McCormick's New Power6 Tractors

A new six-cylinder engine with electronic fuel management providing an excellent blend of performance and economy is at the heart of two additions to the McCormick MC range of tractors. The Power6 models provide a high power-to-weight ratio in a relatively compact package, making them suitable for a wide range of applications on livestock and arable farms.

They are the first agricultural tractors to use the Perkins 1100-series six-cylinder engine. This power unit meets European Stage 2 and North American Tier II exhaust emissions standards using traditional technology, while delivering first-rate power and economy thanks to refined combustion chamber design and electronic fuel pump control.

"Our first new tractor was also a more powerful MC model - the 85kW / 115hp four-cylinder MC115 - which has proved very popular since its introduction in autumn 2001," notes McCormick sales director, Ray Spinks. "Its concept as a powerful but compact and highly manoeuvrable machine is taken a step further with the six-cylinder models, for farmers wanting the bigger engine's torque characteristics and, in the case of the MC135 Power6, yet more power."

Compared with their four-cylinder counterparts, the MC Power6 models have more power and torque, a longer wheelbase, greater implement lift capacity and a larger fuel tank. Also, they can be fitted with front wheel brakes and a front axle with independent suspension to complement their increased performance potential.

The MC range
The McCormick MC Series comprises four models from 62kW / 84hp - to 85kW / 115hp powered by Perkins 1000-series four-cylinder turbo engines. The new Power6 models, which extend this range, are the:

• McCormick MC120 Power6 - 85kW / 115hp
• McCormick MC135 Power6 - 77kW / 132hp

Like the other models in the MC Series, they share their four-speed, four-range powershift transmission, back axle and pressure-flow compensating variable output hydraulics system with the heavier duty McCormick MTX110 to MTX140.

Unlike the MTX models, which have a cast chassis frame to support the engine, the MC's motor is installed as a structural unit. The six-cylinder MC tractors do, however, get a substantial front bolster casting, designed to give plenty of front-end strength for implements and loaders.

Also, the MC's cab is mounted lower than on the MTX and the Low Profile design of the four-cylinder MC Series tractors is available as an alternative to the Deluxe design when overall height is critical for access to low buildings.

"These variations produce a tractor that is a little heavier and longer than the four-cylinder MC models, but a little lighter, shorter and lower than the MTX machines," explains Paul Wade, McCormick tractor specialist. "Add in the higher torque, power and implement lift capacity of the Power6 design over the smaller tractors, and you have two machines that can handle heavy drilling combinations, a big loader or demanding power take-off work with ease."

Engine
McCormick MC Power6 tractors are the first to use the Perkins 1106C-E60TA six-cylinder engine, part of the 1100-series unveiled last year by the Peterborough, England-based manufacturer. Derived from the current 1000-series, it has a new cylinder head with re-designed combustion chamber, and advanced electronic fuel management for highly responsive power and torque characteristics.

Noise levels have been reduced by re-designing gear drives to the camshafts and auxiliaries, and by improved sealing around the rocker cover on top of the engine.

"The new engine also promises low running costs thanks to excellent fuel economy, especially under lighter loads, and a 500 hour service interval that will make significant savings in oil and filter consumption over the life of the tractor," says Paul Wade. "Power and torque characteristics are also very attractive for the sort of work the MC Power6 tractors will be asked to do."

Installation
The six-cylinder engine is installed as a structural unit attached directly to the transmission at the flywheel end and a substantial cast bolster at the front.

Compared with the four-cylinder McCormick MC models, the wheelbase is 133mm (5in) longer, giving the stability to allow implement linkage capacity to be increased by 12% to 6602kg. It also creates enough space for a larger fuel tank to be fitted. At 265 litres, this has 69 litres or 35% more capacity than the tank on the four-cylinder MC tractors.

Transmission
Both MC Power6 models feature McCormick's renowned powershift transmission. In its standard form, this gives drivers fingertip access to four speeds in each of four ranges, with a total of 16 speeds forward, 12 in reverse. With the creep option added, the number of speeds increases to 32 forward, 24 reverse.

McCormick MC Power6 buyers can also add the optional Speed Sequencer transmission, which provides push-button range as well as powershift changes. It also introduces an additional reverse speed (13 in total), and duplicates hydraulic linkage lift-lower buttons so that all major tasks can be operated using the Speed Sequencer controller.

McCormick's power shuttle is also part of the MC Power6 package. Using dedicated clutches for forward and reverse to share the drive load and ensure smooth drive take-up when shuttling, the system provides controlled and progressive changes of direction without having to use the clutch pedal.

Four-wheel drive
The McCormick MC Power6 tractors introduce front axle braking and suspension to the MC range for the first time. Both add to the safe operation of these tractors, especially when travelling at speed on the road with heavy trailers or implements.

The independent suspension also improves driver comfort, helps cushion the tractor and implement when travelling on rough surfaces, and helps maintain traction in the field.

A rigid front axle with 55 degree steering angle is standard, with multi disc wet brakes installed in the hubs as an option. Brakes are also optional on the axle with independent wishbone-type wheel suspension, which is self-levelling, provides up to 45mm of movement up or down from the normal ride height and can be locked out when appropriate.

Both axles are engaged using an electro-hydraulic control and incorporate a limited slip differential to boost traction.

Hydraulics and power take-off
An uprated hydraulics system features on the six-cylinder engined McCormick MC Power6 tractors, with up to 6602kg maximum lift capacity available at the implement linkage.

The system uses a variable flow pump with up to 109 litre/min output and a pressure-flow compensating system to deliver oil economically when and where needed. Maximum flow to the remote valves is 95 litre/min.

For powered implements there is a two-speed pto system delivering 540rpm and 1000rpm at the interchangeable stub shaft. Drive is engaged electro-hydraulically with automatic modulation of the clutch to ensure smooth take-up of drive to protect the implement from sudden shocks.

An optional auto control system switches the pto on and off for headland turns, while switches on the fenders give remote control from the back of the tractor.

Driver's cab
Buyers of McCormick's MC Power6 tractors have a choice of cabs - the Deluxe version and the Low Profile design. Both are fully equipped with comfortable seats and air conditioning, but the Low Profile design has the advantage of being 20cm (8in) lower and features a large roof window, giving much improved visibility to a raised loader.

The cabs are renowned for being spacious thanks to their generous width, especially across the front, for being quiet, and for the large area of glass.

As McCormick's Paul Wade observes: "Together with a side-mounted exhaust, the large windows produce an excellent all-round view of implements and potential hazards both in the field and on the road."

Prices for the new McCormick MC Power6 tractors will be announced early next year when series production is scheduled to begin.