The McCormick X6 VT-Drive has obtained the prestigious “TRACTOR OF THE YEAR 2018” award in the “Best Utility” category.

Assigned by a jury of 24 journalists from major European agricultural machinery magazines, and from an equal number of different countries, this award is an important recognition of the work performed by McCormick in its endeavour to develop new technologies. Work ideally represented by this tractor range, with power ratings between 120 and 140 HP.

Technologies that comprise the VT-Drive continuously variable transmission entirely engineered and manufactured in the Argo Tractors production facilities, including the relative software. A transmission that stands out for its limited number of components, particularly the clutch assemblies, with important benefits as to operating efficiency and costs. The transmission includes a hydrostatic part and a mechanical part: at low speeds, up to 3-4 km/h, it functions as a “solely” hydrostatic transmission while at higher speeds, the hydrostatic part combines progressively with the mechanical part, thereby minimizing power absorption.

The axle with independent suspensions, the 110 l/min hydraulic circuit and terminal with Isobus functions are among the plus points of the range. As a powerful, modern and reliable machine, the new X6 VT-Drive belongs to the Premium-end of the “stepless” tractor proposal.

“We are very pleased to have received this important recognition”, affirmed Antonio Salvaterra, Marketing Manager of the Argo Tractors Group. “This Tractor of the Year award confirms the success of the investments Argo Tractors has made in the Utility segment, a project where every single detail has been taken care of and that has allowed us to create a range with standards near to those of the higher powered tractors in terms of performance and comfort.”

 The award was received last 12 November during a special ceremony on the inaugural day of Agritechnica, in Hanover.

Last 20 September, the jury members had had the opportunity to visit the Argo Tractors factories when the machine was presented in detail and to test 6 McCormick X6 VT-Drive tractors in practical trials along with 6 different implements