Norman Young from ND Young Transport in Blandford, Dorset on his Fordson Major Tractor Puller Fippenny Fury having a crash at Tractor Challenge 2006, very lucky to have not be injured by tractor when thrown off. Taking part in a independant pull pulling the sledge owned by Ned and Paul Parker from Landford, Salisbury
<
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Saturday, 18 April 2009
An unsafe tractor driven by Kevin Frampton
http://uktractorpulling.co.uk/GDSF-Pulling/04-DevilsDog-200.gif
Monday, 13 April 2009
Qualified people
Qualified people
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 23:56:03
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
AirPol wrote:
I dont competition pull at all here either and am involved with shows that are serious about improving safety, where the HSE are involved with the organisation of rules etc, we'll go with them rather than a lot of gnarly old grumblers full of maybes and wat ifs, there are qualified people out there worth listening to instead. Its good to see that you are willing to listen to qualified people. I happen to be a qualified agricultural engineer and have been for ten years and have allso been involved in tractor pulling for about the same amont of time. At the dealership I work for we are involved with BAGMA (The trade association representing agricultural dealers in the UK) BAGMA and the HSE have for a number of years had a action plan on tractor safety testing, very much like a MOT on a car of which I have been trained. After a lot of training I am now qualified to do this, which has made me very supprised that a tractor was allowed to run let alone pull with a sun shade. This shade would not pass any tests for use in the uk, not even for ploughing a flat field. For This FACT alone I find it very hard to believe that anyone is liaising with HSE as you are not following the fundamentals of farming not to mention motorsport.
sawkins2005 wrote:
NO THEY HAVENT. and all indipendent orgs have there own safety rules: aka Roll Bar Kill switch/flaps shatter blankets/gaurds working brakes neutral sensors added protection around the engine etc etc Thank you for this information. I really would like to know who inspected the tractors in this dvd. As going by the rules tractors should have side pannels, but in actual fact a very low number of them do. Take this one for example, twin turbos all outside the covers and where is it shielded then. Thin air must be quite strong!! .
Please can you leave some more constructive comments on this Airpol
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 23:56:03
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
AirPol wrote:
I dont competition pull at all here either and am involved with shows that are serious about improving safety, where the HSE are involved with the organisation of rules etc, we'll go with them rather than a lot of gnarly old grumblers full of maybes and wat ifs, there are qualified people out there worth listening to instead. Its good to see that you are willing to listen to qualified people. I happen to be a qualified agricultural engineer and have been for ten years and have allso been involved in tractor pulling for about the same amont of time. At the dealership I work for we are involved with BAGMA (The trade association representing agricultural dealers in the UK) BAGMA and the HSE have for a number of years had a action plan on tractor safety testing, very much like a MOT on a car of which I have been trained. After a lot of training I am now qualified to do this, which has made me very supprised that a tractor was allowed to run let alone pull with a sun shade. This shade would not pass any tests for use in the uk, not even for ploughing a flat field. For This FACT alone I find it very hard to believe that anyone is liaising with HSE as you are not following the fundamentals of farming not to mention motorsport.
sawkins2005 wrote:
NO THEY HAVENT. and all indipendent orgs have there own safety rules: aka Roll Bar Kill switch/flaps shatter blankets/gaurds working brakes neutral sensors added protection around the engine etc etc Thank you for this information. I really would like to know who inspected the tractors in this dvd. As going by the rules tractors should have side pannels, but in actual fact a very low number of them do. Take this one for example, twin turbos all outside the covers and where is it shielded then. Thin air must be quite strong!! .
Please can you leave some more constructive comments on this Airpol
The archive from UK Tractor Pulling Mike Barret Dorset dvd
mike barret dorset dvd
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 22:45:59
Dorset Rat
Newby
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Posts: 7
Location: Dorset
lets see what the members think?
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 00:55:38
Tractorpullingtom
Member
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Posts: 149
Location: Near Great Ecclston
which dvd r u talking about ?? is there just a dorset one i have got the uk 07 one with Eccy and kirkbride on
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 09:12:22
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Tom, there is a Tractor Pulling Dorset video which Mike produced last year of the Pulling at the GDSF (http://www.mikebarrettproductions.co.uk/tractor/tractorpullingfromdorset) which unfortunately has an introduction to camera and interviews done by me which probably spoils a perfectly good DVD...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 15:06:02
Black Smokers
Newby
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 9
it was the pulling that was crap i go there for the week wit my parent every year and like watch all the tracktor pulling but this year i was bored cos every tracktor got to end unless broke. I got all baret film but i find this one boring and i got fed up before finish
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 23:34:14
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
I found the DVD to be of good quality (picture and sound), the interviews were very interesting with lots information. What I did find is the pulling action became very tedious, it was the same thing over and over and could have been condensed to an hour. To sum up this DVD, I would say they did there best with what they had to video, but I have to be honest if the Council starts recycling DVD's this one will be in a box outside the house. On a side note after going to a lot of low power tractor pulls (500hp) over europe, I found the safety of this event to be very low compared with what I have seen, some tractors looked to be held together with ratchet straps, there were no flag men, very little engine shielding to protect anyone from projectiles I could go on, I just hope HSE gets a copy of this DVD as a case file for future reference.
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 09:19:55
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
bank grass worm, if you look at the DVD's from earlier years you'll see that the Pullers are much safer than they used to be and they'll continue to improve. No flag men because this isn't competition pulling although at least one other 'Independent' Sledge dose have a flag man. 'Tedious'; well that's something you can't do much about because it is only 'Demonstration Pulling' and the Sledge crew will always give the Tractor the best possible chance to get to the end of the track. The whole idea is to keep the 'action' moving for the sake of the spectators and keep the interval between pulls as short as possible... Please don't forget the Pullers have to pay all their own expenses to get the machines to the show and keep them running. Some of the Tractors come from as far afield as Scotland just to keep the crown entertained.
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 19:32:04
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
it seems a shame for it to be just squirrel to be answersing these petty comments,although i have vowed not to get involved,it you dont like the dvd then dont buy it or if u have the dvd then hide it or put it some where,where you dont have to spoil the forum with these comments,and for squirrel,he keeps the crowd going and gives the crowd some usefull infomation about the tractor,owner and the occasional past mishap. mike barret didnt need to go to dorset,he and his crew spent time for other people who were not there to enjoy the pulling,making enjoyable dvds for us all to watch.
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 22:20:12
sticky
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Every body has there own opinion thats what you get with an open forum. Mike Barret went to dorset because he wanted to, maybe some just feel its not his fault,but for what is there for him to film?
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 23:07:25
matt jopling
Newby
Joined: 20 May 2008
Posts: 8
Location: east midlands
its easy for people to complain about our independents .but have they made or built a tractor i ges the answer is no,if there not happy dont buy the dvd ,and stop moaning.
_________________I'm the shorter and fatter half of the Peak Vale Tractor Pulling Sledge!
Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 00:51:34
Mutley
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Location: Workshop
matt jopling wrote:
its easy for people to complain about our independents .but have they made or built a tractor i ges the answer is no,if there not happy dont buy the dvd ,and stop moaning.Until we kill someone...
_________________A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything...
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 19:26:54
steve
Newby
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
bOX brakes obviovsly work well with it bobbing up and down
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 22:57:47
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
I would suggest that if you don't want positive or negative comments about a DVD and it's content on here, then don't advertise it on the front page of this website. If any of you didn't want the world to see the lack of safety equipment on your tractors compared with other low powered pulls across europe, why get involved and agree to the interviews. Flag men are a visual aid to the operator of a tractor and sled. They inform the tractor driver when to start pulling and when to stop, they have nothing to do with competition but they are everything to do safety. The only real difference between competition and demonstration pulling is that competition has a rerecorded measured distance and demonstration does not. Squirrel, I hope your not saying the tractors on this DVD don't have known safety equipment because they cant afford them, a very poor excuse if a accident were to happen and I don't think it would go down well in anyone's defence in the court room!
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:24:02
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
what a load of old crap again.....blah blah blah...... thank heavens for the grown ups
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 18:46:00
Black Smokers
Newby
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 9
i might be young but i dont fink safety is childish
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 09:53:30
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
Oh well seems the saying, "that you can take a horse to water but you cannot make it drink" is appropriate here!!
Bad Manners and disrespect
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 00:59:30
sawkins2005
Newby
Joined: 04 Sep 2008
Posts: 14
il put my 2 pennys worth in now. the dvd i have not see but am assuming its intresting to many people, but not all. indipendent pulling is for people who do not have the time or MONEY to do competition pulling and that it is a cheap entry into the sport. safety is the first and formost for drivers, sled crew, and the crowd. as squirrel stated nearly all tractors have more safety implements/attachments fitted compaired to the early days of pulling, yes indipendents will differ to competition safety due to the fack of that most of the indipendents are mainly under 400hp. the majority of sled owners/crews have probably made safety improvements, up until now pulling accidents have been low. and will continue to be low. i was always told, machines kill. and damn true that it. but for all those inc BANK GRASS WORM. if h&s were not happy with how indipendent pulling was being run and how safety was being implimented, dont you think they would of stopped pulling. NO THEY HAVENT. and all indipendent orgs have there own safety rules: aka Roll Bar Kill switch/flaps shatter blankets/gaurds working brakes neutral sensors added protection around the engine etc etc and most people who bicker on here probably dont have a running tractor to see how tought life is like with safety and fees/costs please do not ruin this page as its about the dvd not a slaggin match of H&S squirrel your doing a fine job dont let the odd few pull you down# Sawkins2005
nothing new
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 09:58:18
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
heard it all before time and time again show after show, however the worst accidents with the worst outcomes dont happen at the independent shows.... but very little is said or slagging off done when it happens at competition .... even though they were incredibly stupid and inevitable. As said before if you dont like the pulling dont turn up and watch.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Re: nothing new
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:43:58
10 Bellies
Newby
Joined: 17 Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Location: Somerset
AirPol wrote:
however the worst accidents with the worst outcomes dont happen at the independent shows.....Should read "HAVE NOT happened at the independent shows", DON'T is like saying never, and we all know you can "NEVER SAY NEVER!" Also I am sure Sascha can fill us in on the case of the flywheel explosion in Germany..............................................................................
Good old Blighty
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:29:40
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
know wat? couldnt care less wat happens in Germany, dont go there nor going to, not affilliated with any pulling out of the country. I dont competition pull at all here either and am involved with shows that are serious about improving safety, where the HSE are involved with the organisation of rules etc, we'll go with them rather than a lot of gnarly old grumblers full of maybes and wat ifs, there are qualified people out there worth listening to instead. I stand by the facts, the accidents in Blighty at shows that I attend are a rarity, haven't seen a serious one or fatal one, those are the facts wat ever words you use like it or not.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 22:05:29
Fred Flintstone
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
VERY SHORT MEMORIES
THE FACTS
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 22:55:35
Gethin
Newby
Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Camarthen
AirPol wrote:
I stand by the facts, the accidents in Blighty at shows that I attend are a rarity, haven't seen a serious one or fatal one, those are the facts wat ever words you use like it or not.Ive been going to GDSF for a number of years now as a fan and I can remember one near fatal accident. One year the sled went up the wheels of the tractor and ended up on top of the driver, I for one will never forget how loud he was screaming as they dragged him out. If thats not serious then I dont know what is. In my opinion he was fortunate to be still alive!
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 23:29:32
sticky
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Quote:
safety is the first and formost for drivers, sled crew, and the crowd. Since when?
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:26:52
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
[
Quote:
Ive been going to GDSF for a number of years now as a fan and I can remember one near fatal accident. One year the sled went up the wheels of the tractor and ended up on top of the driver, I for one will never forget how loud he was screaming as they dragged him out. If thats not serious then I dont know what is. In my opinion he was fortunate to be still alive![/quote] Well there we have it you must be right. But it wasn't fatal or nearly was it? Have a look on youtube and see some really scary accidents. Get things into perspective.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 17:47:04
pullingFAN
Newby
Joined: 09 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Perhaps you are forgetting about the flywheel that exploded in this country in the mid 90's?! Seeing someone getting seriously burnt and numerous spectators getting hit with flying debris was something i will never ever forget, how someone did not die that day remains a mystery to me, thankfully they did not. How many tractors that pull at the GDSF have all steel clutches that are annually inspected with adequate gaurding, or how many have cast crap with little to no gaurding just waiting like a bomb to explode?! You are very naive to think it will not happen to you, either that or just plain stupid...
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 21:57:57
Gethin
Newby
Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Camarthen
AirPol wrote:
Well there we have it you must be right. But it wasn't fatal or nearly was it? Have a look on youtube and see some really scary accidents. Get things into perspective.I cannot understand some people sometimes, he was nearly crushed by the pan. He had been pushed into the wing and the steering wheel, how close do you need it to be? The morning after I went into the pulling compound and spoke to some of the pullers, and asked how the person was. They were all very concerned about what had happened and that he was very lucky. Were you concerned I wonder? Perhaps you would like to see blood and guts spilled on the track before it becomes serious? As I have said before I have attended the GDSF for many a year now, and after reading the reactions and childish comments of people involved I wonder if there is a bigger story to be found out on safety at the GDSF. I certainly don’t need to be putting myself or family at risk!
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 23:25:38
GARY
Newby
Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 8
Airpol, perhaps you can give me your verdict on this little gem I found while searching the net. Do you think that man was lucky????? Please dont take too long as my time on here may be short
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:38:46
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
I
Quote:
cannot understand some people sometimes, he was nearly crushed by the pan. He had been pushed into the wing and the steering wheel, how close do you need it to be? The morning after I went into the pulling compound and spoke to some of the pullers, and asked how the person was. They were all very concerned about what had happened and that he was very lucky. Were you concerned I wonder? Perhaps you would like to see blood and guts spilled on the track before it becomes serious?We know this puller very well and have had a discussion about the time in question and we all have a different version than you. You also dont know me, perhaps you would like to see some 'blood a guts' so that you can say I told you so. You harp on about the past without bothering to find out how the involvement of HSE has changed and how individual shows are moving safety forward each year, back biting and sniping seems to interest you a lot more. As for the photo that was at no show I attend.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 13:09:19
sticky
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Its about time some offical body in this country took it all by the bootstraps and laid it all out so that everybody pulled to the same set of rules. even if it was the european rules. and dont say why europe, cause the south west basically run to the etpc book. all i know is since the lack of people writing in on the btpa site all the crap and bullshit is on here. but we all have our own opions on every subject. i'm sure pulling and the murky stuff must go hand in hand!!
Qualified people
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 23:56:03
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
AirPol wrote:
I dont competition pull at all here either and am involved with shows that are serious about improving safety, where the HSE are involved with the organisation of rules etc, we'll go with them rather than a lot of gnarly old grumblers full of maybes and wat ifs, there are qualified people out there worth listening to instead. Its good to see that you are willing to listen to qualified people. I happen to be a qualified agricultural engineer and have been for ten years and have allso been involved in tractor pulling for about the same amont of time. At the dealership I work for we are involved with BAGMA (The trade association representing agricultural dealers in the UK) BAGMA and the HSE have for a number of years had a action plan on tractor safety testing, very much like a MOT on a car of which I have been trained. After a lot of training I am now qualified to do this, which has made me very supprised that a tractor was allowed to run let alone pull with a sun shade. This shade would not pass any tests for use in the uk, not even for ploughing a flat field. For This FACT alone I find it very hard to believe that anyone is liaising with HSE as you are not following the fundamentals of farming not to mention motorsport.
sawkins2005 wrote:
NO THEY HAVENT. and all indipendent orgs have there own safety rules: aka Roll Bar Kill switch/flaps shatter blankets/gaurds working brakes neutral sensors added protection around the engine etc etc Thank you for this information. I really would like to know who inspected the tractors in this dvd. As going by the rules tractors should have side pannels, but in actual fact a very low number of them do. Take this one for example, twin turbos all outside the covers and where is it shielded then. Thin air must be quite strong!! . Please can you leave some more constructive comments on this Airpol
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 00:14:07
Adam
Newby
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Location: mosterton dorset
surely its intaresting for people to even be able to see what is under the bonnet. i think that they are kept a good safe distance away behind wire mesh fence which you can hardly see through.
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 00:30:37
Mutley
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Location: Workshop
Adam wrote:
surely its intaresting for people to even be able to see what is under the bonnet. i think that they are kept a good safe distance away behind wire mesh fence which you can hardly see through.Adam you may want to look as this near miss... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5EuNtNxQ8g and that was just a manifold if the internals of a turbo let go, you're talking a hand grenade...
_________________A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything...
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 08:35:08
Adam
Newby
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Location: mosterton dorset
yes but look theres no wire fencing like we have and lets face it a curtain sider lorry stopped the. put a sign up telling the public theres a high chance of shrapnel dont ruin the pulling. This must be the worst i have ever seen if you look closely the tractor drives over its own engine, theres no wire mesh up but no one gets hurt and i cant see a ford cargo doing that.
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 13:03:51
Mutley
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Location: Workshop
Trust me anything can let go... If he's doing a grand you'll be lucky... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5ZCnK2EQ
_________________A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything...
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 17:54:01
pullingFAN
Newby
Joined: 09 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Is that the independant pullers answer to everything?! just put up a sign. . . Why not just go to the bother of putting some sheilding round turbos and engine to protect spectators and drivers, that way you could have lower fences where you can actually see something?!!! A lot of independant pullers on here say they dont pull competition because they cant afford it, sheilding around turbo and engine is not expensive!!
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 21:45:48
Gethin
Newby
Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Camarthen
AirPol wrote:
I
Quote:
cannot understand some people sometimes, he was nearly crushed by the pan. He had been pushed into the wing and the steering wheel, how close do you need it to be? The morning after I went into the pulling compound and spoke to some of the pullers, and asked how the person was. They were all very concerned about what had happened and that he was very lucky. Were you concerned I wonder? Perhaps you would like to see blood and guts spilled on the track before it becomes serious?We know this puller very well and have had a discussion about the time in question and we all have a different version than you. You also dont know me, perhaps you would like to see some 'blood a guts' so that you can say I told you so. You harp on about the past without bothering to find out how the involvement of HSE has changed and how individual shows are moving safety forward each year, back biting and sniping seems to interest you a lot more. As for the photo that was at no show I attend.so what is your version of that night? I was only pointing out that there have been serious accidents at GDSF.
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 22:45:59
Dorset Rat
Newby
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Posts: 7
Location: Dorset
lets see what the members think?
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 00:55:38
Tractorpullingtom
Member
Joined: 23 Aug 2006
Posts: 149
Location: Near Great Ecclston
which dvd r u talking about ?? is there just a dorset one i have got the uk 07 one with Eccy and kirkbride on
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 09:12:22
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Tom, there is a Tractor Pulling Dorset video which Mike produced last year of the Pulling at the GDSF (http://www.mikebarrettproductions.co.uk/tractor/tractorpullingfromdorset) which unfortunately has an introduction to camera and interviews done by me which probably spoils a perfectly good DVD...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 15:06:02
Black Smokers
Newby
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 9
it was the pulling that was crap i go there for the week wit my parent every year and like watch all the tracktor pulling but this year i was bored cos every tracktor got to end unless broke. I got all baret film but i find this one boring and i got fed up before finish
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 23:34:14
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
I found the DVD to be of good quality (picture and sound), the interviews were very interesting with lots information. What I did find is the pulling action became very tedious, it was the same thing over and over and could have been condensed to an hour. To sum up this DVD, I would say they did there best with what they had to video, but I have to be honest if the Council starts recycling DVD's this one will be in a box outside the house. On a side note after going to a lot of low power tractor pulls (500hp) over europe, I found the safety of this event to be very low compared with what I have seen, some tractors looked to be held together with ratchet straps, there were no flag men, very little engine shielding to protect anyone from projectiles I could go on, I just hope HSE gets a copy of this DVD as a case file for future reference.
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 09:19:55
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
bank grass worm, if you look at the DVD's from earlier years you'll see that the Pullers are much safer than they used to be and they'll continue to improve. No flag men because this isn't competition pulling although at least one other 'Independent' Sledge dose have a flag man. 'Tedious'; well that's something you can't do much about because it is only 'Demonstration Pulling' and the Sledge crew will always give the Tractor the best possible chance to get to the end of the track. The whole idea is to keep the 'action' moving for the sake of the spectators and keep the interval between pulls as short as possible... Please don't forget the Pullers have to pay all their own expenses to get the machines to the show and keep them running. Some of the Tractors come from as far afield as Scotland just to keep the crown entertained.
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 19:32:04
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
it seems a shame for it to be just squirrel to be answersing these petty comments,although i have vowed not to get involved,it you dont like the dvd then dont buy it or if u have the dvd then hide it or put it some where,where you dont have to spoil the forum with these comments,and for squirrel,he keeps the crowd going and gives the crowd some usefull infomation about the tractor,owner and the occasional past mishap. mike barret didnt need to go to dorset,he and his crew spent time for other people who were not there to enjoy the pulling,making enjoyable dvds for us all to watch.
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 22:20:12
sticky
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Every body has there own opinion thats what you get with an open forum. Mike Barret went to dorset because he wanted to, maybe some just feel its not his fault,but for what is there for him to film?
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 23:07:25
matt jopling
Newby
Joined: 20 May 2008
Posts: 8
Location: east midlands
its easy for people to complain about our independents .but have they made or built a tractor i ges the answer is no,if there not happy dont buy the dvd ,and stop moaning.
_________________I'm the shorter and fatter half of the Peak Vale Tractor Pulling Sledge!
Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 00:51:34
Mutley
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Location: Workshop
matt jopling wrote:
its easy for people to complain about our independents .but have they made or built a tractor i ges the answer is no,if there not happy dont buy the dvd ,and stop moaning.Until we kill someone...
_________________A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything...
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 19:26:54
steve
Newby
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
bOX brakes obviovsly work well with it bobbing up and down
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 22:57:47
bank grass worm
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Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
I would suggest that if you don't want positive or negative comments about a DVD and it's content on here, then don't advertise it on the front page of this website. If any of you didn't want the world to see the lack of safety equipment on your tractors compared with other low powered pulls across europe, why get involved and agree to the interviews. Flag men are a visual aid to the operator of a tractor and sled. They inform the tractor driver when to start pulling and when to stop, they have nothing to do with competition but they are everything to do safety. The only real difference between competition and demonstration pulling is that competition has a rerecorded measured distance and demonstration does not. Squirrel, I hope your not saying the tractors on this DVD don't have known safety equipment because they cant afford them, a very poor excuse if a accident were to happen and I don't think it would go down well in anyone's defence in the court room!
Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:24:02
AirPol
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Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
what a load of old crap again.....blah blah blah...... thank heavens for the grown ups
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 18:46:00
Black Smokers
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Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 9
i might be young but i dont fink safety is childish
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2009 09:53:30
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
Oh well seems the saying, "that you can take a horse to water but you cannot make it drink" is appropriate here!!
Bad Manners and disrespect
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 00:59:30
sawkins2005
Newby
Joined: 04 Sep 2008
Posts: 14
il put my 2 pennys worth in now. the dvd i have not see but am assuming its intresting to many people, but not all. indipendent pulling is for people who do not have the time or MONEY to do competition pulling and that it is a cheap entry into the sport. safety is the first and formost for drivers, sled crew, and the crowd. as squirrel stated nearly all tractors have more safety implements/attachments fitted compaired to the early days of pulling, yes indipendents will differ to competition safety due to the fack of that most of the indipendents are mainly under 400hp. the majority of sled owners/crews have probably made safety improvements, up until now pulling accidents have been low. and will continue to be low. i was always told, machines kill. and damn true that it. but for all those inc BANK GRASS WORM. if h&s were not happy with how indipendent pulling was being run and how safety was being implimented, dont you think they would of stopped pulling. NO THEY HAVENT. and all indipendent orgs have there own safety rules: aka Roll Bar Kill switch/flaps shatter blankets/gaurds working brakes neutral sensors added protection around the engine etc etc and most people who bicker on here probably dont have a running tractor to see how tought life is like with safety and fees/costs please do not ruin this page as its about the dvd not a slaggin match of H&S squirrel your doing a fine job dont let the odd few pull you down# Sawkins2005
nothing new
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 09:58:18
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
heard it all before time and time again show after show, however the worst accidents with the worst outcomes dont happen at the independent shows.... but very little is said or slagging off done when it happens at competition .... even though they were incredibly stupid and inevitable. As said before if you dont like the pulling dont turn up and watch.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Re: nothing new
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:43:58
10 Bellies
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Joined: 17 Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Location: Somerset
AirPol wrote:
however the worst accidents with the worst outcomes dont happen at the independent shows.....Should read "HAVE NOT happened at the independent shows", DON'T is like saying never, and we all know you can "NEVER SAY NEVER!" Also I am sure Sascha can fill us in on the case of the flywheel explosion in Germany..............................................................................
Good old Blighty
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:29:40
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
know wat? couldnt care less wat happens in Germany, dont go there nor going to, not affilliated with any pulling out of the country. I dont competition pull at all here either and am involved with shows that are serious about improving safety, where the HSE are involved with the organisation of rules etc, we'll go with them rather than a lot of gnarly old grumblers full of maybes and wat ifs, there are qualified people out there worth listening to instead. I stand by the facts, the accidents in Blighty at shows that I attend are a rarity, haven't seen a serious one or fatal one, those are the facts wat ever words you use like it or not.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 22:05:29
Fred Flintstone
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Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
VERY SHORT MEMORIES
THE FACTS
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 22:55:35
Gethin
Newby
Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Camarthen
AirPol wrote:
I stand by the facts, the accidents in Blighty at shows that I attend are a rarity, haven't seen a serious one or fatal one, those are the facts wat ever words you use like it or not.Ive been going to GDSF for a number of years now as a fan and I can remember one near fatal accident. One year the sled went up the wheels of the tractor and ended up on top of the driver, I for one will never forget how loud he was screaming as they dragged him out. If thats not serious then I dont know what is. In my opinion he was fortunate to be still alive!
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 23:29:32
sticky
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Quote:
safety is the first and formost for drivers, sled crew, and the crowd. Since when?
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:26:52
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
[
Quote:
Ive been going to GDSF for a number of years now as a fan and I can remember one near fatal accident. One year the sled went up the wheels of the tractor and ended up on top of the driver, I for one will never forget how loud he was screaming as they dragged him out. If thats not serious then I dont know what is. In my opinion he was fortunate to be still alive![/quote] Well there we have it you must be right. But it wasn't fatal or nearly was it? Have a look on youtube and see some really scary accidents. Get things into perspective.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 17:47:04
pullingFAN
Newby
Joined: 09 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Perhaps you are forgetting about the flywheel that exploded in this country in the mid 90's?! Seeing someone getting seriously burnt and numerous spectators getting hit with flying debris was something i will never ever forget, how someone did not die that day remains a mystery to me, thankfully they did not. How many tractors that pull at the GDSF have all steel clutches that are annually inspected with adequate gaurding, or how many have cast crap with little to no gaurding just waiting like a bomb to explode?! You are very naive to think it will not happen to you, either that or just plain stupid...
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 21:57:57
Gethin
Newby
Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Camarthen
AirPol wrote:
Well there we have it you must be right. But it wasn't fatal or nearly was it? Have a look on youtube and see some really scary accidents. Get things into perspective.I cannot understand some people sometimes, he was nearly crushed by the pan. He had been pushed into the wing and the steering wheel, how close do you need it to be? The morning after I went into the pulling compound and spoke to some of the pullers, and asked how the person was. They were all very concerned about what had happened and that he was very lucky. Were you concerned I wonder? Perhaps you would like to see blood and guts spilled on the track before it becomes serious? As I have said before I have attended the GDSF for many a year now, and after reading the reactions and childish comments of people involved I wonder if there is a bigger story to be found out on safety at the GDSF. I certainly don’t need to be putting myself or family at risk!
Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 23:25:38
GARY
Newby
Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 8
Airpol, perhaps you can give me your verdict on this little gem I found while searching the net. Do you think that man was lucky????? Please dont take too long as my time on here may be short
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:38:46
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
I
Quote:
cannot understand some people sometimes, he was nearly crushed by the pan. He had been pushed into the wing and the steering wheel, how close do you need it to be? The morning after I went into the pulling compound and spoke to some of the pullers, and asked how the person was. They were all very concerned about what had happened and that he was very lucky. Were you concerned I wonder? Perhaps you would like to see blood and guts spilled on the track before it becomes serious?We know this puller very well and have had a discussion about the time in question and we all have a different version than you. You also dont know me, perhaps you would like to see some 'blood a guts' so that you can say I told you so. You harp on about the past without bothering to find out how the involvement of HSE has changed and how individual shows are moving safety forward each year, back biting and sniping seems to interest you a lot more. As for the photo that was at no show I attend.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 13:09:19
sticky
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Its about time some offical body in this country took it all by the bootstraps and laid it all out so that everybody pulled to the same set of rules. even if it was the european rules. and dont say why europe, cause the south west basically run to the etpc book. all i know is since the lack of people writing in on the btpa site all the crap and bullshit is on here. but we all have our own opions on every subject. i'm sure pulling and the murky stuff must go hand in hand!!
Qualified people
Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 23:56:03
bank grass worm
Newby
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Location: uk
AirPol wrote:
I dont competition pull at all here either and am involved with shows that are serious about improving safety, where the HSE are involved with the organisation of rules etc, we'll go with them rather than a lot of gnarly old grumblers full of maybes and wat ifs, there are qualified people out there worth listening to instead. Its good to see that you are willing to listen to qualified people. I happen to be a qualified agricultural engineer and have been for ten years and have allso been involved in tractor pulling for about the same amont of time. At the dealership I work for we are involved with BAGMA (The trade association representing agricultural dealers in the UK) BAGMA and the HSE have for a number of years had a action plan on tractor safety testing, very much like a MOT on a car of which I have been trained. After a lot of training I am now qualified to do this, which has made me very supprised that a tractor was allowed to run let alone pull with a sun shade. This shade would not pass any tests for use in the uk, not even for ploughing a flat field. For This FACT alone I find it very hard to believe that anyone is liaising with HSE as you are not following the fundamentals of farming not to mention motorsport.
sawkins2005 wrote:
NO THEY HAVENT. and all indipendent orgs have there own safety rules: aka Roll Bar Kill switch/flaps shatter blankets/gaurds working brakes neutral sensors added protection around the engine etc etc Thank you for this information. I really would like to know who inspected the tractors in this dvd. As going by the rules tractors should have side pannels, but in actual fact a very low number of them do. Take this one for example, twin turbos all outside the covers and where is it shielded then. Thin air must be quite strong!! . Please can you leave some more constructive comments on this Airpol
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 00:14:07
Adam
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Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Location: mosterton dorset
surely its intaresting for people to even be able to see what is under the bonnet. i think that they are kept a good safe distance away behind wire mesh fence which you can hardly see through.
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 00:30:37
Mutley
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Location: Workshop
Adam wrote:
surely its intaresting for people to even be able to see what is under the bonnet. i think that they are kept a good safe distance away behind wire mesh fence which you can hardly see through.Adam you may want to look as this near miss... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5EuNtNxQ8g and that was just a manifold if the internals of a turbo let go, you're talking a hand grenade...
_________________A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything...
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 08:35:08
Adam
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Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 7
Location: mosterton dorset
yes but look theres no wire fencing like we have and lets face it a curtain sider lorry stopped the. put a sign up telling the public theres a high chance of shrapnel dont ruin the pulling. This must be the worst i have ever seen if you look closely the tractor drives over its own engine, theres no wire mesh up but no one gets hurt and i cant see a ford cargo doing that.
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 13:03:51
Mutley
Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2008
Posts: 104
Location: Workshop
Trust me anything can let go... If he's doing a grand you'll be lucky... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTd5ZCnK2EQ
_________________A man who's never made a mistake has never made anything...
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 17:54:01
pullingFAN
Newby
Joined: 09 Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Is that the independant pullers answer to everything?! just put up a sign. . . Why not just go to the bother of putting some sheilding round turbos and engine to protect spectators and drivers, that way you could have lower fences where you can actually see something?!!! A lot of independant pullers on here say they dont pull competition because they cant afford it, sheilding around turbo and engine is not expensive!!
Re: THE FACTS
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 21:45:48
Gethin
Newby
Joined: 06 Sep 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Camarthen
AirPol wrote:
I
Quote:
cannot understand some people sometimes, he was nearly crushed by the pan. He had been pushed into the wing and the steering wheel, how close do you need it to be? The morning after I went into the pulling compound and spoke to some of the pullers, and asked how the person was. They were all very concerned about what had happened and that he was very lucky. Were you concerned I wonder? Perhaps you would like to see blood and guts spilled on the track before it becomes serious?We know this puller very well and have had a discussion about the time in question and we all have a different version than you. You also dont know me, perhaps you would like to see some 'blood a guts' so that you can say I told you so. You harp on about the past without bothering to find out how the involvement of HSE has changed and how individual shows are moving safety forward each year, back biting and sniping seems to interest you a lot more. As for the photo that was at no show I attend.so what is your version of that night? I was only pointing out that there have been serious accidents at GDSF.
The archive from UK Tractor Pulling Welland 2008
Welland 08
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 21:35:42
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
After visiting Welland this year I see the independents have a long way to go! Especially after all the comments last week about the apparent safety levels. Why do some pullers still insist on running tractors with bent exhaust pipes? One seemed to change direction for a different time of the day! First facing the crowd, then the sledge operator and finally down the track ready to spit a wheel over the mound at the end! Why are tractors still allowed to pull with no roll bars! Have you not seen enough pictures and videos to frighten you all to make them mandatory. Tractors with multiple turbos with no shielding and no cross bolts, I know that we are nearing a recession but can't people afford two 10mm nuts and bolts. Surprisingly I did see some tractors with what looked to be kill switch cables at the rear. Only to look closely and find there is no kill at all! Next is the amount of dust, when some tractors run you cannot see the sledge or the tractor. This must mean the sledge operator cannot see the tractor or where it is going, does this sound safe? The best is yet to come. WHY does a tractor have a propane bottle attached to it right next to the bell housing, with no clutch shielding. If the clutch was to let go on a big scale, it would be like a grenade going off. Sending pieces of cast iron in all directions, add to this a pressurised gas container what do you get!!!! BOOOOM I know it sounds like I am always going on, but if you had been in the sport as long as me you would understand. I have seen most of what can happen, and don't want to see it again!!!!!!
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 16:46:14
Wookiee
Novice
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
Posts: 32
Location: Gutersloh, Germany
Having looked at the photo's posted of Welland 2008 i can understand some of your concerns! There does seem to be a rather varied level of safety features on the machines, not sure i would be too happy sitting on some of them! also the sledge is quite novel in the way that the sledge operator is actually sat looking at the rear of the sledge, strange!
_________________Why can't we just all pull (no pun intended) in the same direction to make this great sport even better?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 18:31:29
Bert
Novice
Joined: 15 May 2006
Posts: 22
Location: Gloucestershire
I would say 90% of the tractors where running kills and the relevent safety features, I know our tractor is. I find it funny that you still came to watch even though 'we are so unsafe' If you were so concerned, why didnt you come and have a chat with some of us and refrain from bad mouthing everyone on here.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 19:54:50
simon
Novice
Joined: 24 Oct 2006
Posts: 43
Location: evesham
wookie many of the early BTPA sledges had the opperator in this position back in the late 70s and early 80s,they then moved to the side and eventually the rear if I remember right.I can remember them wearing combine helmets because of the dust!!
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 20:12:49
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Wookiee wrote:
Having looked at the photo's posted of Welland 2008 i can understand some of your concerns! There does seem to be a rather varied level of safety features on the machines, not sure i would be too happy sitting on some of them! also the sledge is quite novel in the way that the sledge operator is actually sat looking at the rear of the sledge, strange!I am glad someone else can see the potential dangers, and you can see those just from a few pictures. I would be interested to know what your comments would be after seeing them close up???
bert wrote:
I would say 90% of the tractors where running kills and the relevent safety features, I know our tractor is. I find it funny that you still came to watch even though 'we are so unsafe' If you were so concerned, why didnt you come and have a chat with some of us and refrain from bad mouthing everyone on here.As I said in my earlier post, cables were attacheched at the rear, but most had nothing for it to connect to (tractor or sledge). Yes I did stand and watch, one thing I have learnt over the years is where to stand at an independent pull. It is normally as far away as possible and at the very end of the track. I have been told by many other people that have tried to educate the independents that whatever you say always falls on deaf ears, the "it'll never happen to us" attitude. If I had gone and said to the oragnisers my concerns what would they have said? Sometimes it is better for everyone to be in the know! One other thing. I see that you like to please yourself, would you be pleased with yourself if you injure or kill someone else?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:42:55
GEM
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Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:46:16
Devils Dog
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Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Yours went well giles... you at Great dorset
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:51:39
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
yea im going.im realy pleased with it kev.abit of a result!!
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:54:00
onky
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Location: whixall nr whitchurch shropshire
not seen you pull before giles faredoes it goes well
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:54:30
Devils Dog
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Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
well done bud... Ill get mine going for dorset it was a bit rushed.. bloody thing didn't even start when it did it blew the boost pipes up.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:58:41
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
well im going wednesday there i think.i was surprised it lasted.thought it would of bit the dust.lol
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 22:05:22
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Ideal see you there i'll be in on the saturday before for my weeks holiday!!!
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 22:06:34
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
ah rite,hows ya tractor goin?
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 22:11:05
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
not too bad i wasn't going to take it too welland so it was a bit of a last minuite dash. Should be ok for dorset though just wants putting back together properly.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:20:40
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
ah rite,after looking at pictures from welland a few years ago,wot eva happened to a major with homemade mudguards that said wessex fencing down them?? w f e e s n s c e i x n g
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:08:06
Dave
Guest
Ruff n Ready was sold a couple of years ago to a man in wiltshire, it was at the steam fair last year and will be there again this year i expect
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 13:49:09
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
cheers dave.was it a cargo engine?
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 16:13:36
Dave
Guest
its a 365 engine
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 18:11:15
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
I'ts my mate stu's from three legged cross, shes only a standard cargo but chugs on ok...
_________________Kev.
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 19:41:12
maseytrailblazer
Aprentice
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Ayrshire
With reference to the safety concerns at the Welland pull, I have since fitted cross bolts to my exhaust and have cut off the bend at the top. I have also moved the propane away from the clutch housing. However, in my defence I am at present only using an organic clutch drive plate and therefore do not consider slipping the clutch in the process of launching the tractor. Do you think the organic clutch would still drive the tractor down the track with the sort of heat the BTPA members must have in their clutches? I think not! I have recently fitted wheelie bars to my tractor and the tractor also has a factory fitted roll frame. In the near future I am planning to fit a kill switch and have no plans to upgrade the engine without first installing a steel flywheel and clutch for reasons of safety and handling power. I plan to shotblast and paint the entire tractor but not before making all relevant modifications required. Finally I would welcome any constructive feedback. Regards Alex.
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 22:11:57
Rob
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Joined: 06 Jul 2007
Posts: 7
Location: Rochdale,lancashire!
how do alex! how's the 168 running then?
_________________Give it some more!!!
Huge thanks and respect
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 01:24:26
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
Thanks go to all those that worked so hard ensuring the pulling went without a hitch and with great success. Thankfully Squirrel didn't suffer from heat stroke and was able to commentate well into the night. It was fantastic to see the crowds put up with the heat and the dust clearly enjoying the show. I pulled several times over the 3 days, thoroughly enjoyed it and was grateful for the encouragement. I know how much organisation and effort went into providing this entertainment before, during and after the event WELL DONE EVERYONE.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 21:35:42
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
After visiting Welland this year I see the independents have a long way to go! Especially after all the comments last week about the apparent safety levels. Why do some pullers still insist on running tractors with bent exhaust pipes? One seemed to change direction for a different time of the day! First facing the crowd, then the sledge operator and finally down the track ready to spit a wheel over the mound at the end! Why are tractors still allowed to pull with no roll bars! Have you not seen enough pictures and videos to frighten you all to make them mandatory. Tractors with multiple turbos with no shielding and no cross bolts, I know that we are nearing a recession but can't people afford two 10mm nuts and bolts. Surprisingly I did see some tractors with what looked to be kill switch cables at the rear. Only to look closely and find there is no kill at all! Next is the amount of dust, when some tractors run you cannot see the sledge or the tractor. This must mean the sledge operator cannot see the tractor or where it is going, does this sound safe? The best is yet to come. WHY does a tractor have a propane bottle attached to it right next to the bell housing, with no clutch shielding. If the clutch was to let go on a big scale, it would be like a grenade going off. Sending pieces of cast iron in all directions, add to this a pressurised gas container what do you get!!!! BOOOOM I know it sounds like I am always going on, but if you had been in the sport as long as me you would understand. I have seen most of what can happen, and don't want to see it again!!!!!!
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 16:46:14
Wookiee
Novice
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
Posts: 32
Location: Gutersloh, Germany
Having looked at the photo's posted of Welland 2008 i can understand some of your concerns! There does seem to be a rather varied level of safety features on the machines, not sure i would be too happy sitting on some of them! also the sledge is quite novel in the way that the sledge operator is actually sat looking at the rear of the sledge, strange!
_________________Why can't we just all pull (no pun intended) in the same direction to make this great sport even better?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 18:31:29
Bert
Novice
Joined: 15 May 2006
Posts: 22
Location: Gloucestershire
I would say 90% of the tractors where running kills and the relevent safety features, I know our tractor is. I find it funny that you still came to watch even though 'we are so unsafe' If you were so concerned, why didnt you come and have a chat with some of us and refrain from bad mouthing everyone on here.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 19:54:50
simon
Novice
Joined: 24 Oct 2006
Posts: 43
Location: evesham
wookie many of the early BTPA sledges had the opperator in this position back in the late 70s and early 80s,they then moved to the side and eventually the rear if I remember right.I can remember them wearing combine helmets because of the dust!!
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 20:12:49
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Wookiee wrote:
Having looked at the photo's posted of Welland 2008 i can understand some of your concerns! There does seem to be a rather varied level of safety features on the machines, not sure i would be too happy sitting on some of them! also the sledge is quite novel in the way that the sledge operator is actually sat looking at the rear of the sledge, strange!I am glad someone else can see the potential dangers, and you can see those just from a few pictures. I would be interested to know what your comments would be after seeing them close up???
bert wrote:
I would say 90% of the tractors where running kills and the relevent safety features, I know our tractor is. I find it funny that you still came to watch even though 'we are so unsafe' If you were so concerned, why didnt you come and have a chat with some of us and refrain from bad mouthing everyone on here.As I said in my earlier post, cables were attacheched at the rear, but most had nothing for it to connect to (tractor or sledge). Yes I did stand and watch, one thing I have learnt over the years is where to stand at an independent pull. It is normally as far away as possible and at the very end of the track. I have been told by many other people that have tried to educate the independents that whatever you say always falls on deaf ears, the "it'll never happen to us" attitude. If I had gone and said to the oragnisers my concerns what would they have said? Sometimes it is better for everyone to be in the know! One other thing. I see that you like to please yourself, would you be pleased with yourself if you injure or kill someone else?
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:42:55
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:46:16
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Yours went well giles... you at Great dorset
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:51:39
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
yea im going.im realy pleased with it kev.abit of a result!!
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:54:00
onky
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Location: whixall nr whitchurch shropshire
not seen you pull before giles faredoes it goes well
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:54:30
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
well done bud... Ill get mine going for dorset it was a bit rushed.. bloody thing didn't even start when it did it blew the boost pipes up.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 21:58:41
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
well im going wednesday there i think.i was surprised it lasted.thought it would of bit the dust.lol
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 22:05:22
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Ideal see you there i'll be in on the saturday before for my weeks holiday!!!
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 22:06:34
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
ah rite,hows ya tractor goin?
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 22:11:05
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
not too bad i wasn't going to take it too welland so it was a bit of a last minuite dash. Should be ok for dorset though just wants putting back together properly.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:20:40
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
ah rite,after looking at pictures from welland a few years ago,wot eva happened to a major with homemade mudguards that said wessex fencing down them?? w f e e s n s c e i x n g
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:08:06
Dave
Guest
Ruff n Ready was sold a couple of years ago to a man in wiltshire, it was at the steam fair last year and will be there again this year i expect
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 13:49:09
GEM
Board Veteran
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 631
Location: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
cheers dave.was it a cargo engine?
_________________Last Minute Mob
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 16:13:36
Dave
Guest
its a 365 engine
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 18:11:15
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
I'ts my mate stu's from three legged cross, shes only a standard cargo but chugs on ok...
_________________Kev.
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 19:41:12
maseytrailblazer
Aprentice
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Ayrshire
With reference to the safety concerns at the Welland pull, I have since fitted cross bolts to my exhaust and have cut off the bend at the top. I have also moved the propane away from the clutch housing. However, in my defence I am at present only using an organic clutch drive plate and therefore do not consider slipping the clutch in the process of launching the tractor. Do you think the organic clutch would still drive the tractor down the track with the sort of heat the BTPA members must have in their clutches? I think not! I have recently fitted wheelie bars to my tractor and the tractor also has a factory fitted roll frame. In the near future I am planning to fit a kill switch and have no plans to upgrade the engine without first installing a steel flywheel and clutch for reasons of safety and handling power. I plan to shotblast and paint the entire tractor but not before making all relevant modifications required. Finally I would welcome any constructive feedback. Regards Alex.
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 22:11:57
Rob
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Joined: 06 Jul 2007
Posts: 7
Location: Rochdale,lancashire!
how do alex! how's the 168 running then?
_________________Give it some more!!!
Huge thanks and respect
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 01:24:26
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
Thanks go to all those that worked so hard ensuring the pulling went without a hitch and with great success. Thankfully Squirrel didn't suffer from heat stroke and was able to commentate well into the night. It was fantastic to see the crowds put up with the heat and the dust clearly enjoying the show. I pulled several times over the 3 days, thoroughly enjoyed it and was grateful for the encouragement. I know how much organisation and effort went into providing this entertainment before, during and after the event WELL DONE EVERYONE.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
The archive from UK Tractor Pulling GDSF 2008
GDSF 2008
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 15:46:20
Dave
Guest
Hopefully someone could shed a little light on a couple of things for me, firstly does anyone know who is sledging the steam fair this year? secondly could anyone give me an explanation of why, even though i have paid my insurance, i am not welcome to pull at the steam fair? thirdly, why a person I know, who owns a puller, was told when they asked the organiser if they could attend the steam fair a couple of weeks ago was told that the event was full and that they could not go, seeing as how someone else has just decided to build a puller, and after speaking to the organiser today, was told that its not a problem to turn up, and how many passes were required? The GDSF used to be a lot of fun, but it seems that now you are only welcome if it suits the organisers, and if you try and follow any safety requirements then you most certainly are not welcome!!
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 21:48:48
Fred Flintstone
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
Well Dave "Total Overload" is not allowed to sledge the steam fair because it appears we are "To safe". After going to the Health & Safety meeting and listening and discussing issues with the HSE about tractor pulling, the Total Overload team thought a few BASIC safety rules were needed to protect pullers and members of the public. The basic safety rules are as follows: Rollbar Wheelie Bars Crossbolts in exhaust Killflap Seatbelt Crash helmet Overalls This does not seem to much to ask for, a bit of safety for all of us who enjoy participating and watching the sport!
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 08:38:58
Dave
Guest
Im not too sure why I asked via the website mind, as most of the people down there absolutly detest it and think its the worst thing that has happened to the tractor pulling, and the cause of the problems, personally I think its one of the best things that has happened and Squirrel is owed a lot of thanks for creating and maintaining it.
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:30:49
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Dave, I have now idea which Sledge will be used at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and I don’t suppose anyone is going to volunteer the information since I appear to be pretty much persona non grata as far as the Dorset pullers are concerned. At the Mere Pull one of the Sledge crew told me that the web site was the worse thing that had happened to the sport, sort of implying it was all my fault. At Shillingstone I was left with a strong impression that many people would have preferred it if I wasn’t there. I may be well wide of the mark and becoming paranoid in my old age, but that was how it felt… I’ve no idea if anyone wants me to commentate at the GDSF but time is fast running out. Oh, by the way, I can’t quite understand how Sledge rules for the Pullers can be too safe when you bear in mind the sport is under the spotlight as far as HSE are concerned…
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 22:47:34
Ghost Buster
Guest
Well Banned for being too safe what a laugh. lets hope that your wrong there.
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:52:56
Dave
Guest
I only wish I was!!
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 17:58:15
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Who told you that you where banned for being too safe?
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 19:37:40
Fred Flintstone
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
I did not say "Total Overload" sledge and crew are banned, I have heard on the grapevine that another sledge and crew are attending the GDSF this year, as apparently the section organiser does not agree with our BASIC rules, although nobody has told me personally that we are not sledging the tractor pulling!
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 07:45:54
Dave
Guest
neither myself, or a couple of my friends, that have all been attending the steam fair for many years now have not received entry forms this year, so we can only assume that we are not welcome!
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 22:25:14
Ghost Buster
Guest
How sad well lets hope that it is run safely coz i fink the hse would find it interesting.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:30:17
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
It will be as safe as it always has been with the safty code that we follow and as far as i know the hse where happy with. There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined. The steam fair pulling is for demo purposes only. If you didn't recieve a entry form and you think you should have why don't you contact the organisers and find out why instead of posting questions. The bigger the divide gets the harder it will be for everyone.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:49:46
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Devils Dog wrote:
It will be as safe as it always has beenWell I think you are blind to the truth, you must be. Apart from last year thing were in a downward spiral. Last year things did look good for the future, but now I think its going to be f**ked. Blame the organisers!!!!!!!!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:54:07
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Blind from what truth
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:58:08
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
The truth is that your type of pulling is not safe! You have a sledge that is not fit for pupose, no safety standards on the tractors. Do you want me to continue?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:02:33
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Roll bars, Kill flaps, wheely bars, front weights on a 300 hp tractor.... are they not safty fetures then?!!!!!!!!
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:06:12
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
And your tractor has all these I take it?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:07:50
Dave
Guest
well i know for a fact that many of the tractors dont have kill flaps, and there is just a bit of rope attached to the drawbar assembly for effect!!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:09:34
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Dave wrote:
there is just a bit of rope attached to the drawbar assembly for effect!!Oh that will stop those 300hp tractors really quick, wont it!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:13:04
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
If it didn't it wouldn't be allowed to hook up. There have been people turn up that have been turned away for not having safty kit fitted. the tractors are tiny compared to the big boys 90 percent are just opened up new hollands.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:15:00
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
And WHAT would YOU do if the rack seized in the open position and you had a runnaway?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:16:17
Dave
Guest
Devils Dog wrote:
There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined.There was a problem and you know there was, there has been many close misses and then there was a more serious accident up north, if there is anything else then that will be the end of it for all of us, all that we are interested in doing is prolonging our sport and our and our spectators safety!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:16:57
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
ben wrote:
Dave wrote:
there is just a bit of rope attached to the drawbar assembly for effect!!Oh that will stop those 300hp tractors really quick, wont it!Buy a fendt 936 it's a dose bigger than mine and all you have to stop you is the breaks in the cab.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:19:12
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Dave wrote:
Devils Dog wrote:
There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined.There was a problem and you know there was, there has been many close misses and then there was a more serious accident up north, if there is anything else then that will be the end of it for all of us, all that we are interested in doing is prolonging our sport and our and our spectators safety!Ok but diggin at each other is really not going to help...
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:20:26
Dave
Guest
but no one will speak to us at the pulls we have been to watch
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:25:41
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
I spoke to you at shillingstone.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:31:25
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
I can remeber at the GDSF a few years back a tractor doing a run in which a rack stuck open, as there was no kill it couldnt be stopped. That was with the driver of both tractor and sledge hard on the brakes. And as this is happening all the crowd is gathering round to see whats wrong instead of running for safety. Luckily it siezed up. What do you think would have happened if it carried on through the fence, especially as you only have a TRENCH and a small heap of soil at the end. Lets not forget the ultra strong piece of herras too!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:32:52
Ghost Buster
Guest
Well would like everyone to have a good look at Devils Dog's roll bar looks real good to me
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:35:26
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Ghost Buster wrote:
Well would like everyone to have a good look at Devils Dog's roll bar looks real good to me Must have been airbrushed out to make it look safer
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:35:57
Dave
Guest
ben wrote:
What do you think would have happened if it carried on through the fence, especially as you only have a TRENCH and a small heap of soil at the end. Lets not forget the ultra strong piece of herras too!I think they forgot the trench at wincanton - i think the spectators at the end and the people in the caravan would have been shocked!!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:36:37
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Yeah you got me there but that picture is 4 years old.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:39:18
Ghost Buster
Guest
nice box stops at top af the rails
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:39:54
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
So what have you got on yours now to make it safer, you obviously dont think you need to sheild the motor???
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:42:57
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Or the clutch assembly
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:44:28
Ghost Buster
Guest
Nice big heras fencing to squash the crowd as well
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:45:43
Dave
Guest
yep, this one is you a couple of weeks ago i see i note you didnt have wheelie bars or a kill though!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:47:52
Ghost Buster
Guest
more engine shields too
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:48:31
Fred Flintstone
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
Well Kev, i know for a fact that there are still tractors out there with no killflaps. And when i spectated at Zeals most had lost there rollbar pins because they were folded down!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:56:47
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Well you only need them for driver and crowd protection, so theyre not that important
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 23:00:04
Ghost Buster
Guest
dont spose track staff or commentator matter either then?? mind you Squirrel's can jump well
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 07:01:59
Wookiee
Novice
Joined: 22 Nov 2007
Posts: 32
Location: Gutersloh, Germany
i take it you have seen the footage of the pro stock accident in Italy on pulingworld, i reckon the driver was fairly happy that a proper roll cage, safety harness and kill switch were all mandatory! devil dog may have suffered if he had had the same accident!
_________________Why can't we just all pull (no pun intended) in the same direction to make this great sport even better?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 17:30:38
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Im sure if i was pro stock.. not sat on a 5000 which wouldn't get that much ground speed falling off a cliff. Im not being funny and i don't fancy getting batterd over the net from 50 assosiation pullers but at what rpm should you be fitting a shatter blanket then? As i have drove 60 series tractors with the same flywheels that rev just as hard as me. Im just asking and not after a ear full.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 18:50:08
Dave
Guest
kev, you are revving to about 3800, the pro stock class is anything over 3000, i have seen clutches explode when the engine revs at 3000 max, the reason why they go is that they are being put under more stress than they are originally designed for! Ive got pictures of it if you want to see!
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:18:04
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Ok dave thanks, was just wondering.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:20:18
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
As Dave said, its not the rpm as much as what you do with it. When you drive a standard tractor do you drop the clutch at full revs in a big gear with a full load behind you? Most associations/ clubs wouuld insist on all tractors having clutch shielding, regardless of rpm. One other thing, in your "rules" do you have to have cross bolts in the exhaust. Or a one piece chassis,what about seatbelts?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:30:19
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
I don't have any cross bolts in the exhaust but i can easly fix that with a drill and a couple of m10 bolts does it have to be in a certan place or just on the stack?
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:51:02
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Right, it’s time to set a few things straight and sort of put my foot down with a firm hand! I’m sorry this is a bit rushed but I’m trying to get ready to go up to Welland at the moment. Ben, you said: -
Quote:
“The truth is that your type of pulling is not safe! You have a sledge that is not fit for pupose, no safety standards on the tractors. Do you want me to continue?”I’m glad to say you couldn’t be more wrong! Every Sledge has to be inspected by a qualified engineer, keep a full maintenance record and the crew must perform safety inspections at least once a day and keep accurate records of these inspections. Following last years accident and the meeting in February the HSE have been visiting events and carrying out spot checks… Bearing in mind the Sledges are mainly working with Pullers that would loosely fall in the ‘Super Farm’ category there certainly are fit for purpose. It’s debatable if they would have the stopping power to cope with a ‘Modified’ or ‘Prostock’ but there again these machines are a little thin on the ground… Because there is no national body covering the Independent Pullers, safety standards for the Tractors are being imposed by the Sledge owners and event organisers and may well vary from area to area but by and large there is a steady improvement in the general safety standards. Even the most committed Independents have fitted Kill Flaps, etc. You have to remember the Independents only pull for demonstration purposes NOT competition so the drivers won’t be going all out to make the maximum distance. If you’re in a pull-off you’re going to give it everything to gain the last few centimetres. If you’re just running down the track to show off your Tractor I really don’t think you’re going to risk a big repair bill, notwithstanding not being able to pull for the rest of the week-end. I’ll come back to this subject after Welland… Hope to see many of you there!
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:51:33
10 Bellies
Newby
Joined: 17 Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Location: Somerset
Kev It needs to be in the vertical part of the exhaust from memory, and there is a change in the ETPC rulebook this year (that came in with immediate effect) specifying 4 cross bolts in the exhaust, (at 45 degrees to one another). If you look at; http://www.tractorpulling.com/rulebooks/ETPC%20rulebook%202008/ETPC%20Rulebook%202008%20WinPDF.pdf I am sure its all there. (You probably already fund that 1, and I dont suggest you follow it to the last letter, but it could give you a few ideas). Hope that helps 10 Bellies
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:53:31
Richard S
Novice
Joined: 12 Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Devils Dog wrote:
It will be as safe as it always has been with the safty code that we follow and as far as i know the hse where happy with. There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined. The steam fair pulling is for demo purposes only. If you didn't recieve a entry form and you think you should have why don't you contact the organisers and find out why instead of posting questions. The bigger the divide gets the harder it will be for everyone.Well where to start? Pulling at the GDSF in 2006 was probably the worst event we have ever been to. I dont like to blow my own trumpet, but our tractor is probably one of the best to come out of the independant scene in several years. Yet at that event we were made to look like fools, rarely making it past half way. When you then consider that someone else who has spent alot less time and effort gets all the way to the end, how would this make you feel? We then had the same thing Shillingstone the year after, where unless your face fitted you would get nowhere! After that event we decided that we would not pull this sledge again, especially after rumours of deliberatly dammaging pullers machines. Of which the organisers had heard about, and when questioned if it might happen to us the organiser offered to man the sledge. So to say that I am not welcome at the GDSF is perhaps the wrong thing to say, I just don't feel welcome. Then when you consider the trouble with insurance this year, everyone else seemed to be included or at least offered it WE were not. I don't think you can bad mouth the SWTPA, as if not for them and Peak Vale pulling we would have only attended one pull this year! If you think I am wide of the mark then please tell me otherwise. Richard
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:55:02
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Cheers thats a great help.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:59:56
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
your right richard i shouldn't have dug at the swtpa. no offence intended. you at welland?
_________________Kev.
Babies
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 21:27:06
Gaffa
Newby
Joined: 18 May 2006
Posts: 7
Location: Warwickshire
What a complete load of pr**ks, get a grip of yourselves, dont go on here very often, but couldnt resist replying, for Dave Philips to spout on about safety when he used to be one of the worst for drinking and generally acting the clown, did a bit of it myself, I suggest the best thing is every body gets together round the back of the beer tent somewhere and sort it out properly, if nothing else it would clear the air. What has happened to everybody used to be good fun not anymore though. Get a grip lads GROW UP
_________________Gaffa Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
hahahahahahahaha
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 21:39:42
Sponge
Aprentice
Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 61
Location: ABM(ASTWOOD BANK MASSIVE yea rite!) HAHAHA
....... and i thought i was childish!!!! I dont go on this website that much either..... it's a good job i dont with all this stupid arguing going on! It's just like being back at school again The problem is, all this, would be sorted out far easier face to face instead of tittle tattling over this website. sponge
_________________Sponge Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 22:29:33
Richard S
Novice
Joined: 12 Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Devils Dog wrote:
your right richard i shouldn't have dug at the swtpa. no offence intended. you at welland?I'll be there! Richard
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:04:31
Dave
Guest
In reply to Gaffa, as you know i have knuckled down and stopped drinking, I was a complete clown and after standing back and watching what used to happen, aswell as seeing what can happen, which to be honest has scared the shit out of me. This is why i feel so strongly about it, because i am scared that someone is going to get injured. I am not here to cause trouble, and not interested in trouble, I just want our sport to progress (like all our tractors have over the years) into a safer (and hopefully happier) environment than it is now.
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:23:53
Jodie
Aprentice
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 81
Location: Astwood Bank, Worcestershire
Your right Sponge! its like being back at school again! No one has the guts to say anything face to face and has to use this website as a battleground! It aint fair on Squirrel either because he has made this website to discuss things not to argue about everything. As was said before, tractor pulling used to be a good laugh and now its no where near how it used to be. This needs to be sorted out because everyone is going to fall out about it which im sure we dont want.
_________________Jodie Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
Tractor Pulling Safety at the GDSF
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 11:54:45
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
A lot has been written here regarding potential Safety issues and the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Having now spoken to the local authority H.S.E., the section organisers and the event organisers I now have a much clearer picture of what has been going on and once again we have a case on communication breakdown… Many of the comments posted here, although well intentioned, were misinformed! The section organisers, event organisers, H.S.E. and sledge owners do take safety very seriously and have all been working very hard to ensure that whilst everyone (the Pullers and the public) have a good time, the actual Pulling is as safe as it can be. The Sledge certainly is ‘fit for purpose’. Agreed it is not suitable for competition Pulling but then again it was never designed with that in mind. It was built specifically for Demonstration Pulling and is more than capable of handling the Pullers that hook up to it. Although some of the Pullers almost defy categorisation (‘Black Dog’ springs to mind) the vast majority would fall into the ‘Super Farm’ category and the rest are mostly ‘Over 401’ but not as highly developed as ‘Mendip Magic’ or ‘Dragon Power’. Roll protection is mandatory along with a number of other safety measures to ensure not only the public but Pullers and track staff are protected. Numerous meetings have been held to iron out all the wrinkles and ensure all possible contingencies have been catered for and that all the necessary emergency planning is in place so I think we can rest assured that it will be a safe event! As I’ve already pointed out, there is no National body which cover the ‘Independent Pullers’ therefore we are left with the individual Sledges and event organisers to lay down the basic safety requirements. In this respect Peak Vale Pulling has led the way by publishing their minimum standards on this web site. If all the other Sledges were to follow their lead then we would end up with a De Facto standard. I am not going to discuss this matter any further in this post because it deserves a section all of its own…
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 12:53:52
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
So are you saying that the event organisers or the HSE are happy with the sledge and that it is fit for purpose?
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 15:00:23
Breadline Racing
Senior Member
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Posts: 179
Location: North Somerset
Squirrel wrote:
The Sledge certainly is ‘fit for purpose’. Agreed it is not suitable for competition Pulling but then again it was never designed with that in mind. It was built specifically for Demonstration Pulling and is more than capable of handling the Pullers that hook up to it.Not wishing to be childish in anyway, can you explain the difference between a sledge being designed for 'Demontration Purposes' and one designed for 'Competition'?
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Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 16:24:43
Squirrel
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Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
A 'Competition Sledge' has a weight-box driven from the leading axle which means each and every pull will be exactly the same... This Sledge was never intended for competition use and the weight-box is moved by the engine which also drives the hydraulics. As you can see this means each pull will be slightly different because although the box moves along the rails at a constant speed, the point at which the clutch is released cannot neccessarily be guaranteed. A I stated in a previous post, the Sledge is perfectly 'fit for purpose' but not in competion terms. I hope this clarifies the situation...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 17:43:19
ben
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Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
I will ask again, WHO has said it is fit for purpose?
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 23:07:05
Ghost Buster
Guest
Well Squirrel I find it hard to belive that someone of your vast tractor pulling knowledge can be so niaive to think that demonstration is so different to competition. The same stress is put on the critical breakage points of the puller regarding of demonstration or competition and have witnessed first hand accidents happen in europe with tractors LESS POWERFULL pullers than attend you "demonstration events". Saftey has to come first. Also your conseption of the land drive weight box is wrong there are sledges out there that work on lots of different principals which are used for pulling in the usa. I trust this sledge has adequate brakes on the box to prevent it freewheeling up and down the sledge ??
childish banter
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 00:00:57
AirPol
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Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
I have read with mild amusement the childish banter on this site lately. It should be pointed out that Squirrel is not the person to answer such questions about sledges or the safety at events. If you really want to know, common sense says that the event organisers/section leaders are the people in the know and with the answers. This webb site was developed for the pullers to contact each other about events, workshop advice, to show photos and share their interest in pulling, not for a lot of irritating politics and comments made by people with no real experience in organising these events other than turning up to take part.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 20:36:21
Squirrel
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Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
The GDSF draws closer and I've just seen the first of the show marquees being erected on South Down...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 19:39:40
ben
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Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
After visiting the GDSF I see that I was right to ask the questions about the sledge. Who had said that it was fit for purpose? As it most certainly was not capable of stoping any of the tractors there. Was there any weight in the weight box? It certainly didn't appear that way. It didn't matter if the box was up or down, no load was being transfered. If it was the case that there was not any weight in the box, why? Are the box stops inadequete? All looked very unsafe to me, not to mention absolutely boring. Perhaps you should have an accident, it will make you stop and look at what it is you are doing.
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 20:13:18
onky
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Location: whixall nr whitchurch shropshire
what a DICK !!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A STUPID COMMENT to make. Accidents happen no matter what sport you are in and to wish an accident on someone is pathetic
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 09:25:08
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Yes your quite right. Accidents do happen, but more often than not they can be avoided. I have heard that your group came very close to another accident just the other day, perhaps you should not spout untill your own house is in order.
mr ben
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 09:51:09
george davies
Senior Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Location: wales
listen here and make no mistakes i never make the comments on here personal so i suggest you do the same .... george davies
Boring??
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 09:16:54
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Yeah realy boring God knows how many hundreds of people stacked at the fences on saturday night watching boring old us tractor pulling when they could have been down the fair having some proper fun!!!!??? Perhaps next time you won't have to come and bore yourself watching. Great show Thanks to noman, lyn, Jerry and James for woking hard orginising the pull, Ned and paul for bringing the sledge and all the sledge crew for there hard work.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:33:23
Dave
Guest
I was there watching all evening Saturday, and your right Kev, the crowds very good, I really enjoyed the commentry, some of the best I have heard at tractor pulling, the combination of Squirrel and Spain worked very well, and I would like to see that happen again, as sometimes I find on their own they run out of things to say, whereas together they definatly work well and give each other ideas!!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 14:44:17
Devils Dog
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Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Your right there dave.. made me chuckle..
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 17:14:12
Dave
Guest
The Spain 'n' Squirrel show, lol
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 19:51:03
Jodie
Aprentice
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 81
Location: Astwood Bank, Worcestershire
Well thats a way of putting it lol
_________________Jodie Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
Spain & Squirrel, PI
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 20:21:31
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
OK, I had a 'ball' working with Spain when I managed to get onto the same wavelength and I hope you all enjoyed the show. By all account the double act, Spain & Squirrel, PI, standing for Politically Incorrect, went down really well with the audience. On the subject of Welland, it is very difficult to keep going 'full-on' continuously for 4 or 5 hours! This is a Tractpr Pullers event and the commentator is very much a secondary consideration... For myself, I can only do 2-2½ hours at my usual peripatetic 'motor-mouth' pace before I start to flag. Hey I'm not a young as I used to be and the 'waterworks' do have a limited capacity these days... I'd just to remind you all that it is actually bloody hard work out there at the best of times and Welland is simply brutal because it is a long time to keep going at full-speed and try to keep focused and maintain a raport with the audience. Oh, by the way I'm still learning the job. Give me another ten years and I may actually start to get to grips with it...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 20:33:40
Squirrel
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Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Hey... I could always go for a Dave Allen high stool or maybe even Val Doonegan's arm chair...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 15:46:20
Dave
Guest
Hopefully someone could shed a little light on a couple of things for me, firstly does anyone know who is sledging the steam fair this year? secondly could anyone give me an explanation of why, even though i have paid my insurance, i am not welcome to pull at the steam fair? thirdly, why a person I know, who owns a puller, was told when they asked the organiser if they could attend the steam fair a couple of weeks ago was told that the event was full and that they could not go, seeing as how someone else has just decided to build a puller, and after speaking to the organiser today, was told that its not a problem to turn up, and how many passes were required? The GDSF used to be a lot of fun, but it seems that now you are only welcome if it suits the organisers, and if you try and follow any safety requirements then you most certainly are not welcome!!
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2008 21:48:48
Fred Flintstone
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Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
Well Dave "Total Overload" is not allowed to sledge the steam fair because it appears we are "To safe". After going to the Health & Safety meeting and listening and discussing issues with the HSE about tractor pulling, the Total Overload team thought a few BASIC safety rules were needed to protect pullers and members of the public. The basic safety rules are as follows: Rollbar Wheelie Bars Crossbolts in exhaust Killflap Seatbelt Crash helmet Overalls This does not seem to much to ask for, a bit of safety for all of us who enjoy participating and watching the sport!
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 08:38:58
Dave
Guest
Im not too sure why I asked via the website mind, as most of the people down there absolutly detest it and think its the worst thing that has happened to the tractor pulling, and the cause of the problems, personally I think its one of the best things that has happened and Squirrel is owed a lot of thanks for creating and maintaining it.
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:30:49
Squirrel
Site Admin
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Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Dave, I have now idea which Sledge will be used at the Great Dorset Steam Fair and I don’t suppose anyone is going to volunteer the information since I appear to be pretty much persona non grata as far as the Dorset pullers are concerned. At the Mere Pull one of the Sledge crew told me that the web site was the worse thing that had happened to the sport, sort of implying it was all my fault. At Shillingstone I was left with a strong impression that many people would have preferred it if I wasn’t there. I may be well wide of the mark and becoming paranoid in my old age, but that was how it felt… I’ve no idea if anyone wants me to commentate at the GDSF but time is fast running out. Oh, by the way, I can’t quite understand how Sledge rules for the Pullers can be too safe when you bear in mind the sport is under the spotlight as far as HSE are concerned…
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 22:47:34
Ghost Buster
Guest
Well Banned for being too safe what a laugh. lets hope that your wrong there.
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:52:56
Dave
Guest
I only wish I was!!
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 17:58:15
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Who told you that you where banned for being too safe?
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 19:37:40
Fred Flintstone
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Posts: 17
Location: South
I did not say "Total Overload" sledge and crew are banned, I have heard on the grapevine that another sledge and crew are attending the GDSF this year, as apparently the section organiser does not agree with our BASIC rules, although nobody has told me personally that we are not sledging the tractor pulling!
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 07:45:54
Dave
Guest
neither myself, or a couple of my friends, that have all been attending the steam fair for many years now have not received entry forms this year, so we can only assume that we are not welcome!
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 22:25:14
Ghost Buster
Guest
How sad well lets hope that it is run safely coz i fink the hse would find it interesting.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:30:17
Devils Dog
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Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
It will be as safe as it always has been with the safty code that we follow and as far as i know the hse where happy with. There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined. The steam fair pulling is for demo purposes only. If you didn't recieve a entry form and you think you should have why don't you contact the organisers and find out why instead of posting questions. The bigger the divide gets the harder it will be for everyone.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:49:46
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Devils Dog wrote:
It will be as safe as it always has beenWell I think you are blind to the truth, you must be. Apart from last year thing were in a downward spiral. Last year things did look good for the future, but now I think its going to be f**ked. Blame the organisers!!!!!!!!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:54:07
Devils Dog
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Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Blind from what truth
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 21:58:08
ben
Novice
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Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
The truth is that your type of pulling is not safe! You have a sledge that is not fit for pupose, no safety standards on the tractors. Do you want me to continue?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:02:33
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Roll bars, Kill flaps, wheely bars, front weights on a 300 hp tractor.... are they not safty fetures then?!!!!!!!!
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:06:12
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
And your tractor has all these I take it?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:07:50
Dave
Guest
well i know for a fact that many of the tractors dont have kill flaps, and there is just a bit of rope attached to the drawbar assembly for effect!!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:09:34
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Dave wrote:
there is just a bit of rope attached to the drawbar assembly for effect!!Oh that will stop those 300hp tractors really quick, wont it!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:13:04
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
If it didn't it wouldn't be allowed to hook up. There have been people turn up that have been turned away for not having safty kit fitted. the tractors are tiny compared to the big boys 90 percent are just opened up new hollands.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:15:00
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
And WHAT would YOU do if the rack seized in the open position and you had a runnaway?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:16:17
Dave
Guest
Devils Dog wrote:
There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined.There was a problem and you know there was, there has been many close misses and then there was a more serious accident up north, if there is anything else then that will be the end of it for all of us, all that we are interested in doing is prolonging our sport and our and our spectators safety!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:16:57
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
ben wrote:
Dave wrote:
there is just a bit of rope attached to the drawbar assembly for effect!!Oh that will stop those 300hp tractors really quick, wont it!Buy a fendt 936 it's a dose bigger than mine and all you have to stop you is the breaks in the cab.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:19:12
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Dave wrote:
Devils Dog wrote:
There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined.There was a problem and you know there was, there has been many close misses and then there was a more serious accident up north, if there is anything else then that will be the end of it for all of us, all that we are interested in doing is prolonging our sport and our and our spectators safety!Ok but diggin at each other is really not going to help...
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:20:26
Dave
Guest
but no one will speak to us at the pulls we have been to watch
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:25:41
Devils Dog
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Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
I spoke to you at shillingstone.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:31:25
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
I can remeber at the GDSF a few years back a tractor doing a run in which a rack stuck open, as there was no kill it couldnt be stopped. That was with the driver of both tractor and sledge hard on the brakes. And as this is happening all the crowd is gathering round to see whats wrong instead of running for safety. Luckily it siezed up. What do you think would have happened if it carried on through the fence, especially as you only have a TRENCH and a small heap of soil at the end. Lets not forget the ultra strong piece of herras too!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:32:52
Ghost Buster
Guest
Well would like everyone to have a good look at Devils Dog's roll bar looks real good to me
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:35:26
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Ghost Buster wrote:
Well would like everyone to have a good look at Devils Dog's roll bar looks real good to me Must have been airbrushed out to make it look safer
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:35:57
Dave
Guest
ben wrote:
What do you think would have happened if it carried on through the fence, especially as you only have a TRENCH and a small heap of soil at the end. Lets not forget the ultra strong piece of herras too!I think they forgot the trench at wincanton - i think the spectators at the end and the people in the caravan would have been shocked!!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:36:37
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Yeah you got me there but that picture is 4 years old.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:39:18
Ghost Buster
Guest
nice box stops at top af the rails
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:39:54
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
So what have you got on yours now to make it safer, you obviously dont think you need to sheild the motor???
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:42:57
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Or the clutch assembly
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:44:28
Ghost Buster
Guest
Nice big heras fencing to squash the crowd as well
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:45:43
Dave
Guest
yep, this one is you a couple of weeks ago i see i note you didnt have wheelie bars or a kill though!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:47:52
Ghost Buster
Guest
more engine shields too
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:48:31
Fred Flintstone
Newby
Joined: 20 Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Location: South
Well Kev, i know for a fact that there are still tractors out there with no killflaps. And when i spectated at Zeals most had lost there rollbar pins because they were folded down!
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 22:56:47
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Well you only need them for driver and crowd protection, so theyre not that important
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 23:00:04
Ghost Buster
Guest
dont spose track staff or commentator matter either then?? mind you Squirrel's can jump well
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 07:01:59
Wookiee
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Posts: 32
Location: Gutersloh, Germany
i take it you have seen the footage of the pro stock accident in Italy on pulingworld, i reckon the driver was fairly happy that a proper roll cage, safety harness and kill switch were all mandatory! devil dog may have suffered if he had had the same accident!
_________________Why can't we just all pull (no pun intended) in the same direction to make this great sport even better?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 17:30:38
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Im sure if i was pro stock.. not sat on a 5000 which wouldn't get that much ground speed falling off a cliff. Im not being funny and i don't fancy getting batterd over the net from 50 assosiation pullers but at what rpm should you be fitting a shatter blanket then? As i have drove 60 series tractors with the same flywheels that rev just as hard as me. Im just asking and not after a ear full.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 18:50:08
Dave
Guest
kev, you are revving to about 3800, the pro stock class is anything over 3000, i have seen clutches explode when the engine revs at 3000 max, the reason why they go is that they are being put under more stress than they are originally designed for! Ive got pictures of it if you want to see!
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:18:04
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Ok dave thanks, was just wondering.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:20:18
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
As Dave said, its not the rpm as much as what you do with it. When you drive a standard tractor do you drop the clutch at full revs in a big gear with a full load behind you? Most associations/ clubs wouuld insist on all tractors having clutch shielding, regardless of rpm. One other thing, in your "rules" do you have to have cross bolts in the exhaust. Or a one piece chassis,what about seatbelts?
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:30:19
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
I don't have any cross bolts in the exhaust but i can easly fix that with a drill and a couple of m10 bolts does it have to be in a certan place or just on the stack?
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:51:02
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Right, it’s time to set a few things straight and sort of put my foot down with a firm hand! I’m sorry this is a bit rushed but I’m trying to get ready to go up to Welland at the moment. Ben, you said: -
Quote:
“The truth is that your type of pulling is not safe! You have a sledge that is not fit for pupose, no safety standards on the tractors. Do you want me to continue?”I’m glad to say you couldn’t be more wrong! Every Sledge has to be inspected by a qualified engineer, keep a full maintenance record and the crew must perform safety inspections at least once a day and keep accurate records of these inspections. Following last years accident and the meeting in February the HSE have been visiting events and carrying out spot checks… Bearing in mind the Sledges are mainly working with Pullers that would loosely fall in the ‘Super Farm’ category there certainly are fit for purpose. It’s debatable if they would have the stopping power to cope with a ‘Modified’ or ‘Prostock’ but there again these machines are a little thin on the ground… Because there is no national body covering the Independent Pullers, safety standards for the Tractors are being imposed by the Sledge owners and event organisers and may well vary from area to area but by and large there is a steady improvement in the general safety standards. Even the most committed Independents have fitted Kill Flaps, etc. You have to remember the Independents only pull for demonstration purposes NOT competition so the drivers won’t be going all out to make the maximum distance. If you’re in a pull-off you’re going to give it everything to gain the last few centimetres. If you’re just running down the track to show off your Tractor I really don’t think you’re going to risk a big repair bill, notwithstanding not being able to pull for the rest of the week-end. I’ll come back to this subject after Welland… Hope to see many of you there!
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:51:33
10 Bellies
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Joined: 17 Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Location: Somerset
Kev It needs to be in the vertical part of the exhaust from memory, and there is a change in the ETPC rulebook this year (that came in with immediate effect) specifying 4 cross bolts in the exhaust, (at 45 degrees to one another). If you look at; http://www.tractorpulling.com/rulebooks/ETPC%20rulebook%202008/ETPC%20Rulebook%202008%20WinPDF.pdf I am sure its all there. (You probably already fund that 1, and I dont suggest you follow it to the last letter, but it could give you a few ideas). Hope that helps 10 Bellies
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:53:31
Richard S
Novice
Joined: 12 Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Devils Dog wrote:
It will be as safe as it always has been with the safty code that we follow and as far as i know the hse where happy with. There didn't seem to be a problem untill the swtpa came on the scene who pull for competion and a few of the independent pullers joined. The steam fair pulling is for demo purposes only. If you didn't recieve a entry form and you think you should have why don't you contact the organisers and find out why instead of posting questions. The bigger the divide gets the harder it will be for everyone.Well where to start? Pulling at the GDSF in 2006 was probably the worst event we have ever been to. I dont like to blow my own trumpet, but our tractor is probably one of the best to come out of the independant scene in several years. Yet at that event we were made to look like fools, rarely making it past half way. When you then consider that someone else who has spent alot less time and effort gets all the way to the end, how would this make you feel? We then had the same thing Shillingstone the year after, where unless your face fitted you would get nowhere! After that event we decided that we would not pull this sledge again, especially after rumours of deliberatly dammaging pullers machines. Of which the organisers had heard about, and when questioned if it might happen to us the organiser offered to man the sledge. So to say that I am not welcome at the GDSF is perhaps the wrong thing to say, I just don't feel welcome. Then when you consider the trouble with insurance this year, everyone else seemed to be included or at least offered it WE were not. I don't think you can bad mouth the SWTPA, as if not for them and Peak Vale pulling we would have only attended one pull this year! If you think I am wide of the mark then please tell me otherwise. Richard
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:55:02
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Cheers thats a great help.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 19:59:56
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
your right richard i shouldn't have dug at the swtpa. no offence intended. you at welland?
_________________Kev.
Babies
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 21:27:06
Gaffa
Newby
Joined: 18 May 2006
Posts: 7
Location: Warwickshire
What a complete load of pr**ks, get a grip of yourselves, dont go on here very often, but couldnt resist replying, for Dave Philips to spout on about safety when he used to be one of the worst for drinking and generally acting the clown, did a bit of it myself, I suggest the best thing is every body gets together round the back of the beer tent somewhere and sort it out properly, if nothing else it would clear the air. What has happened to everybody used to be good fun not anymore though. Get a grip lads GROW UP
_________________Gaffa Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
hahahahahahahaha
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 21:39:42
Sponge
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Joined: 24 May 2006
Posts: 61
Location: ABM(ASTWOOD BANK MASSIVE yea rite!) HAHAHA
....... and i thought i was childish!!!! I dont go on this website that much either..... it's a good job i dont with all this stupid arguing going on! It's just like being back at school again The problem is, all this, would be sorted out far easier face to face instead of tittle tattling over this website. sponge
_________________Sponge Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 22:29:33
Richard S
Novice
Joined: 12 Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Devils Dog wrote:
your right richard i shouldn't have dug at the swtpa. no offence intended. you at welland?I'll be there! Richard
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:04:31
Dave
Guest
In reply to Gaffa, as you know i have knuckled down and stopped drinking, I was a complete clown and after standing back and watching what used to happen, aswell as seeing what can happen, which to be honest has scared the shit out of me. This is why i feel so strongly about it, because i am scared that someone is going to get injured. I am not here to cause trouble, and not interested in trouble, I just want our sport to progress (like all our tractors have over the years) into a safer (and hopefully happier) environment than it is now.
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:23:53
Jodie
Aprentice
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 81
Location: Astwood Bank, Worcestershire
Your right Sponge! its like being back at school again! No one has the guts to say anything face to face and has to use this website as a battleground! It aint fair on Squirrel either because he has made this website to discuss things not to argue about everything. As was said before, tractor pulling used to be a good laugh and now its no where near how it used to be. This needs to be sorted out because everyone is going to fall out about it which im sure we dont want.
_________________Jodie Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
Tractor Pulling Safety at the GDSF
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 11:54:45
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
A lot has been written here regarding potential Safety issues and the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Having now spoken to the local authority H.S.E., the section organisers and the event organisers I now have a much clearer picture of what has been going on and once again we have a case on communication breakdown… Many of the comments posted here, although well intentioned, were misinformed! The section organisers, event organisers, H.S.E. and sledge owners do take safety very seriously and have all been working very hard to ensure that whilst everyone (the Pullers and the public) have a good time, the actual Pulling is as safe as it can be. The Sledge certainly is ‘fit for purpose’. Agreed it is not suitable for competition Pulling but then again it was never designed with that in mind. It was built specifically for Demonstration Pulling and is more than capable of handling the Pullers that hook up to it. Although some of the Pullers almost defy categorisation (‘Black Dog’ springs to mind) the vast majority would fall into the ‘Super Farm’ category and the rest are mostly ‘Over 401’ but not as highly developed as ‘Mendip Magic’ or ‘Dragon Power’. Roll protection is mandatory along with a number of other safety measures to ensure not only the public but Pullers and track staff are protected. Numerous meetings have been held to iron out all the wrinkles and ensure all possible contingencies have been catered for and that all the necessary emergency planning is in place so I think we can rest assured that it will be a safe event! As I’ve already pointed out, there is no National body which cover the ‘Independent Pullers’ therefore we are left with the individual Sledges and event organisers to lay down the basic safety requirements. In this respect Peak Vale Pulling has led the way by publishing their minimum standards on this web site. If all the other Sledges were to follow their lead then we would end up with a De Facto standard. I am not going to discuss this matter any further in this post because it deserves a section all of its own…
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 12:53:52
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
So are you saying that the event organisers or the HSE are happy with the sledge and that it is fit for purpose?
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 15:00:23
Breadline Racing
Senior Member
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
Posts: 179
Location: North Somerset
Squirrel wrote:
The Sledge certainly is ‘fit for purpose’. Agreed it is not suitable for competition Pulling but then again it was never designed with that in mind. It was built specifically for Demonstration Pulling and is more than capable of handling the Pullers that hook up to it.Not wishing to be childish in anyway, can you explain the difference between a sledge being designed for 'Demontration Purposes' and one designed for 'Competition'?
_________________http://www.bountyhunterpullingteam.co.uk
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 16:24:43
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
A 'Competition Sledge' has a weight-box driven from the leading axle which means each and every pull will be exactly the same... This Sledge was never intended for competition use and the weight-box is moved by the engine which also drives the hydraulics. As you can see this means each pull will be slightly different because although the box moves along the rails at a constant speed, the point at which the clutch is released cannot neccessarily be guaranteed. A I stated in a previous post, the Sledge is perfectly 'fit for purpose' but not in competion terms. I hope this clarifies the situation...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 17:43:19
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
I will ask again, WHO has said it is fit for purpose?
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 23:07:05
Ghost Buster
Guest
Well Squirrel I find it hard to belive that someone of your vast tractor pulling knowledge can be so niaive to think that demonstration is so different to competition. The same stress is put on the critical breakage points of the puller regarding of demonstration or competition and have witnessed first hand accidents happen in europe with tractors LESS POWERFULL pullers than attend you "demonstration events". Saftey has to come first. Also your conseption of the land drive weight box is wrong there are sledges out there that work on lots of different principals which are used for pulling in the usa. I trust this sledge has adequate brakes on the box to prevent it freewheeling up and down the sledge ??
childish banter
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 00:00:57
AirPol
Novice
Joined: 07 Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Location: Gloucestershire
I have read with mild amusement the childish banter on this site lately. It should be pointed out that Squirrel is not the person to answer such questions about sledges or the safety at events. If you really want to know, common sense says that the event organisers/section leaders are the people in the know and with the answers. This webb site was developed for the pullers to contact each other about events, workshop advice, to show photos and share their interest in pulling, not for a lot of irritating politics and comments made by people with no real experience in organising these events other than turning up to take part.
_________________Pollution is blue. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 20:36:21
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
The GDSF draws closer and I've just seen the first of the show marquees being erected on South Down...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 19:39:40
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
After visiting the GDSF I see that I was right to ask the questions about the sledge. Who had said that it was fit for purpose? As it most certainly was not capable of stoping any of the tractors there. Was there any weight in the weight box? It certainly didn't appear that way. It didn't matter if the box was up or down, no load was being transfered. If it was the case that there was not any weight in the box, why? Are the box stops inadequete? All looked very unsafe to me, not to mention absolutely boring. Perhaps you should have an accident, it will make you stop and look at what it is you are doing.
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 20:13:18
onky
Senior Member
Joined: 19 Jan 2008
Posts: 163
Location: whixall nr whitchurch shropshire
what a DICK !!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A STUPID COMMENT to make. Accidents happen no matter what sport you are in and to wish an accident on someone is pathetic
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 09:25:08
ben
Novice
Joined: 28 Oct 2006
Posts: 24
Location: Norwich
Yes your quite right. Accidents do happen, but more often than not they can be avoided. I have heard that your group came very close to another accident just the other day, perhaps you should not spout untill your own house is in order.
mr ben
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 09:51:09
george davies
Senior Member
Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Posts: 208
Location: wales
listen here and make no mistakes i never make the comments on here personal so i suggest you do the same .... george davies
Boring??
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 09:16:54
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Yeah realy boring God knows how many hundreds of people stacked at the fences on saturday night watching boring old us tractor pulling when they could have been down the fair having some proper fun!!!!??? Perhaps next time you won't have to come and bore yourself watching. Great show Thanks to noman, lyn, Jerry and James for woking hard orginising the pull, Ned and paul for bringing the sledge and all the sledge crew for there hard work.
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:33:23
Dave
Guest
I was there watching all evening Saturday, and your right Kev, the crowds very good, I really enjoyed the commentry, some of the best I have heard at tractor pulling, the combination of Squirrel and Spain worked very well, and I would like to see that happen again, as sometimes I find on their own they run out of things to say, whereas together they definatly work well and give each other ideas!!
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 14:44:17
Devils Dog
Senior Member
Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Location: Gillingham, Dorset
Your right there dave.. made me chuckle..
_________________Kev.
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 17:14:12
Dave
Guest
The Spain 'n' Squirrel show, lol
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 19:51:03
Jodie
Aprentice
Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 81
Location: Astwood Bank, Worcestershire
Well thats a way of putting it lol
_________________Jodie Mad Massey - 420 Horses and 1 Ass
Spain & Squirrel, PI
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 20:21:31
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
OK, I had a 'ball' working with Spain when I managed to get onto the same wavelength and I hope you all enjoyed the show. By all account the double act, Spain & Squirrel, PI, standing for Politically Incorrect, went down really well with the audience. On the subject of Welland, it is very difficult to keep going 'full-on' continuously for 4 or 5 hours! This is a Tractpr Pullers event and the commentator is very much a secondary consideration... For myself, I can only do 2-2½ hours at my usual peripatetic 'motor-mouth' pace before I start to flag. Hey I'm not a young as I used to be and the 'waterworks' do have a limited capacity these days... I'd just to remind you all that it is actually bloody hard work out there at the best of times and Welland is simply brutal because it is a long time to keep going at full-speed and try to keep focused and maintain a raport with the audience. Oh, by the way I'm still learning the job. Give me another ten years and I may actually start to get to grips with it...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator Sig by neit at iz-graphics.co.uk January '06
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 20:33:40
Squirrel
Site Admin
Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 674
Location: Nr. Blandford Forum, Dorset
Hey... I could always go for a Dave Allen high stool or maybe even Val Doonegan's arm chair...
_________________Squirrel (Mark G-B) Annoying Tractor Pulling Commentator
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