Central Jersey Tractor Pullers Association
2024 General Rules
1. All pull participants must be members of the Central Jersey Tractor Pullers. Membership is $30 annually from April to April. Hook fee is $20 per hook. If registering after the beginning of the drivers meeting, an addition $10 late fee will be charged.
2. UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE CONDUCT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!! Offenders will be asked to leave the event immediately without refund. Not negotiable.
3. Tractor operators must be at least 16 years of age, with a valid farmer’s or driver’s license, otherwise 17 years of age, in accordance with New Jersey State Law.
4. Owners, operators, and tractors are entered at their own risk. Only one person, the operator of that tractor, is to be on the tractor when it is motion on the track or anywhere else on the fairgrounds. Absolutely no riders are permitted at any time.
5. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each class.
6. The use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances is strictly prohibited. Anyone found in violation will be barred from membership for 366 days from the date of violation.
7. Engine may be bored only to factory recommended maximum size using standard stock blocks, crankshafts, etc. for the model entered. The original chassis must conform to the engine and have no modifications, except Division 5.
8. Tractors will be weighed and placed in divisions and classes that the tractor has qualified in. See below for Division Qualification Rules. Rules Committee can place a tractor in different class, if needed.
9. The tractor may be in various stages of wear, but must operate safely, have brakes in good condition, and have hood, grilles, and fan shroud in place.
10. The only pressurized fuel tanks allowed will be factory LP gas, no alcohol or nitrous oxide fuels allowed.
11. All engines must be naturally aspirated, no turbos or blowers unless the tractor was originally equipped with such. This applies to Division 1 only. If engine is turbo-charged, it must be equipped with a muffler or straight pipe (no curved pipe) with at least 2 crossed bolts (5/16” minimum diameter) through the pipe.
12. All carburetors, distributor or magneto must be stock and OEM. Some exceptions will be made under certain circumstances if it is presented to the rules committee. This applies to Division 1 only.
13. No altered tires (Divisions 1 & 3); no four-wheel drive; no duals; no tire studs, chains, or steel lugged steel wheels. Altered tires are acceptable in Divisions 2, 4 & 5. All tractors may run tin wheels.
14. The drawbar must be locked in a stationary position. No pulling on three point hitch-cross drawbars allowed.
15. All operators must supply their own 3-inch or 4-inch twisted clevis or loop which is easily accessible. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
16. Additional ballast in the form of iron weights will be allowed. No weights may extend more than 24-inches beyond the foremost part of the tractor or more than 12-inches beyond the outside of the rear wheels. No weight may extend beyond the back of the rear tires.
17. All weights must be securely fastened to the tractor. Liquid ballast is only allowed in the tires. No weight may be fastened to the operating platform of the tractor. See the rules committee for individual clarification.
18. All tractors are allowed 100 pounds allowance. For example, weight may be 4600 pounds in the 4500 pound class.
19. Wheelie bars may not be attached to the pulling part of the drawbar. Wheelie bars must be effective and are subject to inspection by the rules committee. See picture below for reference.
20. The competitors in each class MUST re-weigh and are subject to inspection by track officials. Tractors are prohibited from re-entering the pits before reweighing.
21. It is MANDATORY for operators to make eye contact and/or voice contact with the hook-man, with one or both hands in the air when hooking to the sled. All tractor transmissions must be neutral with the brakes applied during hook up.
22. No portion of the tractor shall interfere with the sled, hitch, or pull chain during the pull. The hook-man reserves the right to refuse to hook if it puts him in danger.
23. All operators must take starting and stopping signals from the designated flagman's command in the event of a breakdown or for safety reasons.
24. If the sled operator determines the sled is not set correctly after 3 tractors have pulled, the class will stop, the sled will be reset, and the first three tractors will pull again; and the class will resume.
25. No tractor front-end may exceed 18 inches off the ground during a pull. The flagman will have the final say on disqualification.
26. Any operator that jerks the sled after two warnings will be disqualified.
27. Any operator that fails to make a pull of 50 feet may immediately make a second attempt.
28. The tractor must stay in-bounds during the pull (the sled may go out of bounds). The boundaries will be well marked.
29. Any track decisions will be made by the flagman and/or Rules Committee, including dis-qualifications. All decisions are final.
30. On-site conditions can override some rules on any given day at the discretion of the Rules Committee.
31. No tractor is allowed more than 1 hook per weight class. No tractor is allowed more than 2 hooks per event, unless prior approval by track officials.
32. All protests of tractors must be made to officials immediately after said tractor has completed its pull with a cash-only $25 complaint fee. The protestor must pull in the same class as the questioned tractor. If upon inspection by track officials the questioned tractor is proven illegal, the $25 fee is returned to the protestor. If upon inspection by the track official the tractor is proven legal, the $25 fee is forfeited to the Central Jersey Tractor Pullers Association.
33. Rules will be reviewed annually by the Central Jersey Tractor Pullers Association Rules Committee and voted upon by all members, present at the meeting. Rules are set for one year.
34. If parts fall off your tractor you are immediately disqualified - NO EXCEPTIONS. In the case of a pull-off, if a part falls off your tractor, you will immediately place last in the pull-off.
35. Minimum hook length is 18 inches from the center of rear axle to the point of hook. Maximum height of point of hook is 20 inches.
36. All operators are required to wear long pants, shirt and closed toe shoes.
37. All operators in Divisions 4 and 5 must wear DOT and Schnell approved helmets. Operators in Divisions 1, 2, and 3 are currently exempt from wearing a helmet.
38. Speed Warning: The first horn blow is a warning and driver can back speed down; the second horn blow is a disqualification’ Also if is horn blowing (regardless if fist horn blow or second horn blow) at the 300 foot mark, it will be a disqualification.
Division Rules
Division I
Weight classes: 3,500; 4,500 5,500; 6,500; 7,500; 8,500; 9,500; 10,500; 11,500; 12,500; 13,500; 14,500; 15,500
1. Tractors must be stock, manufactured prior to, but not including, 1960.
2. Speed limit of 4 MPH.
3. Wheelie bars are recommended for driver safety.
4. Wheelie bars are mandatory on tractors using on-the-go-shift. If on-the-go-shift is not used, no wheelie bars are needed.
5. No altered tires.
6. No aluminium wheels.
7. Stock, or factory option, front-end.
8. RPM not to exceed over 10% of factory recommendation (see chart).
Division II
Weight classes: 3,500, 4,500; 5,500; 6,500; 7,500; 8,500; 9,500; 10,500; 11,500; 12,500; 13,500; 14,500; 15,500
1. Tractors must be manufactured prior to 1965.
2. Speed limit of 8 MPH.
3. Wheelie bars are mandatory on ALL tractors; subject to inspection and approval by Rules Committee.
4. Altered tires are allowed.
5. RPM max is 3,000.
6. Throttle must be against throttle stop at maximum RPM. If in question, Tech Team will perform test.
Division III
Weight classes: 3,500, 4,500; 5,500; 6,500; 7,500; 8,500; 9,500; 10,500; 11,500; 12,500; 13,500; 14,500; 15,500
1. Tractors must be stock and at least 25 years old..
2. Speed limit of 8 MPH.
3. Wheelie bars are preferred, but are not mandatory, on tractors having swinging drawbar, PTO, and three point hitch. These tractors are considered field-ready.
4. Wheelie bars are mandatory on all tractors with PTO and three point hitch removed; subject to inspection and approval by Rules Committee. If on-the-go-shift is not used, no wheelie bars are needed.
5. No altered tires.
6. No aluminium wheels.
7. Stock, or factory option, front-end.
8. RPM not to exceed over 10% of factory recommendation.
Division IV
Weight classes: 3,500, 4,500; 5,500; 6,500; 7,500; 8,500; 9,500; 10,500; 11,500; 12,500; 13,500; 14,500; 15,500
1. Tractors must be stock and at least 25 years old.
2. Speed limit of 15 MPH.
3. Wheelie bars are mandatory on all tractors; subject to inspection and approval by Rules Committee.
4. Altered tires are allowed.
5. Emergency engine shut-off recommended.
6. RPM max 3,000.
7. Throttle must be against a visible throttle stop at maximum RPM.
Division V
Weight classes: 3,500, 4,500; 5,500; 6,500; 7,500; 8,500; 9,500; 10,500; 11,500; 12,500; 13,500; 14,500; 15,500
1. Speed limit of 20 MPH.
2. Wheelie bars are mandatory on all tractors; subject to inspection and approval by Rules Committee.
3. Tractors must have original looking sheet metal.
4. Multiple engines are not allowed in tractors.
5. Altered tires are allowed.
6. Emergency engine shut-off mandatory on all tractors.
7. RPM max 3,000, unless tractor equipped with scatter blanket or equivalent scatter shield. Scatter blanket, or equivalent scatter shield is recommended on all tractors.
8. Automatic (dead man) throttle return is mandatory.
Rules Comm. Rev: 2/22/23
First Vote: 2/22/23
Second Vote & Approval: 3/23/23
Wheelie Bar Specifications
This is only a guide. Wheelie bars must prevent the tractor from flipping. All wheelie bars are subject to inspection by the rules committee. Measurements may vary depending on tractor. See the rules committee for approval. Pad height is 10 inches above the ground.
A 5 inch by 5 inch pad is required. Width between the wheelie bars should be at least 20 inches. Center of axle to pad should be 32 inches. EACH BAR MUST SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRACTOR! Safety is our goal!
Central Jersey Tractor Pullers Association
2023 Garden Tractor Pull Rules
Tractor weight classes are:
650, 750, 850, 950, 1050, 1150, 1350, 1550 (max tire size 23 x 10.5 x 12);
1650, 1850 (max tire size 26 x 12 x 12);
Exhibition 2000*
All competitors must at least 10 years of age.
All competitors under the age of 16 must complete and pass drivers safety course.
All competitors must be members of Central Jersey Tractor Pullers Association; or a junior member (16 and under), who needs to be supervised by a parent or legal guardian member, while at the fairground’s premise. The parent or guardian are encouraged to help with tractor activities during the pull.
Non-junior member hook fee is $10.
1. ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE FUN! Don't let the competition ruin your day, and please don't ruin someone else's day.
2. UNSPORTSMAN-LIKE CONDUCT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!! Offenders will be asked to leave the event immediately without refund. Not negotiable.
3. One operator on a tractor (no riders) NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
4. Tractors must be reasonably stock, have an operable and accessible kill switch. Tractors are subject to a safety inspection.
5. All tractors must have a hood, fenders (if tractor had factory equipped), working brakes and reverse gear.
6. No studded tires; No dual wheels; No tire chains, no 4-wheel drive; no cut tires; no ATV tires; no competition tires.
7. Engine shall be original make for that tractor with no more than 2 cylinders.
8. Engines must remain stock No Billitt or recast heads. 4000 maximum RPM on engines, no override device on governor. No alcohol fuel.
9. All weights are with driver and safety gear on the tractor. No tractor can weigh more than 10lbs over class limit.
10. Each tractor may add or remove weight to pull in other weight classes, maximum of 2 classes (excludes Junior Members)
11. All weights must be securely attached to tractor. If anything falls off the tractor, during the pull, the tractor will automatically be disqualified from that round of competition. Nothing may protrude more than 12 inches from the side of the tractor or the wheels; not more than 20-inches out front; and not more than 9-inches behind rear tires.
12. All tractors with altered hitch not to exceed 12 inches.
13. All tractors must be equipped with wheelie bars. Wheelie bars must have wheels or skids and must be able to support the weight of the tractor. Skids (2) must be no smaller than 5 inches in diameter and at least 1 inch wide. All wheelie bars are subject to inspection and approval.
14. If your tractor will pull in more than one class, only the number for the class you are currently pulling in can be displayed on the side front panel of the hood. This is so the announcer and officials can visibly see who is pulling. When registering for your class you will be told which side of the tractor to place your numbers.
15. Operators must remain seated at all times, and no fingers under the fenders.
16. If you have a mechanical problem, but can make repairs, you will have to wait until the last puller in your weight class, in order for you to return to the track to pull; however once the weight class is completed, you will no longer be able to return for the pull.
17. Drivers must start from a tight chain! No jerk starting from a loose chain will be allowed. You will be disqualified after 2 warnings.
18. DRIVERS WILL TAKE STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE FLAGMAN. The driver is required to stop at any time for breakdowns or safety reasons. The flagman has the final say on the track. Any driver deemed out of control will be red flagged by the track personnel.
19. All competitors must re-weigh after you pull. Tractors are prohibited from re-entering the pit area before re-weighing. Failure to do so, or if your tractor is found to be overweight, will result in your being disqualified from that weight class. Pullers that reach a pre-determined distance, or top finishers, are subject to tech.
20. BEFORE EVERY PULL THERE WILL BE A MANDATORY DRIVER'S SAFETY MEETING. Any questions will be answered at that time.
21. These rules are subject to change.
22. Helmets, long pants, shirt and closed toe shoes are required, in all classes, in accordance with chapter 62 of the Motor Vehicle Race Track Regulations.
23. No shifting gears, while pulling. No reaching into the engine compartment, while pulling.
24. Any tractor that does not fit in a class can pull exhibition.
25. Any operator that fails to make a pull of 25 feet may immediately make a second pull.
26. Speed Limit 7 MPH.
EXHIBITION CLASS:
All rules above apply except for:
1. Max weight limit 2000 lbs.
2. May have multiple engines.
3. May run more than 4000 RPM, provided the engine is built to do so safely and requires a scatter shield or scatter blanket.
4. Tractors do not have to be reasonably stock, but must still resemble a garden tractor.
5. Altered hitch may not exceed 12-inches high or factory original height.
6. Stationary hitch only- no 3-point hitch drawbar.
7. Speed Limit 12 MPH.
8. Alcohol fuel can be used with approval by Rules Committee.
Rules Committee reviewed 2/22/23
First Reading: 2/22/23
Second Reading and Approval: 3/22/23