03/12/06
Changes to the power units used in latest versions of the McCormick
XTX and ZTX tractors not only meet latest ‘green’ exhaust
emissions rules but also give the Tractor of the Year 2006 title
winner more power and torque for added performance.
McCormick XTX
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As Paul Wade, McCormick technical specialist explains: “Like
all tractor manufacturers, McCormick is progressively switching
to engines that use advanced technologies to reduce the polluting
gases that diesel engines produce. In our case, the engine changes
are also providing more performance for some models.”
McCormick XTX
Being a new design, the 6.7-litre McCormick BetaPower engine that
powers the XTX tractors needs few modifications to meet the latest
emissions standards. The piston bowl design has been changed
slightly and the engine’s electronic fuel injection control
system re-programmed to alter the combustion process and remove
a significant proportion of undesirable gases.
Power and torque outputs for the XTX185 are unchanged; it has
126kW (171hp) for draft work and 146kW (198hp) with the ‘power
boost’ feature activated for transport and pto work. Engine
performance for the XTX200 is also similar; it has 146kW (198hp)
for draft work and up to 157kW (213hp) for pto operations.
However, the range-leading McCormick XTX215 – voted Tractor
of the Year 2006 by a panel of expert judges from across
Europe – gets increased power and torque outputs.
“Previously, this tractor was powered by a 5.9-litre Cummins
QSB engine; now it has the same larger capacity BetaPower engine
used by the other XTX models,” explains Paul Wade. “This
engine was developed by a consortium of leading diesel manufacturers,
including Cummins, and is assembled to McCormick’s specifications.”
Power at 2200rpm rated speed and when the ‘power boost’ feature
is activated for pto implements – 165kW (225hp) is much the
same as before. But the engine has improved performance for handling
heavy draft implements such as ploughs, cultivators and wide seed
drills because as the engine speed is pulled down under full load,
the power curve climbs 5% or 8kW (11hp) higher than before to 157kW
(213hp).
Paul Wade adds: “At the same time, the engine develops 6%
(50Nm) more torque, so the end result is an engine that puts more
muscle in the driver’s hands for increased productivity with
heavy draft implements.”
McCormick ZTX
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McCormick ZTX
Latest versions of the McCormick ZTX heavy-weight tractor now coming
off the Doncaster assembly line in England are fitted with an
upgraded version of the Cummins QSC8.3 six-cylinder engine that
meets Tier 3 exhaust emissions regulations.
“We have the engine tuned to give much the same peak power
and torque outputs as before – 172kW, 194kW and 209kW (230hp,
250hp and 280hp) at 2000rpm, with high outputs of maximum torque
developed at 1400rpm,” explains McCormick’s Paul Wade. “But
changing from an electronic fuel pump to full authority electronic
engine management and common-rail fuel injection has improved the
power and torque delivery characteristics, so there is an improvement
in usable performance.”
No modifications are needed to the ZTX bodywork to accommodate
the engine as it was designed from the outset to provide sufficient
airflow to cool a Tier 3 compliant motor. So the newest version
can most easily be recognised by a new cab roof panel, which it
shares with the McCormick XTX models.
Apart from looking more stylish, the design incorporates an extra
filter for improved airflow to help keep the driver cool during
long periods at the wheel.
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