An adapted John Deere Gator has enhanced the mobility and independence of a disabled individual with a penchant for the outdoors.
Mobility challenges have made it difficult for Cornishman, Paul Clemes, who is paralysed from the chest down, to access certain terrains, which led to him approaching regional agricultural and turf machinery dealer, Masons Kings, to find a solution to his problem.
Masons Kings worked in collaboration with Adaptacar to restore Paul Clemes’ ability to engage in the outdoors, by tailoring a John Deere Gator to Clemes’ specific needs.
A John Deere XUV865M Gator was adapted to include modifications providing increased accessibility and usability, enabling him to operate the vehicle safely and to navigate varied terrain.
The modifications included Adaptacar’s left hand push/pull driving controls and quick release steering wheel aid; a winch to lift Paul’s powerchair into the vehicle; a Perspex screen on the front and rear cage; a person lift; a four-point harness; and single folding ramps for the powerchair when using the winch.
Clemes’, a keen hunter and outdoor enthusiast from St Austell in Cornwall, was previously employed with Mid Cornwall Construction Ltd, and intends to use the gator to continue to hunt with his friends in his retirement.
“I’ve been dealing with David [Barnes of Masons Kings] quite a while, he’s always looked after me and he’s done a good job this time as well. I’ve had all the hand controls adapted so it can all be operated by hand now and not by the many feet controls,” Clemes said.
“Because I’m paralysed from the chest down, this adapted John Deere machine will change parts of my life, I now have the freedom to go where I want, and it shows that there are solutions for people with disabilities.
“The message I want to get across to people is just go and speak to people likes of David from Mason Kings, they’ll help you. He’s helped me. Just because you’re disabled, you’re not isolated,” Clemes said.
Masons Kings has been operating across Devon and Cornwall, providing specialist service and support for the last 40 years.
“We were committed to delivering a solution that would make a real difference for Paul, it has been a privilege to provide Paul with a vehicle that regains his independence,” Barnes explained.
