[AT] Vintage tractor pulling advice

[Dean VP]

Grant:

Typically tractors with steel lugged wheels are asked to be the last to
pull. However, that can get a bit messy if there are multiple weight classes
with steel wheeled tractors in each.  It kind of depends on how easy it is
to set up the sled for each weight class. However, it sounds like this won't
highly leverage competition so it may not be all that big a deal. 

First thing you need to find out is what the pull rules are.  First the
weight classes need to be established and then some safety rules need to be
established about how high the hook point can be and the minimum distance
the hook point can be behind the centerline of the rear axle. Around here
the maximum height is 20" to 21" and the minimum behind the real axle is
18". This varies a bit around the country. Another safety rule is that the
front end cannot rise above the ground more than some number before being
disqualified. 

A lot of the rules are dictated by the type of sled used and how it is
connected to the tractor. Safety should be very high on the list as serious
accidents are very possible. And Spectators should be kept away at a safe
distance. 

Now as far as how to be competitive it depends on a lot of variables that
are too numerous to list here. However, one wants to try to achieve a
balance of weight and HP so the tractor runs out of traction and power at
about the same point. Keeping the front end close or just lightly on the
ground is the optimum point to achieve maximum traction with a progressive
sled. Some pulls dictate that only first gear can be used or have a maximum
speed limit. With a very good and high traction track low gears are usually
better. On a loose track sometimes 2nd gear is better if you don't run out
of HP first. 

The only way to find out all the correct settings of the hitch and weight
distribution is through practice runs. Some pulls run a day or two of
practice runs before the actual competition. 

There are just too many variables to describe what is best for a given
tractor. Typically a steel wheeled tractor will not achieve as good a pull
as an equivalent rubber tired one will. 

Just be careful out there and have fun. 

Dean A. Van Peursem
Snohomish, WA 98290

I'm a walking storeroom of facts..... I've just lost the key to the
storeroom door 


www.deerelegacy.com

http://members.cox.net/classicweb/email.htm



-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Grant Weir
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 10:27 AM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: [AT] Vintage tractor pulling advice

Hi all,

    I've been so busy with my teenagers that I've only been able to lurk for

the last year or so, which is kind of a bummer, but at least I'm still 
keeping up with the reading - mostly... :-)

    My '27 Wallis and I have been invited out to the Purdue Agricultural 
Fair on the 23rd.   Purdue is a small town about 40 miles west of Saskatoon.

   I attended their little show & shine last year (4 cars, 2 trucks, a 
motorcycle and my tractor!) where I suggested that perhaps a vintage tractor

pull might draw more spectators.  Well, they took me up on it so I guess now

I have to go!

    I've never entered a tractor pull before, so I am about as green as 
grass in this area.  I would sure appreciate any pointers you pulling folks 
could offer.   I'm pretty sure I'll be the only steel wheeled tractor 
attending - might this be a problem?  Will I wreck the track for the rest of

the pullers?  Any advice would be great.  Thanks in advance!

Grant Weir
Saskatoon, SK.
Canada

PS:  I've already got the 4" straight-pipe bolted on and it sounds very 
grumpy.   When it idles, each cylinder firing makes a different exhaust note

- it's not just "like" music - it IS music!   :-)


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