Pulling crowds with noise and smoke

The firm’s employees Todd Fletcher and Roger Allen have been busy inviting all contractors, farmers and want-to-be tractor drivers to get ready for three days of pulling, taking place near event headquarters — just look for the smoke and listen for the noise.

Fletcher and Norwood’s mechanic apprentice Zac Harris will have their own tractor, a reconditioned Ford 6610 that the Norwood’s workshop team rebuilt after it was given to them by Hopkins Farming Group. It took the team 12 months to rebuild it in Norwood Farm Machinery’s workshop during their leisure time.

Palmerston North branch manager Bruce Picard said, “They developed it to a 290 hp championship winning tractor.” In 2012 it won the Sports Class at the National Fieldays.

“This bodes well for Norwood as this is our workshop staff building something of this ilk – it’s a special project,” Picard says. “They drive it on a regular basis at tractor pulls around the country.” A sponsor helps them occasionally to transport the tractor to events.

Participants and tractor pull fans are bound to enjoy “plenty of smoke, noise and wheelies,” said Fletcher.

During this year’s tractor pull event there is something for everyone.  On Thursday, March 7 there will be a business house competition, for exhibitors to give tractor pulling a try.

“On Friday, a new and highly anticipated competition the ‘Battle of the Brands’ has been scheduled,” says Fletcher. Farm machinery companies were invited
to participate.

“After approaching the local dealers there is now a full field with nine tractor manufacturers represented who have signed up ready to give it their best pull. This is a chance (for companies) to show off their product and lift their profile,” said Mr Fletcher. Up for grabs in this competition are the bragging rights for a year for the winners.

On Saturday, there will be a competition for contractors and farmers getting behind the tractor steering wheels. “This will include a pre-1985 class,” said Allen. “All are welcome. The first 45 registrants will be taken.

 “The main objectives of the Saturday event are for contractors and farmers to come along and have some fun, while at the same time getting great exposure for their businesses.” Fletcher says contractors and farmers might also learn how to get better performance from their tractors during the event.

The three-day tractor pull is being held in conjunction with Tractor Pull New Zealand Inc. and Vaughan Coy.

CDFDs’ event organiser Cheryl Riddell says she is thrilled Norwood Farm Machinery has come on board to sponsor the tractor pull event. “I am looking forward to participating
in the business house event.”

Other events at the Central Districts Field Days will include the National Excavator Championships, the Stihl Timber Aces, the Central Districts Double Power Fencing competition sponsored by Goldpine, Pacific Steel, Strainrite Fencing Systems and Gallaghers.