Your Opinion on Pullin' Tractors

For me, the fun is going to be the challenge of creating a customized tractor that should also perform much better than it could in original condition. It's a hobby, and just a toy. I'm also trying to get a great deal of performance out of the tractor without doing the extreme engine modifications I've seen done to other tractors, to see if I can do it. I don't think what I'm doing is different than what farmers have been doing for centuries - coming up with innovative solutions to meet their own situations and problems.

As far as pulling, it's a competitive sport. While I don't care what someone wants to do with his own property, I don't agree with making any modifications to get more performance by slipping past the rules. I'm not upset that I won't be able to pull my tractor when it's done, because I know what the rules for the local pulls are, and I won't meet spec. The fault is mine for not building within the guidelines, but I'm building the tractor I want not a tractor to compete. As long as you have clear pulling rules and everyone follows them, everything else is personal preference. Rules can be altered as needed to close any loopholes.

But when I'm in the market to buy a used tractor, I skip over the ones advertised as pullers. I figure they have been run the pi$$ out of, and cost too much to revert back to original. It also seems that most guys that advertise pullers seem to think they have something special and price them accordingly. (Probably because they have too much wrapped in 'em.)

Of course, I'm sure there are a few out there looking for a used puller, so more power to 'em! (pun intended.)

Dale