podium newsletter 14 - jan11 - the antique tractor pull guide · 2011-01-27 · podium newsletter...

©2010 by Zack Peterson and Podium Finish, LLC – www.antiquetractorpullguide.com 1

Welcome to the Podium Club!

The information found at www.antiquetractorpullguide.com is like no other information out there. The tips,

tricks and secrets of successful tractor pulling are designed to improve your performance at the next tractor

pull, while having more fun at the same time.

Podium Newsletter

It’s no secret that the cold, dark winter months can sometimes be tough to cope with. This winter in particular has been fairly cold and brutal all across the continent. In fact, just last week a new record low of -46°was recorded in International Falls, MN. Even southern states such as Georgia and the Carolinas have had snow and cold temperatures. It must be due to global warming. ☺

Cold temperatures, less daylight, fewer outdoor activities and events can add up to “cabin fever”, where we become frustrated about being inside. There’s also a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where a depression can set in and cause us to eat & sleep excessively and possibly gain weight (not good for tractor pulling!).

How to Beat the Winter Blues

January 2011

Of course if you are lucky enough to live within reasonable distance of a winter indoor tractor pull, then you are probably riding an adrenaline rush the weather or time of year could not possibly affect.

The good news for the rest of us is there are small things we can do to keep ourselves occupied while the snow flies and the tractors are marinating for the winter. The following are a few ways to keep yourself motivated and moving until the track thaws and the first hook of the year is here.


How to Beat the Winter Blues (cont)

Start with an overall goal for the year – Maybe this year you would like to finish a project that has been in progress for a long time, or to become more competitive, or to have more fun, or to visit with more people at the next pull, or to finally sort out the loose wiring on your tractor, or cutting a new set of tires, or maybe it’s a plan to attend more pulls this year than ever before. Whatever your goal may be, set it now and write it down. Actually, what works well is to tape it to the mirror in your bathroom so that every morning when brushing your teeth, you are reminded of that goal. This gives something to look forward to every day and when that goal finally is achieved, satisfaction and fulfillment will be there to greet you.

Do three little things every day, and only three – One great way to boost ourselves out of the blues is the sense of accomplishment. An easy way to accomplish things is to start small. Set a list of three things to do a day –small things. I’m not talking about balancing the country’s budget deficit between now and lunch. Simple things can be done such as “go for a walk”, “visit with family”, “put in carburetor rebuild kit”, “order parts online”, or “read a book for 15 minutes before bed”. Cross these items off a list when finished and there it is – accomplishment! Interestingly enough for you over-achievers out there, throttling back to three things a day will save a lot of stress and worry about what doesn’t get done during the day.

Do something for someone else, more than once a day – This is an important part of the human spirit, helping others. This can be as simple as holding the door open for a stranger, giving someone a compliment, or simply calling a tractor buddy just to chat. Making someone else’s day just feels good.

Learn, learn, learn – Reading up on history, figuring out how a transmission works, checking sports stats, or learning something new totally unrelated to anything you’ve ever thought about before is a great way to beat the blues.

And finally, get on those Winter Projects – Spring will be here before we even realize it. Keeping busy while working on a winter project (especially a pulling tractor), will keep us in the right mindset come time to play when the warm sun shines.

January 2011


Keeping the Crowd Informed

January 2011

One of the most frustrating things for a spectator at a tractor pull is to not understand what is happening. Announcers can be tough to hear, especially at indoor events where the noise of engines tends to drown out all other sounds.

A great way of keeping the crowd informed of the class is visually. This can be done easily with flip cards and are most effective when put on the sled itself. Since all eyes are on the puller and the sled, it becomes very easy for the spectator to tell where the progress of the tractor pull is at.

In the picture below of Mark Valentine’s sled, notice the placards that tell the weight class (4000lbs) and the speed limit (3mph).

When a new class starts, either at another weight or the same weight but faster speed limit, the card is simply flipped to the next number. This also helps pullers who must stage their tractors for upcoming classes, and the sled operator who knows when to adjust the sled.

If your club has lots of spectators that love to watch pulls, it may be beneficial to give them more insight into the action.


What’s inside:

• Ground speeds for most makes and models featured in The Antique Tractor Pull Guide.

• Ground speeds shown with respect to different RPM and different tire sizes.

• Ground speeds shown in every gear from near idle to full RPM, including USAP and NATPA allowed RPM’s.

• How to figure ground speeds for any tractor at any RPM, allowing for cut tires & lower tire pressures.

• Ground speeds for gearing variations including creeper gears, ring & pinion changes, M&W 9 Speed transmissions, Sherman transmissions and more!

AVAILABLE NOW!only at

www.antiquetractorpullguide.com

Congratulations to drawing winners:

The Antique Tractor Pull Guide: Ground Speeds winners:Karl Bridge - New Westminster, BC Jason Stenftenagel - Jasper, INDave Schmedding - Corvallis, OR

Ken Spink - Horton, MI

The most anticipated action guide that EVERY PULLER should have!

January 2011

Now Available!

The Antique Tractor Pull Guide: Ground Speeds

Snap-on tool set winner:Kevin Nadler - Defiance, MO


Winter Project update

The Massey Harris 101 Twin Power has now been stripped down for engine removal. The sheet metal, radiator, fuel tank, battery tray and mounting brackets have been removed in preparation for the engine swap.

January 2011

Let’s start! Hood & Grill Removed

Original Chrysler 201 engine Fuel Tank and mounting brackets removed


Winter Project update (cont)

Stay tuned next month for the official engine swap!

Did you know?

The Podium Newsletter reaches over 325 subscribers (and increasing fast) every month? Do you have a product or service to offer? If so, advertising in the Podium Newsletter may benefit you or your business.

For more information, contact Zack at [email protected]

January 2011

Left side of Engine Drive shaft coupling


Coming next month…

� The Engine Swap

� Room & Radiators

� A look ahead…the first hook of the year

� And more…

I want to hear from you! If you have feedback, requests or

information you would like featured, please send an email to: [email protected].

Freshly built Oliver 77 sitting on 18.4-38

Firestone Field & Road tires waits for the first

hook of the year.

Podium New slet t er

February issue will be available 2/23/11

January 2011

podium newsletter 14 - jan11 - the antique tractor pull guide · 2011-01-27 · podium newsletter...

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