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14th October 2008Kubota goes the extra mile to customise an STV36

A few years ago Paul Wooley, Head Gardener at Swinfen Hall Hotel in Lichfield, was involved in a serious road traffic accident that nearly cost him his life. Following months of care and rehabilitation, Paul had recovered sufficiently to be able to fend for himself, but was left with the realisation that he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Passionate about his work and determined to return to his role at the hotel, Paul would not let his disability hold him back.

With high regard for the Kubota brand, Paul, through his local dealer Hughie Willett Machinery Ltd. asked Kubota if they would be able to modify a machine that would allow him to continue with his grass cutting, landscaping and other groundcare duties.

Bob Dixon and his staff in the Kubota UK Development Department accepted what turned out to be a very difficult challenge. “It was an unusual request, but when Paul asked Kubota to adapt a machine for him, I was more than happy help. It was a big challenge, made doubly so by the fact that Paul had already bought the STV36 as he had decided that this was the only machine which offered the power and versatility needed for his varied workload” Commented Bob.

The hugely popular STV series is a range renowned for its superb versatility and is perfect for a multitude of commercial groundcare applications. These powerful, lightweight compact tractors feature a 4-cycle 3 Cylinder ETVCS water cooled diesel engine, HST transmission, Kubota’s innovative Bi-Speed Turn for reduced turf damage and twin wet-type disc brakes.

Bob and his assistant, Stuart McClimont, quickly decided on how the normally foot operated controls could be changed to hand controls and acknowledged that the major challenge would be getting Paul from his wheelchair into and out of the tractor seat safely and independently “ This was the most challenging part of the job. We decided that we should manufacture a hoist which would be fixed to the tractor rollbar and still be able to swing over the wheelchair and the tractor seat and be able to be parked behind the rollbar where it would not interfere with Pauls work, or any trees.

On 16th May, the finished STV36 was delivered to Paul at Swinfen Hall Hotel where final testing was conducted. “I am absolutely delighted with the STV. It makes my life so much easier and allows me to a carry out all of my duties with ease.” commented Paul. “Bob and Stuart have really thought this through and left no stone unturned. I just cannot thank them and Kubota enough.”

“We are really pleased with the end result,” commented Bob, “It was a very satisfying project made doubly so as it is very obvious to see how the modified STV36 has helped Paul to continue in his work. It was certainly a challenge my team enjoyed tackling!”

Choosing a Kubota means more than ownership of an exceptional machine. Kubota is dedicated to providing the very best in customer service, ensuring you receive the information and assistance required to choose the right machine for your needs.

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