Riding a combine harvester

12.08.2023 Złotniki k.Legnicy (Poland)

Seeing modern combines, I often thought about how enjoyable it must be to drive such advanced machines. These vehicles have nothing in common with the primitive machines from the People's Republic of Poland era. Air conditioning, advanced electronics, and interesting design are the norm in modern agriculture. As a person with a disability in a wheelchair, I never even dreamed of riding in a modern tractor or combine. The biggest obstacle seemed to be the inability to place me in the cab due to its height and limited seating space.

However, my friend, with the help of a friendly farmer, organized a surprise for me. When we arrived at the field, I saw a combine harvesting grain and guessed that I was about to take a ride in a modern combine worth a million zlotys.

The initial euphoria gave way to uncertainty about whether there would be any obstacles preventing a safe ride. Fortunately, my friend and the farmers were prepared. The loader with a deep bucket turned out to be crucial. With the assistance of two people, I entered the bucket in my wheelchair and was lifted to the height of the combine cab. There, I was transferred to the cab, where an additional strap was used to secure my chest.

Sitting comfortably and safely in the combine cab, I believed that my ride would indeed happen. The first few minutes were spent acclimating to the height and talking to the combine driver, who told me about the machine's capabilities. The beautiful views of Legnica were an additional attraction. In a matter of minutes, we harvested a sizable piece of the field, and the tractor with a trailer picked up the threshed grain twice. I got to know the work of a farmer, and it was an interesting experience. It's a shame my hands are limp, as I could not only ride in the combine but also operate it.

Getting me out of the cab proceeded in reverse order and posed no major problems. I was lifted "like a teddy bear" onto the wheelchair, which was then lowered to the ground by the loader. The operation "ride of a person with a disability in a combine" was a complete success.

I am very happy that I could experience such wonderful moments. Organizing such an attraction for a person in a wheelchair is not easy, but it is possible thanks to the right people. Riding in a combine is not an extreme sport, but placing a paralyzed person in such a vehicle is a challenge. I take satisfaction in having experienced something unusual with a bit of adrenaline while maintaining maximum safety.