McCormick MC115

A powerful four-cylinder turbo engine is at the heart of McCormick's first new tractor model, the MC115. With an output of 85kW (115hp) at 2200rpm rated speed, the newcomer has almost 13% more power than the previous MC range leader - the 75.4kW (102hp) MC100 - and 19% more torque.

"These big increases in power and torque emphasise the inherent strength of the McCormick MC design and our confidence in it," says McCormick product training manager Paul Wade. "It extends the MC concept of a powerful and sophisticated but relatively small and manoeuvrable 'workhorse' tractor."

The MC115 now heads a four-model range comprising:

• MC80 - 62kW (84hp)
• MC90 - 65.8kW (90hp)
• MC100 - 75.4kW (102hp)
• MC115 - 85kW (115hp)

All four models feature the McCormick powershift transmission and forward-reverse power shuttle. This popular design comprises four ranges which are manually engaged and four powershift speeds which are selected using a handy thumb switch on the range gear lever.

There are 16 forward and 12 reverse gears, with the optional creep gearbox doubling the total number of ratios by introducing ultra-slow speeds for specialist operations.

The MC tractors also have a variable output hydraulics system with pressure-flow compensation. With this system, the pump operates only when it is needed but keeps the system primed to deliver hydraulic power as soon as it is demanded by an implement or the three-point linkage. Electronic draft response and controls give the operator easy command of implements.

The new McCormick MC115 is powered by the same Perkins 1004-series four-cylinder, 4 litre engine used in other MC models but with intercooling added to the wastegate turbocharger. This cools incoming air, increasing its density and enabling a larger volume of air to be pumped into the engine. The result is a big increase in power and torque.

At 85kW (115hp), the MC115 delivers almost 13% more power than the MC100 and 19% more torque. Also, peak torque output is delivered 100rpm lower down the engine's speed range - at 1300rpm - to further improve the tractor's ability to work through patches of heavy soil or climb hills towing a trailer.

The MC115's 2517mm (99in) wheelbase is 95mm (3¾in) longer than on the other tractors which, added to a slight increase in weight, gives the tractor almost 50:50 weight distribution unladen. Under load, therefore, the tractor should have very good traction and ride characteristics.

There is a choice of driver accommodation for the MC115 - the Deluxe cab with generous head room and a high level of standard equipment, and the Low Profile cab which has a lower overall height to help the tractor get into older farm buildings and similar locations.