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'?
_________________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