History |
The Pack Pullers built their first 1/4 scale tractor when the ASABE competition began in 1998. The team competed in the first two years of the competition, finishing 14th and 13th respectively; however, a lack of student interest led to a 4 year hiatus. In 2003, a group of seniors active in the NCSU branch of ASABE decided to revive NCSU's participation in the competition and designed and built a tractor for their senior engineering design project. |
|
The work of these seniors attracted the interest of a number of other undergraduates, developing the annual tradition of participating in the 1/4 scale tractor competition. While no longer used as a senior design project, students have found many opportunities to apply their engineering knowledge toward the competition. The 1/4 scale tractor has become an asset to the department, providing opportunites for class projects and serving as a valuable recruiting tool. |
|
Justin Macialek, a member of the 2004 Pack Pullers team and current team advisor, had this to say about his experiences with the ASABE 1/4 scale tractor competition: "Reviving the 1/4 scale tractor interest at NCSU was starting from scratch. There were no easily accessible or experienced 1/4 scale tractor participants to contact and there were very few components from the first tractors to utilize as parts or design aids. Five seniors needed a senior design project, so they decided to compete in the 1/4 scale tractor competition. The class project provided the group with time devoted to the competition. The goal was to bring out the competitiveness of the department by demonstrating the abilities and resources available, provide a recruitment tool, provide a department project that students can take pride in their accomplishments while gaining experience, and have information and skills to pass on to the next team. We had questions to answer before this would happen: Where do we get parts? Who will pay for these parts? Who do we ask for advice? 850 lbs weight limit - no problem! We accomplished all of our team goals. During the first year, we learned how to acquire parts and advice. After going through the first year difficulties, the second year was a little easier with construction of the tractor. The new obstacle was getting more people involved and arranging schedules to get things done. Availability of time for a project of this magnitude and balancing class proved to be a burden. The majority of the tractor was completed in the last few weeks before the competition, not providing much time to thoroughly design and fabricate. This year has been a better year. There have been a large number of team members available to make things happen. Time has been managed more efficiently and tasks have been comnpleted in a more orderly fashion. Now that we can construct a very competitive tractor, we are determined to keep this program going and improve our standings in the competition." |