What is tractor pulling 

   It is a sport to determine who can pull the sled the furthers.  It takes some skill to know how to set up and drive a tractor for pulling.  Unlike other motor sports tractor pulling is not about the speed but the distance. 

Tractor pulling started in the 1920's with motorized farm tractors.  It wasn't until 1969 when garden tractor pulling began.  

The point of tractor pulling is to determine the strongest machine and best driver combination. 

There are different classes to match up the tractors that compete so they are as close to the same as possible. 

All tractor and drivers must weigh the same. Weights are placed on the tractors to make up the weight difference.  The drivers learn how to place the weights to work in their advantage.  By weighing the same also helps make the playing field equal. 

Boundary lines are place on each side of the track.  This is for safety and to keep the tractor from going off to one side.  The key is to keep the tractor in a straight line.  Most tracks are 12 to 20 feet wide and 200 to 400 feet long. 

The first tractor to pull in their class gets the opportunity to keep that pull or turn it down and come back at the end of their class to try it again.  This is known as the test puller. 

Each puller has 75 feet from the starting position to stop the pull and start over.  This will give the driver an opportunity to move weights or adjust the tractor for a better pull. 

Who ever pulls the sled the furthers is the 1st place and the one to pull the next furthers will be 2nd place and so on. 

Getting started in garden tractor pulling begins with a garden tractor or riding law mower.  The first and simplest class is Off the Law/Stock class.  You will need no or very little modifications to the tractor.  It is much like taking the mower deck or any equipment off and go pulling. 

Next is stock altered class.  This class can be as muck as building your own tractor from the frame up, to as little as replacing the engine with something more power full. 

Tractor pulling can be a fun and exiting event for everyone!  Bring your tractor to a pull and give it a try!