Farmers and contractors in the south-west can now get in the driving seat of an eagerly-awaited new tractor carrying the famous McCormick name.

First examples of the all-new McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractor have been delivered to the region’s sales and service dealers – Read Agriservices, Wanstrow and Baker Engineering, Ashwell near Ilminster in Somerset; and RSM Beares at Coad’s Green, Launceston, Cornwall and Stoke Canon, Exeter, Devon.

They are now inviting farmers to clamber aboard the new tractors to try the new Premiere cab for size with its modern array of fingertip-operated controls.

“This new design has moved on a lot from the previous McCormick tractors of this size,” says Paul Wade, product specialist at distributor AgriArgo UK. “The designers have created electronic control systems for key functions, which is what a lot of drivers want these days, but without making them too complicated for an inexperienced or part-time driver.”

The new models – with engine power outputs from 131hp to 175hp at rated speed, and on up to 212hp with maximum ‘boost’ for pto-driven implements and road travel – come in four- and six-cylinder sizes. Independent front axle and cab suspension can be fitted for added comfort.

The transmission is a proven unit from ZF with four-speed manual or auto powershift giving 24 or 30 speeds in both directions, 40kph or 50kph top speed and a choice of power take-off configurations to drive implements.

Six-cylinder versions have a tough cast chassis providing real backbone for hard work, especially with mounted implements front and rear.

“It’s a new tractor with new features that will appeal to a lot of farmers and their operators,” says Paul Wade. “And for added confidence, the new tractor is covered by a full 24-month, 2400-hour manufacturer’s warranty instead of the usual one-year cover, so there will be no unexpected bills in the first two years of ownership.”

Generous equipment includes several extra-cost options as standard. In addition to a unique hide-away passenger seat, the McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractors come with: • auto cab climate control rather than ordinary air conditioning; • radio and CD player with Bluetooth and high quality microphone • a full complement of 720kg in front ballast weights for top traction; • push-back pick-up hitch for easier coupling to a trailer or trailed implement; • dynamic front mudguards for maximum steering angle and manoeuvrability; • free CESAR Datatag theft deterrence installation and registration.