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TATPA PULLING RULES

GENERAL RULES

The following rules are general in nature and apply to all pullers, tractors and operations at all TATPA sanctioned events.

  1. A tractor may pull only once in each class.  Pull promoter decides number of classes each tractor may enter in excel of three pulls.
  2. Drivers must be at least 16 years old.  Drivers 16, 17 or 18 years of age must have valid drivers' licenses or learners' permits and written parental/guardian permission.
  3. Drivers must stay on the seat of the tractor at all times.  Hands must be on the steering wheel, hand brakes, hand clutch, or throttle at all times during the pull.
  4. Wheelie bars are required in Divisions II, III, IV, & V and should not be attached to the draw bar in any way.  Minimum requirements for the wheelie bars are as follows.  10" maximum above ground.  The back of the wheelie bar is to extend 5" behind the tire radius.  Pads - 5" square minimum, spaced minimum of 20" from outside each pad.  Stabilizer bar system must be able to support the weight of the tractor in the heaviest class pulled.  jacking up the pads so the tractor is completely off the ground is a good test of the strength of the system's support ability and the TATPA Tech Crew reserves the right to perform this test at its discretion.
  5. Unsafe or illegal tractors or pullers might be disqualified or barred from hooking.  No tractor riders are allowed on the track while the tractors are pulling.
  6. No use of alcoholic beverages will be permitted.
  7. The loss of any tractor part onto the track, after hook-up and until unhook, will result in disqualification.
  8. I ti suggested that all weights are secured; dropped weights are cause for disqualification.
  9. Contact point of tractor and sled must remain in track bounds at all times.  Out of bounds will result in disqualification.  No measurement will be taken after a disqualification.
  10. RPMs allowed well be determined by the NATPA RPM Chart.  Any tractor not listed will use manufacturer's data.  No overriding of Governor is allowed during a pull.
  11. Gas, diesel, or LP fuels only.  fuel additives are allowed.  Exception: No alcohol or nitrous oxide fuels may be used in tractors.  Injection devices using Gas, Diesel or LP fuels are allowed.  All tractors are subject to random fuel checks.
  12. All side shields must be removed prior to a tractor being inspected by the Tech crew.  They may be reattached after the Tech inspection.
  13. There is no allowance on weight for any class in any Division.  Weight of class is maximum weight allowed.
  14. A finish line must be used at all events.  If the sled exceeds this distance, this constitutes a full pull.
  15. Rules for each division will not be changed unless by majority vote by the members present at the required meeting.
  16. The Tech/Rules Committee will interpret all rules.  Any unforeseen problems or an oversight is rules on by the Tech/Rules Committee.
  17. No radial tires in any class in any division.

TATPA adopted NATPA Rules in 1999. Revisions made for TATPA in April 2002 and November 2003.  HCAT&EC adopted TATPA Rules in 2006.  Revisions made for HCAT&EC in June 2006. 

DIVISION I

DIVISION I: original stock tractors only.

QUALIFYING TRACTORS: 1959 and older or production models that started in 1959.

WEIGHT CLASSES: 3100, 3600, 4100, 4600, 5100, 5600, 6100, 6600, 7100, 7600, 8100, 8600, 9600, 9600, 10600, 11600.

  1. GENERAL RULES: See general rules that apply to all tractors.
  2. ENTRY: A tractor cannot be entered in classes below its manufactured shipping weight.  A Division I tractor may also pull in Division II if the tractor meets the rules for Division II.  Division II tractors cannot drop to Division I.
  3. MAXIMUM TIRE SIZE: 0 - 3600# 130 sq. in. max., 3601-4600# 145 sq. in. max., 4601-5600# 170 sq. in. max., 5601-6600# 229 sq. in. max., 6601-7600# 284 sq. in. max., 7601-8600# 300 sq. in. max.  No cut or shaved tires.  See tire size chart below from Firestone Traction Field and Road and Firestone Field And Road Charts.
  4. RIMS AND WHEELS: Tractors must have OEM recommended diameter rims and OEM wheels.  tires must be tire manufacturers recommended rim width.  wheels with rims for manufacturers original recommendations to include cut-downs for tractors that may have originally been on steel wheels.
  5. SPEED: Low gear only (1st gear).  Not allowed to shift torque, all torques must be in "direct" or high side.  Tractors equipped with hi-lo range transmissions must pull in low range.  Example 444 Massey, 400 Case.
  6. WEIGHTS: Weights of bolt-on type to either the front or the back wheels.  Weights can be made.  they must be round, made of metal and closely resemble original manufactured weights.  No concrete or suitcase weights allowed.  Wheel weights must be attached to the wheels.
  7. ENGINE: Stock block, naturally aspirated.  Exceptions: Oliver 99 GM, etc.  Stock head, manifold, and carburetor (by pan number).  Manifolds are to be replacement-manufactured parts accepted for that make and model of tractor.  Stock RPM Engine parts not in parts book or replacement parts book for that specific tractor cannot be used.  Exceptions: Distributors can be used on Antique Tractors.  A factory coil must be used.  No electronic ignitions, square coils, MSD coils or chrome coils allowed.
  8. HITCHES: Maximum 16" height (stationary in all directions) locked at 16" on tractors such as IH fast hitch, Ford 3-point hitch, etc.  Hitches must be factory, unaltered for that specific tractor.  Operator must furnish a straight up and down clevis with a minimum opening of 2.5" bolted or pinned tightly with spacers to the draw bar.  Hitch measured at hook point of clevis.  Farmall H's and M's must pull from an original drawbar hooked to the original belly hook point.
  9. SAFETY: The front wheels of the tractor are not allowed to exceed 16" off the ground during a pull.  Operator is to provide a linked chain or device attached parallel to the center of the front axle, a maximum of 16" on the ground.  Chain must be dragging at the time tractor is hooked.  Wheelie bars are optional.  If wheelie bars meeting upper division requirements are used, the above nose height rule does not apply.  A minimum of 5' sled hitch chain must be used.
  10. APPEARANCE: Tractors must maintain original stock appearance.  If a part is not found in the manufacturer's parts book it cannot be used.  No extra accessories allowed.  No aluminum or chrome allowed except for exhaust pipes.  All guards, shrouds, covers and shields shall be in place as from factory and be made of original material (steel or iron) and as near factory as possible.  No homemade rear end covers allowed.  Seat must be an original seat or a manufactured seat made for a farm tractor placed with a stock mountings (such as TSC).  Home made side-shields will not be allowed.  Exception: factory side shields on Oliver tractors and the like.  Alternators and straight pipes are allowed.
  11. SPONSORS: Advertising plaques or signs may be put on tractor as long as it does not interfere with the Tech Committee's checking of tractor. 

0 - 3600# class 130 sq.in.

3601 - 4600# class 145 sq.in.

4601 - 5600# class 170 sq. in.

5601 - 6600# class 229 sq. in.

6601 - 7600# class 284 sq. in.

7601 - 86# class 300 sq. in.

TATPA adopted NATPA Rules in 1999. Revisions made for TATPA in April 2002 and November 2003.  HCAT&EC adopted TATPA Rules in 2006.  Revisions made for HCAT&EC in June 2006.

DIVISION II

DIVISION II: Semi-modified,  Competitive pullers with near stock tractors, piston kits, etc.

QUALIFYING TRACTORS: 1959 and older or production models that started in 1959.

WEIGHT CLASSES: 3100, 3600, 4100, 4600, 5100, 5600, 6100, 6600, 7100, 7600, 8100, 8600, 9600, 10600, 11600.

  1. GENERAL RULES: See general rules that apply to all tractors.
  2. ENTRY: A Division II tractor may also pull in Division III if the tractor meets the rules for Division III.  Division II tractors cannot drop to Division I.
  3. MAXIMUM TIRE SIZE: 0-4600# 170 sq. in. max., 4601 - 6600# 229 sq. in. max., 6601 - 8600# 300 sq. in. max.  See tire size chart below from Firestone Traction Field and Road and Firestone Field and Road charts.  Maximum tire size of 38".
  4. RIMS AND WHEELS: Tires must be tire manufacturer's recommended rim width.  Pressed steel wheels are allowed front and rear.  No chrome or aluminum wheels allowed.  Shaved tires are allowed, cut from the back only.  No tires cut from the front side.
  5. SPEED: Up to second gear( (not to exceed 2nd).  Not allowed to shift torque, all torques must be in "direct" or high side.  Tractors equipped with hi-lo range transmissions must pull in low range.  Example: 444 Massey, 400 Case.
  6. WEIGHTS: Suitcase weights and custom-made weight brackets are permitted.  Front weight bracket and weights should extend no further than 11 feet from center of rear axle.  Weights may not extend past rear tires.
  7. ENGINE: Stock block, naturally aspirated.  Exceptions Oliver 99 GM, etc.  Stock head, manifold, and carburetor (by part number).  If an external part is not in the parts book or replacement parts book for that specific tractor it cannot be used.  Exception: straight exhaust pipe allowed, air filter must be used although it may be of any type.  RPM - 110% of factory high idle specification (RPM used is the latest model rpm for that make of tractor).  No electronic ignitions (Exception: an electronic pickup inside the original stock distributor or magneto can be used, but distributor or magneto must maintain original appearance).  No square coils, MSD coils or chrome coils allowed.  headers and dual exhaust are not allowed.  Power Blocks are not allowed.
  8. HITCHES: Minimum 18" back from the center of the rear axle and a maximum of 18" drawbar height.  Hitch material cannot be thinner than 3/4" and not thicker than 1.25".  Hitch has to have a 3" hole with 1" material thickness around the hole or a straight clevis bolted or pinned tightly to the drawbar with a minimum of 2.5" hole.  Top of hitch adjuster cannot be above centerline of axle or hub.  Hitches and drawbars must be stationary in all directions.  Hitch must be easily accessible (sled operators discretion).
  9. APPEARANCE: Tractors must maintain original stock appearance.  if a part is not found in the manufacturers parts book it cannot be used.  No extra accessories allowed with the exception of weight brackets, hang-on weights, wheelie bars, wheels, rims, bolt-on hubs, drawbar, muffler and air cleaner.  Battery boxes may be moved from stock mounting location.  No aluminum allowed except for weight brackets and wheelie bars.  No chrome allowed except for exhaust pipes.  Homemade side-shields are not allowed.  Exception: factory side-shields on Oliver tractors and the like.  No homemade rear-end covers allowed.  All guards, shrouds, covers, and shields shall be in place as from the factory and be made of original material (steel or iron) and as near like factory as possible.  Seat must be an original seat or a manufactured seat made for a farm tractor placed with stock mountings (such as TSC).  Alternators and straight pipes are allowed.
  10. SPONSORS: Advertising plaques may be put on tractor as long as it does not interfere with the Tech Committee's checking of tractor.

0 - 4600# class 170 sq. in.

4601 - 6600# class 229 sq. in.

6601 - 8600# class 300 sq. in.

TATPA adopted NATPA Rules in 1999. Revisions made for TATPA in April 2002 and November 2003.  HCAT&EC adopted TATPA Rules in 2006.  Revisions made for HCAT&EC in June 2006.

DIVISION III

DIVISION III: Modified.

QUALIFYING TRACTORS: 1959 and older

WEIGHT CLASSES: 3100, 3600, 4100, 4600, 5100, 5600, 6100, 6600, 7100, 7600, 8100, 8600, 9600, 10600, 11600

  1. GENERAL RULES: See general rules that apply to all tractors.
  2. AGE: Drivers must be at least 16 years old.  Drivers 16, 17 or 18 years of age must have valid drivers' licenses or learners' permits and written parental/guardian permission.
  3. SAFETY: all tractors must have a working safety kill switch.
  4. DRAWBAR: Drawbars must not exceed 20 inches in height or be less than 18 inches from center of axle to hooking point.  No part of draw bar may extend rearward beyond point of hook.  Drawbars must be stationary in all directions.  No clevises.
  5. WEIGHTS: Weights must not extend past rear tires and cannot be more than 11 feet from the center of the rear axle to the furthest point forward.
  6. TIRES AND RIMS: Maximum tire size - 18.4 x 38.  Any rim width.  No radial tires.  No steel wheels.  Two-wheel drive only.  No dual wheels.  Any cut allowed on tires.
  7. RPM: RPMs allowed will be determined by the NATPA RPM Chart  Any tractor not listed will use manufacturer's data.  A 10% margin of error will be permitted.  All tractors to have positive throttle stops with a working governor in the stock location.
  8. SPEED: Not to exceed 8 mph.  No shifting of TAs.  The marker for DIVISION III speed will also be used as the mark to stop the tractor if driver wishes to restart pull.
  9. Tractors manufactured to use diesel fuel only cannot be converted to gas or LP.  Tractors must be naturally aspirated.  No turbos or blowers - except Oliver 99 GM, etc.
  10. Tractors must have the stock engine, frames, transmission, rear end, and axle housings or manufacturer's replacement.  Stock heads and their replacements are to remain unchanged in outside appearance.  No 7-bolt main blocks in Olivers; no 12-port heads; no 99-heads; no 1600 series heads.  AC  WC/WD/WD-45 can use D-17 engine.  IH H, 350, M, 450 & JD A/B/G can use power blocks.  No M/M-800 heads or blocks.  Dual exhaust and headers are allowed.
  11. Enhanced electrical systems permitted in all classes.  No rev limiters allowed.
  12. Replacement carburetors with no modification of carburetor.  Overhand of carburetor to manifold is not allowed.
  13. No increased height in any tractors (i.e.: deck plates, shims, girdles) except for stock gasket.
  14. Oliver 66, Farmall H, AC WC, Ford 800 and above and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 3600#.  Massey 33, Oliver 77, JD A 1939 and down and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 4100#.  Oliver 88, Farmall M, Massey 44, MM U, JD G, Case C/O, JD A 1940 and up and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 4600#.  Massey 55, IH W-9, IH WK040, Case LA, Case 600, Moline GB, Moline GBD, Oliver 99 and all like-size tractors are not allowed below 5600#.

TATPA adopted NATPA Rules in 1999. Revisions made for TATPA in April 2002 and November 2003.  HCAT&EC adopted TATPA Rules in 2006.  Revisions made for HCAT&EC in June 2006.

DIVISION IV

DIVISION IV: Super Modified

QUALIFYING TRACTORS: 1959 and older

WEIGHT CLASSES: 3100, 3600, 4100, 4600, 5100, 5600, 6100, 6600, 7100, 7600, 8100, 8600, 9600, 10600, 11600

  1. GENERAL RULES: See general rules that apply to all tractors.
  2. AGE: Drivers must be at least 16 years old.  Drivers 16, 17 or 18 years of age must have valid drivers' licenses or learners' permits and written parental/guardian permission.
  3. SAFETY: All tractors must have a working safety kill switch.
  4. DRAWBAR: Drawbars must not exceed 20 inches in height or be less than 18 inches from center of axle to hooking point.  NO part of drawbar may extend rearward beyond point of hook.  Drawbars must be stationary in all directions.  No clevises.
  5. WEIGHTS: Weights must not extend past rear tires and cannot be more than 11 feet from the center of the rear axle to the furthest point forwards.
  6. TIRES AND RIMS: Maximum tire size - 18.4 - 38; any rim width.  No radial tires.  No steel wheels.  Two-wheel drive only.  No dual wheels.  Any cut allowed on tires.
  7. RPM: RPMs allowed will be determined by the NATPA RPM Chart  Any tractor not listed will use manufacturer's data.  A 20% margin of error will be permitted.  All tractors to have positive throttle stops with a working governor in the stock location.
  8. SPEED: Any gear, any speed.  Shifting of TA is allowed.  The marker for Division III speed will also be used as the mark to stop the tractor if driver wishes to restart pull.
  9. Tractors manufactured to use diesel fuel only cannot be converted to gas or LP.  Tractors must be naturally aspirated.  No turbos or blowers - except Oliver 99 GM, etc.
  10. Tractors must have the stock engine, frames, transmission, rear end, and axle housings or manufacturers replacement.  Stock heads and their replacements are to remain unchanged in outside appearance.  No 7-bolt main blocks in Olivers; no 12-port heads; no 99 heads; no 1600 series heads.  AC WC/WD/WD-45 can use D-17 engine; IH H, 350; M, 450.  JD A/B/G can use power blocks.  No M M-800 heads or blocks.  Dual exhaust and headers are allowed.
  11. Enhanced electrical systems permitted in all classes.  No rev limiters allowed.
  12. Any agricultural carburetor allowed.  Number of barrels, throats, venture, etc. must be that of the manufacturer for that make and model.  Exception: John Deere tractors may run updated (duplex) heads, manifolds and carburetors.  Interior enhancements of stock or manufacturer's replacement manifolds are permitted.
  13. Oliver 66, Farmall H, AC WC, Ford 800 and above and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 3600#.  Massey 33, Oliver 77, JD A 1939 and down and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 4100#.  Oliver 88, Farmall M, Massey 44, MM U, JD G, Case C/D, JD A 1940 and up and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 4600#.  Massey 55, IH W-9, IH WK 40, Case LA, Case 600, Moline GB, Moline GBD, Oliver 99 and all like-size tractors are not allowed below 5600#.

TATPA adopted NATPA Rules in 1999. Revisions made for TATPA in April 2002 and November 2003.  HCAT&EC adopted TATPA Rules in 2006.  Revisions made for HCAT&EC in June 2006.

DIVISION V

TATPA elected not to have DIVISION V; therefore, DIVISION V Rules will be allowed in DIVISION IV or Open Class

QUALIFYING TRACTORS: Same as DIVISION IV

WEIGHT CLASSES: Same as DIVISION IV

  1. GENERAL RULES: See general rules that apply to all tractors.
  2. Drivers must be at least 16 years old.  Drivers 16, 17 or 18 years of age must have valid drivers' licenses or learners' permits and written parental/guardian permission.
  3. SAFETY: All tractors must have a working safety kill switch.
  4. DRAWBAR: Drawbar must not exceed 20 inches in height or be less than 18 inches from center of axle to hooking point.  No part of drawbar may extend rearward beyond point of hook Drawbars must be stationary in all directions.  No clevises.
  5. WEIGHTS: Weights must not extend past rear tires and cannot be more than 11 feet from the center of the rear axle to the furthest point forward.
  6. TIRES AND RIMS: Tire size maximum 18.4 x 38 or equal size footprint.  Any rim width.  No radial tires, no steel-lug wheels.  Two wheel drive only.  No dual wheels.  Any cut allowed on tires.
  7. RPM: RPMs allowed will be 130% of 1959 manufacturer's data or 130% of that series engine: i.e.; F-30 Farmall can run 30% over 450 IHC RPMs.  The NATPA RPM Chart will list maximum RPMs allowed.  If 1959 manufacturer's data is not available than the Nebraska test chart will be used.  For safety purposes, any tractor turning 3000 or more RPMs must have side shields of at least .060" metal and a scatter blanket.  Enhanced electrical systems permitted in all classes.  Rev limiters are allowed.  All tractors must have a positive throttle stop with fully operational governor.
  8. SPEED: Any gear, any speed.  Shifting of TA is allowed.  The 50-foot marker will also be used as the mark to stop the tractor if driver wishes to restart pull.
  9. ENGINE: Tractors must be naturally aspirated.  No turbos or blowers - except two-stroke GM diesels.
  10. Tractors must have stock frame, transmission, rear ends and axle housing.  Front axles must be safe, sturdy and similar to stock, with a stock wheelbase.  Crankcases must bolt to transmission in a stock-appearing manner, be of the same manufacturer as the original crankcase; also, must be the same length as the original crankcase and be the same number of cylinders as the original make and model of the tractor.  Heads, blocks (jugs), manifolds must be of the same manufacturer as the crankcase or that of a recognized replacement manufacturer.
  11. Any updraft agricultural-type carburetor will be allowed.  Diesels must have the injection pump in the stock location.  Diesel tractors should be converted to gas as long as they use gas heads and comply with all other DIVISION V rules.
  12. Any integral plates, girdles or reinforcement devices that enhance the engine rigidity and improve safety will be allowed.  Deck plates can be no thicker than 1" material; girdles can be no thicker than 1" material; spacer plates can be not thicker than 2" combined.

TATPA adopted NATPA Rules in 1999. Revisions made for TATPA in April 2002 and November 2003.  HCAT&EC adopted TATPA Rules in 2006.  Revisions made for HCAT&EC in June 2006.

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