Finished hand controls for paraplegic

[kootch88]

Very impressive hand controls and thanks for sharing the video.

Just a word of advice though. I'm not sure how the Mahindra steering is set up under the steering wheel, but on the Massey, they warn against using the steering wheel as a grab handle because it will tear the seals out of the unit. If yours is like that, could you fabricate a grab handle of some sort to minimize any stresses on the steering control box?

I did not see any such warning in my manual, and thus far all is well. Placing additional obstacles is problematic in allowing access. As you can see, getting on is a pretty uncontrolled maneuver.

 

[Don87]

I did not see any such warning in my manual, and thus far all is well. Placing additional obstacles is problematic in allowing access. As you can see, getting on is a pretty uncontrolled maneuver.

Yes, I saw that. I could see me falling flat on my face if I attempted such a maneuver.

I mentioned about the steering leak because it happened to a friend of mine that has a GC2300(his wife used the steering wheel as a grab handle), and I seem to remember a couple threads here on TBN, about the same type of problem.

 

[TripleR]

that is a very impressive bit of work Kooch, thanks for sharing the video.
You are an inspiration to me :thumbsup:- and although I have no mechanical know-how (office jobs), I do have a hobby farm. I appreciated the video showing your efforts of getting on/ off the tractor, as I have some familiarity with those same challenges (cerebral palsy, wheelchair experiences), currently needing to seriously consider a walker for more stability around the property. probably will get an old tractor this year that my wife can use for the bees / yardwork, but for my purposes, my goal is a Kubota B3030 (or similar) in a few yrs. glad I found this thread, I will keep in touch.

I use a walker or forearm crutches now and use a folding step to get to my steps, Timber has a thread on making an adjustable step off the FEL mount and I am sure grab rails etc., could also be attached. Adjustment sometimes require a little thought, ingenuity etc., but it's worth it to keep going.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/258009-step-my-dads-7610-kubota.html

 

[kootch88]

That is awesome! Glad you are still kicking

 

[poosniffer]

Thanks for posting this kootch.I was recently diagnosed with MS and now I'm having trouble lifting my right leg on and off the treadle for the HST.I was hoping to find a modification that would allow a side-by-side foot pedal that way I could operate the FEL at the same time.Bravo to you for finding a way to overcome that particular challenge.

 

[DWTools]

HHAHAHA Yep, I sure am a "pig" been at it 28 years, MC accident too. I've been making hand controls for things for a long time, this one was actually easier except I don't weld and had to rely other people to do that for me. The first set was 3/4 round stock and pipe fittings to figure out what I really wanted to do. It worked well, but looked lousy and also got in the way of my feet. This solves all problems and also has the advantage of me being able to operate the loader with my forearm as I work the bucket. Major advantage.

Are you really able to operate the loader lever while operating the HST with your forearm? I've been trying to figure out a way for years to operate the FEL and HST with one arm at the same time. I've done a simple lever like this on several tractors.

 

[Topher265]

Amazing job Kootch. I admire your problem-solving and perseverance.

A couple of small suggestions:

For starting the tractor, why not wire in a momentary switch to bypass the clutch pedal safety switch? Doing so would mean no more jamming down on your leg to close the actual clutch switch. Instead, you just push in on the momentary with one hand while turning the key with the other. You could start the tractor either way, but the momentary would be just for you .

For welding, have you looked at an inexpensive Harbor Freight MIG model? Just add the shielding gas for MIG. I think a 110A costs around $200 before the gas/hookups.

 

[skyhook]

I am humbled and impressed on your strength to overcome your disability.

Topher265,, good idea. A button of some sort on the dash to bypass the foot one.
Also, maybe some sort of loading dock where your wheelchair would be "level" with your tractor,
would eliminate the stress on the steering wheel, perhaps.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Nice job Kootch.

Looks like something useful even if one is not paraplegic.

I might do something similar to make it easier to run my rear mounted snowblower in reverse. As it is now when I turn to look over my right shoulder and step my heel on the reverse pedal, it's pretty awkward and I often hit my joy stick with my knee.

 

[kootch88]

Amazing job Kootch. I admire your problem-solving and perseverance.

A couple of small suggestions:

For starting the tractor, why not wire in a momentary switch to bypass the clutch pedal safety switch? Doing so would mean no more jamming down on your leg to close the actual clutch switch. Instead, you just push in on the momentary with one hand while turning the key with the other. You could start the tractor either way, but the momentary would be just for you .

For welding, have you looked at an inexpensive Harbor Freight MIG model? Just add the shielding gas for MIG. I think a 110A costs around $200 before the gas/hookups.

I missed the part about the switch!! 2 years later, but I think I will do just that, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[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