Section 1: Utility Vehicle Extends Pennsylvania Dairy Farmer’s Day

John Deere Gator

Robinson's John Deere gator, complete with dump bed, Curtis Cab, and heater, provides him with mobility on the farm.

Charlie Robinson owns and operates a dairy farm in northwestern Pennsylvania. Since 1982 he has had lower back pain and osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine, making it difficult for him to complete some of his farm tasks. AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians staff began working with him in 1998. Together, Robinson, his family, and the AgrAbility staff, including a subcontracted physical therapist, determined the type and level of assistance he needed. The state office of vocational rehabilitation (OVR) was then contacted for assistance.

Robinson’s primary issue was mobility. AgrAbility staff recommended three major changes/additions to his operation. First, a John Deere Gator with a dump bed was purchased. Cold weather seriously affected Robinson’s abilities in the winter months, so a Curtis Cab and heater were added to the Gator. Second, the stall barn was modified by removing the old stanchions and installing new tie-type stanchions and by raising the height of the deck where the cows stand by four inches. This height change makes it easier for him to use a milking stool that takes 90% of the strain off his lower back when doing the daily milking.

Third, his Massey Ferguson 1100 tractor was modified to include a rollover protective structure (ROPS), additional tractor steps and grab bars, and a Grammer seat. OVR provided full funding for the Gator, the barn modifications, and the tractor ROPS.

Robinson says, “I felt better at the end of the first day with the modifications. The new seat made a huge difference. I am now able to work many more hours without pain. In fact, I do most of the work now by myself.”

Article and photograph were provided by AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians.

NEXT: Focus—Arthritis

In This Issue
Section 1: Client Story—Utility Vehicle Extends Pennsylvania Dairy Farmer's Day Section 2: Focus—Arthritis Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes—Farming and Ranching Made Easier	Section 4: State Project Feature—Partnership is Key to Missouri AgrAbility Project Section 5: Resources and References Section 6: Contacts