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Tractor Pulling Discussion Forum

How to measure track conditions

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MM ZAck

04-23-2008 16:15:58




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Ok guys, I'm putting the finishing touches on my MM ZA and it turned out very well. Doing the final dyno test on Friday to see what sort of power it puts out. My question is has anybody come up with a way to test track conditions other than by eye or kicking the dirt? I'm planning to keep a spreadsheet with the performance of this tractor and want to keep track conditions as well, say on a scale from 1 to 10 from soft to hard. What's the best way to do this?

Thanks,

Zack

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ToddF

04-24-2008 07:43:31




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to MM ZAck, 04-23-2008 16:15:58  
In my AG machinery class we went out with a cone penetrometer (spring loaded cone that penetrates the ground surface). You take penetrometer readings on the track, reference a table that comes with the penetrometer, use an equation that takes into consideration the weight, tire speed and some other things and calculate pounds of pull that can be generated. It would be a perfect application for a spreadsheet. You probably will get your chops broke while running up and down the track taking readings, but you sure will look scientific. I'm not sure where you buy a cone penetrometer, but if you find one it likely will have the equations necessary with it.

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slow mo 57

04-24-2008 06:32:45




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to MM ZAck, 04-23-2008 16:15:58  
I have been pulling few years more than. But I have grown up in a pulling family.There is only one thing I can say from aperson thats family __Work--Pull when we can at over 100 pulls A summer.At all levels from fairs pulls to NATPA.Here is just one thought 1 hook has choice to drop hook if they do most of the time they lose ground.If you know your tractor--use what you know & do not second ques your self. First thought is problely right. Just what I have seen.I use that and it works for me.I am around top of the class most times.

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Owen1066

04-24-2008 05:53:24




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to MM ZAck, 04-23-2008 16:15:58  
As a mechanical engineer and proven winner,I will share my 30yr secret. Use a V-Belt tension gauge (single barrel) the plunger has a scale that reads in lbs of force. The outside scale of the body reads the distance it travels (ie pushes into the dirt.)An o-ring is used to keep track of the travel distance and spring force applied. I modified the plunger end to push into clay.Use the same spring force each time (ie 10lbs)and record the depth it pushes into the track.(take several readings and average the results.adjust your tire pressure based on your readings. keep a notebook of what works best for tire size and tread you have. most people take the readings at the wrong the wrong end of the track ! it is area on the track that is stopping the tractors where it counts. You will know before you pull if it is a true power track and if you have the right gear and horsepower and where to place your weight. Type in Google search "How to use a v-belt tension Gauge" Cost for a gauge is approx $20 (don't tell Chad)

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ChadS

04-25-2008 07:04:40




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Owen1066, 04-24-2008 05:53:24  
Another magic spring?? Rig ya up some sort of sensor,, that when you figure this thing out, that a little light on the dash will light up when its in its desired range, or get real technical,,, and add 3 lights,,, yellow, green and red. They would DQ me for having a device like that.

Track reading is like a game of follow the leader,,, the path found within the first few drivers can give fellas good results. In classes with 7 or less, the chances of driving down the leaders tire tracks and going past that mark is the objective. Sure you could take your own path and take the risk of not making it thru, or driving past them all. Knowing your tractor, and watching simular tractors and paying attention on site are helpful. After a few years of experience, at one point or another, you will be out in the lead. I try to read tracks by what I see from machine to machine, and tires. Best to have 2 sets of tires. ChadS

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Mark's A

04-23-2008 17:12:11




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to MM ZAck, 04-23-2008 16:15:58  
Experience



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MM ZAck

04-23-2008 17:47:42




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Mark's A, 04-23-2008 17:12:11  
Hey, I've been pulling for 15yrs and I can judge a track fairly well. I thought maybe someone had a more scientific approach to it, that's all.

Zack



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Lenny Kirby

04-23-2008 18:04:17




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to MM ZAck, 04-23-2008 17:47:42  
Nope... Been pulling for a few years more than that in one way or another.. A pocket knife or a flat screw driver..lol Track reading is an art. Just put it in your spread sheet in your own words that you can decipher and you'll be good..I have been wanting to do something like that for years but am computer stupid. There is a program I have noticed in the Hook but I think its a little expensive yet.. anybody use it? A track will change enough year to year sometimes though its kinda hard to tell.. This summer with all the rain we have had this spring I bet a not so good track in the past few years will be a biting SOB.. I've seen it before. Keeping notes is good though it provides a really good starting point.

ps: i'm no arteest!! But have known a few.

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track reader

04-24-2008 04:55:18




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-23-2008 18:04:17  
saw your results from princeton, you either read the track terrible or that hutson motor thing is really making power, lets see, LAST, and oh yeah, LAST....could you even see where the leaders stopped at?!?



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Lenny Kirby

04-24-2008 07:30:28




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to track reader, 04-24-2008 04:55:18  
Obviously you were there to actually see what happened. Actually making a little more power than my supply of fuel will handle. Its time for an electric pump. But hey you already knew that you know everything. Have a nice day!



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Lenny Kirby

04-24-2008 07:37:28




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-24-2008 07:30:28  
Oh yeah i'm just shy of 30 yrs old and have been going to antique/big time pulls since I was just out of diapers.. say 26 years.. Been actually pulling since I was 12.. I've seen know it all jackholes like you come and go.. But the good guys that can read a track and are good to their fellow pullers are always around. So use your name and when I see you at the track i'll shake your hand and wish you good luck!

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Depends

04-24-2008 08:32:03




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-24-2008 07:37:28  
Sounds like you're still in diapers, wha wha!! Want some wine with that cheese?



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Lenny Kirby

04-24-2008 08:58:38




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Depends, 04-24-2008 08:32:03  
Sure!!! But I have a job I can pay for my own cheese. I don't need any stinky government cheese! I also prefer Busch Light. Don't worry I can handle all you dish out.



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Depends

04-24-2008 09:19:26




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-24-2008 08:58:38  
I'm sure where you work Lenny you're very familiar with serving french cries and some wahburgers!



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Lenny Kirby

04-24-2008 09:27:04




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Depends, 04-24-2008 09:19:26  
Yup every time someone gets a new CASE backhoe he gets an order of large fries and a box of wine. lol



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butt kicker

04-24-2008 19:17:45




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-24-2008 09:27:04  
Lenny now damit Lenny. When are you going to realize that you need to go back to the drawing board and re look at some things. I have been ahead of you for yrs. And yes I am cheating a bit but who isn't. I have a little more cash in the check book than you so of course I will be ahead. Keep trying. No hard feelings about last yr. Good luck on passing that 150ft mark. Keep at it and try to be my friend and I might help you out some. See ya.

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Lenny Kirby

04-25-2008 05:22:15




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to butt kicker, 04-24-2008 19:17:45  
Lol.. I'm already looking ahead.. New tractor blows black smoke. With a P pump.



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track reader

04-25-2008 05:41:24




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-25-2008 05:22:15  
i expect you to be real successfull with that, too!! the whole class is probably shakin! IF you bought this thing running from someone else, then MAYBE it'll work. Otherwise it'll be like your F30 or whatever.....



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Lenny Kirby

04-25-2008 06:34:43




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to track reader, 04-25-2008 05:41:24  
lOl Ok.. what do you have that runs so well? Did you build it on your own? Inquiring minds want to know!



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trackreader

04-25-2008 07:03:15




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-25-2008 06:34:43  
lenny boy, i'm done with this, i'll watch for your name in the botom of the results, that's where it'll be-who's did you buy? maybe they'll let you start at the pit flag (kinda a head start)--you gonna run F-30 rpms or what?



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Depends

04-25-2008 06:53:12




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Lenny Kirby, 04-25-2008 06:34:43  
Hey he's obviously proved his mettle on this level of pulling by consistantly coming in last or near the bottom. I heard the ITPA farm stocks voted to allow him Billet Sigma pumps, because they knew it wouldn't hurt anything!



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Lenny Kirby

04-25-2008 08:09:25




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 Re: How to measure track conditions in reply to Depends, 04-25-2008 06:53:12  
Lol.. Keep going guys.. I'm amused by how much you guys actually think you know! I love these keyboard puller discussions. Keyboard Puller Association... You guys are the board of directors. You got one chicken that gets put on the spot..."lenny boy, i'm done with this" thats it, thats all you got? Can't answer a question? I'm not the IRS.. And another guy that has a bowel problem and needs to wear depends all the time. Well I know one thing I must be doing something right because all of you seem to know me and have an opinion about me. Thats good. I'll be around pulling in Illinois this summer. You guys come meet me then you can talk all you want. I won't begrude you that. You guys have a nice day and i'll see you in the funny papers!

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