There has been much talk of the McCormick X6 VT-Drive tractor since it picked up the prestigious Tractor of the Year award (best utility) at Agritechnica last autumn. McCormick distributor AgriArgo will be giving Irish machinery enthusiasts the opportunity to take a close-up look at the prizewinner at next week’s event in Tullamore.

The McCormick X6 VT-Drive offers what you could call a rare option to tractor owners in the 114hp to 140hp range. The tractor has a stepless CVT transmission, over the usual semi-power-shift gearbox chosen by many manufacturers.

The X6 VT-Drive will be one of four McCormick tractors destined for this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

Other tractors include the largest model in the new X7 P6-Drive series and an example of the latest X5 Series tractor.

The McCormick X7.690 P6-Drive is the smallest model in the six-cylinder series which starts at 151hp. This tractor features a new transmission with six power-shift steps in each of five ranges.

The tractor is equipped with a new ‘‘stop and action’’ feature. This makes it possible to bring the tractor to a standstill and drive off again using only the brake pedals. In addition, the tractor is also fitted with a new semi-active cab suspension.