The McCormick CX90 vs Case CX90 comparison is one of the most searched 90 HP utility tractor questions on the used market — and for good reason. Both machines share the same platform roots, both deliver 90 HP from comparable diesel engines, and both are now found almost exclusively on the secondary market. The differences that matter for a buying decision are parts availability, brand support infrastructure, ownership cost, and the platform history that connects them. This guide gives you the honest comparison — including answers to the brand history questions that most comparison pages ignore.
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Written by: Farmers Equipment editorial team. Updated August 2026.
McCormick CX90 vs Case CX90 — The Shared Platform Story
Before comparing these two machines, the most important fact buyers need to know: the McCormick CX90 and Case CX90 are closely related machines that share the same platform origin. Both were produced under the CNH (Case New Holland) corporate umbrella during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Case IH, New Holland, and McCormick were all part of the same ownership group.
When CNH divested the McCormick brand in 2001, it was acquired by ARGO SpA — the Italian agricultural equipment group that also owns Landini, Laverda, and other brands. The McCormick CX90 and Case CX90 produced around the same period share the same basic frame, engine family, and many mechanical components. This has practical consequences for parts sourcing and cross-compatibility that most buyers don’t realise until they’re already into ownership.
McCormick CX90 vs Case CX90 — Full Specification Comparison
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and verified via TractorData.com. Confirm exact specifications on the specific unit you are evaluating — both models vary by production year and configuration.
| Specification | McCormick CX90 | Case CX90 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 90 HP | 90 HP | Equal — same engine family |
| Engine | Perkins / ARGO Power 4-cylinder diesel | Case 4-cylinder diesel (CNH/FPT) | Different sourcing — both proven |
| Transmission | 12F/12R Synchro Shuttle | 12F/12R — Power Shuttle on some units | Case Power Shuttle advantage for loader work |
| PTO | 540 / 1,000 RPM | 540 / 1,000 RPM | Equal |
| Hydraulic lift capacity | ~5,000 lbs | ~5,500 lbs | Case marginally higher |
| Operating weight | ~7,000 lbs | ~7,200 lbs | Case slightly heavier |
| Cab options | ROPS or enclosed cab | ROPS or deluxe enclosed cab | Case cab generally better appointed |
| 4WD | Available | Available | Equal |
| Loader compatible | Yes | Yes | Equal |
| Used market price | $9,000–$18,000 | $10,000–$20,000 | McCormick typically lower |
| Parts availability | Good — ARGO / Landini dealer network | Strong — Case IH dealer legacy support | Case has broader US network |
What Happened to McCormick Tractors?
McCormick is one of the oldest names in agricultural machinery — the original McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, founded in 1831, eventually became International Harvester. The modern McCormick tractor brand has a more recent history:
- 1999 — Case Corporation and New Holland merge to form CNH Global. The merged entity controls Case IH, New Holland, and the McCormick brand
- 2001 — CNH sells the McCormick brand and tractor manufacturing operations to ARGO SpA, an Italian agricultural equipment group, to satisfy EU antitrust requirements from the merger
- 2001–present — McCormick tractors are manufactured by ARGO SpA in Italy. ARGO also owns Landini, Laverda, and other brands
- Current position — McCormick remains a mid-market tractor brand with a European focus, sold through an independent dealer network separate from CNH
Who Makes McCormick Tractors Now?
McCormick tractors are owned and manufactured by ARGO SpA — an Italian agricultural equipment group based in Fabbrico, Italy. ARGO is not affiliated with CNH Industrial (which owns Case IH and New Holland) or AGCO (which owns Fendt and Massey Ferguson). McCormick is an independent brand within the ARGO group alongside Landini.
Are McCormick and Landini Tractors the Same?
They share the same ARGO SpA parent company and some manufacturing platforms, but they are separate brands with distinct model ranges and dealer networks. Many McCormick and Landini models of the same generation share components — which can be useful for parts sourcing. The CX90 in particular shares platform elements with equivalent Landini models from the same period. If McCormick parts are difficult to source locally, checking Landini compatibility is worth investigating.
Who Makes Engines for McCormick Tractors?
Engine sourcing for McCormick varies by model and era. The CX90 used Perkins or ARGO Power engines depending on production year and market. ARGO has progressively moved toward in-house engine production under the ARGO Power brand. Both Perkins and ARGO Power engines used in the CX90 are proven, well-supported designs with good aftermarket parts availability.
Case CX90 vs Case IH CX90 — Are They the Same Machine?
This is a common source of buyer confusion. The short answer: yes and no.
The Case CX90 and Case IH CX90 are essentially the same machine — produced during the CNH era when Case and Case IH were part of the same corporate group. The Case IH badge was the North American market designation; the Case badge was used in other markets. Both share the same frame, engine, and drivetrain. Parts interchange between them in most cases. When searching for used machines or parts, treat “Case CX90” and “Case IH CX90” as equivalent.
Who Makes Engines for Case Tractors?
Case IH tractors use FPT Industrial engines — FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) is CNH Industrial’s in-house engine division, the same group that owns Case IH and New Holland. The Case CX90’s engine is an FPT/CNH 4-cylinder diesel. FPT engines are used across Case IH, New Holland, and Iveco trucks — a large and well-supported engine family with good parts availability through the CNH dealer network.
Common Problems with McCormick Tractors
| Issue | Details | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic seal leaks | Common on higher-hour CX90 units — rear lift cylinder and remote connections most often cited | ⚠️ Moderate — standard wear, address early |
| Electrical wiring issues | Older units can develop connector corrosion and intermittent electrical faults | 🟡 Minor — inspect wiring harness before purchase |
| Synchro transmission wear | Grinding on shifts under load on high-hour units — more common on units without power shuttle | ⚠️ Moderate — test all gears before purchase |
| Parts sourcing | In some markets, McCormick parts require specialist dealers or online sourcing — not available at general agricultural stores | ⚠️ Moderate — location-dependent |
| Cab A/C on older units | A/C compressor failure is a common older-tractor wear item — check function before purchase on cab-equipped units | 🟡 Minor — standard wear item |
Are McCormick Tractors Good Quality?
Yes — McCormick has a solid reliability reputation particularly in European markets where the brand has the strongest presence. The CX90 is widely regarded as a durable, no-nonsense utility tractor built on a proven platform. The most consistent criticism relates to parts sourcing difficulty in markets where McCormick dealer presence is thin — not machine quality. Well-maintained CX90 examples regularly reach 5,000–8,000+ hours of service life.
Can You Get Parts for McCormick Tractors?
Yes — but the experience varies significantly by location. In Europe, ARGO’s dealer network provides good coverage. In North America and some export markets, parts require ordering through specialist McCormick dealers or online suppliers. The CX90’s shared platform with Landini means some parts cross-reference to Landini equivalents, which can widen sourcing options. For buyers in areas with thin McCormick dealer coverage, confirming parts availability for common wear items (hydraulic seals, filters, belts) before purchase is strongly recommended.
What’s Better — Case or New Holland?
This is a frequently searched related question among buyers evaluating the Case CX90. Both are CNH Industrial brands:
| Factor | Case IH | New Holland |
|---|---|---|
| Historical strength | Row crop and large arable — traditionally stronger in North America | Mixed farming, livestock, hay — strong in Europe and globally |
| Engine | FPT Industrial (CNH in-house) | FPT Industrial (same engines) |
| Dealer network | Strong in North America, Australia | Strong in Europe, globally distributed |
| Equivalent models | Many Case IH and New Holland models share the same platform | Badged differently, sold through separate dealers |
| Price | Similar — both mid-premium | Similar — New Holland sometimes slightly lower |
| Verdict | Better for North America buyers — stronger dealer presence | Better for European and global market buyers |
For the specific CX90 comparison — the Case CX90 benefits from Case IH dealer parts support in North America. For European buyers, New Holland equivalents in the same HP class may have equally strong or stronger local support.
What Size Tractor for a 100-Acre Farm?
Both the McCormick CX90 and Case CX90 are well-matched to a 100-acre farm. The general guide:
| Farm Size | Recommended HP Range | CX90 Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 acres | 40–70 HP compact utility | ⚠️ Oversized for light use — consider smaller |
| 50–150 acres (mixed/livestock) | 70–100 HP | ✅ Ideal match — 90 HP is the right class |
| 100–250 acres (arable/tillage) | 90–130 HP | ✅ Good — CX90 handles most tasks well |
| 250+ acres (commercial arable) | 130 HP+ | ⚠️ Underpowered for sustained heavy tillage |
For a 100-acre farm with a mix of tillage, loader work, and general farm tasks — 90 HP is the right size class. Either the McCormick CX90 or Case CX90 fits this brief well. The choice between them comes down to local parts support and budget rather than capability.
Verdict — McCormick CX90 vs Case CX90
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Used market price | McCormick — typically $1,000–$3,000 cheaper |
| Parts availability (North America) | Case — Case IH dealer network is broader |
| Parts availability (Europe) | Even — both well-supported |
| Hydraulic lift capacity | Case — marginally higher rated |
| Cab comfort | Case — deluxe cab option better appointed |
| Mechanical simplicity | McCormick — marginally simpler overall |
| Maintenance cost | McCormick — lower typical ownership cost |
| Platform origin | Shared — both from same CNH-era platform |
| Best for | McCormick — budget buyers wanting lower purchase and maintenance cost |
| Best for | Case — buyers wanting stronger North American dealer infrastructure |
The McCormick CX90 is available at Farmers Equipment at $17,500 — a strong market price for this specification. If you’re comparing it to a Case CX90 at a similar price, evaluate the local parts and dealer situation before deciding — in most US markets, Case IH support infrastructure gives the Case a practical advantage that narrows as price rises.
👉 See the McCormick CX90 for sale — $17,500 →
Also browse: McCormick tractors for sale · Massey Ferguson tractors · John Deere tractors · Full tractor range →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between McCormick CX90 and Case CX90?
The McCormick CX90 and Case CX90 share the same platform origin from the CNH era of the late 1990s–early 2000s. The McCormick is now owned by ARGO SpA (Italy) and uses Perkins or ARGO Power engines. The Case CX90 uses FPT/CNH engines and benefits from the Case IH dealer network. Key practical differences: Case has stronger North American parts support; McCormick typically prices lower on the used market and has slightly lower maintenance costs.
What happened to McCormick tractors?
When Case and New Holland merged to form CNH in 1999, EU antitrust regulators required the sale of the McCormick brand. It was acquired by ARGO SpA in 2001 — the Italian group that also owns Landini and Laverda. McCormick continues as an independent brand manufactured in Italy, sold through its own dealer network separate from CNH.
Who makes McCormick tractors now?
ARGO SpA — an Italian agricultural equipment group based in Fabbrico, Italy. ARGO is independent of CNH Industrial and AGCO. The McCormick brand sits alongside Landini within the ARGO group.
Are McCormick and Landini tractors the same?
They share the same ARGO SpA parent company and some manufacturing platforms and components, but they are distinct brands with separate model ranges and dealer networks. Many McCormick and Landini models from the same generation share parts — useful to know for parts sourcing on the used market.
Who makes engines for McCormick tractors?
The CX90 used Perkins or ARGO Power engines depending on production year and market. ARGO SpA has progressively developed its own ARGO Power engine range. Both Perkins and ARGO Power engines are proven, well-supported designs.
Can you get parts for McCormick tractors?
Yes — but experience varies significantly by location. In Europe, ARGO’s dealer network provides good coverage. In North America, parts typically require ordering through specialist McCormick dealers or online suppliers. The shared platform with Landini means some parts cross-reference to Landini equivalents, widening sourcing options.
What are common problems with McCormick tractors?
The most frequently reported issues: hydraulic seal leaks on higher-hour units, electrical wiring corrosion on older machines, synchro transmission wear on high-hour units, and parts sourcing difficulty in markets with thin dealer coverage. Machine quality is generally well-regarded — the most common complaints relate to parts support, not reliability.
Are McCormick tractors good quality?
Yes — particularly in European markets. The CX90 is regarded as a durable, well-built utility tractor on a proven platform. Well-maintained examples regularly reach 5,000–8,000+ hours. The main buyer risk is parts sourcing in markets with limited McCormick dealer presence, not machine quality itself.
What size tractor for a 100-acre farm?
90 HP is well-matched to a 100-acre farm with mixed tasks — tillage, loader work, haying, and livestock. Both the McCormick CX90 and Case CX90 fit this brief well. For farms over 250 acres doing sustained heavy tillage, 130 HP+ is recommended.