Simpler versions of the two most powerful models in the McCormick X7 series have been introduced.

The latest ‘Efficient’ designation in the line-up adds to the more sophisticated models in the range launched last year.

“These additional models are being introduced at the request of operators wanting a high-performance, high-power tractor with a reasonable amount of automation, but without the ‘bells and whistles’ features of the top-spec’ Premium models,” pointed out Ray Spinks, sales director and general manager at AgriArgo UK, the McCormick distributor in Great Britain and Ireland.

This simpler spec’ was introduced last year on 143-166hp four-cylinder models in the McCormick X7 Series and on a pair of six-cylinder tractors – the 160hp X7.650, which itself was a new addition to the range, and the 165/175hp X7.660.

Now, it is also available on the X7.670, which has 177hp for draft work, boosting to 192hp for pto implements and transport work; and on the X7.680, with 188hp rising to 212hp.

Standard format is three mechanical spool valves plus one electric valve; 123-litre/min load-sensing hydraulics plus a 44-litre/min pump dedicated to steering and ancillaries.

They have the 24x24-speed Pro Drive transmission, plus four-speed pto with ‘economy’ as well as ‘power’ gearing and a 9.3-tonne rear lift capacity.

The Premiere cab has manual instead of climate control air conditioning, but there’s still a swivelling air suspension driver’s seat and a ‘hide away’ passenger seat.

In place of the seat-mounted armrest console found on full-spec’ Premium versions, the layout of main controls is to the driver’s right and on either side of dials used for setting up and adjusting the electronic rear hitch are levers for the mechanical spool valves, pto speed selection and an optional creep gearbox.

Ahead of them is a multi-function joystick, with roller switch for linkage lift/lower and buttons for the engine speed memory and manual or auto road/field transmission shifting.

Another two buttons regulate the single electric spool valve fitted. The optional mid-mounted electric valves for operating a 3.5 tonne front linkage or a McCormick MPower loader are handled by a small, integrated joystick.

Although the X7.670 and X7.680 use the same 6.7-litre BetaPower engine and cast chassis as other six-cylinder models in the range, these are bigger, beefier tractors.

They have a longer wheelbase (2820mm versus 2750mm), more weight (3055kg versus 2920kg before ballast) and the ability to run on taller tyres (42-inch versus 38-inch).

They also have the same semi-powershift transmission as the Premiums – and adjustable power shuttle with four-speed powershift and electronic manual or auto range shifting.

“The transmission is constantly highlighted by operators as an attractive feature of the McCormick X7 tractors because of its progressive gearing, silky smooth powershifts and effective road and field auto functions,” pointed out Ray Spinks.

A 50kph option, packaged with hydraulic cab and multi-link front axle suspension can be added to the final specification, together with air trailer braking.

The newcomers are available in Scotland from McCormick dealers JT Cormack, John O’Groats; Thomas Murray Agricultural Engineers, Dundonald, Ayrshire; TH Engineering, Banksfoot, Dalswinton, Dumfries; and Fraser C Robb, Drymen, Glasgow. They are also now available from Argyll Agricultural Engineers, Oban; John Drysdale, Kinneswood, Perthshire; Hamilton Tractors, Carnwath, Lanarkshire; Brian Smith Engineers, Cornhill; Mark Wood Agri-Sales, Insch; Mearns Tractors, Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire; AL Agri, Forfar, Angus; and AB Wight Engineering, St Boswells, Borders.