New McCormick TTX and XTX Tractors Take to the Field at Normac
11/09/08

In the week that dire weather conditions forced the cancellation of other practical field demonstrations of agricultural machinery, the organisers of the Norfolk Farm Machinery Club’s Cultivations Demonstration were delighted that their event was able to go ahead on Tuesday, 9th September 2008.

The McCormick TTX210 ploughing the Stalham Engineering plot with a Pottinger Servo 35S equipped with bodies leaving a wide furrow bottom for the tractor’s generous tyres.

Farmers and contractors who took time out to visit the NORMAC event, held at Brettenham, near Thetford, Norfolk, were able to see several new machines in action for the first time, including two ‘new generation’ McCormick tractors – the TTX and XTX.

The new tractors were given their first public outing since the completion of an extensive pre-production field development programme. They were demonstrated ploughing by McCormick dealers for Norfolk, Stalham Engineering, Stalham near Norwich and Johnson Bros, Fakenham.

McCormick TTX
At the top end of the McCormick range, new styling and a number of detailed enhancements are highlighted by a new range name – TTX – for the three models in the up to 250hp class.

Subtle engineering changes to the tractor’s XtraSpeed transmission are designed to further improve shift quality and durability.

With its eight-speed powershift and four manual or electronically-selected range gears giving 32x32 speeds in all (48x40 with creep), the XtraSpeed transmission gives TTX drivers easy access to speeds that encourage the best use to be made of the engine’s power and torque characteristics for fuel-efficient productivity.

Power and torque outputs from the advanced six-cylinder McCormick BetaPower engine provide the same impressive performance as before: the TTX190 develops maximum output for draft work of 171hp, climbing to 198hp for pto and transport operations.

In the TTX210, the engine produces 198hp for draft work and 213hp for pto-driven implements, while the range-leading TTX230 has 213hp for pulling a plough, cultivator or seed drill and up to 225hp when using power-driven equipment.

McCormick XTX165 in action on the Johnson Bros plot at the NORMAC event working with a 5-furrow Rabe Raven 2300 V reversible.

McCormick XTX
Two newcomers to McCormick’s 140hp-plus offering continue the XTX model designation: the XTX145 has up to 145hp for draft operations and 156hp maximum output to drive the pto and when hauling trailed equipment on the road; the XTX165 serves up 167hp and 171hp, respectively, for these operations.

Like their big brothers, the XTX pair feature the eight-speed powershift XtraSpeed transmission. This provides twice as many ratios as the gearbox in the MTX model, which remains in production as a tractor for operators wanting simple and economical six-cylinder power.

However, with the XTX tractor’s engine ‘power boost’ feature, more economical 40kph gearing at reduced engine revs, more powerful brakes, increased hydraulic lift capacity and an airy cab with doors filling both sides of the structure for a clearer view to the side, many MTX operators – as well as those currently running other tractors – are expected to upgrade to the new McCormick machine.

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