BX1800 and Wheelchair adapting

[GaryV]

Hey Guys ,
This might be a first here but I will try to explain this as well as posible ..
I am going to get the BX1800 based on a few things as well as being a very good sub compact tractor ,,
As result of an accident in 1980 I have been using a wheelchair , I have no use of my legs but I get around pretty well , I have used a JD mower with hydrostatic drive for a few years and have been looking for a bigger alternetive to the lawn mower ,,
Thats when I found the BX series a few months back , It seem to be the only small tractor out there that I can use the controls without a lot of alterations ,,For controls all I need to do is mount a lever to the foot pedal for the drive that seems to be no big problem ,,
What I am going to try and do is build a lift arm off the left side to raise me up into the seat , I am wondering if I should use a hydrolic arm to raise the arm or use a winch with a pully on the arm ?? I have not had any experience with a winch and dont know if I would have a problem with the winch cable hanging up or slipping ,I dont want to get dropped or stuck on the tractor ...
Have any of you had any experience with this type of problem??
Just Wondering .. Gary V

 

[tralderman]

We modified an L2900 about 3 years ago. We used an arm that is attaches to the ROPS bar and swings out over the wheelchair. The operator is lifted out of the chair with a winch and then swings himself into place. I talked to the customer about 3 weeks ago and he is still very happy with the lift system.
If you want more details and/or pictures please go to my website and send me an e-mail from there.

www.aldermans.com

 

[Bird]

Gary, I think (won't say for sure) that Carver Equipment has also rigged a tractor (or tractors) for people in wheelchairs.

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Gary, while I was reading, first thing I thought of was a little mast and swinging boom welded to the left 3 point hitch arm.
(Disclaimer ...I haven't looked a BX1800 so this maybe way off base.) What I was thinking was...crank up the tractor, swing the boom over and go from your chair to seat hanging from the boom....reach over and pull the 3PH lever and raise it up.

I think as far as a winch or hydraulics, I use the hydraulics from the tractor.

 

[RPM]

Gary,

Check out the following two threads on this forum - just click on the links:

Modify BX2200 for hand controls

Apparatus and Controls for special needs of operators

Hope these get you started. It may also be worth just building a ramp in the garage that will allow you to get on more easily - you could build one with an over hang that would clear the mower deck and wheels etc.

None of the participants of any discussion on this board would be offended if you sent them a private message either - it's an easy going crowd.

Patrick

 

[John_Mc]

No experience in this area, but a thought: if you use tractor hydraulics, what happens if the tractor dies on you? Are you stuck? With a winch, you can still get in and out (though it may not do much good if your wheelchair is a few hundred yards away).

 

[frank_f15]

GARY : use hydraulics off tractor. seems safer than winch and pulley, as far as getting stuck on tractor get a cell phone(safety precaution) i am sure u will prevail. let us know how u make out.

 

[GaryV]

Hey Guys I think you have all given me some ideas and advice on this .
Thanks and if this keeps posting I am not seeing it come up and I have posted a thanks to everyone 3 times .. Sorry if it is repeated ..
Gary V