Cornwall, England: An adapted John Deere Gator has enhanced the mobility and independence of a St Austell resident with an enthusiasm for outdoor life. 

Regional agricultural and turf machinery dealer, Masons Kings, worked in collaboration with Adaptacar to restore Paul Clemes’ ability to doing what he loves best. 

Mobility challenges have made it difficult for Clemes, who is paralysed from the chest down, to access certain areas, so he approached Masons Kings for help. 

A John Deere XUV865M Gator was adapted to meet Clemes’ specific needs with modifications providing increased accessibility and usability, enabling him to operate the vehicle safely and navigate varied terrain.

The modifications that were made include Adaptacar’s left hand push/pull driving controls and quick release steering wheel aid, a winch to lift Clemes’ 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 said: “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. Just because you’re disabled, you’re not isolated.

David Barnes, Commercial Sales Consultant at Masons King, said: “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 independency.”

A video interview with Paul and David can be watched online. 

*John Deere is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.