One of the key changes to what has been the one of the firm’s most popular tractors is the mechanically governed Beta Power 6.7 litre Stage 3a motor peaking at 141hp in the MTX150 while the MTX135 is 133hp and the MTX120 stays at 117hp.

“The original MTX150 was regularly our best-selling six-cylinder model, so it was disappointing that an equivalent machine wasn’t available when we first switched to ‘Tier 3’ engines,” says McCormick product specialist Paul Wade. “On the face of it, the new MTX150’s power output appears to put it at a disadvantage to its predecessor’s 152hp rating, but that’s not the whole story because below 1,600rpm the tractor develops more power than the old model and from about the same point torque output climbs appreciably to easily out-punch the old engine’s output.

“With peak torque 7% higher at 625Nm and power output sustained further down the rev range, the new MTX150 comes pretty close in real-world performance to the old model,” explains Mr Wade. ““It may not be quite as strong on pto work at rated engine speed but for heavy draft work, I doubt whether operators moving from old to new MTX150s will notice any difference. They’ll be able to gear up and use the engine’s low speed power and torque to maximise fuel efficiency.”

Styling changes include a one piece bonnet and a four-post cab which is already used on the XTX and TTX models. Inside operators will welcome additional storage.

The rest of the MTX trio remains faithful to the original design with a 16 forward, 12 reverse speed transmission featuring four-powershift steps. For a snail’s pace there is the option of doubling the number of ratios available to 32/24 with the creeper option. The rear linkage is capable of hoisting 6,600kgs with the load sensing hydraulics pumping out 109 litres per minute.