AgrAbility: Utility Vehicles John Hancock, MS Project Director – Kentucky AgrAbility Barney Fleming, PhD, ATP Rehabilitation Engineer – Kentucky AgrAbility Jeff Richie, MA, CRC Rehabilitation Technologist - Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Kathy Sheppard-Jones, PhD, CRC Training Coordinator - Kentucky AgrAbility Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and Their Families Utility Vehicles This course will provide an introduction to the use and selection of utility vehicles to enhance mobility Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Utility Vehicle - a motor vehicle that is • • • designed for off road use powered by an engine of no more than 25 horsepower, and used for general agricultural, horticultural, maintenance, or security purposes “Cross” between a golf cart and an ATV Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility Utility Vehicle Features / Accessories • • • • • • • • • with or without cab 2 or 4-wheel-drive recreation or work attachments transmission seat height and location - access hand controls, steering aids specialized or custom seating safety - operator age, roll bar, seat belt, muffler location (burns), lights, mirrors • funding and vendors - same as tractors and combines Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility All-Terrain Vehicles - ATVs • hand controls, steering aids • specialized or custom seating • safety - operator age, roll bar, seat belt, muffler location (burns) Thumb assist Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility Ventrac Limited terrain – low frame clearance Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility Golf Cars Advantages • inexpensive alternative vehicle for transportation • adapted for hand controls • some have 4-wheel drive • powered by electric or gas (phase out) • easy access • easy maintenance • some have long range • E-Z Go is 4WD with Honda motor Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility Golf Cars - Continued Disadvantages • not much good for work applications • limited operation on rough terrain - not good on rough terrain • choke placement • shifter placement • don’t tow with a golf car!!!! Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles • The utility vehicle market is growing rapidly • At least 18 companies manufacture and market utility vehicles (next slides) • For existing manufacturers, they are continually honing their models to meet customers' needs. • Each utility vehicle offers a variety of features to suit specific requirements. • Questions: What will the vehicle be used for? Are attachments important? Safety – ROPS and seat belts? Accessibility and usability? Ease of adapting? Etc… Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Bobcat - Toolcat Sarasota 1000 - Bombardier Trail Hand - Bush Hog XRT 1200SE - Club Car Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Big Country - Cub Cadet E-Z-Go Trail UV - Textron Gator - John Deere Mule - Kawasaki Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Hauler - Kimball Raptor - Koyker RTV900 - Kubota Treker - Land Pride Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Ranger – Polaris Back Forty - Pug Turf Grounds Cruiser - Snapper Q.U.V. 620 - Suzuki Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Twister 1600 - Toro Rhino 4x4 -Yamaha Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Hand Controls John Deere Gator adapted with a hand control for a C5-6 SCI - Sure Grip operating handle is in the vertical position Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Hand Controls Can use standard manufactured hand controls (MPS) on Kawasaki Mule and Kubota RTV900 – demo on video and later slides Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Hand Controls Georgia Tech Senior Engineering Design Project - 2004 Design for John Deere Gator comprised of three main subsections: 1. Brake handle - provides the user with mechanical advantage with which to operate brake 2. Brake clamp - stabilizes brake handle 3. Gas clamp - activates gas through tension on cable Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Seat Lifts Seat lifts on Kawasaki Mules Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Wheelchair Lifts and Storage Bruno Outrider Wheelchair Hoist Stow Wheelchair in Bed or on driver side Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Wheelchair Lifts and Storage Univ of Massachusetts Senior Engineering Design Project - 2004 - wheelchair lift and storage device for the John Deere Gator Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Adapting Seats Swivel Seat in Gator facilitates transfer from wheelchair into vehicle Nascar-style restraint harness in Mule www.simpsonraceproducts .com/ Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Specialized Uses Steep sloping terrain and consumer with limited mobility – working from vehicle Hoist attached to bed of Mule for hauling bee hives Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Specialized Uses – A Small Aside Skid Steer Loaders • Some users can transfer onto the scoop and into the cab • Scoop can be removed easily (quick attach bucket) • Operator can select foot or hand control • Allows for different operators to use the same vehicle • JCB – side entry loader enables transfer over tires Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Matthew Kawasaki Mule 610 Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Matthew – Continued Hand Controls Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Roger Kawasaki Mule Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Safety Issues • Lights – should have front, rear and running lights – usually not sufficient when operating in dark conditions; consider add-ons – best to locate on roll bar – consider amp and alternator capacity and battery when operating at idle speeds – consider 2nd battery • Mirrors – critical for safe operation – add-ons for rear view and side view • Grab bar – cross piece typically found on passenger side will make a big difference if installed on driver side Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Utility Vehicle (UV) Product Comparison Data Gathering Tool • • • • • Data needed to properly select vehicle http://www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/comparison/ utilityvehicles/index.cfm (data posted on 10 vehicles) 10 categories of features/specifications pertaining to the UV Quantitative measurements • Human Factors (reach/work envelope, operating forces) • Accessibility (e.g. ease of transfer) Descriptive information • Accessibility (obstacles to enter/exit, transfer, etc) Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data Seating Height to ground Seat depth Back Height Seat-back angle Adjustable Knee clearance Cushion or custom Removable - drive from WC? Arm rests Hip restraint rails – transfers Seat belt/shoulder harness Head rest Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data Steering Telescope / Tilt Availability of alternative wheel Minimum turning radius Steering torque (in-lbs) Power steering Controls Ignition switch - location, direction of turning, relocatable Can key be turned on from outside vehicle? Shift lever – location, force required and distance Parking brake – type (lever arm, thumb button), force required, relocatable Rear view mirrors Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data Gauges / Electrical Maintenance Schedule Routine maintenance performed from seated position? Available gauges: fuel, oil pressure, temp, voltage Accessible/viewable from operator position Capacity of alternator and battery Lights – head, rear, rear brake, turn signals 12 volt electrical plugs Cooling fan engage at idle/low speed Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data Floor area for operator Interference with entrance or exit - foot plates, restraints or side panel Describe area around where the feet rest Measure free floor space If hand controls were attached to floor pedals – effect on leg area Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data Dump/Cargo Bed and Hitch Dump bed height/range of height Powered-dump, manual dump, and/or have a locking mechanism If chair lift is added, how much of the dump bed is removed Height of the hitch Type of hitch offered as standard equipment Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data Tires/Clearance/Suspension Standard size tire Largest and smallest sized tires offered Smallest and largest diameters and tread widths Tread designs “True” ground clearance Type of suspension system and is it rider or “load capacity” adjustable Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky AgrAbility - Utility Vehicles Product Comparison Data ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure) / Cab Others Powered by gas, electric, diesel How many dealerships (or places to get parts/service)? Is a ROPS offered? Is ROPS certified, and for how much weight? Offer a cab or other environmentally protective structure? Cab - heat and/or air conditioning Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky A Few Resources • National AgrAbility Resource Documents on Utility Vehicles - http://www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/ • Northern Tool & Equipment – add on accessories http://www.northerntool.com/ 800-221-0516 request “Master Catalog” • Mobility Products and Design – hand controls for nontitled vehicles http://www.mobilityproductsdesign.com/ • Triple Crown Golf Cars - custom hand controls for golf cars - http://www.triplecrowngolfcars.com/ Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky Contact Us Kentucky AgrAbility 800-333-2814 ces.ca.uky.edu/agrability • John Hancock 859-257-1845 - jhancock@uky.edu • Jeff Ritchie 606-783-1527 - jeffreym.ritchie@ky.gov • Barney Fleming 859-257-7225 - bflemin@uky.edu • Kathy Sheppard-Jones 859-257-8104 - kjone@uky.edu Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky Thanks for Your Attention! Kentucky AgrAbility and Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute University of Kentucky