Tractor pulling takes on a new dimension in Crossdoney, Co Cavan, at the weekend when the Crossdoney Fair includes a novel approach to testing pulling power.
The team behind the strength test includes local winching experts Nigel McDowell and John Gould, along with tractor expertise from Joe Ebbitt and Kenneth North of local New Holland dealer Crossdoney Tractors, and measuring experience from Clinton Pratt.
What the Crossdoney team is attempting to do is to measure the pulling power of eight selected tractors using a pulling unit specially developed for the event. The tractors will run on a concrete platform hooked to a strength-approved steel rope.
The tractors will pull the rope against the braking pressure of a DAF lorry reduction rear axle, while the loading on the brake is gradually applied until the tractor comes to a full standstill and begins to spin its wheels.
This is the point at which the maximum force is applied between the tractor and the fixed axle. The team believes that this gives the best measure of the maximum load on the rope during the pulling process.
This is not the same as the load measuring system that has been used in OECD tractor tests, where the pulling power or drawbar horsepower is measured on a rolling wheel, which operates against a loaded type of generator.
The Crossdoney team is urging tractor enthusiasts to guess the maximum loading of the eight tractors that they have been provided with for the test.
They will also invite tractor owners from far and wide to test their tractors for €20 against the pulling device, which was specially developed for the event.
All tractors will be weighed first and put into four categories. There will be scope for older and newer tractors to be tested on the day, according to Nigel.
All of the tow rope measuring weights on the day will be displayed on a large screen for the public to see. All I can reveal at this stage is expect to be surprised.
All of the tractors are well-known, high-power units and the Crossdoney team is using the event to raise money for cystic fibrosis and autism charities in equal share.
The team is urging tractor enthusiasts to choose their favourite tractor from the list below and then text the word TRACTOR plus your choice as in A B C, etc with your estimate of its pulling power in kilos, to the number 57802. All texts are €2 per text, with a prize of €100 for the person who guesses the correct weight and wins the draw.
The tractors taking part in the pull-off which takes place during the Crossdoney Fair on Sunday, August 16, are: (A) Fendt 939, (B) Massey Ferguson 7618, (C) JCB Fastrac 3220, (D) New Holland 7040, (E) Valtra T234, (F) John Deere 6170 R, (G) Claas Arion 640 and (H) Same Silver 130.
Nigel and his team would like to see more people making their contributions to the selected charities through the text competition.
Edward Cosgrave Run
This year’s fifth Edward Cosgrave Tractor Run starts from Longwood, Co Meath, on Sunday next 16 August. Edward Cosgrave, who died on 14 August 2010 on the eve of his 59th birthday, was known locally as a bit of a character. Over his lifetime, he endeared himself to the people of Longwood where he farmed and lived his entire life.
In 2000, Edward sustained a serious injury due to an accident while carrying out repairs to a shed roof. As a result, he was not allowed to operate machinery and the accident had a wider affect on his farming business.
A year after Eddie passed away, some friends got together in the locality to arrange the first Edward Cosgrave Annual Memorial Tractor Run. This event has raised a huge amount of money for local and national charities.
Registration for the run begins at noon in Stoney’s Pub, Longwood, and the team aims to take to the road covering 15km, starting at 2pm. The main beneficiary this year will be the Special Olympics team at Trim Swimming Club and selected local charities. Eddie’s brother Jim (087-2596610) is managing the event with local support.
Mac and Norman 16th Rally
The 2015 Mac and Norman Vintage Rally, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, takes place next Sunday 16 August. The rally has raised €358,495 for that cause over the last 12 years, according to Ann Sully of the organising committee.
New for this year is an extended route and a new finishing point at The Priory in Kilgowan. The rally starts from Peter Sully’s yard in Brannockstown at 1pm. At Kilgowan, there will be music from the Athy Pipe Band and Philip English, followed by a charity auction.
Date Event Location Contact
15 August Carraig na bhFear Vintage Club Road Run Cork 087-1248011
15 August Donegal Vintage Club Burt Annual Rally Donegal 087-2562611
15 August Slievenamon Mountain Vintage Road Run Tipperary 086-0854381
15 August Desertmartin Parish Vintage Rally Derry 028/048-79632176
15 August Glengad Vintage event Ballymoney, Antrim 0044-7711012705
16 August Edward Cosgrave Tractor Run Longwood, Meath 087-2596610
16 August Mac & Norman Rally, Brannockstown Kildare 086-2580074
16 August Craanford Vintage Thrashing Gorey, Wexford 086-8489662
16 August Killucan Vintage Club Tractor Run Westmeath 087-9220505
16 August South Donegal Vintage Road Run Ballintra, Donegal 087-6165431
16 August Knockanure Vintage Road Run/Rally Kerry 087-2603531
16 August Beaufort Threshing & Working Rally Kerry 087-2604566
19 August Dark Hedges Tractor Run Stranocum, Antrim 028/048-20741621
22 August Tullamore Macra to Mizen Drive Offaly 086-1754645
23 August Des Flynn Tractor Run Castleconnor, Sligo 087-2450116
23 August Skeheenarinky Vintage Club Road Run Tipperary 087-2458907
23 August Hillside Vintage & Classic Club Road Run Wexford 087-6569140
23 August Clonbullogue Steam Threshing Offaly 087-7658393
23 August Penninsula Ploughing Cooley, Louth, 087-8228427
29 August Glenravel Civic Festival Vintage Day Antrim 0044-7963-517407
30 August Dualla Vintage Show Tipperary 086-2774464
30 August Sillan Vintage Club Show & Field Day Cavan 086-0561003
30 August Heritage Vintage Rally Newmills, Tyrone 0044-7922276445
30 August Shanty Vintage Club Field Day Kilkenny 087-6802675