There is 3 or 4 townships in my area that have fairs, so I want to participate in the parades. But they also have antique tractor pulls. I'd like to try that too. Not to be competitive but just for fun. But I also don't want to make a fool of myself, LOL.

So for a box stock CA with no weights, what should I start with for baseline settings as far as tire pressure and what gear to be in?

I've also been told hitch height is critical?

And at the end of a run do you need to throttle down as you step on the clutch to stop to avoid over-revving the engine? In other words how quick do i have to catch everything?

You should be in the 2500 lb class I think or maybe the 3000??

Good luck and have fun. These CA's usually do real well, even near stock. They generally have more HP than most in the same class I believe. 

You may find the competition will come later? Guess that just depends on you and how competitive you are, not the tractor??:)

Oh yes the hitch point can surely help you balance the tractor as stated below. Try to get the rules from all the pulls and be ready to make some minor adjustments to the hitch. Usually the height varies from one pull to the next and you may need to make changes. Most are 17 or 18 inches to top of hitch point around here. Length from center line of the axle to hitch point is generally 22 inches minimum.

Yea do the tune up work at home prior to the pulls. There is always some one tinkering with their tractor on the side lines. They may have gas or electrical issues and their tractors can falter on the track. 

 Make us proud!

Regards,

 Chris

 

You will want to remove all the weight possible, even if you are under the maximum weight. You want all the moveable weight possible, so you can move weight where you need it. Don't forget that you sit offset on a CA, so you will need to match the driver's weight on the left side of the tractor.

 

Try to get a set of matching tires for the rear, preferably Firestones (my preference). I would start with 3 - 4 lbs. of air pressure. Buy a couple clip on air chucks, with a hose between them and build a tire equalizer. Clip it on both rear tires and let it set long enough that you have the same pressure in both tires. I built mine with a T in it and I have a 10 lbs. pressure gauge at the T and a valve so I can add air to both tires at the same time (actually two T's).

 

If you don't want to embarrass yourself, make sure you have good gasoline flow (no obstructions in the tank outlet, sediment bowl, fuel line or carb). Make sure you have good spark plugs (no Champions!!!), points, distributer (or magneto) cap and wires. Make sure your timing is right with a timing light (not by ear).  Do something where you can run it under a good heavy load for a while to make sure the engine doesn't "stumble" under load. Start out pulling in low gear. If you think you have enough power, try second.

 

The more you pull, the more you will learn. A hard, clay track = a little more air pressure and more front end weight, with the hitch as close as possible. A soft, stone dust track = softer tires, more weight on the back and possibly a longer hitch. Watch the guys that pull ahead of you and see where they are going on the track and what their tractors are doing.

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

You can strip it to get to 2500 lbs, but that means chucking just about everything.

Stock, it has great power with the gearing. Add large oversize tires, then you might need more power.

    Club where you plan to pull has pulling rules.  Makes a big difference especially how close to what they actually enforce especially in the FARM STOCK class. What modifications are allowed as to tire size and hitch modifications are usually spelled out in club pulling rules.

    Our local club rules pretty much follow the EDGETA rules for pulling.   Club requires a half twist clevis  if all you have is a small bolt hole in the end of your drawbar.  I ran a stock C flat drawbar on  my CA puller for years.

     CAs make good pullers right out of the box stock. Better pullers with a few mods

 

From what I have seen at our fairs here the rules are pretty loose.But I do remember one of the locals telling me that 18 inch hitch height works best and you guys just confirmed that as a good start.

Sounds like I didn't go wrong buying a CA as my first antique.

I wanted to watch the last pulls to try and learn something, but I got recruited to run the pullback tractor, LOL.

Are you planning to be in the antique class?

But yes Chris, I am just going to go to the local antique tractor trots and pulls at the local fairs.

Good point too....take more pics of hitch setups.

Here's mine. Like I said right now I have just been ordering all the stuff to make it right and look better.

Changing all the fluids and filters, new gauges, some new sheetmetal, and I have to address my rear rims where they are rotten around the valve stems.

I like the Bolens too!

Regards,

 Chris

And of coarse as a joke they put flames and an Orange County Choppers emblem on it before I picked it up.

I just looked at all the pics I took at my local pull where I could see the rear of the tractors and it seems everyone has a different style hitch. Some are flat plates with a hole, some are straight clevis, some twist clevis, etc.

But as Ken has shown....I was wondering if I could just start out using the drawbar.

I also had someone just offer to sell me a set of Gleaner rear rims that they say are good for pulling, but I want to keep the original spin-out rims on my tractor.

My tires are just some no-name brand. Lots of tread but they have lots of cracks in them. Tires are the last thing I am going to buy for it. Just because i want to put the money to everything else first.

Again, I really appreciate all the help here everyone. 

DeWayne

Yes that rim needs fixed. Probably before you try pulling it much too. Find a donor rim to cut out  good patches/pieces and weld in, or look at new rims. Depends on your comfort level with fab work. If your going to fix them I would recommend taking the rim and have it sandblasted first. then see how good/bad it really is. 

And the good news is, is that any 24" tractor rim can be the donor, for patches