Conversion for Handicapped Operator

[RW in SC]

My 80 year old father has a difficult time holding the clutch down on his 3930 4WD Ford tractor. Has anyone converted such to a hydraulic cylinder (master and slave cylinder) set up or have any other ideas about how to make the clutch less rigid so that he can still operate it?

 

[CCWKen]

Well, the clutch can't be weakened or it will slip. The actual clutch throw isn't very much so a master/slave should work. The only problem I see is making the bracket(s) and location of the parts. Good idea!

Even my 3910 clutch gets hard after a day or two of mowing.

 

[oldhippy]

I don't see why a hyd clutch would be all that hard to rig up. The ones that they use on stock cars does not seem to have much feel. It might be a problem on a tractor if you had no feel and when you released the clutch it engage to fast. I have a allis wd with a hand clutch that is pretty easy to pull. With the extra length in the handle the pull is pretty light. We were going to put one on a tractor here at work but the guy retired before we got it done. If you can't find anyone local for you fab work. We will get them done. I don't won't to see anyone stop using the tractor if we can make it happen. big dan

 

[RW in SC]

Thanks for the suggestions; I'll do some measuring and see what I can get figured out. I thought perhaps someone might have already invented this "wheel."

 

[Runner]

What about rigging up some kind of hand clutch, like maybe a bar or pipe attached to the clutch pedal/linkage?

 

[RW in SC]

That might work, although with the front-end loader there's not a lot of room for more apparatus. Still, your suggestion might be the best, and quickest, option.

 

[patrick_g]

A neighbors son is handicapped and has no effective use of his legs. The son's tractor is modified for all hand controls,including the clutch. So far his only problem has been the steering wheel, it broke. He rides a 4 wheeler just fine but come to think of it I just never noticed how he shifts it. It must not be too tough or I would have noticed

Pat

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I am agreeing with adding a push bar of some sort that he could use his arm to assist the clutch leg. He may have his hands full though steering and moving FEL or shifter. Another thought was to see about changing the fulcrum point to add more leverage via the pedal. That sounds like it would be just as much work as adding the hydraulic cylinders. You might call any of the local tractor dealers to see if they have set up something like this. Also make sure the pedal linkage is greased or oiled up to minimize the friction as much as possible.
It would be interesting to see what you come up with.

 

[Charlesaf3]

how about trading it on an hst tractor and taking the clutch out of the equation?

 

[RW in SC]

I raised that as an option for my Dad to consider. He's thinking about it, but the money is a factor. Thanks for the suggestion though.