A redesigned chassis and improved manoeuvrability are highlights of Slovenian firm SIP’s new generation of Star rakes.

The largest in the range, the 930/28, has an adjustable working width from 8.15m to 9.25m. This forms swaths from 1.26 to 2.36m wide.

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Its slender arched spine has been tweaked to allow the rotors to be lifted higher from their ground position, so particularly dense swaths aren’t damaged when driving over them.

And, as they move independently from the main frame, the rotors are also unaffected by ruts in bumpy fields.

For travelling on the road, the Star’s arms fold upwards hydraulically to form a neat 4m-tall package, and the company has improved the turning angle to 150deg – up from 120deg – which it says makes swinging in and out of the yard and field gates far easier.

The 930/28 is currently the only model available, though three smaller siblings are expected to join the range next year.

Prices start at €38,000 (£33,355).