McCormick X7.670 tractor: Machine spotlight

Beefed-up competitors had stolen McCormick’s thunder in the tractor market in recent years but distributor Clark Equipment is making a concerted push back into the livestock and dairy sectors.

The price competitive X7 models are being promoted with advantages of independent front axle suspension, ease of maintenance, lift capacity and overall pulling power.

Farmers got to push the top of the line 180hp McCormick X7.670 VT Drive to its limits recently in a boggy paddock in the foothills of the Victorian Alps.

The tractor, hitched to a 3m speed tiller, was put through its paces by Upper Murray beef and dairy producers at a demo day hosted by Damm’s Auto & Diesel Repairs at Corryong.

Also in the line-up on the day was the freshly landed 135hp McCormick G-Max 135 PS HML tractor and the Bobcat TL38.70HF telescopic handler.

Clark Equipment agricultural product specialist, David Knoke, said the trade display was all about “rebuilding the red”.

“McCormick has had its ups and downs in Australia over the last few years and since Clark has taken it on, we are getting out there and giving farmers and customers the opportunity to get in our machines to drive them,” Knoke said.

“The best way to push a brand is by getting the tractors into the field.

“Today, the X7.670 VT is on display – it is 180hp plus boost, we are talking Iveco engines, ZF transmissions and Carraro front axles – there’s a real lot of quality in this particular machine.

“Value for money, the Premiere cab, the interaction with the display monitors, the independent front axle suspension, the lift capacity and general pulling power are the big key factors.”

The X7.670 VT Drive is powered by an Iveco 6.7 litre six-cylinder turbo engine with multi-valve technology and a common rail injection system.

The engines meet Tier 4 Interim emission regulations using SCR, or exhaust gas after-treatment technology, and have a top speed of 50km/h. The Power Plus system is designed to electronically adjust the engine power to respond to varying load conditions.

The X7 has independent front suspension resulting in faster travel speeds.

“When it comes to power ratings, we are going from 180 to 195 with boost,” Knoke said.

“There is a rugged chassis opposed to having the actual engine as part of the chassis, combined with a hydraulic front axle on this machine.

“The chassis on the six cylinder models are beefed up for better pulling power.”

There is a choice of two transmissions with the X7.670: PS-Drive and VT-Drive.

The VT-Drive is a continuously variable transmission providing an infinite number of speed ratios and includes an Eco mode of 40km/h for transport operations.

“There are six speed ranges with four power shifts in each range (auto, manual, PTO and cruise),” Knoke said.

“We can control the transmission on this machine from the operator’s platform – slow it down or speed it up to achieve fuel economy and reduce wear and tear.”

A reverse power shuttle with a neutral position allows the operator to shift from forward to reverse without using the clutch.

The electro hydraulically engaged rear PTO features an exchangeable shaft providing six or 21 splines and offers four speeds of 540/540 ECO/1000/1000 ECO rpm as standard.

Offering a maximum lift capacity of 9300kg, the three-point Category III hitch is equipped with lower link draft sensing for accurate implement control.

“It is all push button control from inside the cab or at the rear of the tractor when attaching or detaching implements,” Knoke said.

“There is up to seven electrohydraulic remote valves and they can all be adjusted from inside the cab.

“The flow on each hydraulic outlet can be changed independently on the touch screen monitor.”

An Auto PTO function incorporates PTO headland management to eliminate implement drive-line damage when raising it.

“The PTO disengages to save wear and tear on the universal joints and yokes,” Knoke said.

The X7 runs high capacity wet multi-disc rear axle brakes, with four-wheel drive engaging automatically.

“We are running hydraulic wet brakes on this machine – we can run split brakes as well, locking up the rear wheels for faster turning,” Knoke said.

“The tight turning radius of 5400mm means manoeuvrability for headland turns and spinning the machine around. For a tractor of this size, the turning circle is very competitive.”

He added the combined front and rear differential locks mean operators can lock up all four wheels, giving the wheels equal rotations and more power and traction to the ground.

The X7.670 VT Drive is fitted with the Premiere cab featuring a Data Screen Manager and a 12-inch touch screen monitor as standard.

Boasting maximum sound levels of just 70dBa, the cab includes new features such as an inside mirror, additional 12v sockets for portable devices, fridge cooler and roof hatch frame.

An air-suspended seat can be optionally equipped with heating and ventilation – there is also a hide-away buddy seat.

The digital instrument panel is designed to tilt with the steering wheel.

A pull-down sunscreen visor helps to reduce glare on those long summer afternoons.

“There are 16 work lights on this machine as standard,” Knoke said.

“Visibility is brilliant as the cab design has gone away from a six to a four pillar.

“There is an escape hatch or window in the roof to increase visibility when using a front end loader.

“The deluxe air ride seat will swivel, has lumbar support and is adjustable for the operator’s height and weight.

“The air conditioning runs through the fridge as well so on a summer’s day, you can put your 1.25-litre bottle in to keep it cool.

“There are also spots for the coffee cup and two hat racks.”

A multi-function armrest is integrated into the seat frame and incorporates a MySwitch button controlling autoshift, differential lock, 4WD operation and the de-clutch button.

Additional buttons operate the rear hitch, speed cruise control, one remote valve and headland management, plus joystick control of the front end loader.

The Precision Steering management delivers up to 2cm accuracy with the RTK guidance system.

“With the headland management system, the operator can store movements such as engaging and disengaging the PTO, engine revs, 4WD, diff lock and hydraulic functions,” Knoke said.

“This is set up for ISOBUS and the EazySteer system.”

A tilt-up hood at the front of the X7.670 gives easy access from the ground to the oil and water coolers – they can be all pulled apart and blown out.

“The front mudguards pivot so the operator can get in behind to do the daily checks,” Knoke said.

The X7.670 VT Drive is equipped with a 320-litre diesel tank and 38-litre AdBlue tank.

“We are running 650 tyres on this particular machine so there is really big radial wheel equipment ballooning out at the bottom to give a larger footprint and more traction,” Knoke said.

“The bigger wheel will distribute the weight more evenly when it comes to front end loader work.”

The X7.670 tractor has a dry weight of 7.4 tonnes.

“Since launch, the X7 has been selling into broadacre, dairy and horticultural applications,” Knoke said.

The McCormick X7.670 VT Drive is priced from $135,000 plus GST.

Maximum engine power with Power Plus at 1900rpm: 195hp

Rated engine power with Power Plus at 2200rpm: 191hp

Fuel tank capacity: 320 litres

Maximum steering angle: 55 degrees

Turning radius: 5400mm

Hydraulic pump flow: 123 litres/min

Electrohydraulically controlled remote valves: 3/5-7

Maximum lift capacity: 9300kg

Three-point hitch: Cat. 3

Front tyres: 540/65R30

Rear tyres: 650/65R42

Wheelbase: 2820mm

Ground clearance: 550mm

Weight with empty tank: 7360kg

Optional front hitch (maximum lift capacity): 3500kg