The first Australian Tractor Pull was held at Elmore (Victoria) Field Days in 1976. The following year saw Tractor Pulling begin in the Victorian rural town of Quambatook.  It has developed over the past 21 years into a highly competitive and technical sport, where the difference between first and last place may be as small as one or two metres. Often the top tractors are separated by mere centimetres. 

The Australian Tractor Pullers Association (ATPA) is a non-profit organisation that governs Tractor Pulling in Australia.  Our events (Tractor Pulls) are held in conjunction with a promoter.  This is often a local school, sporting, service or community club (for example; Apex, Rotary, Lions, Netball, Cricket, Football) who use the event as a fundraiser.  Tractor Pulls are held in locations throughout Australia, predominantly in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.  In Western Australia there are two associations affiliated with the ATPA, the Western Australian Tractor Pullers Association (WATPA) and also the Perth Tractor Pull Association (PTPA).   

The Perth Tractor Pull Association is focused on actively promoting this spectacular sport and working with communities and other motorsport groups to not only establish a unique annual event, but more importantly to assist communities financially through the influx of spectators, sponsors and promotion. The Perth Tractor Pull Association currently runs seasonal tractor pull events in the town of Beverley at the old Beverley race course in conjunctions with Dirt Drags and a Burn Competition held approx 5 times per season along with some additional exhibition events at various locations upon request and is currently seeking any interested people.

Tractor classes

The tractors are divided into classes and comply with either ‘Limited’ or ‘Open’ rules.  The classes are Open Modified, Super Modified, Limited Modified, Open Mini Modified, (A grade) Mini Modified & (B grade) Limited Mini Modified, Pro Stock (diesel) and Two Wheel Drive Trucks.  The distinction between classes is determined by the overall maximum weight, engine modifications, fuels and physical size. (All tractors are 2 WD)  

Not satisfied with the power and noise generated by big engines like a Chevrolet 454 and 560 cubic inch motors, which may produce in excess of 1000 horse power, tractors pullers have devised methods of coupling two or even three of these engines together.  Others have gone for a more exotic flavour and sourced their power from Chieftain tanks, WW2 Fighter Aircraft and even Jet Aircraft. 

Imagine, if you can, four Volkswagen Boxer engines lined up one behind the other, two screaming Mazda Rotary engines coupled together, a Jaguar V12, two Leyland P76 V8’s, Twin-Turbo V8 and even, at one stage, a Vampire Jet Engine.

The events are held on a 100 metre dirt track and the pit areas are opened during interval to allow the spectators to have a closer look at the tractors and to chat with the drivers and crews.  

Tractor Pulling is a family orientated motor sport.  There is a friendly atmosphere between all the members and their families.  It is not uncommon for tractor pullers to cannibalise their own tractors (when they break) to allow another puller to compete.  The sport is open to both women and men, the only restriction being that competitors must at least hold a current Learner Driver’s Permit.  It sometimes comes down to members of the same family competing for the trophies.  

Who wins what?

The object of tractor pulling is simple;  

         to pull an ever increasing load further down a dirt track than anyone else in your class.   

A puller does not have to go faster than the competitors, only further.  Unlike other forms of motor sport, there are no eliminations.  Once a class starts, the competition continues until a winner is determined.   

Should more than one competitor clear the 100-metre mark, then the sled has more weight added and the tractors who ‘Full Pulled’ competes again to determine an outright winner.  

All tractors and their drivers must be registered with Tractor Pull Association before they may compete

The Perth Tractor Pull Association are constantly seeking anyone interested in getting involved in this motorsport and volunteers to assist us in running the events, for further information on this sport in W.A. contact.

P.T.P.A. Marc or Meg Ph 08 94551599 or call and see Steve at E & M J Rosher Pty Ltd in 1748 Albany Hwy, Kenwick.