Tractor pull winner retires at the top
After competing in the tractor pull for 10 years and often coming just shy of a win, it was a relief to come out on top last year, says Mark Jackson of Tauhei.
After competing in the tractor pull for 10 years and often coming just shy of a win, it was a relief to come out on top last year, says Mark Jackson of Tauhei.
He will back at Fieldays over the four days this year, but not to compete in the tractor pull.
“I’ve always said that if I win it I’ll retire.”
Jackson competed for Jackson Contracting and says it takes a good start to win it, and “nice and dry” would be the ideal weather condition of the ground.
“If it gets too wet, it gets sloshy,” he said.
As for the secret of his success: “It’s luck of the draw and comes back down to experience.”
It takes seven days of preparation to get the tractor ready, and around $500, depending on whether you need new tyres.
In the days leading up to the Fieldays the tractors are cleaned and have their tyre pressure checked. “We pretty much go through them with a fine tooth comb,” Jackson said.
The tractors competing come in different sizes, makes and models, with varying horsepowers and weights.
The tractor pull, which has been around for 35 years, is a Fieldays favourite and gets a lot of public interest.
“It’s an agricultural event, it wouldn’t be a show without working machinery,” said Jackson, who may not be competing this year, but will be checking out the tractor pull from the sidelines.
