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Ken in Texas 
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Henderson, TX
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 Topic: Tractor Pulling Strategy
Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 8:38am |
Does this idea make any sense to you veteran pullers?
In the Antique Farm Stock and Farm Open Classes where a speed limit is like 4 mph. Would it be smart to get up to the speed limit as quick as possible when the flag drops to take advantage of the sled being lightly loaded thereby possibly putting extra pull distance for the total pull right at the beginning?
I know it is also the time to turn the sled to pick a line (especialy with light weight tractors) because they can't turn a loaded sled further down track.
Our rules only allow for pulling in first gear in Farm Stock. So, would a high geared tractor capable of 4 mph in first, theoretically, have a advantage over a tractor that just creeps in first? Farm Open (non factory hanging weights placed where the puller figures they will do the most good) on the other hand, can pull in any gear as long as you stay under 4 mph.
Wether or not you leave the line as fast as you can or just creep off at the start, the weight moves up in direct proportion to the distance the sled travels. Due to this fact it may still boil down to who ever has the best traction at the end of the pull goes the farthest and anything you do when the flag drops makes no difference.
Another little Pulling Tip that I know works for better distance (and safety) is: Keep a eye on the pull cable or chain. Keep your tractor in a straight line directly ahead of the sled. Glance back and down once in a while during the pull to be sure you are not way left or right of directly in front of the sled. Make any correction you can while you still can. This is especially important in the light weight classes where beginners without any pulling experience usually start out. The sled pulling the tractor sideways can leed to a possible dangerous situation. How many times have you seen a beginner glance back at where they are in relation to the sled? They all seem to look only straight ahead.
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Dick L
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Edon Ohio
Points: 5087
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 8:54am |
It does't hurt or help to get to full speed at the start. You do however want to be to full speed before the sled pulls the tractor down. I always started at half throttle and then open it up slowly until the horn blows the first time then back off a tad. When I see the tires start to loose tractor open I it up to keep the speed up on some track conditions. You have to learn to read the track. Sometimes when I start to loose traction I throttle down. In the video I put on several times on the first hook I throttled down. Miss read the track. On the second hook I added throttle and took it out.
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Matt MN
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Joined: 14 Sep 2009
Location: Silver lake MN
Points: 1491
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 10:47am |
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Momentum will get you the furthest down the track, So pull it the fastest when it pulls the easiest.
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Unless your are the lead horse the scenery never changes!!
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jhid
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Joined: 31 Mar 2011
Location: Breslau,Ontario
Points: 439
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 3:28pm |
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Up here you have 100 feet to get it under the speed limit when the horn starts blowing, one guy goes as fast as possible for that bit o time then gets back under the speed limit and he usually does well
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red and green are nice for christmas, but orange is all year round
http://www.canadianantiquetractor.com/tractorforum/
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Gary in da UP
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Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: EUP of Mi.
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 7:01pm |
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I never look back, I get the chain taut, pick a spot on the horizon and do my best to guide the tractor there. Looking back might get you out of bounds, and the flagmen want s your attention.
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HARVESTMOONPULLER
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Joined: 12 Oct 2009
Location: NW Ohio
Points: 273
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 8:04pm |
tighten the chain, pick your line, see green and get to it as fast and hard as your allowed.
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DrAllis
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 8:13pm |
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If I was your flagman and you're turning around looking backwards, you would be DQ'd....always look forward for safety and to see the flagman....he's in charge.
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HARVESTMOONPULLER
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Location: NW Ohio
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 8:20pm |
 DrAllis wrote:
If I was your flagman and you're turning around looking backwards, you would be DQ'd....always look forward for safety and to see the flagman....he's in charge. |
Agreed
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mlpankey
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Location: Vols country
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 8:27pm |
you need tall tires so that it will run faster than the mile an hour is through the first 100 ft and middle. Keep giving it throttle when the sled hits to maintain ground speed . The tractor will raise the front end when its slowing down keeping the front end down is a good indicator you are maintaining ground speed . Drive the thing with the wheel the brakes cost you footage. Its just what works for me when I pull.
Edited by mlpankey - 24 Oct 2011 at 8:29pm
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Ken in Texas
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Henderson, TX
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 11:11pm |
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A sled gitin into your rear tire cause you ain't got eyes in back of your head seems like the smart thing to do to some folks. I'm not the brightest bug in the lamp but I do know how not to get burnt. The real danger is not anywhere out there in front of you.
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SHAMELESS
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Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: EAST NE
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Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 11:24pm |
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drive it...like ya stole it!!
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HARVESTMOONPULLER
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Location: NW Ohio
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Posted: 25 Oct 2011 at 6:22am |
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I've taken some pretty fast hard turns that have put one of my tires into the sled and the last most unsafe place to be lookin when that happens is behind you. That sled is only movin as fast as you pull and it ain't gonna run you over.
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Ken in Texas
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Location: Henderson, TX
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Posted: 25 Oct 2011 at 7:48am |
At the Drivers meetings we are instructed not to push in the clutch in mid pull for any reason other than being flaged by the flagman to stop or the pull is over cause the sled stops you. If the horn blows for speeding correct your speed but do NOT stop. The reason givin for not stopping is the sled could rear end your tractor if you stop.
The way I look at pulling it is supposed to be fun and safe for everyone. You as a puller are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. If a quick peek back to be sure the chain or cable is reasonably straight is in your best judgement a safe thing to do to protect yourself from gitin into the shed, one should not be faulted for doing so or warning others of the potential danger of not staying directly in front of the sled.
Just three weeks ago I witnessed a first time puller on a IB way up on three wheels because the driver was so far off to the right out of line of the sled. He ended up totally sideways. I spoke with him later and he said he had no clue that the sled has a mind of its own and wasn't following him. "It all happened so quick" was another of his comments.
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