emissions standards, the engine delivers up to 225hp without the need for AdBlue, reducing complexity and operational costs.

The ZF P6-Drive transmission complements the engine with five ranges, six on-the-go powershift speeds and robotised range shifting. With a creeper function, the tractor offers an impressive total of 54 forward and 27 reverse speeds.

McCormick claims the X7.623 can achieve a top speed of 50km/h, however we could not verify that for ourselves due to the paddock size and other limitations.

What’s impressive about the P6-Drive transmission is that operators can control it either manually or let the machine do its thing using the Smart APS Auto Powershift feature. Based on load conditions, engine speed and rpm, Smart APS automatically selects the right gear in each range to help improve fuel efficiency and take the guesswork out of driving the tractor, no matter on the road or in the field.

Another convenient feature is the Stop and Action function which integrates the de-clutch function into the brake pedal. This way, operators can stop the tractor by depressing the brake pedal and go again by taking the foot off the brake without having to touch the clutch.

The X7.623 Premium offers commendable hydraulic capabilities with a flow rate of up to 160l/min, making it capable of powering even the most demanding implements. The closed-centre hydraulic system is load-sensing, which means only the required amount of oil is delivered to the implement, minimising wastage.

Its rear linkage has an impressive maximum lift capacity of 9.3 tonnes, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment.

The tractor is available with four rear PTO speeds –540, 540ECO, 1000, and 1000ECO – providing versatility for different tasks, light or heavy.

McCormick has gone all-in on comfort and usability with the X7.623’s cab. The spacious four-post cabin provides panoramic visibility, enhanced by up to 20 programmable LED lights for excellent illumination during low-light operations.

Clark Equipment is only bringing in the Premium version of the X7.623, ensuring farmers get only the best stuff such as automatic climate control, multi-function armrest, deluxe air-suspension seat and radio.

The air suspension seat swivels for a clear view behind, while the passenger seat can be folded away when not needed. The X7.623 is perhaps not designed with a passenger at the top of mind, because while there is a caddy seat it is rather small when folded down and quite uncomfortable. I’ve certainly seen nicer caddy seats around.

A feature that I think would be nice to have in this unit, especially in its weight segment, is an integrated cooler or storage compartment to allow operators to store sustenance. More OEMs on the market are increasingly adding little niceties like this into their products, even in lower weight segments, (because who complains about too much storage, ever?) so perhaps McCormick should consider that too.

Integrated into the right armrest is a 12-inch touchscreen monitor and multifunction controller, which puts the entire operation of the tractor at the driver’s fingertips. The X7.6 features what’s known as MyFunctions that allows operators to save the functions used more frequently such as the APS Auto Powershift, differential lock, 4WD, de-clutch and more.

For a machine in this horsepower category, the inclusion of precision agriculture technology is a must so customers will be pleased to know the X7.623 is well-equipped. It is auto-steer ready, meaning customers can opt to include autosteer technology or not.

It is also ISOBUS ready, allowing customers to pair ISOBUS compatible implements with the tractor for a seamless operation.

McCormick’s fleet management system which comes standard provides operators with real-time data and diagnostics, streamlining maintenance and maximising uptime.

Operating the McCormick X7.623 is a breeze, thanks to its P6-Drive transmission. You can either manually select the range and gear that you’d like to operate in or allow the machine to do its thing in either field or road modes.

Using the multi-controller for operation of the tractor is comfortable and easy, with no real effort required to pull or push any levers. One thing I found a bit odd with the multi-controller is that while you can push or pull the controller forwards and backwards, it does literally nothing, which confused me for a bit. In other tractors, moving the joystick either way usually means speeding up or slowing down, so naturally I expected the X7.623 to do the same.

The longer wheelbase and additional weight (1140kg heavier than previous iterations) improve stability when pulling heavier implements, making the drive experience smoother and more controlled.

There was some sloping ground, but the machine powered through with ease, not once losing stability.

However, it is worth noting the turning circle is not great, making navigating smaller paddocks or turning at headlands tricker.

Mechanical suspension comes standard, with an optional semi-active hydraulic suspension available for even greater comfort.

The McCormick X7.623 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating reliable, powerful and comfortable tractors for the modern farmer.

With its sleek and modern design, powerful engine, smart transmission, tech offering and luxurious cab, it’s an ideal blend of beauty, brains and brawn.

The McCormick X7.623 is priced from $230,000 plus GST and backed by a two-year or 2400-hour warranty. I say for an Italian-designed and built machine with plenty of fruit, that’s banging value.

McCormick has truly hit the nail on the head with this one, crafting a workhorse that’s as easy to operate as it is impressive in performance.

Engine: 6.7-litre FPT NEF engine
Max engine power: 225hp
Max torque: 904Nm (921Nm with Power Plus)
Transmission: ZF P6-Drive transmission, 54 speeds forward and 27 in reverse with creeper
Hydraulics: Closed-centre load-sensing with 160/min flow
Max rear linkage lift capacity: 9300kg
Rear PTO speeds: 540 / 540 E / 1000 / 1000 E
Fuel tank capacity: 320L
Operating weight: 13,000kg