PREVIEWED at LAMMA earlier this year, the commercial launch of McCormick’s X8 VT-Drive tractor in the UK will be at LAMMA in January (first retail units available Q1), and to celebrate the occasion a limited edition scale model has been introduced.
Starting with the real tractors, the X8 VT-Drive is the culmination of a major R+D project by parent company Argo Tractors. The 6.7-litre Stage IV 6-pot engine in the three models – X8.660, X8.670 and X8.680, provides a peak power of 264hp, 286hp and 310hp, which is the most powerful McCormick tractor ever built. Taking the brand into new territory, ploughing, cultivating, sowing and powering big grass mowers and other harvesting machinery will be the main roles performed by the tractors, but McCormick UK and Ireland distributor AgriArgo reckons the size and weight of the X8 makes it also suitable for road work with large capacity slurry tankers, muck spreaders and trailers.
Key features include the four-stage continuously variable transmission, which provides a range of different operating possibilities, including an Eco mode – 40km/hr (1300rpm) and 50km/hr (1600rpm). The electronically-controlled hydraulics with 157-litre or 212-litre load-sensing pumps – plus 115-litres/min dedicated to steering and other ancillary systems – are also part of the package. An integral front three-point linkage and pto assembly on the cast steel load-bearing chassis complements the 12t capacity rear three-point hitch, while tyres up 900/60 R42 can be used on the rear axle.
The four-pillar cab comes with automatic air conditioning, anti-damping semi-active suspension system, air suspended seat, fold-away passenger seat, and adjustable multi-function armrest with fingertip control of all functions via a seat-mounted console and the touch-screen colour display. There is also a Bluetooth radio system and a refrigerator compartment. Optional equipment includes precision steering using satellite-based positioning and the EasySteer system for less arm twirling during headland turns.
The AgriArgo team members are keen to tap into the growing demand for tractors of the size this size and power. “With up to 310hp for all applications, a proven heavy-duty stepless transmission, one of the nicest cabs in the business and traction to handle the biggest implements, the new X8 VT-Drive is an exciting addition to the McCormick range,” said Ray Spinks, general manager and sales director at AgriArgo.
Limited edition scale model
Prices have yet to be finalised, but if you can’t afford the real thing and would like to own an X8, then the Universal Hobbies-made 1:32 scale limited edition model is an affordable solution. Unlike the regular X8 VT-Drive tractor, which is finished in the standard bright red and silver livery, the model is finished in a darker metallic red – which is also available on full-size McCormick tractors.
The model comes with steerable front wheels, has front and rear linkage with a movable top link for attaching implements or the front weight block, and a pick-up hitch for coupling a miniature trailer, tanker, sprayer or spreader. Other details on the mostly metal model include linkage lift rams, pto and hydraulic couplings, wing mirrors and representations of the work and road lights, a windscreen wipers and the mudguard-mounted control switches.
Just 1,000 examples of the model have been produced so you’ll have to be quick if you want to own one before Christmas. Available from McCormick dealers, the RRP is £60.13.
