The team is made up of two modified pulling vehicles, SHOCKWAVE is a Junior Modified Mower and AGRAV8 is an Open Mini Modified Tractor.
We attend all modified tractor pulling competitions sanctioned by the Australian Tractor Pullers Association (ATPA) and also display our vehicles at various car, agricultural and community shows each year. For the past two years we have displayed at the Victorian Hot Rod Show and also at the Cora Lynn “Last of the Chrome Bumpers” Car Show taking out “Best Presented” in the tractor category.
We originally attended modified tractor pulls as spectators and pit crew for our cousin’s tractor Flat Stick and decided to build our own in 1993. Our Mini Modified, 2-Tuff, made its debut at a special practice day that was held at Quambatook in late 1993. After sharing the ride for many years, we purchased another mini modified tractor in 1996 which Roland ran as 2-Up for the 1997 season. After that season a rebuild was required and work commenced on building a completely new open mini modified tractor from the ground up. AGRAV8 was completed in 1999 and first competed in the 1999-2000 season.
Over the years 2-TUFF and AGRAV8 have been further developed to remain competitive in their respective classes.
AGRAV8 competes in the Australian Tractor Pulling Association (ATPA) Open Mini Modified Class. These Pulling Vehicles are restricted in dimensions to a maximum width of 6ft and length of 8ft measured from the centre of the rear wheel to the very front of the vehicle. Open Mini’s do not have any restrictions on engine size, quantity or type, this also applies to transmissions and differentials (other than they must be automotive sourced).
The aim of the game is to pull an ever increasing load down a 100m dirt track. If more than one vehicle makes it past 100m, then more weight is added to the weight transfer device (sled) and these tractors run again to determine the winner. Often the difference between tractors is as little as 1 or 2 cm.
AGRAV8 finished 4th outright in its class for the 2009-2010 Season and we are currently ramping up the horsepower with the addition of a 6/71 Supercharger.
Specifications
ENGINE
Chevrolet 350 Generation 2 LT4 V8 engine
(5.7 litres) originally sourced from a 1996 Corvette.
TRANSMISSION
GM Turbo 350 3-speed Automatic Transmission
Only 1st gear is used during competition.
DIFFERENTIAL
Toyota Stout 1.5 Tonne Light Truck
Similar to a Land Cruiser but uses a 6.1:1 gear ratio.
CHASSIS
Custom made from 1.5mm steel sheet, the fold provides additional strength. Engine is solid mounted to the chassis rails via a 10mm Aluminium Plate at the front and 5mm Steel Plate at the rear, differential is welded to the chassis.
WHEELS & TYRES
Front: Aluminium Boat Trailer Wheels
Rear: Custom made 16.1x16 inch aluminium rims with Firestone Puller 18.4x16.1 Tractor Tyres.
The Junior Modified Mower class was introduced in 2006 to offer the kids of tractor pulling families and opportunity to join in on the action. The aim is to teach the kids vehicle control, maintenance and repair in a safe and risk free environment. All modified mowers must comply with the JMPA rules and are inspected prior to each event by the JMPA members (the kids themselves) under supervision by the adult members. This provides a great learning environment, not only in terms of understanding the rules and how to apply them but also in interacting with peers to communicate issues and how to correct them.
SHOCKWAVE was completed in 2008 and Brendan started competing at age 10. SHOCKWAVE has competed in the junior class for the past two years and we have made minor improvements to the reliability of the engine and to simplify operation as we encourage newcomers (kids aged 8 to 15) to come and have a go at Modified Tractor Pulling events.
Specifications
ENGINE
Briggs & Stratton 12.5HP Single Cylinder Engine
TRANSMISSION
Yardman Belt Driven Variable 8 speed gearbox
Only 5th gear is used during competition.
DIFFERENTIAL
Yardman Belt Driven Constant Drive differential
CHASSIS
Yardman Ride On Mower with custom-built roll cage, hitch and wheelie bars.
WHEELS & TYRES
Front: Steel two-piece trolley wheels
Rear: 4WD motorbike rims fitted with Swamp Fox AT 22x10-9 Tyres.
Both vehicles have been custom built specifically for Modified Tractor Pulling. All the work has been completed at our home by us. We are self-taught with regard to mechanical and automotive principals and this has provided a fantastic way for us to learn something new and to share a family oriented motorsport.
We are seeking sponsorship for our vehicles and see this as a unique opportunity for promotion of your organisation via our vehicles attending tractor pulling events, rural shows, motorsport displays & events and also through our web site and posters/handouts. We are available for displays at your organisations events to further promote both the sport of Tractor Pulling and your organisations involvement.
