Vermont Tractor Pullers Association

Vermont Tractor Pullers Association

Farm Stock Tractors Driver Eligibility: 1. General rules apply. 2. Driver must be 16 yrs of age or older.  Those under 18 yrs of age must have written parent/guardian permission. 3. Driver must be familiar with all tractor controls: brakes, clutch, shifter, throttle, TA, etc.  Driver must be experienced enough to safely handle tractor in an unexpected event such as wheelie, wheel hop, sudden change in direction, mechanical failure, etc. Safety: 1. Stabilizer bars or wheelie bars are REQUIRED and MUST meet VTPA specifications (refer to diagram in back of book). 2. A dead man throttle is not required.  However, drivers are advised that one can be easily rigged using a rubber shock strap. 3. All stock farm tractors will be REQUIRED to be shut off by factory ignition or throttle shut off. (Explanation: no stalling of engine while in gear for shut off.)  Will be checked during inspection or at discretion of officials. 4. A tractor is REQUIRED to have at least a fully charged 2 ½ lb fire extinguisher on board in reach of operator.  A functional gauge on the fire extinguisher is required. 5. The third link of three-point hitches will not be used in any way to stabilize the draw bar. There must be a dead man zone of 18” in height and 6” wide from the top of the draw bar. Chassis/Engines: 1. All tractors must be stock-blocked for the series tractor.  Engine must be of original type or factory replacement.  Original style hood and grill must be in place. 2. Turbochargers, intercoolers, superchargers, torque converters, automatic shifts, etc. are permitted provided such are original equipment for that series. 3. All exhausts must either discharge vertically with a minimum 18” straight pipe or muffler in working condition or discharge through a factory, under slung exhaust system in working condition. 4. Engine RPMs not to exceed 2600 rpm and governor must have a stop. 5. All stock farm tractors will be required to have a stock air filter system including filters. 6. Must have rockshaft and housing or OEM top cover and working hydraulics unless tractor came from factory without.  Must have working PTO. 7. Fuel must be pump #1/#2 diesel only.  Soy/biodiesel allowed.  Or pump gasoline.  8. Nitrous oxide, propane, alcohol, nitro methane, methanol and all other oxygen carriers and flammables are PROHIBITED.  9. Water injection is not permitted.   Hitches: 1. Draw bar height for classes less than 9000 lbs will be a minimum of 19”, and for classes over 9000 lbs will be a minimum of 21”.  Minimum length of drawbar is 18” from center line of axle housing for 9000 lb and less tractors, and a maximum length of 36” from center line of axle housing for 9000 lb and more tractors.  Measured from center line of axle to hook point. 2. Drivers must provide their own hitching device or clevis with a minimum hole size 3” x 3 ¾” - 1” thick steel minimum. Tires: 1. All tractors with rubber tires are permitted.  No sharpened or cut tires.  Tire studs or chains NOT permitted.  Dual tires are required on 2WD tractors in 4WD classes as long as duals are held together by at least 4 connectors.  In weight classes of 18,000 lbs or greater, tractor and driver cannot weigh less than 1,000 lbs of the maximum weight of that class. (i.e.: in the 18,000 lb class, tractor and driver cannot weigh less than 17,000 lbs). Added Weight: 1. All weight must be safely secured to the tractor, and not interfere with hitch.  Weight is not to exceed 24” forward of the front most portion of the tractor.  Any ballast or external parts lost while hooked to the sled will be cause for disqualification.  No weights may be moved from one tractor to another competing in the same class during that class.  No portion of tractor may interfere with sled or sled hitch during a pull.  Hitch needs to be visible for hitching and unhitching.  2. All tractors weighed at event. Weight Classes 8,000 lbs; 9,000 lbs; 11,500 lbs; 13,000 lbs; 15,000 lbs; 16,500 lbs. Misc: 1. No mixing of classes until 18,000 lb classes. 2. Tractors not qualifying for the Farm Stock class will be asked to participate in the Hot Farm class with proper safety equipment. Altered Farm Driver Eligibility: 1. General rules apply. 2. Driver must be 16 yrs of age or older, capable of handling tractor.  Those under 18 yrs of age must have written parent/guardian permission. Safety: 1. All operators must wear an approved racing helmet (minimum Snell rating 90).  Face shields recommended.  Fire suits MANADATORY, minimum requirements for fire suit, Nomax rating of SFI 3.2A-1 (single layer).  Head sock, fire retardant gloves and fire retardant shoes or leather work boots are MANDATORY. 2. It is MANDATORY that the tractor has a roll over protection bar or cage that is at least as high as the top of the drivers head/helmet.  Rollover protection must be fastened by at least two points to the rear axle housing.  Factory style flip down tops allowed.  Rollover protection must be able to lift one rear wheel when pulled horizontally from the top of the bar/cage without damage to the bar/cage.  If a rollover protection bar is installed, it is mandatory to have a lap belt.  If a roll cage is installed, it is mandatory to have a 5 point harness. 3. All Altered Farm tractors MUST have air shut off (diesel) or ignition shut off (gasoline) that has a hook up ring at the rear of the tractor to be connected to transfer sled.  Kill switch must be within 6” of center and no more than 48” above hitch.  It is MANDATORY that an electric assist fuel pump be tied to the kill switch.  All Altered farm tractors will be REQUIRED to be shut off by factory ignition or throttle shut off.  (Explanation: NO stalling of engine while in gear for shut off.)  Air shut off or ignition shut off must be within reach of driver with seat belt or 5 point harness buckled.  Will be checked during inspection or at discretion of officials. 4. It is MANDATORY that all Altered farm tractors have an SFI approved clutch and flywheel.  It is MANDATORY to install frame connecting ladder bars.  Frame connectors must be secured adequately from final drive housing to forward of bell-housing and flywheel.  Frame connectors must meet VTPA criteria: able to support tractor with engine disconnected from rear housing.  SFI 4.1 or 4.2 rated, 6 strap blanket is MANDATORY. 5. Stabilizer bars or wheelie bars are REQUIRED and must meet VTPA specifications (refer to diagram in back of book). 6. A tractor is REQUIRED to have at least a fully charged 2 ½ lb fire extinguisher on board in reach of operator.  A functional gauge on the fire extinguisher is REQUIRED. 7. The third link of three-point hitches will not be used in any way to stabilize the draw bar. There must be a dead man zone of 18” in height and 6” wide from the top of the draw bar. 8. MANDATORY front skid shoes must able to support tractor in the event of tire, rim, spindle or axle failure.  Skid shoes must be directly underneath frame rails.  Bottom of skid shoe to have maximum of 4” ground clearance.  Securely attached to tractor.  9. NO narrow front ends. It is MANDATORY that all front ends are no less than 36” between front tires. 10.  Harmonic balancer shielding must be built to contain harmonic balancer in the event of crank shaft failure or balancer explosion.  Shielding must be 360 degrees plus appropriate shielding in front.  Frame rails may be used as part of the shielding.   MANDATORY FOR 2015. 11. It is mandatory to have engine side shields of .060” metal.  OEM steel fan shroud is mandatory.  If the fan guard is plastic or fiberglass, it is required to have a side shield cover the fan.  Electric fans are exempt. 12. MANDATORY: 2 clamps with 3/8” cable between #1 and #2 cylinders completely around top of head and bottom of block with a 3” slack. 13. RECOMMENDED: Aftermarket steel hubs. Chassis/Engines: 1. Altered Farm Tractors are stock appearing tractors with enhancements to create more horse power and pulling ability than similar stock models. 2. Tractors with engine modifications or higher than rated engine RPM will be expected to enter in Altered Farm Tractor classes.  Tractors with above modifications entering stock classes will be disqualified and not allowed to re-enter Altered Farm Classes. 3. Turbocharger inlet to be a maximum of 3.0” measured at the wheel or at a restrictor bushing installed at the inlet of the turbocharger.  Bushing must be secured in place, if bushing falls out during run, tractor will be disqualified.  All exhaust must exit through the turbo. 4. All turbo charged tractors must have two 3/8” bolts installed crisscross through the exhaust after the turbo charger.  5. Naturally aspirated tractors may have non-stock intake and exhaust manifolds.  Turbo charged tractors must have OEM for that manufacturer intake manifold. 6. Fuel must be pump #1/#2 diesel only.  Soy/biodiesel allowed.  7. Nitrous oxide, propane, alcohol, nitro methane, methanol and all other oxygen carriers and flammables are PROHIBITED. 8. Water injection allowed.  9. Intercoolers/ice boxes allowed. 10. Stock wheel base must be maintained. Hitches: 1. Draw bar must not exceed 20” in height.  Draw bar must be stationery in all directions.   No clevises.  There will be a dead man zone of 3” on either side of draw bar.  Minimum length of draw bar is 22” from center line of axle housing and a maximum of 36” from center line of axle housing. Tires: 1. All tractors with rubber tires are permitted.  No sharpened or cut tires. Tire studs or chains not permitted.  Added Weight:  1. All weight must be safely secured to the tractor, and not to interfere with hitch.   Weight is not to exceed 24” forward of the front must portion of the tractor.  Any ballast or external parts lost while hooked to the sled will be cause for disqualification.   No weights may be moved from one tractor to another competing in the same class during that class.  No portion of tractor may interfere with sled or sled hitch during a pull.  Hitch needs to be visible for hitching and unhitching. 2. All tractors weighed at event.  Weight Classes:  6,500 lbs;  7,500 lbs;  8,500 lbs;  9,500 lbs; 11,000 lbs;  12,500 lbs. Misc: Competition rules (not safety rules) are frozen for three years- 2014, 2015 and 2016 pulling season. Hot Farm Driver Eligibility: 1. General rules apply. 2. Driver must be 16 yrs of age or older, capable of handling tractor.  Those under 18 yrs of age must have written parent/guardian permission. Safety: 1. Stabilizer bars or wheelie bars are REQUIRED and MUST meet VTPA specifications (refer to diagram in back of book). 2. A dead man throttle is not required, however, drivers are advised that one can be easily rigged using a rubber shock strap.  3. A tractor is REQUIRED to have at least a fully charged 2 ½ lb fire extinguisher on board in reach of operator.  A functional gauge on the fire extinguisher is required.  4. The third link of three-point hitches will not be used in any way to stabilize the draw bar.  There must be a dead man zone of 18” in height and 6” wide from the top of the draw bar. 5. Helmets are required.  Face shield recommended. 6. It is highly recommended that all hot farm tractors have an SFI approved clutch and flywheel.  SFI 4.1 or 4.2 rated, 6 strap blanket is MANDATORY.  7. It is MANDATORY to install frame connecting ladder bars.  Frame connectors must be secured adequately from final drive housing to forward of bell housing and flywheel.  Frame connectors must meet VTPA criteria: able to support tractor with engine disconnected from rear housing. 8. No tube frame chassis.   9. It is MANDATORY that the tractor has a rollover protection bar or cage that is at least as high as the top of the drivers head/helmet.  Roll over protection must be fastened by at least two points to the rear axle housing.  Factory style flip down tops allowed.  Rollover protection must be able to lift one rear wheel when pulled horizontally from the top of the bar/cage without damage to the bar/cage.  If a rollover protection bar is installed, it is mandatory to have a lap belt.  If a roll cage is installed, it is mandatory to have a 5 point harness. 10. It is MANDATORY to have engine side shields of .060” metal.  OEM steel fan shroud is mandatory.  If the fan guard is plastic or fiberglass, it is required to have a side shield cover the fan.  Electric fans are exempt. 11. All Hot Farm tractors MUST have air shut off (diesel) or ignition shut off (gasoline) that has a hook up ring at the rear of the tractor to be connected to transfer sled.  Kill switch must be within 6” of center and no more than 48” above hitch.  It is MANDATORY that an electric assist fuel pump be tied to the kill switch.  All Hot farm tractors will be REQUIRED to be shut off by factory ignition or throttle shut off.  (Explanation: NO stalling of engine while in gear for shut off.)  Will be checked during inspection or at discretion of officials.  Mandatory air shut and/or kill switch to be connected to sled. 12.  Front skid shoes must able to support tractor in the event of tire, rim, spindle or axle failure.  Skid shoes must be directly underneath frame rails.  Bottom of skid shoe to have maximum of 4” ground clearance.  Securely attached to tractor.  This is MANDATORY for all tractors with aftermarket front axle.  RECOMMENDED for all tractors using an OEM front axle for that series tractor. Chassis/Engine: 1. All tractors must be stock blocked for manufacturer, no adapter plates.  Engine must be of original type or factory replacement.  Original style hood and grill must be in place. 2. Turbochargers, intercoolers, superchargers, torque converters, automatic shifts, etc. are permitted provided such are original equipment for that series. 3. All exhausts must either discharge vertically with a minimum 18” straight pipe or muffler in working condition or discharge through a factory, under slung exhaust system in working condition.  All turbo charged tractors must have two 3/8” bolts installed crisscross through the exhaust after the turbo charger.  4. Engine RPMs not to exceed 3000 rpm and governor must have a stop.  RPM will be tested and strictly enforced.  Violators will be disqualified if checked after pull and do not pass.  5. Turbocharger inlet to be a maximum of 2.5” measured at the wheel or at a restrictor bushing installed at the inlet of the turbocharger.  Bushing must be secured in place, if bushing falls out during run tractor will be disqualified.  All exhaust must exit through the turbo. 6. Fuel must be pump #1/#2 diesel only.  Soy/biodiesel allowed.  Or pump gasoline. 7. Nitrous oxide, propane, alcohol, nitro methane, methanol and all other oxygen carriers and flammables are PROHIBITED. 8. No non-stock intercoolers or ice boxes. Hitches: 1.  Draw bar height will be a maximum of 21”. 2.  Drivers must provide their own hitching device with a minimum hole size, 3” x 3 ¾” - 1” thick steel minimum.    Tires: 1.  All tractors with rubber tires are permitted.  No sharpened or cut tires.  Tire studs or chains not permitted. Added Weight: 1. All weight must be safely secured to the tractor, and not interfere with hitch.  Weight is not to exceed 24” forward of the front most portion of the tractor.  Any ballast or external parts lost while hooked to the sled will be cause for disqualification.  No weights may be moved from one tractor to another competing in the same class during that class.  No portion of tractor may interfere with sled or sled hitch during a pull.  Hitch needs to be visible for hitching and unhitching. 2. All tractors weighed at event.  Weight Classes: 11,500 lbs; 13,000 lbs; 15,000 lbs.