Buying used McCormick CX90 tractors can be one of the best decisions for farmers who need power and reliability without the expense of a new unit. As a 90 HP workhorse, the McCormick CX90 has built a reputation for toughness, flexibility, and solid performance across a wide range of farm applications.
But like any secondhand equipment purchase, careful inspection is critical. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why the McCormick CX90 remains a popular choice on the used tractor market
- What to inspect before buying a pre-owned model
- How ownership costs compare to other tractors
- Where to buy a used McCormick CX90 with confidence
Ready to explore our inventory? Browse used farm tractors for sale at Farmers Equipment today.
Why Purchase a Pre-Owned McCormick CX90?
The McCormick CX90 is a mid-level tractor built for simplicity and power. Farmers like that it offers:
- A 90 HP diesel engine with strong pulling capacity
- Balanced performance in loader work, tillage, baling, and transport
- Heavy-duty design built to withstand years of tough work
- Generally lower-cost maintenance compared to many competitors
- Reasonable resale demand, since well-maintained pre-owned tractors in this class tend to hold value better than heavily depreciating new equipment
Buying a used McCormick CX90 lets you avoid the steepest depreciation of new equipment while still getting long-term performance.
Need specs? See the McCormick CX90 tractor specs at TractorData.
Common Applications for the McCormick CX90
The CX90 is one of the more versatile tractors in its class. New or pre-owned, it handles:
- Loader Work — Loading hay bales, gravel, or feed with ease. See our McCormick CX90 Tractor Review for more detail.
- Tillage & Planting — Well-suited to small to medium tracts of land
- Livestock Operations — Hauling feed, cleaning barns, spreading manure
- Transport Jobs — Towing equipment and trailers with ease
- All-Purpose Utility — A genuine farm “all-rounder” that switches jobs quickly
This versatility is a big part of why so many farmers look for used McCormick CX90 tractors.
Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Buying Used
Inspection is everything when buying used farm equipment. Here are the most important areas to check on a McCormick CX90:
Engine Condition
- Check engine hours — many well-maintained agricultural tractors in this class can remain productive well beyond 8,000 hours, and some exceed 10,000 hours when properly serviced. Condition and maintenance history are usually more important than the hour meter alone.
- Watch for excessive smoke (blue = burning oil, black = fuel issue, white = possible coolant leak)
- Check gaskets and seals for oil leaks
Hydraulics & Lift Power
- Test hydraulic lift operation — it should be smooth and powerful
- Check hoses, cylinders, and fittings for leaks
- Attach a heavy implement and test the system under load
PTO (Power Take-Off)
- Test both 540 and 1000 RPM PTO speeds
- Listen for grinding or vibration
- Confirm it shifts properly without slippage
Transmission & Gears
- The CX90 typically uses a 12F/12R Synchro Shuttle transmission
- Drive through all gears to test smoothness
- Confirm the shuttle shift functions properly under load
Cab & Operator Comfort
- Check cab seals for leaks
- Test AC/heat function
- Inspect pedal and lever wear — excessive wear can indicate heavy prior use
Tires & Chassis
- Check tire tread and sidewalls for cracking
- Inspect underneath for frame damage or rust
Farmers Equipment inspects every used tractor for quality before it goes up for sale.
Common Issues Reported on Older McCormick CX90 Tractors
Most CX90 tractors are durable machines, but age and maintenance history matter. Areas commonly worth inspecting include:
- Hydraulic hose wear and seepage on high-hour units
- Cab air-conditioning performance on older tractors
- Front axle wear from heavy loader use
- Electrical connections and switches exposed to moisture over time
- Clutch and shuttle transmission wear on poorly maintained machines
None of these are unique to the CX90 — they’re worth checking on any tractor in this age and hour range — but they’re common enough to flag before purchase. See our McCormick CX90 vs Case CX90 comparison if you’re evaluating multiple used tractor options.
Cost of Ownership – Why Used Makes Sense
Buying used is about more than the purchase price — it shapes your long-term farm budget too.
- Lower Purchase Price — A used McCormick CX90 costs significantly less than comparable new equipment
- Affordable Maintenance — The simpler design tends to keep repair costs down
- Fuel Efficiency — Frequently cited as a strength for its class
- Insurance & Financing — Typically lower cost on used models compared to new
Compared to other brands like Case, the McCormick is typically less expensive to service while still delivering solid day-to-day performance.
Used McCormick CX90 vs. Case CX90
Shoppers often compare the used McCormick CX90 against the Case CX90 when buying.
- McCormick CX90: Generally lower cost, rugged, and lower-maintenance
- Case CX90: Broader dealer presence and slightly higher-rated hydraulics on some configurations, typically at a higher cost
For a full breakdown, check our McCormick CX90 vs Case CX90 comparison.
Where to Buy Used McCormick CX90 Tractors
Used CX90 tractors can be purchased from:
- Private Sellers — Potentially lower price, but greater risk without a formal inspection
- Auctions — Possible good deals, but condition is often unknown going in
- Reputable Dealers — Like Farmers Equipment, where tractors are inspected, serviced, and sold with full transparency
See our full tractors for sale category for current inventory.
What Happened to McCormick Tractors? — Brand History
McCormick has one of the most complicated ownership histories in the tractor industry. Understanding it matters for parts sourcing and cross-referencing on used machines:
| Era | Owner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1902–1984 | International Harvester (IH) | McCormick was a core IH brand. IH tractors sold under both IH and McCormick-IH badging in different markets |
| 1985–1999 | Case Corporation / CNH | IH merged with Case in 1985 to form Case IH. The McCormick name was largely retired during this period |
| 2000–2007 | ARGO SpA (Italy) | CNH sold the McCormick brand and Doncaster (UK) factory to ARGO SpA in 2000. McCormick CX, MTX, and XTX Series produced under ARGO ownership |
| 2007–present | ARGO SpA (Italy) | ARGO continues to own and produce McCormick tractors. The brand is a peer of Landini within the ARGO group |
The CX90 was produced during the ARGO SpA era — and shares significant platform DNA with the Case CX90 that preceded it from the CNH period. This is why parts cross-referencing between McCormick CX Series and late-production Case CX Series machines is often possible.
Who Makes McCormick Tractors Now?
ARGO SpA — an Italian agricultural and construction equipment group based in Fabbrico, in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. ARGO owns McCormick International, Landini, Laverda, and several construction equipment brands. McCormick tractors are currently produced at the Doncaster, UK factory (acquired from CNH in 2000) and at ARGO facilities in Italy. ARGO is a privately held Italian company — not a subsidiary of any larger conglomerate like CNH or AGCO. See our McCormick tractors for sale.
Are McCormick and Landini Tractors the Same?
They share the same parent company (ARGO SpA) but are distinct brands with different market positioning and some platform sharing. The relationship:
- Same parent: both owned by ARGO SpA since the early 2000s
- Shared platforms: some McCormick and Landini models share transmission, hydraulic, and cab components — particularly in the mid-range utility class
- Different markets: Landini is historically stronger in Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, France); McCormick is stronger in Northern Europe and the UK
- Parts cross-reference: on shared-platform models, Landini parts may be usable on equivalent McCormick machines — useful when sourcing on the used market
- Not identical: they are separate brands with distinct model ranges, different dealer networks, and some mechanical differences
For used CX90 buyers, the Landini connection is most useful for parts sourcing — a McCormick dealer who can’t source a specific CX-era part may be able to cross-reference to a Landini equivalent.
Who Makes the Engines for McCormick Tractors?
McCormick CX Series tractors (including the CX90) used engines from two primary sources depending on the production era and market:
| Engine Source | Models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perkins (UK) | Most CX Series — including CX90 (many configurations) | Perkins 1104C-44T turbocharged diesel. Well-regarded for reliability and parts availability. Perkins is now owned by Caterpillar but parts supply remains strong globally |
| ARGO Power / FPT (Italy) | Some later ARGO-era McCormick models | FPT Industrial (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) engines on some ARGO-era McCormick models |
The Perkins 1104C-44T in the CX90 is a significant advantage for used buyers — Perkins engines have one of the widest global parts distribution networks of any agricultural diesel engine. Parts are available from Perkins dealers, agricultural merchants, and online distributors worldwide, making the CX90 one of the easier-to-service machines in its class on the used market.
Is a McCormick Tractor Any Good? — Honest Assessment
Yes — with specific caveats. McCormick’s honest position in the market:
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Engine reliability | ✅ Strong — Perkins 1104 engine in the CX Series has a solid track record |
| Build quality | ✅ Good — robust construction, designed for commercial farm use. Not fragile |
| Hydraulic performance | ✅ Adequate for the class — handles standard farm implements without issues |
| Dealer network | ⚠️ Smaller than John Deere or Case IH — dealer coverage is uneven by region |
| Parts availability (current) | ⚠️ Manageable — Perkins engine parts are widely available; some proprietary transmission and hydraulic components can be harder to source |
| Resale value | ⚠️ Lower than JD or Case IH — smaller dealer network reduces buyer demand on the used market |
| Value for money (used) | ✅ Strong — CX90 typically sells for less than equivalent John Deere or Case IH machines at the same hour count. Good capability per pound spent |
The honest summary: McCormick is a genuinely capable tractor that trades at a discount to John Deere and Case IH primarily because of a smaller dealer network, not because of inferior mechanicals. For buyers with a McCormick dealer within reasonable distance, the CX90 offers strong value on the used market. For buyers in areas with no McCormick dealer support — consider whether you’re comfortable with independent servicing or dealer access to Landini (the sibling brand) as a fallback.
How Reliable Are McCormick Tractors?
Reliability on the CX Series is generally regarded as good — particularly on Perkins-engined machines. The most commonly cited reliability strengths: engine longevity, robust driveline, and straightforward mechanics that are serviceable without specialist diagnostic equipment. The most commonly cited weaknesses: cab electronics and switchgear on older units, air conditioning reliability, and hydraulic seal longevity under heavy use.
Common Problems with McCormick Tractors
| Problem | Details | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic hose and seal wear | Hydraulic hoses and seals on older CX Series machines show wear at higher hours — particularly lift cylinder seals and external hose runs. Most visible as weeping or dripping at fittings. Standard wear item on any tractor of this age | 🟡 Minor — expect on high-hour units |
| Cab electrical faults | Dashboard switches, instrument panels, and cab wiring on older CX units can develop intermittent faults from moisture ingress and age. Warning lights, gauge failures, and non-functioning cab controls are the most common presentation | ⚠️ Moderate — check thoroughly on any unit over 10 years old |
| Air conditioning performance | Cab AC on older CX Series tractors often underperforms or fails completely. Compressor wear, refrigerant loss, and condenser damage are the usual causes. An AC recharge is often the first fix needed | 🟡 Minor — common on any old agricultural AC system |
| Front axle wear (heavy loader use) | Front axle pivot wear develops on machines that have spent significant hours on loader work. Play in the front axle is detectable on inspection — push/pull the front wheel and check for movement. More expensive to rectify than most other items | ⚠️ Moderate — inspect carefully on loader-equipped units |
| Shuttle transmission wear | The 12F/12R Synchro Shuttle transmission on poorly maintained CX units can develop jerky engagement, particularly in reverse. More often a sign of deferred servicing than a fundamental design fault | ⚠️ Moderate — test shuttle engagement under load |
| Parts availability gaps | While Perkins engine parts are broadly available, some body panels, cab seals, and proprietary hydraulic components can be difficult to source from standard agricultural merchants. Specialist McCormick or ARGO parts suppliers required | ⚠️ Moderate — research parts availability for your specific model year before purchase |
Can You Get Parts for McCormick Tractors?
Yes — with some nuance:
- Perkins engine parts — widely available from Perkins dealers, agricultural merchants, and online distributors globally. No parts access problem
- Transmission and gearbox parts — available from McCormick/ARGO dealers and specialist suppliers. Less universally stocked than engine parts
- Hydraulic components — standard hydraulic fittings and hoses from agricultural suppliers; some specific valve and pump components require McCormick dealer or ARGO parts
- Body, cab, and trim parts — can be difficult to source for older CX-era machines. Landini cross-referencing sometimes helps; specialist breakers occasionally have stock
Where Can I Get McCormick Tractor Parts?
Sources for McCormick CX Series parts:
- McCormick / ARGO dealer network — primary source for proprietary parts
- Perkins dealer or distributor — for engine parts (filtration, gaskets, injectors, fuel system)
- Landini dealers — cross-reference parts on shared-platform components
- Online parts specialists — including TractorHouse.com and UK/European agricultural parts suppliers who stock McCormick ranges
- Agricultural equipment breakers — for body parts, cab components, and trim that are no longer stocked new
McCormick CX90 and Case CX90 — Weight and Specifications
How Much Does a Case CX90 Weigh?
The Case IH CX90 (the predecessor model produced during the CNH era before the ARGO acquisition) has an operating weight of approximately 4,100–4,400 kg (9,040–9,700 lbs) depending on configuration, ballasting, and whether a front loader is fitted. The McCormick CX90 (ARGO era) is broadly similar in weight — approximately 4,000–4,300 kg — reflecting the shared platform origins from the CNH period.
How Much Does a Case CX80 Weigh?
The Case IH CX80 (the 80 HP sibling model) has an operating weight of approximately 3,800–4,100 kg (8,380–9,040 lbs) depending on configuration.
What Is the Oldest Tractor Brand?
This is a context question that frequently appears alongside McCormick searches — because McCormick itself has one of the oldest lineages in agricultural machinery:
| Brand / Company | Founded | Claim |
|---|---|---|
| McCormick (Cyrus McCormick) | 1831 | Cyrus McCormick patented the mechanical reaper in 1834 — one of the earliest mechanised farm machinery innovations |
| John Deere | 1837 | Founded with the steel plough. Continuous manufacture since 1837 |
| Case (Jerome Increase Case) | 1842 | J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company — one of the earliest thresher manufacturers |
| International Harvester | 1902 | Merger of McCormick Harvesting Machine Co. and Deering Harvester — combined the oldest lineages |
| Massey (Daniel Massey) | 1847 | Canadian origins — merged with Ferguson in 1953 to form Massey Ferguson |
The McCormick name traces to 1831 making it one of the oldest continuous agricultural equipment brand lineages in the world. The brand predates both John Deere tractors and Case IH by several years — though it went through multiple ownership changes before arriving at ARGO SpA. See our full range of Massey Ferguson tractors and John Deere tractors alongside our McCormick tractors for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many hours will a McCormick CX90 last?
Many well-maintained agricultural tractors in this class can remain productive well beyond 8,000 hours, and some exceed 10,000 hours when properly serviced. Condition and maintenance history are usually more important than the hour meter alone.
Q: What year was the McCormick CX90 made?
Production years vary by market and configuration. Verify the serial number and build information with the seller before purchasing.
Q: What is the lifting capacity of the McCormick CX90?
Generally around 5,000 lbs, which covers most tillage and loader applications — though exact capacity can vary by configuration and model year.
Q: Is the McCormick CX90 a good tractor for livestock farming?
Yes — it’s a popular choice for feeding, manure handling, and general daily chores.
Q: How much does a used McCormick CX90 cost?
Pricing varies based on condition, hours, and region, but it generally runs lower than comparable Case CX90 units. Contact us for current pricing on available inventory.
Q: Does the McCormick CX90 hold resale value?
Reasonably well — well-maintained units tend to see steady demand on the used market, thanks to a reputation for reliability and manageable maintenance costs.
Q: Where can I finance a used McCormick tractor?
Most farm equipment dealers, including Farmers Equipment, offer financing options. Contact us to discuss what’s available.
Final Thoughts
The used McCormick CX90 is one of the stronger values in the 90 HP category. It delivers rugged power, straightforward mechanics, and reasonable resale demand — a solid working partner for farmers who need a tractor that works as hard as they do.
With the engine, hydraulics, transmission, and PTO properly inspected, you can buy with confidence that the machine will be on your farm for years to come.
Ready to make the move? View our McCormick CX90 tractors for sale and contact us today for pricing and delivery options.