The McCormick X60 series tractor is the replacement for the CX series whose heritage can be traced back to International and then Case IH before becoming part of the McCormick line-up after Fiat bought out Case IH.

The CX, in both Case IH and later in McCormick branding, has had a strong following here in Ireland. Does the X60 series measure up as a replacement for it?

We have a good look at it here. First, a bit of background; essentially the McCormick X60 series is the Landini 5H series in McCormick clothing, but parent company ARGO from Italy has done a serious job rebranding it in the red of McCormick.

Under the skin it is the same as the 5H series with all the same mechanicals. In the cab, it is all McCormick, from the dash design, to the right hand panel design, to the panelling, to all the controls, knobs and switches.

The tractor is immediately identifiable as McCormick or legacy Case IH. It gives the X60.50 an almost retro feel and one of familiarity, all completely different to the Landini 5H’s.

Some facts

McCormick CX owners will not be disappointed with the X60 series. Our test tractor, the X60.50 features a Perkins common rail fuel injection system.

The X60.50’s four-cylinder turbo after-cooled engine develops 112hp under normal circumstances, but, with power management, this rises to 121hp for pto and transport applications. Top road speed of 40kmph is also achieved at 1,830 engine rpm, which the manufacturer says reduces noise and increases fuel economy.

The firm’s XtraShift transmission provides 36 forward and 12 reverse speeds through a three speed range gearbox and four synchromesh gears with three power-shift speeds in each (forwards only). A creep speed transmission is a factory fitted option.

The electronically-controlled hydraulic power shuttle features what McCormick call shuttle modulation control. This allows the operator to fine-tune the responsiveness of the clutch and power shuttle to suit the operating conditions and the implement being used.

Our tractor also featured category II quick hook ends, electronic lift control and a Dromone telescopic pick-up hitch. Three double-acting spool valves were fitted and hydraulic pump output was quoted as 60litres/min (for spools and loader).

Lift capacity is quoted at 5,000kg. There were fender controls for both pto and lift functions.

Our tractor was fitted with just two pto speeds of 540rpm and 1,000rpm but other combinations available include 540/750 or three speed 540/750/1000. Interestingly, McCormick use multi-disc oil immersed brakes, front and rear.

Many manufacturers of tractors of this size use just a single disc per side on the rear and bring on four-wheel-drive to give four wheel braking when the brake pedal is pressed.

The front disc brakes on the X60.50 are housed in the central differential housing on the front axle and not in the outer hubs like many others who offer actual front axle braking.

The McCormick’s deluxe cab is the same as that fitted to the Landini 5H series. It is a four-post design with large, rear-hinged doors. A clear panel in the roof has also been integrated for loader work.

Our tractor was fitted with an air seat and a passenger seat, both with seat belts. It was also equipped with an abundance of lights, roof mounted, mid-mounted and bonnet positioned.

Go to work

The McCormick X60.50 is at the upper end of the ‘bread and butter’ 110hp tractor sector with loader. Its biggest role is likely to be as a loader. For this test, we used it around the farm bedding and feeding cattle plus bringing in some straw that was still out.

Around the yard, the X60.50 is ideal, not too big, a short wheelbase and a pretty impressive steering lock.

Our tractor had Michelin 540/65R34s on the rear and 440/65R24s on the front, so was very well shod. According to Patrick Ryan from D and S Machinery, the standard configuration being supplied will have 38s on the rear so it will stand a little taller than our tractor.

Visibility was excellent all round. I really like these smaller four pillar cabs which have smaller and easier to handle doors.

My one gripe is that the rear window doesn’t open very wide. From the ground to seating position, just one little ‘shimmy’ is required to get to the seat, with access slightly fouled by the folded down passenger seat.

For darting in and out of sheds and through the chicane of the haggard, the common-rail Perkins engine was very responsive. The three speed power-shift was very handy as well but changing manual synchromesh gears was ‘notchy’ and heavy going.

For loader work, a power-shuttle is essential, in my opinion, to preserve the left knee, or what’s left of it. The aggressiveness of the F/R shuttle engagement can be adjusted on a knob on the right of the dash.

Rossmore has positioned a conventional joystick within easy reach and its operation is pretty slick. The loader features suspension which can be switched on or off by a switch positioned at the base of the joystick.

Oil flow for loader function is quoted at 60 litres/min which certainly is not excessive. 80 litres/min would be more desirable but, despite that, loader operating speed is actually good.

Loading bales in the field, the McCormick was pretty snug, probably helped by its big shoes and loader suspension. Around the stubble field, the X60.50 seemed stable with two bales on-board and, again, the four-pot Perkins was quick to respond to the accelerator pedal.

The clear roof window was helpful when loading the bales at height and, with no side windows, opened quite wide to allow in some fresh air. Our tractor did not have air-conditioning but it will be included in the standard Irish spec tractor.

The Irish-made Dromone telescopic pick-up hitch allowed for easy hooking up of tractor and trailer. The X60.50 performed well with the loaded trailer but was let down a bit by that notchy gear change. I would hope this would free up with time.

On the road, the engine again performed well and the tractor’s top speed is reached at a little over 1,800rpm in top gear. If it came under load, the engine had power management to call on.

Unfortunately, there was no suitable pto operation to put power management to the test. For a tractor of this class and size, baling would be the ideal application to benefit from the extra horses.

Most tractors in this class I would expect to have an ECO or 750rpm pto speed as standard. Ours didn’t. ECO pto is optional for the moment, while cab air conditioning is part of the standard deal on customer’s request, according to the importers.

Again, in-line the high spec status of the X60.50, our test tractor was equipped with telescopic mirrors and an interior mirror. Loads of lights front and rear, and at different levels, were all pretty helpful in a dark shed or at night time.

An extra power outlet was fitted at the front dash. At last, some manufacturers are thinking about where GPS guidance systems are fitted.

Our standard weight lifting test for a tractor of this size is a four furrow, fixed width Kverneland reversible plough. This was no problem for the X60.50 but would have probably benefited from running on 38 tyres for a bit more clearance when flipping the plough.

There was nothing suitable to plough but the McCormick proved itself well enough and the lift’s ‘retro’ controls were familiar, simple and straightforward to use.

SUMMARY

While I have to confess that I didn’t expect so much from the McCormick X60.50, it really hit the nail on the head in so many ways. The addition of a Rossmore loader and Dromone hitch for the test tractor added a big Irish element to it as well. A floor mat made by Tractormats in Co Meath finished the internal styling well. Only the Italians could do British retro on an Italian tractor and pull it off so well. It looks and feels really, really well and has a high quality finish. This little Italian number softened more than a few hardened tractor nuts during its visit.