Livestock and forage: McCormick, the perfect ally

Growing forages is easier with your tractor.

For activities such as managing crops to produce forage and raising livestock, the tractor is undoubtedly a very important ally, simplifying and expanding the scope of many activities.

First of all, when using a tractor for forage cropping, it is essential to ensure that it is in good condition by checking fluid levels, tyre pressure and greasing axles and hitches.

Moreover, several implements need to be connected to the tractor for forage operations, and it is therefore important to ensure that the PTO does not malfunction. What are these implements?

• Mower: for cutting grass or other forage crops, adjusting the height of the cut
• Rake: for collecting the mow after cutting and arranging it in neat rows
• Round baler: to collect the mow after cutting and press it into bales
• Front loader: for handling round bales

Another important operation when processing forage is cleaning the tractor and implements after the various tasks to remove mowing residues and soil, which could clog the bonnet grilles.

The tractor, also useful for livestock farming

In livestock farming, the tractor is the primary ally in all those operations that need to be optimised and made more efficient.

Thanks to the mixer-wagon, for example, animal food rations can be prepared and distributed along the feed troughs. Another key aspect is the management of manure and slurry. A tractor equipped with a loader shovel can be used to remove manure and residues from sheds and move them to designated areas for composting, storage or disposal.

In addition, the maintenance of pens and facilities requires another series of secondary but indispensable operations for the management of the animals. With a tractor equipped with the right implements, it is possible to plant posts to build fences and move various materials with the front loader.

McCormick X5, the perfect utility vehicle for the open field

At McCormick, the perfect model for all these types of operations is the X5 P3-Drive, the Utility-class tractor ideal for open field and shed work.

The extensive configurability of this model is aimed at adapting the tractor to the most diverse requirements without sacrificing on great comfort. Thanks to the 4-post suspended cab, comfort and visibility are guaranteed, as well as a spacious, quiet and innovative space thanks to the ergonomic right-hand console and multifunctional joystick.

The strength of the McCormick X5 P3-Drive in forage and livestock operations is its hydraulic circuit.

The circuit is open-centre with a 62 l/min, or 82 l/min, pump for the spool valves, hitches and loader. This powerful hydraulic capacity allows:

• Faster front loader movements
• Multiple jobs to be performed at the same time
• More heavy-duty tasks to be completed
• A reduction in fuel consumption (the engine runs at lower revs)
• Greater comfort and well-being (reduced vibration and noise)
• Light steering even during heavy-duty work, thanks to the dedicated steering pump