Help select right tractor, right arm slight disabi

JerryG · Apr 1, 2006

I think that PTs would be an ideal choice for some that have a disability, but without dealer support it could create a real problem. If a person could find a shop that would be willing to work on all aspects of the PT then that would elevate that problem. I was by no means to cut the unit down. May aspects of PTs lend themselves to ability modification much easier than a typical tractor.

MossRoad · Apr 1, 2006

I was by no means to cut the unit down. 

I know that, Jerry. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif No need to clarify your statements as they were 100% correct. Especially this one...

 without dealer support it could create a real problem. 

The key word there is "COULD". If you can't fix it yourself, don't have someone that can fix it for you, don't want to fix it yourself, or don't want to ship it back to PT for repair, then I'd say maybe it isn't the brand you should be looking at /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. I always make sure folks know this when ever I suggest they consider a PT. As with anything, research, research and then research some more before you make a big purchase, like a tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Anyone find those links to those handicapped modified tractors, yet? I think one had a wheel chair accessible operators station on the rear, didn't it?

KiotiJohn · Apr 1, 2006

( In particular I like the 'turtle/rabbit' switch on the NH loaders (optional feature) but it offers a great deal of control with the ease of a low pressure switch. )
My dealer had an NH out his place to sell used and I tried it out. It had that feature as well. So easy to engage the faster speed range there on the joystick or on the fender by just toggling a switch.
Even with no thumb it would not be hard to engage the joystick button from what I remember of it.
John

JerryG · Apr 1, 2006

Anyone find those links to those handicapped modified tractors, yet? 
If you run a search on Google for "AgrAbility", you will get a lots of those types of sites. Sorry, I didn't know that anyone had ask for those sites or I would have said that before.

MossRoad · Apr 1, 2006

Thanks, Jerry! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That's one of the one's I was looking for. http://www.agrability.org/

newhorse2 · Apr 2, 2006

As I am new to this forum and computer info highway, I've tried to reply to some of your messages. ALL ARE GREAT.

We are going to go the HST way, though have to look at the NH TC29/33 and DA models yet. Dealer service is a must for us. The JD new 3203 was quoted at a reasonable price with our AQHA membership discount, and it is not too big.

Will be using a post hole digger for fencing, so hopefully we can fit it all into a small budget.

Hopefully this makes it to post so you all know that I have read and am going on your advice! This is a great site for beginners and the experience shows....

daTeacha · Apr 3, 2006

Case is essentially the same machine as NH except supersteer is not available. If you have a Case dealer nearby, you might find you like red better than blue.

If it isn't too personal, how much can you move your right arm? Most 3 point controls are a lever on the right fender requiring several inches of motion to fully raise or lower implements. Loader controls are typically mounted either on the fender or the loader itself, again on the right side. I think a good dealer/hydraulics shop should be able to put together some loader controls that mount on the left side of the loader. I don't know about moving the 3 point controller. It seems there is probably a way to adapt a tractor to your needs. There is no shortage of old time farmers with varying degrees of injury to arms and hands who still run tractors, my FIL being one. He had a staph infection that limits his right arm to about 45 degrees of movement at the shoulder and still runs his Ford 5000 around with the loader and bush hog on it. He's 81.

For everyone else, maybe it would be helpful if we could post pictures of each platform area similar to the one showing the swivel seat. Then the location of controls with respect to the seat would be apparent and newhorse would have at least a basic idea of what might work, thus saving a little time. Not that there's anything wrong with visiting tractor stores and sitting on machines. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It just might let him decide which ones to visit first.

newhorse2 · Apr 12, 2006

Can move right arm, have nerve damage in tendons from wrist, the forarm itself is aggrivated by nerve damage, scare tissue, so I control with pain meds. Right thumb and forefinger are only two with some power. Can't lift with right arm , have become left handed over the last 13 years...

Looked at the NH33DA -very nice, allot of extras. We are leaning towards the JD 3203 --as the price with FEL, 60" HD Bucket is $16183 vs $18800 quoted on the NH TC33DA with 14LA loader. Though the NH has better finance rates now... I think the 32 HP/24 PTO HP will do just fine for the property we have to work with. The 2nd JD dealer we went to was great to work with, and thier service dept has long time employees of 10 to 25 years. The NH dealer, not too comfortable with, and is farther away 35 miles, they would charge to haul tractor if a problem during warranty?

I am going to go with the Pat's Easy Change instead of the JD I-match, so I can use with other mfg attachments, and a post hole digger.

Even though there is not allot of reviews on the New JD 3203 , we are going to chance it based on the comfort, location of the loader joystick , leg room , AQHA discount and the 2nd dealer....Will send pictures when we get it!

THANKS AGAIN....

kozak · Apr 12, 2006

newhorse2,

Congratulations on a fine pick of a TRACTOR. Just checked it out on the net. Can't go wrong with a Deere & at the price you got it for versus the NH.....very nice !!

Will be looking forward to pics.

Vic

KiotiJohn · Apr 12, 2006

Congratulatios on getting to a decision. I'm happy to know that you found something that will be comfortable for you to use, and of course, both tractor brands are good ones.

Looking forward to seeing pics when you get your new helper home.
John