The University of Kentucky Wildcat Pulling Team recently competed in the American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International ¼ Scale Tractor Student Design Competition, placing eighth overall. The competition took place in Peoria, Illinois and was the team’s 23^rd showing since 1999. 

In the competition, students are challenged to harness the power and torque of a specified stock engine to maximize performance during a series of challenges. The competition consists of three pulls, or hooks, two of which have the tractor weighted to 1100 pounds, and the third to 1600 pounds. The UK team won each pull by double digits, placing first in safety and defense of design, and third in overall performance. 

Outside of the tractor pulls, the tractor designs receive a rigorous technical inspection by the competition’s judges. Students must present in front of an industry panel regarding manufacturability, safety, ergonomics, serviceability and test and development. Ahead of the competition, students must submit a written design report and cost summary to be permitted entry. 

“Despite being a relatively young team, we received immense support. Our cohesive team dynamic played a crucial role in our development and achievements,” said Abby Phillips, secretary for this year’s team and rising junior studying biosystems engineering. “Participating in the competition has been a defining aspect of my time at UK, and being a part of the Wildcat Pulling Team has provided me with a community I am proud to be a part of.” 

In preparation for the annual competition, the Wildcat Pulling Team works diligently throughout the year and elects new team officers each fall. UK Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and team advisor Michael Sama is impressed by the students’ dedication each year. 

“It’s incredibly fulfilling. There’s no comparison,” Sama said. “I’m amazed at how much effort the students are willing to put in to see this through.” 

Team members built this year’s machine in the BAE Machine Shop, investing countless hours. Throughout the build, parts were tested individually or through simulation. After trying different concepts, the machine was successful and ready for this year’s competition. 

“Being involved with the Wildcat Pulling Team this year was an amazing mix of long nights, setbacks, then ultimately amazing team success,” said Alex Kramer, captain of this year’s team and rising junior studying mechanical engineering. “It was rewarding to see the unique solutions that our team members incorporated into the tractor. I have found the ASABE International Competition to be a pivotal part of my UK student experience.” 

Sama continues to be grateful for the opportunity to guide these students to success. 

“This competition in particular encourages the students to be well rounded and work together as a team,” Sama said. “It exposes them to failure while providing a support structure to help them overcome it. It rewards hard work with the satisfaction of knowing they accomplished something great.” 

The BAE undergraduate program serves as a partnership between Martin-Gatton CAFE and the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. 

Full recordings of the competition’s events can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@asabeiqs/streams. 

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