Roxburghshire company Simon Richard, which imports the specialised German-made Reform Werke hillside tractor, says it is about to add the compact Metrac H8X tractor to its line-up.

The goat-like H8X tops off the Metrac X-series, with an 81hp turbo engine with high torque of 340 Nm available from low revs across a wide range.

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A new air conditioning system with a 25% increase in cooling capacity increases comfort levels, while the new instrument cluster gets an enlarged display to improve readability. Daily and total acre count are shown and a new searchlight is fitted.

Pto speeds can be switched between 540 and 1,000rpm both at the front and the rear. Safe working can now be done at a 45deg angles and crab-steer is standard. Options include an underbody protection plate and prices start at £73,000.

Two of the new models are destined for steeply-sloping farms in north Wales and the third is being used for a local authority in Scotland.