Welland 2008

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!!!!!!