Tire sizes across the Country

101 STROKER · Apr 1, 2009

I know this will probably stir the pot with different clubs! BUT why do we have across the country have different allowed tire sizes. If you want to to pull 4,000 # to 5,700 # classes in the South you need 13.6 to 14.9's, if you pull in the Midwest 15.5 work all day long. We are talking about stock classes not super!
How can we unite the the South and North.
Why do we need to regulate tire sizes, and not the tractors HP and displacement's?

Black Farmall · Apr 1, 2009

Im from northern Pennsylvania and between the different clubs we pull at, we have 15.5 non-cut, 15.5 cut on back, 15.5 full cut the some places let ya have 18.4's its a mess!!!!

Matt

Gary from Va · Apr 1, 2009

Most of the clubs around here allow you one size over stock, one club lets you run 16.9 up to 6000#, and 18.4 over that.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 1, 2009

There's a track in South Carolina where you can run 18.4 thru 7500# class and Top cut in stock classes!

showcrop · Apr 1, 2009

In NH we have a strictly enforced tire rule that there must be sufficient clearance between the tire and the tractor for the tire to be able to turn. Don't even think about coming here if your tires will not turn.

30.5's · Apr 1, 2009

why not just use NATPA rules on tire size! that way it dosent matter where you go the tires are the same, per the rules, but wait that would make way too much sense and we cant have that with our little backwoods/have fun pulls. thus not letting more tractors/competition into our pulls because we might get beat by an outsider, and the last thing we need is more hooks right?

02XLT4X4 · Apr 1, 2009

(quoted from post at 18:40:51 04/01/09) In NH we have a strictly enforced tire rule that there must be sufficient clearance between the tire and the tractor for the tire to be able to turn. Don't even think about coming here if your tires will not turn.

Isn't it kind of counterproductive to have tires that won't turn on anything too heavy to carry around?

Anonymous-0 · Apr 1, 2009

If the majority of pullers pulled across the usa went and pulled at all these local clubs, with a wide variation of tire rules, that might hold water, but I still think the far majority of us pullers just hit the local club or two and will never go to a NATPA pull. I would say if they have the time and money to pull across the nation, they could probably afford to have some trailer space for tires for all the clubs they might go to.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 1, 2009

it used to be any size for the most part, but lately..its been 15.5's for antiques...one has a 16.9 limit..and lots have an 18.4 limit. i personally like the 18.4 top cut limit rule...and think all of them should be at least that big on limits. don't minde having it open though....we like to run 42's sometimes.

101 STROKER · Apr 1, 2009

I know that tires rules are different across the country, this is why I,am bringing it up and seeking something that is fair for ALL. This has been an issue for many years and is becoming more transparent as time goes on! Tire size 14.9 VS 15.5 >>>>>> You can cut both tires to out pull the other! Can this ever be UNITED or am I digging for Gold.
Both tires 14.9 and 15.5 have different advantages, speed changes along with grip, stiffer side walls VS taller and faster rim speed and on.
I just wish we all played in the same sand box, just my opinion.
I guess most clubs have rules to keep you pulling with the same organization with RPMS, stock, 10% over, 15% over, 20%, draw bar height, hitch depth.
The killer rule for me is how many different club rules that are out there that make you run a clevis in a horizontal position, or make you run it in a vertical position, or just a simple hole to hook the chain. I guess after pulling for more than 28 years I have seen it all.
It sure would make it nice to go different clubs with out reworking your tractor to different club spec's. If the rules could be more flexible with tires and hitches I would think clubs would be able to entertain more pullers.
I'm not crying about any perticular club just seeking opportunity within all pulling organizers.
How many of you just simply do not pull with clubs that do not match your tractor set-up.
I would like to pull with all clubs that have the classes that I can pull.
What are your clubs doing to promote the sport with opening up the common sense book on tractor pulling.
Please share your thoughts!!!!!!!!

Anonymous-0 · Apr 1, 2009

some pulls around here are 210sq. inches up through 5500 which includes 14.9&15.5's above that you can run 18.4 after in the 3mph non-cut classes, 4mph cut and open class are 18.4 max with any cut

showcrop · Apr 2, 2009

Yes, I would have to agree with that. So far I don't think that anyone has tried to bend that rule. quite a few try to bend the no cuts rule though.

Dblair · Apr 2, 2009

our club does it with width and square inches. the small classes 2750,3000,3500,4000 can use up to 170 sq.in and up to 14.9 in width
2,750 – 3,000 – 3,500 – 4,000 lbs
4,500 – 5,000 lbs.
6,000 – 7,000 lbs.
8,000 – 9,000 lbs.
10,000 – 11,000 – 12,000 lbs.

14.9 max width up to 170 sq. in.
16.9 max width up to 210 sq. in.
18.4 max width up to 260 sq. in.
18.4 max width up to 300 sq. in.

jd b puller · Apr 2, 2009

101, I'd guess that most clubs formed thier rules independant of other clubs. Now everyone already has their tractors set up to run in their local clubs. I like the idea of adopting more common rules, just dont see it happening.

Like others have said, there is a huge variety of rules out there. For example where I am,

[b:94e153de09]stock class[/b:94e153de09] is 10% RPM, 13.6 tires (4500 and under), top cut and 3.5MPH for stock. Powerblocks, D-17 in AC, etc allowed. So it's not really Div II or III but a combo.

The [b:94e153de09]next [/b:94e153de09]class up is 2500 RPM, 24.5, 38", any cut, no speed limit. basically a Brush Pull class.

Many of the "Southern" (VA and South) clubs have the 2500-3000RPM limit, and they like big tires.

How would you like it if your club changed your rules around and everything you had now had to be redone? Like said earlier, most people pull where they pull, and don't want to change their setup (especially if it works) so they can pull somewhere else, and sure don't want to change their whole club rules for "someone else".

George MacPherson · Apr 2, 2009

How can we unite the North and South?

SIR; THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH WILL NEVER BE UNITED!

Don"t forget the SPAPA Antique Tractor Pull this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in St. Matthews SC.

Prairie Oyster · Apr 2, 2009

It"s because of the tractor lobbyists and special interests. The man always gets the tire size he wants. It was caused by pulling club deregulation since 2000. I propose a new "Rule Czar" to oversee all antique clubs across the country to enforce a "Pulling Fairness Doctrine" in the sport. When all clubs are the same, we will truly be equal. As for tires, only the pulling "fat-cats" have 18.4X38. Therefore only 12.4X24 tires will be allowed. Change is good. Change your tires. Yes we can and yes you will.

Larry McConnell · Apr 2, 2009

Hope to see you on Saturday! Think we will have a good time!

Anonymous-0 · Apr 2, 2009

why can't the north and south be united? we got over that war 140 years ago. What do we need to do send Sherman on another march to the sea? We are living for today up here in Mn!!! And next time my trucker friends come down there they don't need to hear that "go home yankee" crap on the CB. I have aunts, uncles and first cousins in Arkansas who I think dearly of and I have no resentment for the south so get over it!

Anonymous-0 · Apr 2, 2009

I think the square inches of footplate is the way to go . even thow that can still give some advantage to the metrics which usually have more bars on the ground.

Weldernils · Apr 2, 2009

Yes a few of us are pushing the issue trying to compete against some great road worn tires that were either bought with fat wallets or found by searching far and wide. Some guys are even buying entire tractors just for the tires. That's why I think there is a good argument to be made for top cuts.

showcrop · Apr 2, 2009

Hi Nils, I just picked up a good pair at Wengers. I was fortunate enough to be in the area anyway. I expect to have the 9000 down to 7000 lbs this year with those nice roadworn 20.8-38s on her.

Dick Tator · Apr 3, 2009

Get an infrastructure grant from the gov't to repair club's dilapidated pullng equipment and boost the economy, then everyone will be told what tire size to use. After all, it's for the common good. Are you against the common good?

Mopower · Apr 3, 2009

You have a strong point, but getting clubs to all be the same is like herding cats. We realized this in our own club, opened up the rules a bit, created some new classes, and hook numbers are way up these days. Other clubs are slowly taking the hint by updating rules. It can be done without shutting out the stock guys. We have four classes from mild to wild. Lots of choices in speed limit pulling. www.cafpc.webs.com

101 STROKER · Apr 3, 2009

I checked out your rules they seem to be fair! I guess the best set of rules that I have found would be the USAP rules that John has set for his club. It gives folks tire freedom and classes to run them in.
Here is my beef> if you have a tractor that can weigh in at 3,000 #'s run 14.9's or 15.5 tires!
Tractors that are pulling up to 6,000 # let them run 18.4 tires if they can turn them. I guess there is a limit, maybe 18.4 is the answer.
Open up the tire rule, open up the club's rules and you my find more pullers.

Mopower · Apr 3, 2009

Amen.

Our stock class holds tractors to one size over what was available for that tractor. The next class allows up to 15.5X38 or 18.4X30. The top two classes are 18.4X38.

I love USAP rules but have not yet tried to pull USAP or NATPA. This year may be my first time. I would have pulled NATPA in the past, but technicalities kept my 98 h.p. UB out of the competition.

We found more room for everyone. It made our club better without pushing our own members out. I say the more the merrier, but some disagree. I guess it pays to remember, the length of my pull is not affected by how many people I am competing with.

Followers of Weber · Apr 3, 2009

http://mmogta.org/TractorPulling.html

Weldernils · Apr 3, 2009

A friend gave me a pair of good looking 18.4-34's. Another friend gave me a pair of rims I widened along with some new centers I cut on the machine. We'll have to see what happens. Glad you got some new rubber. I'm sure eveybody will be thrilled you're running 7000. Me? I'd love the chance to weigh up and have a go at the 9000.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 7, 2009

I pull a H farmall from 3750lbs to 7500lbs classes and I run 16.9X38 full cuts and pull at several different pulls in TN,KY,Miss and I just show up and see what classes I can pull in with the tires I have on the tractor and just enjoy the pulling,win or loose its about having a little fun and meeting different folks and seeing what other pullers are doing.This past Saturday I placed 1st in 5000lb,1st in 5500lb,2nd in 6000lb classes {Modified/Open},only little tractor in the classes.Tennessee Dirt Devil!Lets just go and have some fun playing in the dirt.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 9, 2009

WHY CAN'T WE MAKI IT A SIMPLE NATIONWIDE RULE.
UP TO AND INCLUDING 5,000 POUND TRACTORS CAN RUN UP TO A 16.9 WIDE TIRE AND 5,001 AND UP CAN RUN UP TO A 24.5 WIDE TIRE. AND MOST IMPORTANT LET THEM CUT THEM ANY WAY THEY WANT TO. IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, THE CHEAPEST TIRES ARE THE OLD WORE DOWN ONES. ANYONE CAN TAKE A GRINDER AND MAKE ALMOST ANY TIRE WORK GOOD WITH SOME TIME AND THE COST IS MINIMAL.
THE WAY IT IS NOW YOU HAVE TO HAVE 3 SETS OF EACH SIZE TIRE: UNTOUCHED, TOP CUTS AND FULL CUTS. WE HAVE 30+ PAIRS OF TIRES BECAUSE OF THE STUPID RULES.

jd b puller · Apr 9, 2009

TWOTONE, great idea but....
1. Not everyone can afford to have multiple sets of tires laying around (much less 30 sets).
2. Let's say you take the NATPA boys for example, they can all run 18.4-38's in any class. So now all the guys that are currently running 4500# with their 18.4's have to go find new tires.
3. All the other clubs that have other tire rules now all have people searching for different tires.

That would be like saying you should all adopt MY rules, cuz mine are the best...
13.6 up to 4500
15.5 up to 6000
18.4 past 6000

Nobody's right and nobody's wrong, and aint' nobody gonna change...

scotc · Apr 12, 2009

Over here in the Northwest corner of PA they seem to let you run whatever you stick on it except for at a few places for farm stock and antique. Most limit RPM to 3000 or 3200 as far as I know, for farm stock. There was a group that required a working PTO, but they didn't spec how well it had to work. The places that really seem to get picky about things are really tied down by the insurance company. One place near the house has a 3mph limit and if you don't have wheelie bars you have to hang a chain or rope from the front with 18 inches of slack. If you lift the chain/rope, or lift the front without it, your DQ'd.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 15, 2009

YOU ARE CORRECT, NOBODY WILL EVER MAKE IT EASY.
MY MAIN POINT WAS TO ALLOW CUT TIRES IN ALL SIZES,THIS WOULD GET RID OF ALOT OF THE CONTROVERSY WHETHER A TIRE IS CUT OR NOT, AND NOW YOU ONLY NEED 1 SET OF EACH SIZE TIRE INSTEAD OF 3 SETS EACH SIZE. I PERSONALLY THINK ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN WHATEVER SIZE TIRE THEY WANT, CUT ANY WAY THE WANT. BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. HOW IS THAT FOR A SIMPLE RULE. BY THE WAY, OVER HALF OUR TIRES WERE FREE BECAUSE THEY ARE OLD AND WORN OUT, CONSIDERED NO GOOD TO FARMERS. WE SPEND A COUPLE DAYS WITH A GRINDER AND WALA GOOD PULLIN TIRES.

Tire sizes across the Country

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

New User

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

New User

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads