SCOTTISH McCormick dealers will have welcomed McCormick's X6 tractors with open arms as the three-model range covers the important 'livestock' sector of the market ranging between 111 and 130hp - but with an all-important boost which adds at least an extra 10hp when under load.

This also means that the range will have plenty of appeal to arable farmers who are looking for a simple machine capable of handling a variety of light to medium tasks.

McCormick has such confidence in this range that it has been used to replace two of the famous marque's best-selling ranges - the MC and X60 series - but the better power and torque from new engines and a broader range of features, give the newcomers plenty of 'six-appeal' are a big advance on previous designs.

All tractors in the range are available as 'standard' or with higher-specification 'LS' versions, with main differences being in the hydraulics, wheel equipment, transmission speeds and suspension for the driver's cab and front axle.

"In standard form, these tractors will appeal to farmers wanting a relatively simple tractor with a smart, well-equipped cab and good manoeuvrability," says Paul Wade, product specialist with McCormick distributor, AgriArgo UK.

"But the 'LS' version, with additional features like load sensing hydraulics, suspension for the cab and front axle, and faster road speeds will appeal to operators wanting more performance."

All three X6 tractors come fitted with items that often appear as optional extras on other makes - things such as a telescopic pick-up hitch, swivelling front mudguards, telescopic exterior mirrors and remote pto switches on the rear mudguards.

Also coming as standard are cab air-conditioning, rear wash/wipe, a radio, roof beacon and deluxe air driver's seat.

The front drive axle also now incorporates disc brakes to give true four-wheel braking performance and creep gears can be added to the 36x12 standard transmission, while 'LS' versions can have 50kph gearing for quicker journey times on the road.

'LS' tractors also come with 38-inch rather than 34-inch rear tyres for better traction and flotation, with the option of sophisticated independent axle suspension that allows the front wheels to move independently over rough or undulating ground.

"This is the perfect complement to the optional cab suspension because it adds to the driver's ride comfort in the field and on the road, as well as improving traction on a rough field surface," pointed out Paul Wade.

"We've not had it on McCormick tractors of this size before - but on our bigger machines, drivers say it's the most effective suspension there is."