Masons Kings, a Cornish agricultural and turf machinery dealer, has adapted a John Deere Gator to enhance the mobility of a St Austell resident.
Paul Clemes, who is paralysed from the chest down, struggled to reach certain areas and approached the dealer for a solution. Mason Kings then worked with Adaptacar to find a solution that would allow Paul to continue enjoying the outdoors.
A John Deere XUV865M Gator was adapted, with modifications to provide increased accessibility and usability, enabling him to use the machine safely and navigate varied terrain.
These modifications included Adaptacar’s left-hand push/pull driving controls and a quick-release steering wheel aid. A winch was added to lift Paul’s powerchair into the vehicle, as well as perspex screens on the front and rear cage, a person lift, a four-point harness and single folding ramps for use with the winch.
“This adapted John Deere machine will change parts of my life,” said Paul. “I now have the freedom to go where I want, and it shows that there are solutions for people with disabilities. Just because you’re disabled, you’re not isolated.
“We were committed to delivering a solution that would make a real difference for Paul,” said David Barnes, commercial sales consultant at Masons Kings. “It has been a privilege to provide Paul with a vehicle that regains independence.”