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The annual Fall tractor-pull, sponsored by the New River Valley Antique Tractor Club, was held at the Ruritan International grounds in Dublin on Saturday.
Drivers with their antique tractors, from several states, vied for trophies and bragging-rights. Familiar brands, such as Case, John Deere, and FarmAll were represented, but many of the tractors were unbranded, or were labeled with names of companies that no longer make them, such as Co-Op. Some of the 'unknown' brands are often favorites, winning many classes.
About 100 spectators watched for over five hours, as 'wheelies' proved the power of some of the tractors. The contest consists of tractors that pull sleds with shifting weight-loads, making the sled more difficult to pull, the farther it travels. The further the tractor pulls the sled, the more points it is awarded.
Tractors are classified according to the net weight of the unit, using on-site scales to set their class. Some units use rear-wheel weights to help them handle the raw horsepower, even if it relegates them to a higher level of competition.
Youngsters and all age-groups enjoyed the pull. Tara Altizer, one of the lady drivers, said that she was glad that the youngsters were watching and enjoying. "I hope the kids have a good time, and continue the heritage that helped build our countryside,” Altizer said. “It's a great part of the USA, even though the air-conditioned 'big-rigs' are mostly used, these days.”
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