Tractor pulling tips and tricks for beginner

[johndeeregreg40]

I have a ?53 jd 40 and going to my first tractor pull in a couple of days. I fabricated some wheelie bars which are adjustable heights. Any tips or tricks (like what gear to pull in) will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

 

[Ronnie Budd]

Get a copy of the sled rules and find out what the hitch height and length limits are. Set your drawbar height up as high as allowed. You will probably need to move it forward as well. With a JD40, 1st gear would be appropriate.

 

[MSD]

First gear only, set the throttle linkage so you get the most rpms and use them. Don't weight it to heavy on the back so you can get some wheel spin or you will power out. You should be able to get in the 3000 lb class with a few weights. You can go to 4000 but your pushing your luck there. No need to worry about getting the hitch as high as possible either as you need some slippage to make it work. In 4000 lb class we usually run about 36-3700 lbs.

 

[VicS]

I agree with the other guys. Except I would never pull lighter than the class! If you power out, more hp or don't pull that heavy. Have you took the hyd lift off and the pump? Under the steering gear box is a heavy casting. Real easy to make from a exhaust pipe and a couple flanges. Doesn't have to be precision. Also the front pedestal will hold up a 4020. Can save a lot here. Trailer hubs and a oil field pump barrel. Rear hubs are weak and heavy. Weld on 1/2 plate is stronger. At least replace cast playe and bolts with U bolts. Don't have to do any of this, unless you want to win. It's a very good little motor. I think you could double the cubic inches to 200. With a 15 to 1 compression ratio. Would run with a super C Farmall or a Ca Allis. Would love to see a big one pull. Above all have fun! Vic

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 19:38:57 08/20/18) First gear only, set the throttle linkage so you get the most rpms and use them. Don't weight it to heavy on the back so you can get some wheel spin or you will power out. You should be able to get in the 3000 lb class with a few weights. You can go to 4000 but your pushing your luck there. No need to worry about getting the hitch as high as possible either as you need some slippage to make it work. In 4000 lb class we usually run about 36-3700 lbs.

A little wheel spin may be a good thing except that from my experience a little turns into a lot in a just a few more inches and there you sit until they unhook the chain from you. I would rather maintain traction even if I power out after another thirty feet.

 

[D beatty]

You didn't say what size tire you have on it but tire pressure does play a part in pulling. You want a flat tire print on ground.

 

[MSD]

It's matching your power to the track. Pull heavy with no wheel spin and your done with a little tractor like a 40 or 420. Been pulling this one for 4 years now and have tried all
the tricks to make it work.

 

[johndeeregreg40]

Just weighed my 40 and it came out to 3200lbs. I am looking to compete in the 3500lbs class so I need to add about 300lbs. Is there any suggestions as to what I could use for weight instead of your traditional suitcase weights. The goal is to find something free or cheap. Brake drums were something I was told I could find for free and they could add some good weight as well.

 

[D beatty]

Is that 3,200 with you on or off tractor. Most pulls that includes you on tractor. I use 25lb. bar bell weights since I had back problems.

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 14:36:33 08/23/18) Just weighed my 40 and it came out to 3200lbs. I am looking to compete in the 3500lbs class so I need to add about 300lbs. Is there any suggestions as to what I could use for weight instead of your traditional suitcase weights. The goal is to find something free or cheap. Brake drums were something I was told I could find for free and they could add some good weight as well.

You will be competing with 2-3 times your HP in the 3500 lb. class, which is OK if the track is soft but on a hard track you will be short on power. You will want eventually to get it under 3000 with you on it. I used to compete with a guy on an MT. He weighed easily 260 lbs and had big tires on it. I was in the 3500, but he always hooked in the 3000 before I hooked against him.

 

[Ronnie Budd]

I agree that you might be better off getting the weight down to 3000, or even 3250 if your sled has that class. You will have less engine power than most of the other tractors in the 3500, but your low 1st gear will compensate for a lot of that. On the right tracks, you can be competitive.

I also use barbell weights on my pulling tractor due to a bad back. Nothing bigger than 45 pounds. I pull 3500, 4000, and sometimes 4500. I'm not competitive on a hard track in the 4500, but am on a soft track. I do very well in the 3500 on most tracks around here. MM RTU. Your JD40 will do okay on the right tracks under the right conditions.

 

[johndeeregreg40]

It's 3200 with me on the tractor, I weigh around 150. I'm 16 and don't have much money to go around so barbell weights are probably a good cheap option for me. I should have mentioned this earlier but I am doing mostly transfer sled pulls as they are more common around me (New York/ Connecticut area). Nice tractor by the way!