Mopower (CAFPC)
New User
Of Bragging Rights and Bunkum
Debate over proper regulation of tractor modification has been nothing less than an evolving groundswell ever since Old MacDonald claimed superiority of his mighty iron horse to that of his fellow farmers. From this, our joyful pursuit of bragging rights sprung forth, requiring a basic method of measuring tractor vs. tractor.
Modern antique tractor pulling has traveled quite the winding cow path since the days of chaining neighbors' pride and joy hitch to hitch or "runnin' whatcha brung" at the county fair. Festering popularity lead a fierce competitor to find new ways of gaining advantage over his friendly foes. A weed patch of rules sprouted as older manure caked tractors found themselves next to M&W, TSC, and power unit clad machines.
Brand loyalty coupled with farmers’ belief that their money-making machine was the best purchase for their business, led to the desire for a color on color contest to prove one brand stronger than another and display how well the operator knew his equipment. It also created a great leisurely social gathering when the chores were all done. The machines are now antique symbols of rugged simplicity, as was life when you could still smell their fresh paint.
As the holy quest for horsepower barred its teeth, a new demand lurked in defense of “apples vs. apples” in modern tractor pulling. Four basic types of pulling now exist:
-Stock
As the name implies, how a tractor rolled out the factory doors defined by the parts book for that specific model. Generally used to create competition for show tractors, daily users, and fence row resurrections. Rebuilds sometimes yield mild power increases.
-Updated
Some may still be suited for general use, but are equipped with late model upgrades such as M&W, TSC, combine engines, and power units. Replacement hubs, wheels, and tires of different sizes make speed and weight more versatile.
-Modified
Typically defined by shorter hitches, wheelie bars, and cut tires, these tractors can range from lightly updated to heavily modified. As with stock and modernized pulling, speed and RPM limits play an important role in rewarding power balance, and traction, removing horsepower as the dominant advantage. This, in its many variations, remains the most popular form of pulling today.
-Open
With balance and traction remaining important, removal of speed limits created a huge advantage for speed and power. Open class is for heavily modified tractors only.
With the methods of increasing power as well as pushing each tractor’s physical limits, rule creation was subject to two more factors: safety and cost. These divided pulling into participant funded and spectator funded pulls we see today. This difference can be seen by examining NATPA vs. NTPA.
In VFWs, township halls, barns, convention centers, and internet forums across the country, rules are created for a variety of reasons.
The Bad:
1. To limit new participants
2. To punish pull winners
3. To protect pull winners
4. To give advantage to brand favorites
5. To take advantage from brand favorites
The Good:
1. To measure pulls accurately
2. To create a level playing field
3. To invite maximum participation
4. To guarantee safety
5. To remember the sport’s historical roots
A fella can encourage fellow pullers to maintain the spirit of our sport’s rugged and competitive beginnings while welcoming wide-eyed newcomers. It’s a comfortable feeling to understand no matter how many new hooks roll in, none of them makes my old iron pull any better or any worse. That’s all up to me. As a newbie once myself, I cannot forget those good old boys (and gals) that invited me to the competition. Now, maybe we can do the same. The fierce "Lincoln vs. Douglas" style debate over rules trudges on. Remember where this sport came from, the perks we’ve enjoyed because of it, and how best to make sure a few more folks can take it all in.
Ethan Berry
CAFPC Pulls
Fowler, MI
www.cafpc.webs.com
Debate over proper regulation of tractor modification has been nothing less than an evolving groundswell ever since Old MacDonald claimed superiority of his mighty iron horse to that of his fellow farmers. From this, our joyful pursuit of bragging rights sprung forth, requiring a basic method of measuring tractor vs. tractor.
Modern antique tractor pulling has traveled quite the winding cow path since the days of chaining neighbors' pride and joy hitch to hitch or "runnin' whatcha brung" at the county fair. Festering popularity lead a fierce competitor to find new ways of gaining advantage over his friendly foes. A weed patch of rules sprouted as older manure caked tractors found themselves next to M&W, TSC, and power unit clad machines.
Brand loyalty coupled with farmers’ belief that their money-making machine was the best purchase for their business, led to the desire for a color on color contest to prove one brand stronger than another and display how well the operator knew his equipment. It also created a great leisurely social gathering when the chores were all done. The machines are now antique symbols of rugged simplicity, as was life when you could still smell their fresh paint.
As the holy quest for horsepower barred its teeth, a new demand lurked in defense of “apples vs. apples” in modern tractor pulling. Four basic types of pulling now exist:
-Stock
As the name implies, how a tractor rolled out the factory doors defined by the parts book for that specific model. Generally used to create competition for show tractors, daily users, and fence row resurrections. Rebuilds sometimes yield mild power increases.
-Updated
Some may still be suited for general use, but are equipped with late model upgrades such as M&W, TSC, combine engines, and power units. Replacement hubs, wheels, and tires of different sizes make speed and weight more versatile.
-Modified
Typically defined by shorter hitches, wheelie bars, and cut tires, these tractors can range from lightly updated to heavily modified. As with stock and modernized pulling, speed and RPM limits play an important role in rewarding power balance, and traction, removing horsepower as the dominant advantage. This, in its many variations, remains the most popular form of pulling today.
-Open
With balance and traction remaining important, removal of speed limits created a huge advantage for speed and power. Open class is for heavily modified tractors only.
With the methods of increasing power as well as pushing each tractor’s physical limits, rule creation was subject to two more factors: safety and cost. These divided pulling into participant funded and spectator funded pulls we see today. This difference can be seen by examining NATPA vs. NTPA.
In VFWs, township halls, barns, convention centers, and internet forums across the country, rules are created for a variety of reasons.
The Bad:
1. To limit new participants
2. To punish pull winners
3. To protect pull winners
4. To give advantage to brand favorites
5. To take advantage from brand favorites
The Good:
1. To measure pulls accurately
2. To create a level playing field
3. To invite maximum participation
4. To guarantee safety
5. To remember the sport’s historical roots
A fella can encourage fellow pullers to maintain the spirit of our sport’s rugged and competitive beginnings while welcoming wide-eyed newcomers. It’s a comfortable feeling to understand no matter how many new hooks roll in, none of them makes my old iron pull any better or any worse. That’s all up to me. As a newbie once myself, I cannot forget those good old boys (and gals) that invited me to the competition. Now, maybe we can do the same. The fierce "Lincoln vs. Douglas" style debate over rules trudges on. Remember where this sport came from, the perks we’ve enjoyed because of it, and how best to make sure a few more folks can take it all in.
Ethan Berry
CAFPC Pulls
Fowler, MI
www.cafpc.webs.com
