Wheelchair "ATV" Has A Roll-Up Ramp

Wheelchair "ATV" Has A Roll-Up Ramp MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Handicapped Equipment 25-2-25 "It'll go almost anywhere a 4-wheeler will go," says inventor Ron Kimball about his new ATV built for wheelchair drivers. It has a roll-up ramp on back for easy access. The "Shuttlebug", as it's called, is a front wheel drive rig. The ramp on back is raised or lowered by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, which operate off a self-contained electro-hydraulic power unit. By flipping a switch the rear axle pivots out of the way to bring the back of the machine down. The electric-start machine is powered by a Briggs & Stratton 16 hp Vanguard twin cylinder engine that's connected to a Comet automatic torque converter and Power Tec transmission. It rides on 25 by 12 by 9-in. flotation tires. All functions on it are controlled by a single joy stick. It has three cargo racks that can haul up to 500 lbs. "This is an off-road vehicle and can't be licensed for highway use. However, many communities do permit using it for local transportation," says Kimball. "No shifting is necessary. The driver selects either forward or reverse gear, gives it the gas and goes. The automatic torque converter selects the correct range and will permit speeds from 0 to 18 mph." Sells for about $9,000. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Kimball Products, Inc., Box 792, Benton Harbor, Mich. 49023 (ph 800 358-4586; fax 616 925-9535; Website: www.kimballproducts.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.