This week, Ireland’s Landini and McCormick tractor importers, D& S Machinery launched a host of new tractor models to Irish users, that were originally launched to the public back at the Agritechnica Show last November. The new models across both ranges reflect a significant lift in the technology specification of the tractors both in terms of engines, transmissions, control systems and cabs.

The highlight of the new tractor ranges are the new higher power McCormick X7 Series and the 7 Series from Landini. These span a rated power band from 143hp to 188hp in the case of the McCormick range across six models. For the Landini brand, the power span is based on three models from 165hp to 188hp, again based on ISO rated power.

All of these bigger tractors are powered by Fiat Power Train (FPT) engines that have been boosted to varying degrees. There is a choice of either a four-cylinder turbo engine from 143hp to 166hp, in the X7.4 models. A bigger six-cylinder engine spans the power range from 165hp to 188hp, in the X7.6 models.

All of these engines use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) exhaust emission systems with AdBlue to achieve a Tier 4 interim rating. The engines are well proven and are fitted to a host of tractors from New Holland and Case IH, as well as some other tractor brands. These engines are well recognised for their fuel economy.

The tractors with the six-cylinder engine come with a frame or chassis structure to give additional strength.

The chassis is claimed to reduce the vibrations and eliminate any engine block stress.

The four-cylinder tractors in these bigger ranges have what is called a structural engine block. Landini four-cylinder versions are called the 6 Series, while in the McCormick colours they are called the X7.400 series models.

These tractors are more compact, 150mm (6in) shorter, in terms of wheelbase. The company claims that the vibrations are less important and the shorter wheelbase will improve manoeuvrability.

Other than colour changes, there are some specification differences between the brands but in reality these are minor, enough to allow for a price differential. In this case, the Landini models are priced slightly lower than their McCormick counterparts.

Both versions are fitted with ZF transmissions that have been developed for the Italian Argo tractor company that owns both brands. The base design comes with six speed ranges, each of which has four powershift gears that can change on the move.

The powershift gears are modulated so that the system will automatically select the most appropriate speed in the following range when you change up or down. Shifting ranges is a clutches operation and should give smooth road use. All of these tractors are rated to 50km/hr for road work and front axle and cab suspension systems are fitted along with optional air brakes.

The cabs are much improved with more space and a higher level of electronics for almost all operations. This brings the range into competition with the established market leaders in terms of engines, transmissions and modern control features that include headland management systems for more efficient field work.

Prices have taken a lift with the new designs. The McCormick entry prices for the entry four-cylinder 143hp, X7.440 tractor is now €86,890, plus VAT, rising to €104,167 plus VAT for the top of the range, six-cylinder 188hp, X7.680 model, that boosts power to 212hp.

Six-cylinder Landini model prices start at €91,463, plus VAT, for the 165hp 7.175 model to €102,640 for the 7.215 tractor that boosts power to 212hp.

Changes to small models

There are new smaller tractors in both colours. McCormick offers a new X50 tractor range in four models from 85hp to 113hp, with a choice of transmissions. In the Landini colours, this power band is covered by seven new 5D and 5H models, which differ in terms of the transmission choices.

These smaller tractors are fitted with a new generation Perkins 854 engine that uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system to achieve the Tier 4 interim emission figures. The four-cylinder engine has been turbo-charged and after-cooled to achieve impressive power, peaking at 113hp across both ranges.

Prices for these tractors will start at €50,000 incl. VAT for the 85hp Landini 5.090D model, rising to €62,500, including VAT, for the range topping Landini 5.115 H models that produce 113hp. In McCormick colours, the prices are almost identical, so it is a matter of colour choice.