Pulling with a JD 60

[Jziemer]

Last year I went to a few tractor pulls around my area and decided I would like to give it a shot. I have a stock John Deere 60 and I would like to make it a little more puller ready. what are some things I could do to increase my hp/make my engine more efficient? Thanks for any help.

 

[brentp4455]

need a little more info. what class are you pulling? tire size, hitch height, rpms?
and whats your budget?

 

[Jziemer]

5500-6500lbs classes. Hitch is roughly 12inches from the ground. 12.5-38 tires on the rear. Im looking to spend around 1000 mabe a little more.

 

[Mike M]

If you are wanting to try and win forget that $ 1,000 budget !

The pulling guys ( I call then tractor races ) have deep pockets and highly modify their machines.

You can do alot more on the track for alot less with other brands then JD. These old 2 cyls. were built so heavy compared to other brands.

 

[MrJDMan80]

It is hard to win with a $1000 budget, BUT not hard to go have fun. Think basics. Start with a rebuild of the distributer and get your tractor on a dyno to get the dist and carb set got max power. Going through the gov is a good idea as well. A 60 will normally run out of traction before power in those classes, so make that thing bark to the end. The key to pulling is fun, NOT PURSE!!!
Tim

 

[TriTownTB]

buy wheel weights.......first gear........tighten the clutch.......have fun!!!!!!!!! everyone forgets to have fun when it comes to pulling, at least around here.

 

[2-banger]

We pull a 60 and its pretty hard to beat 7500lbs up if i do everything right..lol..i dont have alot of money in mine.. it all depends what u want to spend..you need 15.5s or 14.9s to do good..shoot me a text or email if u want..585-802-8775

 

[Mike Aylward]

In my opinion the best thing you could do this year, if you are unfamiliar with pulling, is to not even try to build a tractor but go to some pulls and observe. Talk to some folks, look at the tractor set-ups, and above all, learn. You will be on a steep learning curve one way or the other. This way will be much cheaper.. A 60 that is not "built" can be a strong performer in the super heavy classes. But in the classes you are wanting to run, without some tires and correct hitch geometry, you will be outclassed very quickly. That isn't so much fun when you lose consistently. I have yet to see a person that pulls that doesn't want to win or at least feel like they had a good shot at it. Learn all you can, THEN build what you want. Mike

 

[M w J]

I have a stock 60 use 1 st gear get weight at least 600 lbs behind the rear axle then more in the center just ahead of the clutch pulley and you will still need some on the front We have new 15/5/38 firestone tires The front will still bob along the track weighted to 12000 lbs it will still spin out.

 

[jwuertz]

What area are you pulling in?

 

[tadd r]

no sh&t!!!!!!! it about participating and having fun,who cares who wins!

 

[FactoryFarmer]

If it were me I'd have the carb bored out, lengthen the rods, port and polish the head, MSD ignition, adjustable hitch and wheelie bars, race fuel and wind it up for around 2000 rpm or so. You'd be surprised what you could do.

If your willing to do some of the work yourself or have someone that can help you it won't cost that much money.

 

[wilamayb]

Or you could spend that $1000 on a plow/disk/planter and have a pile of fun too

 

[brentp4455]

first off find a good set of 14.9 or 15.5 38 tires. you will need them at the weight you'll be pulling. you'll want about 40-60% tread. also, get the hitch as high as you're allowed. these two things will get you some needed traction. then you can worry about power.

 

[Jziemer]

Southeastern Minnesota

 

[Jziemer]

Ya I am doing it more for the fun. I am just trying to find out more info on what others do. At some point I would like to build a tractor just for pulling. This 60 will get used for pulls and farm work. Thanks for all the advise.

 

[DWCJD]

HERE IS MY CHEAP HITCH AND WT SET UP. I PULL ALOT OF 6500 DEAD WT PULLS

 

[Jziemer]

Thanks for the pictures they will help me design my weight set up. Very sharp tractors. Thanks again James

 

[madmechanic]

Is this a transfer sled or a stone boat? You should run out of traction before power, with a 60. I have yet to stall mine doing anything. Keep the pressure down in those tires, you want them to squat down and wrinkle. Wider is better.