Preference for ‘mechanical tractors’ over-turned by electronics on latest McCormick
Wed 15/04/2015
For someone who used to think that having a cigarette lighter in the cab was enough by way of electronics, Martin Hambleton admits to being “dragged into the 21st Century” by his new tractor.The 200hp machine set to become the busiest power unit on Battleflat Lodge Farm, Ellistown in Leicestershire also represents a significant change for the McCormick marque as electronics and the features they bring have been embraced wholeheartedly with the X7 Pro Drive range.
“If I’d had a choice, I’d have gone for levers,” says Mr Hambleton. “But I’m glad I didn’t; the controls are so easy to use and I’ve been trying out the different features, like auto-shift, and really like them. Using the different controls is now second nature and I’ve had time to try things like adjusting settings on the dash display using the selector dial on the side of the console, and using the MySwitch, which operates one of four different functions – so that’s three fewer buttons on the console for a start.”
The smooth-shifting nature of the ZF 24x24 speed Pro Drive transmission also gets the thumbs up, and especially the adjustable powershift and power shuttle response, and the cab is a nice place to be, he declares, highlighting the big windscreen that gives a feeling of space as well as a panoramic view ahead, and the patented passenger seat, which folds out of the way into the cladding where it is protected from being brushed by greasy overalls.
“The McCormick designers have made a superb job of it – the only problem I can see is that everyone will want to be the one driving it!”
For the full story, read the press release using the link on the right.
For other News and pictures of McCormick tractors from users and dealers, visit the McCormickAgriUK page on Facebook and follow McCormickAgriUK on Twitter.
