The top prize had eluded Purdue University ag engineering students in the annual ASABE quarter-scale tractor pull competition since it began two decades ago. This year, however, they came home with the title. The tractor they designed and built outperformed all other tractors in the competition.

Teams from Purdue University have historically done very well at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition — but they had never won.

The winning team consisted of seniors Austin Bossaer, Attica; Derek Franke, Monroeville; Austin Franz, Monroeville; Zach Hurd, West Lafayette; and James Marschand, Connersville; junior Joshua Nurrenbern, Haubstadt; and sophomores Julian Halicki, New Castle; Eric Kong, Spencer; William Malecki, LaCrosse; Mitchell Moore, Plymouth; and Brian Sipkema, Fair Oaks. John Lumkes is the ag engineering professor who guided the students.

The competition, held annually since 1998, is designed to offer engineering students with a practical design, manufacturing and sales experience. Each team is provided with a 31-horsepower engine and a set of tires, and then required to design and build their own frame, drivetrain, hitch, clutch, weight brackets and other parts. The entire process takes about six months, with the students devoting as much as 10 hours per week to the project.

A panel of industry experts evaluates each entry on innovation, maneuverability, serviceability, safety, sound level and ergonomics. Teams must also submit a written design report. Finally, the students must “sell” their design in a formal presentation to industry experts.

“There is growing concern that students are entering the job market without a lot of practical experience,” Lumkes says. “This competition is unique in that it gives students a chance to learn by doing.”

During the competition, each vehicle is tested in three events designed to measure performance, durability and maneuverability. The Purdue team took first place in both performance and maneuverability, and second in durability.

Purdue University Ag Communications Service provided content for this story.