It might sound like a good way to run yourself over, but John Deere reckons its new Hitch Assist system can slash the time it takes to hook up implements.

The novel system allows drivers to shunt tractors backwards and forwards using a set of fender-mounted switches. Deere says this makes hooking up a lot easier as the driver has a better view of the implement and the back end.

There are several safety procedures to carry out before the system can be activated and if the operator’s finger comes off the button it will stop dead.

The tractor also moves incredibly slowly.

At the moment the system is only available on the firm’s turf-orientated 4R tractors and it wasn’t clear if the technology would be rolled out to bigger machines.

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