McCormick joins select 'top four' in UK tractor market

"We had strong indications at the time that we had moved up to fourth place but couldn't say anything until the AEA were able to publish the official figures," says Ray Spinks, marketing & product development director. "We're absolutely delighted, of course; it's a real achievement and just reward for our people at Doncaster, the field staff and our dealers for the work they've put into establishing McCormick as a major player in the tractor market."

The McCormick business was established in January 2001 - just five years ago - with a very limited product range. Since then, a comprehensive range of tractors spanning 21hp to 280hp has been developed. The most recent introduction is the 173hp to 202hp McCormick XTX line-up, the most sophisticated design yet to emerge from the Doncaster plant in South Yorkshire.

At present, the most popular McCormick tractors with British farmers are the top two models in the CX XtraShift range: the 102hp CX105 XtraShift is the best selling individual model, closely followed by the 90hp CX95 XtraShift. "The introduction of improved engines and the new XtraShift transmission with powershuttle and three-speed powershift two years ago added to the appeal of a design that farmers already liked for its simplicity, performance and spacious cab," notes Ray Spinks.

Third best-selling McCormick is the mid-range 152hp MTX150, which finds favour with livestock and arable operators alike for its robust performance. The XTX range, with its unique eight-speed powershift, pto power boost engines and improved cab design, is expected to strengthen McCormick's position in the higher horsepower sector, especially having won the 'Tractor of the Year 2006' title. Initial farmer response to the new model has been very positive, says Ray Spinks.

"Although we don't have the figures to prove it, I'm pretty confident that McCormick retained its 'No4' status in the UK in 2005 and, in fact, widened the gap to our nearest competitor," adds Ray Spinks. "It shows that the Doncaster-built products still have a strong and confident following among farmers for their performance and reliability."