A Guide to Tractor Pulls

If you have never heard of a tractor pull competition, you are definitely missing out! Tractor pulls are considered one of the most unique motorsport competitions in the U.S. and are truly a sight to behold. If you’re looking to take up a fun and creative new sport, tractor pulling might just be for you. However, before you jump into it, it’s important to understand exactly what tractor pulling is and how you can get involved.

Here are a few points to keep in mind, before participating in a tractor pull.

Understanding Tractor Pulls

While a tractor pull may look like a race, it is actually a strength competition. Tractors, farm tractors, and even heavy-duty trucks are modified to pull the maximum amount of weight possible. To compete, they’re hitched to a sled with a winch that increases the weight as the competitors move down the track.

Typically, most vehicles won’t reach the finish line – nor are they expected to. The event is also not timed. When two competitors tie or both reach the finish line at the same moment, a pull-off, also known as a ‘full pull,’ is held to break the tie.

The History of Tractor Pulls

Tractor pulls began in the 1860s, when farmers would compete to see whose horse was the strongest. This was done by strapping a horse to a barn door and seeing how far the door could be pulled.

As the horse traveled further and further, people would jump onto the barn door to increase its weight. While ‘horse-pulling’ is still present today, it became extremely popular to use tractors rather than horses during the 1950s. Today, both competitions are held at national levels!

How to Attend a Tractor Pull Competition

Tractor pulls are popular competitions, with both national and multinational competitions taking place in the U.S. However, the easiest way to see a tractor pull up close is at the state or regional level. These events are held in almost every state, and you can often find them advertised as a main attraction at your local, county, or state fair!

Ready, set, pull! Buy your tractor at J5 Tractors, located in Conroe, Navasota, Buna, and Normangee, Texas.