McCormick, now positioned under Argo Tractors, offers tractors ranging from compact utility to mid-range horsepower. While competitive in pricing and functionality, numerous models—especially older or early redesigns—have recurring issues affecting reliability and durability. This guide walks through typical faults, repairs, reliability by series, and the models to steer clear of.
1. COMMON PROBLEMS & DIY FIXES
1.1 Gears Popping Out
- Symptom: Tractor pops out of gear or has difficult shifting, sometimes with grinding.
- Cause: Old unsynchronized transmissions or bent shifter forks.
- Fix: Replace or straighten the shifter fork; rebuild gearbox if gear teeth or synchromesh rings are worn; ensure proper clutch adjustment.
1.2 Engine Fails to Crank or Start
- Symptom: Engine doesn’t turn over, or cranks but won’t fire.
- Cause: Dead or corroded battery, wiring fault, jammed fuel lever, clogged fuel filters or lines.
- Fix: Test battery and cables; clean terminals; inspect and replace fuel filter; lubricate fuel control lever linkage.
1.3 Power Loss or Hesitation
- Symptom: Engine bogs, stalls under light load, weak acceleration.
- Cause: Dirty air or fuel filters, clogged fuel system, worn spark plugs (in petrol versions).
- Fix: Replace filters; clean or rebuild carburetor (if applicable); service glow plugs or injectors; use fresh fuel.
1.4 Cooling or Overheating Issues
- Symptom: Engine overheats after moderate use, radiator alarms.
- Cause: Clogged radiator, low coolant, failing thermostat/water pump.
- Fix: Clean cooling fins; flush cooling system with proper coolant mix; replace thermostat or pump; use distilled water.
1.5 Hydraulic Leakage & Poor PTO Engagement
- Symptom: Loader sluggish or leaking; PTO doesn’t engage.
- Cause: Worn seals or hoses, misaligned PTO linkage, hydraulic fluid contamination.
- Fix: Replace hoses/gaskets; bleed system; clean hydraulic suction screen; adjust or replace PTO linkage.
1.6 Clutch Wear & Transmission Noise
- Symptom: Slipping clutch, noisy gearbox, rough shifting.
- Cause: Worn clutch discs, bearings or oil contamination.
- Fix: Replace clutch pack; adjust linkage; change transmission oil regularly using recommended specs.
1.7 Electrical Faults
- Symptom: Flickering gauges, intermittent lights, sensor warnings.
- Cause: Corroded connectors, weak alternator/regulator, poor grounding.
- Fix: Clean cable junctions; replace fuse or relay; upgrade alternator; seal wiring harness and grease contacts.
2. SERIES‑WISE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT
🔹 MC/CM Series (80–110 HP)
- Known for affordability, lightweight feel, and loader capability.
- Common problems: gear slipping, starter failure, limited service support in remote areas.
- Best practices: Frequent filter changes, gentle gear shifting, and battery care.
🔹 MTX Series (115–160 HP)
- Popular in turf and small commercial operations.
- Strengths: Good pulling power and loader use.
- Weak spots: Transmission jerking, electrical sensor glitches, and cold start difficulty.
- Fixes: Shift recalibration, valve clearance checks, clean starter circuits.
🔹 X4.50 / X5.05 / X5.50 Series (85–110 HP)
- Rebranded Kukje/Branson under Argo brand.
- Strengths: Good ergonomics and comfortable cab.
- Issues: Parts supply problems in North America, limited dealer footprint.
- Fixes: Source compatible Branson parts; maintain hydraulic cleanliness proactively.
🔹 X7 / X8 Series (140–210 HP)
- Larger tractors aimed at professional users.
- Strengths: High horsepower, optional cab suspension, and advanced hydraulics.
- Known complaints: Early models had turbo or injector failures; some users reported rear axle or sensor shutdowns.
- Fixes: Confirm serial/year has emissions updates; maintain DEF (if equipped); monitor turbo boost levels.
3. MODELS TO AVOID 🚫
These specific McCormick models or build periods consistently experience reliability issues and are best avoided unless extensively serviced or dealer-updated.
❌ MC115 (2003–2007)
- Reputation for gearbox issues, early clutch wear, and frequent leaks.
- Weak rear axle reported in some units, especially after 6,000 engine hours.
- Avoid unless fully rebuilt and inspected for rear-end seals and clutch macro-wear.
❌ MTX135 / MTX150 (2005–2009)
- Excellent in many uses, but frequent complaints about overheating and transmission slippage.
- Fuel delivery was problematic due to lift pump failure or injector clog.
- Skip unless tranny calibrations and cooling upgrades are performed.
❌ X4.50F (early production, ~2018)
- Cabin insulation poor, seals deteriorate quickly, and dealers scarce for parts in North America.
- Electrical harness issues led to gauge failure and inconsistent lights.
- Only viable if the cabin has been resealed and wiring harness touched up.
❌ Turbine or Turbo models in X7 early years (pre‑2015)
- Turbochargers failed under moderate hours; injector wiring glitches common.
- Some owners report irreparable sensor faults leading to limp mode events.
- Safer to opt for post‑2016 models with updated turbo systems or ECU firmware.
4. MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Service filters and hydraulic fluid every 100–150 hours.
- Check radiator and air intake screens often, especially after dusty operations.
- Bleed PTO and hydraulic systems annually or if engagement is sluggish.
- Clean and secure electrical grounds, especially on older tractors with exposure to moisture.
- Monitor fluid leakage sites around engine seals, hyd pumps, and gearbox joints.
5. SUMMARY TABLE
| Series / Model | HP Range | Strength | Frequent Issue | Avoid If… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC/CM (e.g. MC115) | 80–110 | Affordable loader use | Gear pop-out, clutch wear | You haven’t rebuilt clutch or inspected rear end |
| MTX (e.g. MTX125) | 115–160 | Good pulling power | Transmission slip, overheating | It lacks a recent tranny calibration or lift pump rebuild |
| X4.50, X5 Series | 85–110 | Comfortable cabin | Electrical faults, poor parts support | You’re far from a dealer and cabin wiring unrepaired |
| X7/X8 (pre‑2015) | 140–210 | High horsepower and traction | Turbo/injector & sensor errors | It hasn’t had ECU/turbo system updates |
6. BUYER CHECKLIST: BEFORE PURCHASE
- Test gearshift across all speeds; watch for slipping or changing out of gear.
- Monitor engine temperature under load—observe fan cycles and coolant alarm behavior.
- Engage PTO under weight to ensure consistent engagement and no dragging.
- Inspect loader valve response time and look for hydraulic seepage near cylinder ports.
- Test battery start under cold conditions; inspect terminals for corrosion.
- Run diagnostics (if available) to capture any sensor or turbo system error logs.
🧭 FINAL VERDICT
McCormick tractors can offer a cost-effective alternative—especially for small-scale or loader work—but not all models deliver durable performance. Overhead in service, transmission reliability, parts accessibility, and inconsistent cab quality in some series detract from their value.
✅ For reliability: favor MTX125 units built post‑2010 with maintenance history, or the later X5/X7 units with updated firmware.
🚫 Avoid buying early MC115 or MTX135/150 unless fully inspected and rebuilt; skip early X4.50F units unless cabin and wiring issues are resolved; and avoid pre‑2015 X7/X8 tractors subject to turbo or injector recalls.
Proper servicing, filter discipline, and clutch maintenance go a long way toward maximizing service life on any McCormick—just choose the right model to start with.
I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect equipment for their needs.