CNH Industrial launched the world’s first tractor that’s accessible for people with lower limb disabilities. The New Holland TL5 was produced in Brazil and developed in partnership with several inclusive mobility companies.
CNH also enlisted farmer and customer Fernando Dalmolin, who uses a wheelchair following an incident that left him without the use of his legs, to help with developing the tractor under the New Holland brand. “This is what people with disabilities like mine need to work independently out in the field,” Dalmolin said in a statement.
The tractor has a unique lifting platform and joystick controls allow users to enter and exit the tractor without help. Once they’re inside the tractor, users can operate the tractor with adapted functionality. In the U.S., at least 634,000 farmers and ranchers have a disability, with many reporting physical limitations.
Brazil estimates that 7.8 million of its people have lower limb disabilities.
