The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2015 - Issue 41 | Page 74

Machinery

McCormick X5 Series tractors
feature new cab, uprated
hydraulics, more fuel capacity
»»A new cab design giving improved
all-round visibility, greater interior room,
more convenient controls and space for
a ‘training’ seat is the major feature of an
upgrade package for 85hp to 113hp tractors
in the McCormick range.
The four-model X5 Series has taken
over from the X50 line-up introduced in
2013; but the X50M with the original cab
has been added to the range in Britain for
operators who want a simpler tractor at an
especially keen price.
“The X50 was an excellent tractor for a
whole range of situations from field and
yard work on dairy, beef and sheep units to
harvesting operations in vegetable and salad
crops,” says product specialist Paul Wade. “As
the X5, it’s an even better product thanks to
the new cab, which makes it a more attractive
option to replace a CX or T-Max from our
previous ranges, or any similar tractor.”
Beneath the cab and ‘family-look’ hood
styling, the X5 has 21% more oil flow –
up from 52-litre/min to 63-litre/min, plus
30-litre/min dedicated to steering. There
is also a near-18% increase in fuel tank
capacity giving more work time between
fill-ups for increased productivity.
Engine performance and emissions
control technology are unchanged on the
Tier 4i compliant Perkins 854E engine,
which brought increased torque and
typically 8% improved fuel economy when
introduced with the X50.
The cab is the McCormick X5 tractor’s
most attractive new feature – it has a

74 Aug/Sep 2015 www.farmers-mart.co.uk

larger glass area with a narrow header rail
creating a deep windscreen for maximum
forwards visibility and full-size doors
making it easy to get in and out, with no ‘B’
pillars to interrupt the view to either side.
The new control layout keeps the main
gear lever, loader/front linkage joystick and
related controls within easy reach, with the
hydraulic spool valve levers now angled
towards the driver so they can be used with
a more natural push-pull movement of the
operator’s arm.
Switch gear and either mechanical or
electronic controls for the rear linkage are
similarly laid out in a way that makes them
easy to locate and use. A storage tray on
the left hand fender holds the bits and bobs
needed for a day’s work, and there is space
for a compact second seat with fold up
cushion and adjustable back-rest alongside
the operator’s air suspension seat.
Ahead of the driver is a chunky softtouch steering wheel mounted with a
comprehensive instrument console – both
adjust for angle together to maintain a clear
view of the analogue and digital displays.
There is generous headroom but overall
height has been kept as low as possible
by locating the ventilation filters in the rear
pillars – so the cab has a slim roof panel.
“In terms of power and transmission choice,
there are two versions of each model as
before, with several options creating a choice
of specs to cater for every application,” says
Paul Wade. “Power outputs with the synchro
shuttle transmissions – 24x12 or 32x12 with

creep – are 85hp, 95hp, 102hp and 113hp
from the economical 3.4-litre engine.”
Upgrading to the response-adjustable
power shuttle brings fingertip shifting
between forward and reverse using a multiplate wet clutch, three-speed powershift
giving 36 speeds – or 48 with creep – and
a gearshift-mounted clutch button.
“As a bonus, the first three m