Disability Mods

[PearOrchard]

I've been paralyzed for 18 years and started farming 6 years ago. The only mod I have on my tractor is a winch and pulley setup to get in it. I'd like to add more mods such as a clutch/brake lever, an electric actuator to release my quick hitch, and some sort of rear quick hitch. I also have a powerchair rigged up to be remote control and a RZR with a single brake/accelerator lever. Anyone else have any mods to make any equipment accessible?

 

[ruffdog]

The only mods I've done for people are installing hand controls in cars and trucks but I know the University of WI has done some work with these people:

Equipment and Vehicle Modifications

 

[atsah]

I have done many modifications over the years to farm equipment but there is liability in doing so for others, I can give you some ideas when I’m not typing on a phone. It would take less time for me to tell you what farm machinery I haven’t modified. I can PM you tomorrow if you like. Check this site out..



Assistive Technology

 

[RNeumann]

Can you list the implements you have or use? What tasks you do and or want to do.

 

[PearOrchard]

I currently have a Puma 160 with loader. I have been plowing my own rice fields with a 17ft Krause for the last 4 years. I also have a levee push, ditcher, and leveling blade. I need no help getting in my tractor, but connecting implements, right now, is super exhausting and time consuming if I don't have assistance. Connecting hoses to the tractor is difficult also because the ports are too high. That's why I would like to rig up a rear quick hitch on the draw bar and have permanent hoses connected to the tractor ports that I can connect to separate ports that are on all my implements. I only use the clutch when starting my tractor and I don't really use the brakes when I have the Krause dragging behind me, but when doing loader work it would make my life easier to have both. I am trying to push the limits of my independence. I am actually a C5/6 quadriplegic which means my hands and triceps are paralyzed. I rely on a powerchair to get around, but I live alone on the farm and do almost 100% of the tractor work. I have a 1660 combine I'm looking to get customized for me as well. I'm not necessarily looking for help, but any advice is much appreciated. I'd like to get in contact with more wheelchair-bound farmers and see how they overcome the tremendous hurdles of farming.

 

[4570Man]

What’s the budget? Have you considered a JCB side entrance skid steer of a compact telhandler? Changing implements on my Kubota is a snap, but getting in and out of a regular skid steer probably isn’t very suitable for you.

 

[ruffdog]

Here is a person with a lift to get in a large tractor. Being that your hands and triceps are not helping as they should, I'm sure the climbing around can be a challenge.

Disabled Farmer Has Chair Lift Tractor - YouTube

 

[strantor]

I was imagining plugging in hydraulic QDs while sitting in a wheelchair, and I was thinking that would probably be hard to do, with nothing solid to push against and the chair moving around. I was going to recommend this type of QD which doesn't require much force. But then I read that you don't have the use of your hands, either. So now I'm really quite baffled as to how you do any of this, and I can't think of anything that seems helpful.

 

[atsah]

C5/6 and farming by ones self is a tough one. I have a couple of friends that are in the same situation that do a lot of things but hooking and unhooking 3pt implements isn't easy for someone that has full strength in there whole body on a big tractor. I'm a para T6 and I do it but it isn't easy and I need every ounce of strength I have to do it. I find hooking a PTO shaft up to the tractor is a real PITA and it takes me hours sometimes to get it on there.

The ideal setup would be to hook what you use to each tractor and leave it there, not always possible but that would be the perfect thing to do.
I'm not sure how you are clutching your tractors without an extension of some kind? Brakes, clutches hand controls are easy, the 3pt hooking and unhooking is the problem.

Do you have pictures of your tractors? cab setup, transmission, pedals, seat, winch, pulleys etc?

 

[LouNY]

I'm not disabled but a couple of years ago I had a knee replaced, so instead of hauling and unloading wagons,
I got shifted to running the chopper tractor, to make it easier for me we ran a rope from the tractor to the chopper hitch to pull the draw pin out with, it helps a lot. We are still doing so.

There are a few different quick hitches for drawbar implements;
one is http://bergmanmfg.com/
for hydraulics
Multi-X Range | CEJN
MK / Couplings / Products / Home / VOSWINKEL - Armaturen, Kupplungen, Rohrleitungen - High Technology Made in Germany
for the pto
Easy PTO quick connect for any attachment - Tractor PTO Link
As far as the 3 point I'm not a fan of the standard quick hitches,
My Branson 8050 has this style lower arm lift connectors and I find these easier to work with, and they can be released with a rope if desired, they are nice for semi-mounted also.
Quick Coupling Hooks | LH Lift

The different hitches mostly seem good and the hydraulic multi connectors seem decent may be a pain to keep clean.
The PTO I'm not sure about.
Good luck with your endeavors