Finished hand controls for paraplegic

[Steave]

I'm glad you resurrected this old thread. Went back and read it all very interesting. My old body don't do what I think it can so I've been thinking of ways to make it easier to get on and off my tractors as my knees don't like it. Now I wouldn't even think of it your way not nearly strong enough. Right now I have a milk carton with a piece of wire attached that I step on then pull it up and let it hang until I need to step off. It works but the ground needs to be fairly smooth where I place the carton and as you know that's not always the case.

Keep on keeping on and help us old farts out by sharing more of your ideas. Thanks a million.

 

[kootch88]

I don't weld because my wife will kill me if I run 220 into the garage where I have a full wood shop already, along with 2 huge tool chests! I can't justify the expense of a good welder either, and If I get one, I want gas welding system, not a stick welder. I've done a little at a friend's, but I am crude!!

I weld now, bought the welder I wanted! Wife has all kinds of things I have been welding!

 

[Steave]

Now that you're welding and on the Honey Dew (do) list maybe it's time to mention to her had bad you need a plasma cutter for the projects she wants. :thumbsup:

Once you get to welding there's endless projects and fabrications that need done. Now trying to find the time to get em all done.

Got a question for you - the rubber dip you used on the HST handle, is it still intact and all staying on? I've tried different kinds and haven't had much success with any of them. I hear some has improved over the last few years and will stay put. Give up a couple of years ago on using it maybe try it again. It could have been the way I done the process and probably was so I was just wondering if yours has lasted. If it's still good and if you have time maybe you could share the brand and some tips. Thanks

 

[TripleR]

I'm glad you resurrected this old thread. Went back and read it all very interesting. My old body don't do what I think it can so I've been thinking of ways to make it easier to get on and off my tractors as my knees don't like it. Now I wouldn't even think of it your way not nearly strong enough. Right now I have a milk carton with a piece of wire attached that I step on then pull it up and let it hang until I need to step off. It works but the ground needs to be fairly smooth where I place the carton and as you know that's not always the case.

Keep on keeping on and help us old farts out by sharing more of your ideas. Thanks a million.

I used to carry folding camper steps, but then borrowed this idea from Waxman and added a second step.

 

[Steave]

I used to carry folding camper steps, but then borrowed this idea from Waxman and added a second step.

Good idea. My old ford has a running board you rest your feet on but no step to get to it. I'll see if I can source 2 steps and weld them together that sounds like a better idea than trying to make the steps from scratch. Might could even find a double step. I always worried about knocking it off with it hanging down as it's kind of rough around here. I guess if I knock it off or bend it just weld it back on. I have these hand pickup tools everywhere. Here's one I carry on the tractor on top of the hood. Easy to pick up trash on side of the roads and even fairly large rocks that I grow. Handy on the lawn mower too.

 

[TripleR]

Good idea. My old ford has a running board you rest your feet on but no step to get to it. I'll see if I can source 2 steps and weld them together that sounds like a better idea than trying to make the steps from scratch. Might could even find a double step. I always worried about knocking it off with it hanging down as it's kind of rough around here. I guess if I knock it off or bend it just weld it back on. I have these hand pickup tools everywhere. Here's one I carry on the tractor on top of the hood. Easy to pick up trash on side of the roads and even fairly large rocks that I grow. Handy on the lawn mower too.

View attachment 474865

Waxman took his right side step and welded it on the left side, I just bought a new one as my son gets in/out of both sides. I too was concerned about bending mine as we've bent the OEM on our L5030 and M8540, but in the two to three years I've used this it hasn't gotten bent "yet". When it does, we have all the equipment to repair, replace or reinforce. I keep grab sticks on ATV, but our tractors are cabs, so too much trouble, plus I've got low cost ground crews for that, they are called grand kids.:laughing:

 

[kootch88]

Now that you're welding and on the Honey Dew (do) list maybe it's time to mention to her had bad you need a plasma cutter for the projects she wants. :thumbsup:

Once you get to welding there's endless projects and fabrications that need done. Now trying to find the time to get em all done.

Got a question for you - the rubber dip you used on the HST handle, is it still intact and all staying on? I've tried different kinds and haven't had much success with any of them. I hear some has improved over the last few years and will stay put. Give up a couple of years ago on using it maybe try it again. It could have been the way I done the process and probably was so I was just wondering if yours has lasted. If it's still good and if you have time maybe you could share the brand and some tips. Thanks

The black I used is still in excellent shape. And my tractor stays outside except for winters. I just dipped the handle in and pulled it out about 5-6 times, and I was not particular about letting it dry very long either. I don't recall the brand, but I got it at True Value, whatever brand they carry.

 

[Steave]

I'll go by Ace (True Value) and see what they have in the Rubber Dip. Lots of folks have success with it gotta find out what I'm doing wrong it usually just peels off with the slightest bump. Maybe my bumps are harder than I think. Thanks for the info.

Maybe 3 years from now we'll resurrect this thread again and I'll let you know how it turned out. :thumbsup: or :thumbdown:

 

[sixdogs]

I weld now, bought the welder I wanted! Wife has all kinds of things I have been welding! ����

Great thread. True grit trumps all.

 

[kootch88]

The black I used is still in excellent shape. And my tractor stays outside except for winters. I just dipped the handle in and pulled it out about 5-6 times, and I was not particular about letting it dry very long either. I don't recall the brand, but I got it at True Value, whatever brand they carry.

this is the stuff. Plasti Dip 14.5 oz. Black Rubber Coating-1163-6 - The Home Depot