The 264hp version of the all-new McCormick X8 VT-Drive will be put through its paces on the site at Four Crosses, Llanymynech, Powys by Shropshire and mid- to north Wales dealer HJR Agri.
A big capacity triple mower cutting 9 metres of grass for silage with every pass will highlight the powerful new tractor’s performance potential.
The demonstration will also mark HJR Agri’s first event as a dealer supplying Pöttinger grassland and tillage equipment to farms across Shropshire and mid-Wales from its base at Oswestry.
The Austrian manufacturer’s Novacat 301 ED Alpha-Motion and Novacat A9 ED triple mower-conditioner combination will be used on the X8 VT-Drive and other tractors from the McCormick range will operate a Pöttinger Torro 5510L self-loading forage wagon, TOP 824C two-rotor rake and new HIT 8.9T trailed tedder.
But the star attraction on the demonstration plot is bound to be the McCormick X8 VT-Drive; with engine outputs of 286hp and 310hp also available, it takes the McCormick marque into a new performance class.
“This new range is the culmination of a big investment in new product development at McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors and is the ultimate expression of the efficient power and performance that the ‘McCormick’ name represents,” says Ray Spinks, managing director at distributor AgriArgo UK & Ireland.
Apart from the performance delivered by a unique combination of ZF heavy-duty stepless transmission and BetaPower by FPT engine, the tractor has great driver appeal from the commanding position of the Premiere cab, which provides all the modern control technology expected of a tractor like this but in an easily accessible form.
A touch screen terminal on the seat-mounted control console gives access to powertrain, hydraulics, pto and other settings to optimise the tractor’s performance for different applications, and ISOBUS capability is available to control compliant implements.
Fingertip lever switches provide proportional response from the electric spool valves and Topcon guidance with a choice of displays can be installed for hands-free auto steering to ease the driver’s workload and provide the ultimate in precision and productivity.
“Quite apart from its technical features, the styling and sheer size of the X8 VT-Drive gives the tractor great presence,” says Ray Spinks. “Enthusiastic tractor drivers will enjoy that – and we’ve added the bonus of including the eye-catching McCormick metallic red option as standard to give it unique visual appeal within the McCormick range.”
After the RWAS Grassland Event, HJR Agri will put the X8 VT-Drive on show at the Coleg Cambria Llysfasi Grassland Open Day at Ruthin, Denbighshire on May 24 and the Shropshire County Show, Shrewsbury on May 26.
It then moves to new McCormick dealer David Eaton Tractors for the Staffordshire County Show on May 30/31. Furthur locations and dates are detailed on the McCormick Agri UK page on Facebook.
