Topping out McCormick’s flagship X8 model line is the 301 horsepower X8.680. It gets that muscle from a 6.7-litre six-cylinder BETAPOWER engine that breathes through a variable geometry turbocharger, so it can deliver up to 945 pound-feet of torque.
Behind that engine is the brand’s 50 km/h-capable VT-Drive continuously variable transmission, which has four programmable “virtual” operating ranges. Built for McCormick by ZF, the VT-Drive has three operating modes, automatic, manual and PTO. It can even be set to maintain speed and engine settings by automatically adapting to changing load conditions.
The closed-centre hydraulic pump provides 56 g.p.m. (212 l/m). An additional 30 g.p.m. ( 115 l/mn) pump supplies dedicated flow to the steering system. Tractors can be equipped with up to six electronically-controlled rear remotes, as well as two more at the front. The transmission and hydraulic fluids are kept in separate sumps to prevent cross contamination and help ensure driveline oil levels remain at the proper levels.
The rear three-point hitch has a lift capacity of 26,450 pounds (12,000 kilograms) and a front hitch is also available. It gets a lift rating of 11,000 pounds (5,000 kilograms). A front PTO is also an option.
A suspended front axle is standard equipment on the X8s and the tractors are compatible with the brand’s L88 front-end loader.
The McCormicks have fully compatible ISOBUS connectivity to make digital communications with implements seamless. Operator interface is through a 12-inch touchscreen colour monitor.
Brands offering high-horsepower tractors in Canada.
- Case IH
- Challenger
- Claas
- Deutz-Fahr
- Fent
- John Deere
- JCB
- Massey Ferguson
- McCormick
- MTZ
- New Holland
- Versatile
High-Horsepower Tractor Guides:
2023 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
2022 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
2020 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
