EASE OF use for its continuously variable CVT transmission features in new additions to the McCormick X7 Series, bringing the benefits of seamless acceleration, precise speed control and intelligent powertrain management to the marque.

McCormick's X7 VT Drive tractors build on the success of the Pro Drive semi-powershift models that farmers and contractors first started using last year.

The 24x24 speed Pro Drive transmission, with its manual or auto shifting through ranges and speeds, is a genuinely smooth operator - but VT Drive takes driver comfort, speed control and powertrain efficiency to another level.

"There will always be operators perfectly content with a powershift transmission, especially one like the McCormick Pro Drive that provides push-button control, adjustable shift response to suit different situations and a number of automated features," said Paul Wade, McCormick's UK product specialist.

"But VT Drive provides a premium experience, with speed adjustment available to the finest degree for any task, and selectable modes that automatically get the best from the tractor in terms of power, performance and fuel economy."

Five McCormick X7 VT Drive models are now available - a trio of four-cylinder tractors with peak outputs of 143hp to 166hp for draft work and up to 175hp for pto-driven implements and road transport, and a pair of six-cylinder machines with 165/175hp and 177/192hp outputs.

They are pretty much identical to their Pro Drive counterparts but use ZF's latest continuously variable transmission - Terramatic.

The transmission and engine are controlled as a single entity by purpose-designed control software developed by McCormick's manufacturer, Argo Tractors, to provide a full suite of operating modes and settings to suit different field work and road transport situations.

"A clear objective was to make the new VT Drive system easy and intuitive to use while still providing the features that make CVT so attractive," says Mr Wade.

"A driver new to this type of transmission can jump in the seat and drive away safely and confidently with just a few minutes' instruction - but time spent in the seat will be rewarded by an understanding of the more sophisticated features that make the most of the new transmission."

McCormick X7 VT Drive tractors come as standard with a seat-mounted control console and one of the biggest touch-screen terminals available.

The 12-inch colour display complements the information shown on the tractor's instrument panel and provides an easily navigated set of screens for transmission, engine, pto and hydraulic functions.

As an option, it can be configured for control of implements equipped with ISOBUS electronics and the tractors can also operate with integrated satellite guided steering for maximum productivity and driving ease.

Operating the VT Drive couldn't be simpler. Start the engine, move a left-hand shuttle lever from neutral to either forward or reverse, release the hand-brake and press down on the accelerator pedal.

On the way to a field, the infinitely variable transmission accelerates the tractor seamlessly, then automatically achieves the operator's required ground speed using the least engine revs.

The result is a quiet, smooth and more economical journey, with engine braking available for steep hill descents when the transmission 'freeze' feature is engaged.

In the field, the operator can switch out of Auto to one of three other settings - Manual, where upper and lower engine rev limits can be imposed and is ideal for heavy draft work with ploughs and cultivator; Cruise provides a constant working or transport speed, with the engine and transmission responding to inclines or other changes in load on the tractor; in pto mode, the transmission automatically alters ground speed if necessary to compensate for any significant changes in load to keep pto speed constant - such as when moving through different soil types with a power harrow or rotary tiller.

With no range or other gears to change in the VT Drive transmission, the operator can regulate the tractor's ground speed using the accelerator pedal, which is the most natural option for road travel and loader work, or he can use the EasyPilot multi-function controller, which is easier for field applications.