Scottsdale tractor spectacle
• Scottsdale will host its first tractor pull in April. Photo supplied.
March 29, 2023
By Daisy Baker
A new purpose-built track has been completed at Santarena Park ahead of Scottsdale’s inaugural tractor pull event on April 15 and 16.
The two-day spectacle will see drivers’ skills and the pulling capacity of different tractor types and categories put to the test.
Drivers pull a weight transfer sled as far as possible down a 100-metre track.
At the end of the weekend, the winners of each class are those who have pulled the greatest total distance.
Organiser Keran Thompson said the idea was floated at last year’s premiere Tractor Show and Shine in Scottsdale.
“Dennis Dicker from the Tasmanian Tractor Pullers Association bought up some modifieds and mini modifieds and he came up and asked me what the chances would be to have a tractor pull here and here we are,” he said.
“There has been a lot of really good community help in making
it happen.”
The event will be hosted by the Tasmanian Tractor Pullers Association, with the support of the Rotary Club.
Many members of the community have worked together to bring the spectacle to life, including Adrian Cassidy, the Kettle family, the North East Rough Riders, Ag Warehouse and Gaffney Machinery.
“This is an event for anyone who loves the noise and is a bit of a rev head,” Mr Thompson laughed.
“It’s a different way of bringing community together. It’s completely different to a Show and Shine.
It’s expected that the event will draw entries from right across the state, from repeat entrants through to novice pullers from around the North-East.
Mr Thompson said they hope to get at least 40 tractors entering over the two days.
Long-time association member and competitor Allan Clark who is now in his 80s and has accrued almost 100 trophies for his efforts will be attending on the day.
The Tasmanian Tractor Pullers Association president Dennis Dicker said they are excited to bring the sport to Scottsdale.
They have been running since 1999, hosting events across the state, with a focus on giving back to the community.
“It’s not a race and not a time trial, it’s designed to adapt the skills of the operator on a tractor, which was designed to pull,” he said.
People of all ages will be able to get involved with a small sled for little children, ride on mowers with a bigger sled for older children and for confident teenage drivers up to 16, a little grey Fergie class which can be controlled remotely by scrutineers.
There will also be a class for mini modifieds and small tractors, with those pulling the big sled divided into horsepower classes.
Mr Dicker said part of the skill is in selecting the right gear, and that the raw horse-power alone does not determine the outcome.
The big sled weighs up to 9.5tonnes, with the weight placed over the wheels.
“As they get going, the weight moves forwards and it gets harder and harder to pull.
The skill in all that is looking how the sled is set up,” he said.
The action will alternate between two tracks, a little sled on one and a big sled on the other, with one tractor going down the 100-metre stretch at a time.
“We keep adding more and more weight to the sled. We separate each one until there’s a winner,” he said.
The big sled has an operator, while the little sled is automatic.
“Our main aim is to get the locals that haven’t been before to bring their tractor along.”
There will be plenty of action over the course of the weekend for spectators to enjoy, with the Launceston Motocross and Scramble Club also hosting a club day at Santarena Park on Sunday April 16.
Starting at 9am, more than 100 riders from across the state are expected to take to the track, ranging from four-years-old through to 63-years-old.
With a suitable track now in place, it’s hoped the Scottsdale Tractor Pull will become an annual event.
Gates will open at 8.30am on Saturday April 15 for a 10.30am start.
Tickets are $15 with children under 16 free.