At 15, behind the wheel of a tractor for the first time: A custom-built John Deere paves the way for Paul to join his parents’ farm

With a custom-adapted John Deere tractor, Paul has earned his Class “T” tractor license and will now be able to work independently on his parents’ dairy farm.

Paul had been eagerly anticipating this day for weeks. As soon as he arrived at the Paravan Mobility Park in Aichelau, it was clear just how passionate he is about John Deere: The wheels of his wheelchair are adorned with images of the green tractors, and even his orthotics feature the signature John Deere design. When the 15-year-old finally received the keys to his custom-built tractor, a long-cherished dream came true for him and his family. For Paul, the John Deere is far more than just a work machine—it gives him the opportunity to earn his Class “T” tractor license on his own machine and to assist the staff at his parents’ farm in the future.

Customized Technology for Everyday Work

In the future, Paul will take on his own tasks at his parents’ dairy farm and drive the tractor to the fields on his own. The farm cultivates about 200 hectares of land and keeps around 400 dairy cows—and the number is growing. For many young people who grow up on a farm, this is a given. For Paul, however, this step was only made possible by a custom-developed technical solution. “So that I can drive myself on public roads to the nearest field,” says Paul.

The modification had to go far beyond a standard vehicle conversion. Modern tractors pose special challenges due to their high entry height, seating position, and the force required to operate controls. The goal was therefore to enable Paul to use the machine safely and, above all, independently.

At the heart of the modification is a custom-designed entry solution. Using a standing lift with a separate hydraulic unit, Paul can raise the platform to entry height at the push of a button, transfer to the driver’s seat, and then lower the platform again. An integrated emergency release ensures the platform can be lowered safely even in the event of a technical malfunction. In addition, grab handles were installed. The brake controls were also adapted to Paul’s physical capabilities. Because he lacked the strength to operate the brake with his feet, it was relocated upward and additionally secured via a separate hydraulic circuit. A custom-made platform in the footwell ensures an ergonomic seating position and enables Paul to operate the tractor safely and comfortably.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for projects like this. We take a close look at which controls can be used and how, and what requirements the machine must meet in its future day-to-day work,” explains Maurice Möritz, Paul’s Paravan mobility consultant. “Every modification is based on the user’s individual abilities and requirements. The result is a solution that fits him perfectly—just like here with Paul.” 

Every machine adaptation begins with the user’s individual abilities and requirements. Especially with work machines, the spectrum ranges from mechanical adjustments to digital driving and steering systems such as Space Drive, which can also be used to customize tractors or other machines. This results in solutions that enable people to access the workforce or support them in their careers over the long term. The adaptation of work machines and commercial vehicles is therefore becoming increasingly important—whether in agriculture, construction, skilled trades, or municipal services.

More Than Just a Tractor

The handover of the tractor is changing not only Paul’s mobility but also his role on the farm. “This means the world to us. Paul can now take on tasks on his own, support our employees, and work on the farm as a matter of course,” says Tobias Schlüter, Paul’s father and managing director of milk and more Schlüter GmbH. “This lightens the load on our workflows, and above all, he’s becoming an equal partner in our family business.”

For Paul, however, something else entirely takes center stage today. He’s looking forward to his first drives around the farm—and to pitching in on his own soon. “Finally, I’ll get to drive the corn harvester myself and show the others how it’s done.” For Paul, obtaining his tractor license marks the beginning of a new chapter. In the future, he’ll be able to get behind the wheel himself and work where he’s long wanted to pitch in—on his parents’ farm.