Tractor front ends are not the most forgiving in an accident, but this retro-fit bumper should make them a bit kinder to other road users.

The front linkage-mounted unit from Dutch manufacturer Peecon uses hydraulic rams plumbed into accumulator units, which absorb any unforesen impacts. The rams have 20cm of travel and fully retract in a fraction of a second. Adjustable side wings deflect colliding objects away from the wheels and the front bar stops the tractor driving over them.

No figures official figures were available, but Peecon said the bumper significantly reduced the severity of impacts with other vehicles.

So far no tractor bumpers have been sold in the UK, but several Dutch contractors have already invested. The UK price is likely to be around £4000.