They Build Equipment For Handicapped Farmers

They Build Equipment For Handicapped Farmers AG WORLD Ag World 6-3-20 "Many handicapped farmers never get a chance to swap experiences with others who have similar problems," says Bill Field, Purdue University ag engineer who's bringing disabled farmers together, along with engineers, companies and others interested in keeping handicapped farmers "down on the farm." Field recently organized the first-ever conference for handicapped farmers. For two days, right at 100 farmers from across the U.S. and Canada ù most of them in wheel chairs or using crutches or canes ù discussed specialized equipment, such as lifts to get in and out of tractor and combine cabs, and listened to speakers discuss problems they all face. Several non-handicapped farmers brought their handicapped wives to the conference. Field says the group decided at the meeting to publish a newsletter and form an organization, tentatively called "Disabled Farmers of North America". Since the conference, more than 1,600 farm families have requested more information. If you'd like a free copy of the Disabled Farmers Newsletter, which Field will publish initially, or more information on the new Disabled Farmers' organization, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Bill Field, Extension Safety Specialist, Dept. of Ag. Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. 47907 (ph 317 494-1191). Other engineers and companies throughout the U.S. and Canada have already developed modified equipment for farmers with disabilities. These include: Larry Linnville, Shelbyville, Ind. A farmer himself, he builds an uncomplicated electric-powered lift for tractors and combines that sells for about $550, (more if extensive adapting is needed). He built his first lift for his father. The Linnville Lift will handle up to about 1,000 lbs. weight and mounts with just two bolts. Power comes from a 12-V winch rather than hydraulics, so the tractor doesn't have to be started to operate it. Contact FARM SHOW Followup,Larry Linville, Rt. 1, Box 278, Shelbyville, Ind. 46176 (ph 317 398-7554). The Braun Corporation, Winamac, Ind. The company makes a number of devices for the handicapped, including van lifts, wheel chair carriers, and much more. Recently, they have begun modifying controls on farm machinery for the handicapped, and building lifts. "We're willing to work to solve nearly any problem disabled farmers face on the farm," says Tom Bonnel, who has helped develop a hydraulic platform lift for a John Deere 8430, along with several other projects. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tom Bonnel, The Braun Corporation, 1014 Monticello St., Winamac, Ind. 46996 (ph 219 946-6157). Jiri Vasa, Kingston, Ontario. A biomedical engineer at Queens University, he recently completed a project of designing an "elbow operated" skid steer loader for a farmer, paralyzed to such an extent that he could move little more on his lower body than his elbows. Special hydraulic linkages allow the man to operate the machine normally, and to find active employment not only on the family farm but in his surrounding community. While Vasa's project was a "one shot" experiment, he is willing to visit with disabled farmers about other custom equipment modifications. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jiri J. Vasa, Biomedical Engineering, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6. Dr. Leonard Bashford, Lincoln, Nebraska. Two years ago, along with his students at the University of Nebraska, he developed a tractor lift for disabled farmer Norman Wegner, of Scribner, Neb. (featured in FARM SHOW's Vol. 4, No. 2). Plans are available from Bashford for that lift and he is willing to work with handicapped farmers on other design problems. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dr. Leonard Bashford, University of Nebraska, Dept. of Ag Engineering, Lincoln, Neb. 68583 (ph 402 472-1627).

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