Rules Book Disclaimer March 2012
The rules and/or regulations set forth herein are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of sporting events and to establish minimum acceptable requirements for such events.
These rules shall govern the condition of all events, and by participating in these events; all participants have agreed to comply with these rules. NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATIONS OF OR COMPLIANCE WITH THESE RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to a participant, spectator or official.
The event director shall be empowered to permit minor deviation from any of the specifications herein or impose any further restriction that in his opinion do not alter the minimum acceptable requirements. NO EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM SUCH ALTERATION OF SPECIFICATIONS. Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the discretion of the officials. Their decision is final!
RULES FOR CONDUCT OF EVENT March 2012
1. Wherever possible and practical, the pulling track will be at least 14 feet wide with a 10 foot zone on each side for a total of 34 feet. This 10-foot zone will be kept clear of all spectators.
2. All tractors and drivers must be registered before the drivers meeting, 15 minutes prior to the first pull.
3. Participants will pull in random order assigned by the registration staff.
4. Each driver that pulls must weigh in on the tractor he/she pulls. Tractors are classed for pulling by weight and year of manufacture. To enter a class competitively, the tractor and driver’s weight must not exceed the weight for the class they are pulling by more than 100 lbs.
5. Once the tractor is weighed in and signed up, there cannot be any weight added or the puller must weigh again. If there is no weigh in after weight has been added, the puller will be disqualified.
6. Tractor operators must be able to operate all tractor controls from a seated position. The Track Officials and/or Safety Committee will make decision on small children.
7. There shall not be any riders on any tractors at any time.
8. Tractor operators, officials, and track workers may not be under the influence of alcohol, and/or drugs of any kind before or during the pull.
9. Any person who blocks the track with a tractor, or by other means, for the purpose of delaying a tractor pull shall be eliminated from participation for one full year.
10. After track official (flagman) indicates the sled is ready, the contestant has three minutes to position tractor for hookup.
Before hooking the tractor to the sled, the tractor must be in neutral, clutch disengaged, brake on and the driver must raise his/her hands in the air. The driver is to remain in this position until the person hooking the sled to the tractor indicates he/she has completed the hookup. Allowances will be made for tractors with hand brakes, allowing the operator to use one hand.
11. The first puller in each class is a test puller and has the option of taking that pull or pulling a second time in last place. The second pull will be the competing pull. The driver must tell track official before leaving the track if he/she wants to take the first pull or drop back and pull a second time.
12. Drivers must be seated at all times while pulling.
13. All pulls are to be started from a tight hitch NO JERKING.
14. No parts of the tractor may interfere with the sled or the sled hitch during the pull.
15. Tractor tires must stay within the ropes or boundaries of the course or they will be disqualified.
16. Drivers must be properly dressed. This includes shirts,blouses,pants,skirts,shoes,etc.
17. Contestants will be allowed a second attempt if he/she does not pull beyond the 50 foot mark on the first attempt. Pull-offs are allowed one attempt only.
18. Any tractor that raises the front end an excessive amount during the pull will be given the red flag. Excessive is to be considered when the bottom of the front tires is above the centerline of the rear axle as judged by the flagman.
19. The top 3 tractors are subject to a possible random re-weigh.
20. All weights must be secured, if any drop off during the pull you will be disqualified. (Duration of pull, any time the tractor is hooked to the sled).
21. The track official has the right to inspect any and all tractors while on the track.
22. The safety committee has the right to inspect any and all tractors at any time.
23. Track official has the right to inspect any tractor at any time to make certain the tractor is in compliance with the rules. Track official’s reserves the right to bar from competition any tractor thought to be unsafe.
24. The track officials and safety committee have the authority to make changes to the rules as long as safety isn’t compromised.
25. The track official and the safety committee have the authority to enforce the rules. ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
26. Protest rule. The protester must put up $100.00 in cash to be held by the track judge. The winner of the protest will receive the $100.00.
HISTORIC STOCK RULES – MARCH 2012
A. If the tractor is set up for four wheels, it must have four wheels and tires.
B. Standard components (frames, transmission cases, rear ends and housings and front ends) may not be modified or substituted.
A. The top of the draw-bar must not be more than 20 inches from the ground and the hitching point no less than 18 inches from the center of the axle.
B. Contestants must supply their own clevis with a 3-inch or larger opening.
A. Historic tractors may pull in Historic and Antique classes.
A. Rear tires that are more than one size wider than the manufacturers’ specifications.
B. Tire tread that has been cut, ground, or altered in any way other than normal field or road wear.
C. Dual wheels.
D. Tire chains.
E. Rear wheel sizes that are not to manufacturers’ specifications (diameter) unless tires for that size are not available. In this case one larger or smaller size may be used.
F. No weight brackets, hanging weights, nor more than 2 factory weights per rear wheel, unless the weight is shipped from the factory as a standard equipment; however, weight must be in proper order and where they belong (inside and outside).
A. Engine cylinders must not be bored or sleeved more than one size larger than the manufacturers’ standard specifications.
B. Outside components on the engine that would affect the horsepower of the tractor must be to factory specifications (e.g., carburetor, distributor, magneto, manifold, fan).
A. Hitches and hitch components must be stock, or the Safety Committee must approve modifications to stock components.
A. Governors must be set to the factory specific RPM, but if checked will be allowed an excess of 10%.
B. All operators are responsible for having their tractors checked for RPM’s and to see that these comply with the standards posted on the front of the trailer using a tachometer. The Track Official has the option to have the RPM’s checked before the tractor leaves the track.
11. Rear-ends and transmission gears must be stock per factory specifications:
A. After a participant has begun his or her pull, shifting the gears or changing the ratios of power transmissions is forbidden.
12. There is a 3 ½ mph speed limit.
13. Classes are 3,000lbs, 4,000lbs, 5,000lbs and 6,000lbs.
OPEN 1959 and OLDER RULES – MARCH 2012
1. Tractors must be 1959 or older to be eligible to compete. No CRAWLERS or 4WD.
2. Tractors must have hood and grill in place as intended by the manufacturer. With no alterations except where necessary to accommodate any changes to external engine equipment. (Criteria to be retention of stock appearance.)
3. A Legal Engine shall consist of:
A. The stock engine block for make and model entered or a replacement agricultural block designed for that make and model entered. Most have stock type carburetor for make and model entered. Stock type considered correct number of barrels and same direction of draft. No turbo or superchargers. No engines designed and built after 1959 will be allowed.
B. The only permissible fuels will be gasoline, diesel, L.P.gas (Propane), or kerosene. No Alcohol fueled engines. No nitro or nitrous oxide. Water injection will be permitted.
C. All exhaust must exit vertically.
D. Engines turning in excess of 25% over stock RPM must be properly shielded with .060 thick metal. Shield must cover entire area from bottom of hood to top of frame.
E. Any engine turning in excess of 25% over stock RPMs must have a shield surrounding the flywheel area 360 degrees. Shield must be ¼” thick steel, 8” wide or Kevlar scatter blanket material.
F. Any tractor with an engine turning in excess of 25% over stock RPMs must have a kill switch. This switch must break or ground ignition and break current to any electric fuel pumps. Diesel engines must utilize an air shut off kill switch. The switch must be located in the rear center of tractor 48” above the point of hook.
G. These tractors that are high speed are also recommended (not mandatory) to have seats with 4” side rails and 8” back support minimum, seat belts are also highly recommended.
4. A Legal Chassis shall consist of:
The stock main case, transmission housing and final drive housings. All chassis members must be of the same manufacture, and must bolt together with no alterations or adaptors. Home made side frames and front ends are acceptable, wheelbase must be within 12” of stock. You must have working rear brake.
5. Rim diameter up to 34”, maximum tire width 20.8 (ex. 20.8x34). Maximum rim diameter 38”, maximum width 18.4(ex. 18.4x38). Exceptions being made for tractors that came factory equipped with 23.1-26 tires. Tires may be cut.
6. Draw-bar:
A. Maximum height 20” to hook point.
B. Minimum length of drawbar 18” from center of rear axle to hook point.
C. Must have a closed ring hitch or clevis with 3” dia. opening.
D. Drawbar must be stationary in all direction.
7. Wheelie bars are mandatory. (See specs on last page) Bars must be strong enough to jack tractor off of them and not part of the drawbar.
8. Weight racks permitted. Weight racks not to extend past rear of back tires. All weights must be securely fastened.
9. There is an 8 MPH Speed Limit.
10. Weight classes 3,500lbs, 4,000 lbs, 5,000 lbs, 6,000 lbs, 7,000 lbs, 8,000 lbs, 9,000 lbs. and 10,000 lbs.
ANTIQUE STOCK 1954 AND OLDER – MARCH 2012
A.If the tractor is set up for four wheels, it must have four wheels and tires.
B. Standard components (frames, transmission cases, rear ends and housings and front ends) may not be modified or substituted.
A. The top of the drawbar must not be more than 20 inches from the ground and the hitching point no less than 18 inches from the center of the axle.
B. Contestants must supply their own clevis with a 3-inch or larger opening.
A. Rear tires that are more than one size wider than the manufacturers’ specifications.
B. Tire tread that has been cut, ground, or altered in any way other than normal field or road wear.
C. Dual wheels.
D. Tire chains
E. Rear wheel sizes that are not to manufacturers’ specifications (diameter) unless tires for that size are not available. In this case one larger or smaller size may be used.
F. No weight brackets, hanging weights, nor more than 2 factory weights per rear wheel, unless the weight is shipped from the factory as a standard equipment; however, weight must be in proper order and where they belong (inside and outside).
G. NOTE: Long bolts protruding from rear wheels used to hang wheel weights may not exceed 12 inches.
6. Tractors must have the proper part number on the block for the year of manufacture or the manufacturers’ replacement number based on tractor serial number.
A. Engine cylinders must not be bored or sleeved more than one size larger than the manufacturers’ standard specifications.
B. Outside components on the engine that would affect the horsepower of the tractor must meet factory specifications (e.g., carburetor, distributor, magneto, manifold, fan).
7. Tractors must have a belly-type draw-bar and cannot be connected to the top control arms, unless the control arms are made stationary or are mounted as stock equipment:
A. Hitches and hitch components must be stock, or the Safety Committee must approve modifications to stock components.
8. The only fuels permitted are gasoline, diesel, LP gas, and kerosene. No other fuels are permitted.
9. Any tractor that has four wheel drive cannot use the front drive or will be disqualified.
10. No governor strings or wires are permitted. Tractors have to be operated under governor power and governor must be set to factory specifications.
A. Governors must be set to the factory specific RPM, but if checked will be allowed an excess of 10%.
B. All operators are responsible for having their tractors checked for RPM’s and to see that these comply with the standards posted on the front of the trailer using a tachometer. The Track Official has the option to have the RPM’s checked before the tractor leaves the track.
11. Rear-ends and transmission gears must be stock per factory specifications:
A. After a participant has begun his or her pull, shifting the gears or changing the ratios of power transmissions is forbidden. (Use of a Stock factory installed T/A, or equivalent is allowed).
12.Classes are 3,000lbs, 3,500 lbs, 4,000 lbs, 4,500 lbs, 5,000 lbs, 5,500 lbs, 6,000 lbs, and 8,000 lbs
13. There is a 3 ½ mph speed limit.
1975 & Older Open Class (to include Turbo Tractors)
I. Only tractors built in 1975 or earlier are eligible to compete.
II. Tractors must have hood and grill in place as intended by the manufacturer. With no alterations except where necessary to accommodate any changes to external engine equipment. (Criteria to be retention of stock appearance.)
III. A Legal Engine shall consist of:
A. The engine block for the make and model entered or a replacement agricultural block designed for the make entered. If an engine is not of the same manufacturer as the tractor, it must be a specific engine the manufacturer utilized in like sized agricultural tractors in 1975 or before. Must have same number of cylinders as original engine. Specific engines or engine families that were only available in Diesel form may not be converted to spark ignition, or vice versa. Engines must have OEM cylinder head - No recast; No aluminum; No overhead cams allowed. No onboard computers.
B. The only permissible fuels will be gasoline, E-85, diesel, L.P.gas (Propane), or kerosene. No Alcohol fueled engines. No nitro or nitrous oxide. Water injection or intercooler will be permitted.
C. All exhaust must exit vertically. Exhaust must be at least 15” above the hood. No curved pipes or rain caps. Exhaust pipe on turbo charged tractors must be cross-bolted with two 3/8” grade five bolts within 1” of each other.
D. Engines turning in excess of 25% over stock RPMs must be properly shielded with .060 thick metal. Shield must cover entire area from bottom of hood to top of frame, if no frame rails, then shield must extend to 6” below center of crankshaft. Any turbos not under hood must be completely shielded with .060 thick steel.
E. Any engine turning in excess of 25% over stock RPMs must have a shield surrounding the flywheel area 360 degrees. Shield must be 1/4” thick steel, 8” wide or Kevlar scatter blanket. Engines turning over 3,500 rpms should have a steel or aluminum flywheel and clutch assembly with no cast iron parts. If tractor does not have SFI approved harmonic balancer or solid,one piece front pulley, proper shielding to contain balancer is required.
F. Any tractor with an engine turning in excess of 25% over stock RPMs must have a kill switch. This switch must break or ground ignition and break current to any electric fuel pumps. Diesel engines must utilize an air shut off kill switch. The switch must be located in the rear center of vehicle 48” above the ground. A deadman throttle is also required.
G. All tractors must have a starter interlock that will only permit starter engagement when transmission is in neutral, or when clutch is fully dis-engaged.
H. Tractors that are high speed (12 mph and over) are also required to have seats with 4” side rails and 8” back support minimum, and fenders. Roll over protection and seat belts are highly recommended. A factory built and certified rollbar is preferred.
IV. A Legal Chassis shall consist of:
A. The stock main case, transmission housing and final drive housings. All chassis members must be of the same manufacture, and must bolt together with no alterations or adaptors. Home made side frames and front ends acceptable, wheelbase must be within 12” of stock, maximum 114”. Must have working rear brakes.
V. Maximum tire size for turbo tractors, 18.4-38, or 20.8-34,naturaly aspirated tractors,
20.8-38. 8,500 lb. and heavier classes will allow 24.5-32 tire size. Tires may be cut.
VI. Draw-bar:
A. Maximum height 20” to hook point.
B. Minimum length of drawbar 18” from center of rear axle to hook point.
C. Must have a closed ring hitch or clevis with 3” dia. opening.
D. Drawbar must be stationary in all direction.
VII. Wheelie bars are mandatory. Bars must be strong enough to support the tractor at its heaviest weight with both rear wheels off the ground. Pads may not be over 10” from the ground and be a minimum of 32” rearward from the rear axle. There must be bumper bars that extend at least 12” up from the pads. Pads must be 20” apart and at least 5” square.
VIII. Weight racks permitted. Weight racks are not to extend past rear of back tires. Front weights may not extend any further than 13 feet from center of rear axle to forward most point. All weights must be securely fastened.
IX. Weight classes 2,500 lb, 3,000 lb, 3,500 lb, 4,000 lb, 4,500 lb, 5,500 lb, 6,500 lb, 7,500 lb, 8,500 lb, 9,500 lb,10,500 lb, &11,500 lb.
These rules are for the needed restrictions with safety in mind and may be altered as the need arises.
Turbo tractors must comply with the limitations cited below.
Cubic inch limit on 4,000 lb. and lighter turbo charged tractors will be 280 c.i.d. and turbos will be limited to 2.0” inlet or 2.0” restrictor plate.4,500 and 5,500 lb. classes limited to 414ci,and 2.4” turbo inlet or 2.4” restrictor plate.6,500 to 8,500 lb. classes restricted to 466 c.i.d. diesel engine and turbo size to 2.4” inlet or 2.4” restrictor plate. Spark ignition engines up to 504 cubic inch will be allowed, but turbo size restricted to 2.25” inlet, and one carburetor only, no fuel injection.
Tractors not meeting these specifications may be able to compete with a weight disadvantage, at the discretion of the official.