5 Problems With McCormick Tractors (Explained)

McCormick is one of the oldest tractor brands in the agricultural machinery space. Their affordability and versatility make these tractors a pretty popular choice.

But as you would expect, McCormick tractors are not perfect. A number of customers have complained about these tractors. What are some of their common worries about this tractor?

From our investigation, the commonest problems in McCormick tractors include McCormick tractors popping out of gear, engine not turning over, issues with the tire, and poor cooling when the tractor is in operation.

Let us dig deeper into some of the challenges you could experience with your McCormick tractors.

Furthermore, we will explore some DIY first-aid techniques you can leverage to get around these issues before resorting to a professional repair service provider.

1. McCormick tractor popping out of gear

This is one of the most prevalent issues with this tractor brand. Two major reasons are behind this. It could result from gear malfunctions or issues with the shifter fork.

Starting with the gears, there is a problematic propensity among McCormick tractors – especially the older models – to pop out of gear when the handler shifts in the course of the tractor operation.

This dysfunction is prominent in McCormick tractors whose transmission system is not synchronized. You could hear significant grinding noise when shifting your McCormick.

The likeliest cause could be the gears’ teeth grinding against themselves, consequently failing their lock system. When this happens, the tractor will likely pop out of gear.

McCormick tractors could also pop out of gear if a considerable bend occurs in the shifter fork. Such circumstances are typical when the operator pushes the shifter too forcefully.

In the event of such curvature in the shifter fork, the gear is impeded from sufficiently propelling the gear to snap into an appropriate position. Replacing the fork would be the best solution if the bent fork cannot be straightened.

2. McCormick tractor engine not turning over

Few things can be as hurtful as jumping into your McCormick tractor in the enthusiasm of a productive field day only for your engine not to turn over. Ugh!

When this happens to your McCormick tractor, your battery is the first place to examine. Several ugly things could be happening to your battery.

Possibly, your battery is dead with significant corrosion in its terminal. If this is the scenario, then your engine failing to turn over arises from the inability of current to travel through the rusted battery terminals.

A McCormick tractor engine’s failure to turn over can also be traced to damaged battery cables. If you are technically adept, you can promptly test your battery with a load tester and see if it is the culprit.

3. McCormick tractor engine failing to start

The McCormick tractors owners we investigated with this challenge were admittedly frustrated.

But in all fairness, this issue is not peculiar to McCormick tractors alone. Older tractors, especially those that need significant engine maintenance, tend to experience this problem.

In the case of McCormick tractors, if your tractor is turning over but not starting, 70% of the time, it is fuel issues.

It could be an impairment with fuel delivery to the engine in most cases. This could result from the fuel lines being unable to supply the diesel the engine desperately needed or your fuel filters being clogged.

If you notice the issue emanates from the fuel filter, you could either clean it or replace it to restore free fuel delivery.

In sporadic cases, a McCormick tractor not starting (despite successfully turning over) could result from control lever issues. Presumably, the fuel control lever is jammed shut.

This could limit fuel delivery. You can remedy this by lubricating your control lever’s moving parts. Spraying them with lubricating oil would suffice.

4. McCormick tractor tire issues

Admittedly, we were shocked to find McCormick customers with this challenge. Quite a handful of users bemoaned the relative speediness at which McCormick tractor tires wear.

Some said it didn’t take long before noticing cuts, punctures, and bulges appearing on their tires.

That said, in most cases, this wear and tear are accelerated by the terrain of deployment. Just any tractor tire will struggle when sustainably deployed on rough terrains.

Commonly, you will see dry rot and stubble damages on the tires if used for a long time in tougher soil conditions. Sadly, there is not much you can do to prevent dry rot and stubble hurt on your tires.

A McCormick tractor’s tire’s resilience would also inevitably wane if you expose it long to atmospheric elements directly. Sustained interaction with direct sunlight for a long time will weaken the tire’s resilience.

If you don’t want to spend a premium constantly changing McCormick tractor tires, consider storing your tractor carefully. Preferably, shed it from the sun when not in use.

5. McCormick tractor not cooling properly

There are instances where your McCormick’s cooling system flops. This is typically demonstrated in your engine’s temperature alarmingly revving up.

What could be wrong?

Poor cooling in McCormick can be authoritatively traced to a radiator malfunction. But wait, don’t jump into opening your McCormick radiator before the engine cools down.

This comes with the risk of cap flying (as the coolant is yet significantly pressurized) and dangerously burning you with hot steam.

If your engine has cooled down reasonably, check your radiator content. Is it empty? If yes, you have your reason for your tractor engine overheating.

Many McCormick tractor owners make the error of quickly loading the radiator with water. While possible, this is not the best practice as the substantial mineral content of the water you pour in could end up clogging the radiator. Yes, this means more nightmares.

Your safest bet would be to fill the radiator with equal portions of distilled water and antifreeze.

If your radiator is not empty, then your McCormick’s engine overheating could result from an inappropriate air compression of the radiator fins or notable dirt content on the radiator.

The latter is more frequent, with such dirty content on the radiator fins handicapping the radiator from moderating the coolant’s temperature.