Here are some articles, pull reports, and press releases. I have written these over the years for a number of reasons.
I thought you might find some of these interesting. I will add more when I find them.
Much of the Info might be out of date, it is only here for interest sake
Profile out of Date and a bit disjointed owing to some changes being made
I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kelvin Jobling, I live in the small town of Quambatook, which is situated in Northern Victoria. This is a prime wheat growing area.
A big part of my life has involved tractor pulling , I have been a competitor since 82 the first 10 as a mini rod driver owner. the latter as a super mod driver owner. My tractors have always carried the Outlaw name. Also helped develope the T&I Terminator the first pro stocker in Aus, was the driver for some years , I left the company who own that tractor. I run my own business Kelvin Jobling Mechanical Repairs, on farm repairs.
Former President of the Australian Tractor Pullers Association, Former Media Correspondent , Former ATPA tech scrutineer,
There is another area where I have held a post and still do, this is the Public Relations officer for the Quambatook Tractor Pullers Association , this organization promotes the Australian Championships, Have serves as president for the QTPA, currently Vice Pres.
I don't compete full time now, run at a pull at times, if the farming industry improved I may make a return to the sport .
I seem destined to be around tractors, with my business as a mechanic mostly working on John Deere machinery I cannot escape them..
While visiting the USA in 94, I was pleased to witness the Macon and the Bowling Green tractor pulls, and came away a smoker fan.
In 98 I set my aim on getting this class started in Australia.
The main enjoyment I have now is with computers, with the Internet being the main part of this hobby , if you come across the user name of jobbo you have found me.
I have 2 Home pages for the Australian tractor pulling scene , my major enjoyment comes from the contacts , via email. If any person would like to know some information about our sport don’t hesitate in mailing me, I might be a little slow in answering you but I will. You will see some photos on the page as well as the ones to come in the full pull publication , some photos are my work , but the better ones will most likely be from our Official Photographer for the Australian Championships ,
Cheers Kelvin Jobling (jobbo) www.members.iinet.net.au/~jobbo
New Page www.jobbo.com.au
Email: jobbo@iinet.net.au
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1996 Report
Tractor pulling started in Australia about 20 years ago. The first pull was held at the Elmore machinery field day. A number of months later the Apex club of Quambatook held their first pull.
Pulling grew well with the construction of many super modified tractors, with pulls in most of the eastern states, the pulls centered around the state of Victoria, with South Australia and NSW also holding pulls .
In 82 mini modified came into being , those tractors were very similar to the USA mini rods, but for the 351 cubic inch limit and no forced induction . This started a new era in the sport. Over the following years we have seen the mini mods grow in number, also with the inclusion of the open class of mini mods. The super mods have lost numbers, some reasons may be the poor economic climate experienced during that time, and vast distances between pulls.
Pulling in Australia is about to enter a new era this being the introduction of Smokers. The big hope is that the Machinery Dealerships may decide to come into the sport, with these tractors resemblance to the tractors they sell . We in the pulling scene hope the public take to this type of pulling machine the way the car racing public have taken to the Super saloons based on the Aussie built V8 powered cars, this concept has seen a great growth in this area, we are hoping for the same.
There have been many Pull center’s come and go over the past 22 years, but there has been one tractor pull that continues to grow , this being the Quambatook Tractor Pull .
Quambatook holds the Australian Championships , which is held on Easter Saturday . The Quambatook Tractor Pullers Association have built a large complex totally dedicated to tractor pulling , with large embankments for spectators, and all other amities on site , it would be hard to find any complex better for Tractor pulling anywhere in the world .
The QTPA have just decided to stage two pulls per season. so we hope this will be a very successful for the small band of workers.
A new organization has just been formed this is the Mini Pullers Association , the mini owners felt they would like to form their own organization to promote their own class of pulling, so it can be seen that pulling in Australia is in the process of change .
There is another Pulling Association in Australia , this is the Western Australian Tractor Pullers Association. This organization was originally affiliated with the ATPA, but owing to the vast distances and the different circumstances it was felt that two separate associations would be the best . There is an agreement which allows the competitors to compete in each others circuit. There is a variation in the mini mod rules , but all other classes have been kept the same. Many Pullers have made the trip across the Nullabore plain to compete in the respective championships.
The ATPA has just held elections , and all major officials have changed , this is the first time since the formation of the ATPA that there has not been an original foundation member of the ATPA in office. so it would seem that the next generation of Pullers have taking charge , we all wish them well.
There is a small summary of the classes we have here, I hope this will introduce you to the pulling scene down under
All the best till next time
Kelvin Jobling (jobbo)
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Editorial 2004
The T&I Centres’ Australian Tractor Pull Championships at Quambatook
WHEN
Easter Saturday 10th April 2004 1.30 pm Start
Where
Quambatook Tractor Pull Complex.
You are invited to come along and see modified tractors of various classes trying with all their might to achieve a full pull, the 100 metre mark being every ones aim. The two tracks operating allow non-stop action for eight hours of thunderous pulling.
There have been quite a few changes of owners and engines during the year and with the heavy toll on a number of motors at the last two events, it will be interesting to see if the drivers have outwitted their opponents, and so get the edge on the reining champions of their class. We saw some new tractors last season, and they have developed during the season, Supamann has been sold and we see a lady driver in the super mod class, Wendy drives this tractor under its new name Kryptonite. Quamby Quaker is preforming well with its new mechanic/ driver Gordon. The Open Mini class has developed into one of the most exciting class in the sport, with power around the 1400 hp level in tractors only weighing only 900 kg some wild runs can be expected.
The Limited Modified class has seen the most change with the new tractor Soul Revival rising to the top of their class. We will have to wait and see if the old fellows of that class can come back.
With all your senses being attacked: Sight – after dark you will see the red hot motors glowing from
the strain and pain of effort, Sound of roaring and revving engines and Smell the methanol of the Supers Modifieds and Taste the Catering, BBQs, Afternoon teas and Hot Dogs etc. you are assured of an exciting outing.
The pulling is not the only entertainment; the skydivers will be in action, joy flights, country market, and children’s entertainment. The pull centre allows the family to be in a safe environment, with the pulling area behind safety fencing. The large grassed viewing banks give all spectators a good look at the pulling, it would be a suggestion to bring a chair or a rug to sit on. The wet and dry areas allow you to choose for yourself.
There is a ban on all glass containers and pets, please leave them at home.
Kelvin on 0429 015220. Email: jobbo@iinet.net.au
A.T.P.A. website: www. austractorpulls.org.
Quambatook Home Page www.members.iinet.net.au/~jobbo
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Pull Report 2004
The 28th running of the Australian Tractor Pull Championships was held at Quambatook on Easter Saturday.
The perfect weather conditions, well grassed viewing banks and all the hard work put in by the QTPA committee, made it great day of pulling witnessed by one of the largest crowd seen at the Championships.
Many classes of tractors competed in their respective classes, ranging from the below 40hp vintage up to the largest 4WD farm tractors. The limited modified tractor put on a very closely contested event with the Puller of the Year having to wait to the end to see if he had taken this Trophy, this is for the total points for the season. Flat Stick was victorious in all three classes, these will go well with the puller of the year trophy.
Pro Stock saw the T&I Terminator get the better of Deere Experience in the first 2 events but a form reversal saw Deere Experience take out the final event. The old favorite Quamby Quaker fought it out with its old rival formally Suppaman now named Kryptonite now owned by the Lawrence family from Nurmurkah. The first 2 events won by the Quaker, Kyrptonite followed on at the end of the day to win the most sought after trophy the Red Steer, which is in memory of the first super modified tractor built in Australia.
The mini modified class was as usual a close event with some wild runs, one of the top tractors Whip Lash suffered a very rare breakage leaving the door open for others, some new tractors showed that they will make thing interesting in the future.
The Open Mini event saw the breakage of Flat Broke who with its lady one of the hardest tractors to beat, 2 tractors failed to finish the day Micro Magic was very impressive until low oil pressure forced him out of the last event. The 500+ cubic inch tractors running up to 1400hp laid down some great runs, these tractors weight down as low as 850 kg driver included so they are a hand full.
The 2WD trucks was a local event with Keith Elliotts Bizzee B and Warrack McCann driving Aussie Thunder put on a wheel up show, Bizzee B seeming to have the sting on the day.
There was the usual market stalls and other entertainment's this included a very good display of sky diving.
The day finished with the presentation at the pull centre hall. John Parker who's Company T&I Centres would be our largest sponsor along with New Holland they supply all the support tractors for track preparations needed for the
success of the day. John was there to present all the trophies, as well he made a good speech about the progress of tractor pulling. For those who don't know John Parker would be the person most responsible for Tractor in Australia today, the Founding President of the Australian Tractor Pullers Assocn and a great support behind the scene ever since. A young local driver went home with a big grin on his face Tim Betson was given a encouragement award for his efforts to get his unusual Open mini mod tractor through its difficult development phase, great effort Tim.
This will do for this report but if you would like more info about the pull or tractor pulling please check the web page for the Quambatook pull www.members.iinet.net.au/~jobbo
Kelvin Jobling Publicity officer QTPA
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This story is about the Mini Shed used in the Pulling scene on the East coast of Australia.
This sled is unique piece of machinery, the main difference is that there is no moving weight box ,
the weight is held static in the sled , and the sled is raised vertically up away from the skid pan .
The decision to build this radical design was made after a near miss, the original sled was of the conventional design, but possessed very few refinements, what could have been a serious accident happened when at the 82 Australian Championships the shed mounted the back of a mini rod and came to rest on the tractor, as luck would have it this was the only tractor fitted with a roll bar, which saved the driver from nothing more than a bad fright.
· This accident prompted two decisions, one was to make roll bars compulsory for mini mods. The weights for mini mods was raised from 705 kg to 750 kg, with this weight change the rules were changed to make the carrying of a battery capable of starting the tractors a must, a differential scatter shield, and the roll bar became compulsory as well.
The second decision was to build a sled without a moving weight box. Two local Quambatook Tractor Pullers Association club members. Keith Elliott and Graeme Mann set about with this project
The main frame was built on the tandem trailer design, a pan was constructed the full length of the trailer and pivoted at the front. The pan has 2 hydraulic rams fitted to rear. hydraulic pump which delivers a equal flow per every revolution was used, this pump was fitted to a spring loaded jockey wheel, the wheel can be raised when the sled is returning to the start line. The frame and the wheels of the sled are lifted clear of the ground leaving all weight on the pan. This can be changed, but the desired setting is a full lift by the 100 metre mark.
Clip on weight are attached to two frames which are supported on uprights resting on the front and rear axles, the frames have contact lugs fitted to allow the weight to take effect as contact with the sled is made during the lift cycle. The weight is lifted from the rear axle first , then progressively from the front axle. Weight consist of about 2 tonne of clip on weights , the unweighted tare of the sled is around 2 tonne, so the total can reach 4 tonne if conditions require it. This system allows many settings , the weight can be placed on either of the rear or front carriers in many variations, another adjustment is the pressure exerted on the pan at the start of the pull , this is achieved by the setting of the partial extension of the rams , stoppers are fitted on the rams at the desired height to allow a heavy slow start or light fast start. The same applies for the stopping of the tractors by positioning the weights on the front or rear weight carrier.
The many variations of adjustments available with this sled it can be made work on almost any track, and track conditions, we have used the sled with no added weight and even had to resort to more weight than usually carried with the sled, over the years many track surfaces have been encountered and no time has the sled failed to preform. The measuring of the pulls were originally done by a scale on the side of the sled operated by the hydraulics,. This system was discontinued about a year or so later when the distance was measured the conventional way as was done on the big sled.
Another change from the norm was that the operator did not ride on the sled, in the early period a safety brake system was fitted, this incorporated a wire and plug connected to a switch on the tractor , which the driver could activate, either by having it connected to the brake pedal if turning brakes were not used or a hand operated switch for tractors fitted with turning brakes . This system was discontinued at a later date when it was found to be not needed. The sled only had two operational changes since the original construction , the first was the travel of the spring loaded jockey wheel was extended owing to the fact, a very fast start could lift the drive wheel from the ground. The other was the folding back of the side deflection shields this was to stop them catching the lugs on the tyres and riding up on them.
These were the only modifications made to the sled over the 14 years of operation.
Safety ! an electrical switch system is used on all controls on the sled including the jockey wheel , this is to stop any runaway situations, the green light will not come on without all controls being set in the pull position. This is necessary as the sled has no operator travelling on it. The tracks in Australia must have loose earthen banks of a minium height of 12 inches on both sides, so if a tractor runs out of bounds or the driver would like to halt the sled , all they need to do is move to the side of the track and the loose dirt does its job.
The sled is about 10 feet long, there is a pull assembly which can be fitted , when the pan is raised clear of the ground , this allow transport behind no more than a 1 ton pickup.
All those who have witnessed both sled designs will tell you about the spectacle of this wild transfer machine, it can be pulled as straight as the conventional sled but it will not allow as many driving errors as the normal designed sled , it is not unusual to see the sled get sideways into the bank then to end up contacting the other bank , on some occasions full pulls have been achieved in these runs . Spectators love this machine, as I remember a at one pull we were using a conventional sled and the crowd had seen pulling with the hydraulic sled , they showed their displeasure with the conventional sled by slow clapping the event , this showed the appeal of the sled and the show put on by the pullers. The conventional design sled drifted out of use in the Eastern State pulling scene, but is still used in the Wester Australian Tractor Pulling Association.
The sled design has allowed one of our mini mod class to put on great shows with their limited class of tractor, with restrictions on engines and transmissions restricting power to around the 500 to 600 hp mar k, these tractors can make pulls in the same time as some of the open class tractors. I have witnessed mini rod pulling in the USA and would say except for the wheel speed and the sounds the limited class tractor would be not far behind them in spectacle, with the right driver they don’t lack anything.
Drivers who have not pulled this sled before might think it frightening to pull , with an accident free record since 1983 it has proven safe. I would like to say as a one time Mini mod puller, I found this sled a great challenge, one I sadly miss, now driving a super mods.
The transfer sled used by the big tractors is of the conventional design used in the USA during the
eighties . I have been told this stationary weight design has been tried on a big sled in the States, there
maybe a reader who could let me know, if this is correct or not.
The stationary weight sled would have many advantages if it was used in the big sled design, the
one big advantage is no need for braking system on the weight box , others would be the ease of the
settings and the spectacular pulling ,which we have experienced with the mini sled . If this type of sled was possible it could revolutionise tractor pulling for the lower horse power classes of tractors.
The current sled being used in Australia , does not let the tractors reach the speeds achieved by simular powered tractors using the latest design sleds being used in the USA and Europe. With the introduction of smokers to Australia in the 98 season , the next step in sled design may have to be implemented to allow this new and exciting class show its full potential, and become the Premier class
of pulling machine , as I hope it will.
I will leave this story in recess for now, and would like any reader with thoughts on this design to contact me, and let me know their views about the mini and big sled design, please don’t hesitate as the views in this story are my own , and I don’t claim to be an expert just a puller who has pulled on both design of mini sled .
cheers for now , and I will await your views. Kelvin Jobling
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When I find them I will put some more on this page. I hope you may have gained something from these old files.
Yours Kelvin Jobling (jobbo) Mobile 0429 015220