By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky's Wildcat Pulling Team secured an impressive 8th place finish at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) ¼ Scale Tractor Student Design Competition. This year marked the team's 23rd consecutive appearance at the national event held in Peoria, Illinois.
The competition challenges students to design and build a tractor that maximizes performance while pulling weighted sleds.
The UK team dominated the pulling portion, winning each pull by a significant margin, even with additional weight added. Their success extended beyond the track, with first place finishes in safety and design presentation, and a third place showing in overall performance.
The competition goes beyond pulling strength. Teams undergo rigorous inspections and present their designs to industry professionals, showcasing factors like manufacturability, safety, and ease of maintenance. A written design report and cost analysis are also crucial for entry.
"Our team spirit and dedication were key to our achievements," said Abby Phillips, the team's secretary and a rising biosystems engineering student. "The Wildcat Pulling Team has provided me with valuable experience and a supportive community."
Preparation for the competition is a year-round effort. Team members, led by faculty advisor Professor Michael Sama, invest countless hours in design, fabrication, and testing. This year's machine, built entirely by students in the BAE Machine Shop, proved successful, reflecting the team's commitment and innovative spirit.
“This competition in particular encourages the students to be well rounded and work together as a team,” Sama said. “It exposes them to failure while providing a support structure to help them overcome it. It rewards hard work with the satisfaction of knowing they accomplished something great.”
The BAE program, a collaboration between UK colleges of Agriculture and Engineering, offers students valuable hands-on experience and prepares them for successful careers in the industry.
Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky
Categories: Kentucky, Education