The recent squeeze on spending has benefited the likes of Reform, manufacturers of the renowned bank tractor range.
That is the view of Simon, Richard, UK agent for both Reform and the Muthing flail range.
He said: “Local authority ground care budgets are stretched to the limit. I maintain that making the right tractor choice in terms of power and functionality can deliver value and having machinery on the fleet that can be used year around on a range of different tasks should be the aim.
"Many councils are turning to the compact Reform Metrac models for their slope mowing capabilities, but also for hedge cutting, playing field maintenance and snow clearing. It is a tractor but with a ‘banking’ capability and also a comfortable air-conditioned environment for the driver to work in.”
Fife Council operates a 62hp Reform MetracH6X bank tractor and Health and Safety Training Officer Roy Daniels says: “We use it with a Muthing heavy duty flail and a disc mower attachment but have also added a bale handler, Bidux cutter bar and snow plough to its armoury.
"The Metrac tractor gives us the mowing performance we are looking for on our slopes at up to 45 degrees and a year-round machine for a whole range of other work. We are now able to work confidently where we would not feel safe putting an operator on foot with hand held equipment which has also helped us to address hand-arm vibration issues.”
“The Metrac’s excellent operator visibility makes both front and rear attachment working so much easier and the crab steer function is a real safety feature which also greatly reduces tyre damage in more eco-sensitive work areas. Our biodiversity area work does mean we are cutting less often, sometimes just once a year in certain difficult working areas, but the H6X has proven itself to be more than capable of coping in all locations.”
