ERCHA Rules

1. All tractors must have seat, fenders, hood, grill or nosepiece, guards on belts, pulleys, and starters unless they did not have them from the factory. Stock class only exception. (example: fenders).

2. All tractors must have working brakes and steering.

3. All tractors must be in good mechanical working order.

4. Stabilizer bar

A. Must be used on all tractors.

B. The device must consist of 2 separate sections: each equipped with either a skid plate or wheels.

C. Skid plates are to be at least 3 square inches at the ground contact point.

D. Wheels shall be at least 1" wide and 4" in diameter or roller devices must be OK by safety officers.

E. Skid plates or wheels should be no less than 5" behind the rearmost part of the rear tires to center of wheel axle and not more than 5" above the ground.

F. Stabilizer bars shall be rigid enough to support the weight of the tractor.

5. Drawbars:

A. All tractors shall have a drawbar that is stationary in all directions when pulling, with hitching device not more than 3/4 " thickness, or less than 1/4" thickness, and must have at least a 1-1/2" hitch hole.

B. Hitch must be parallel to the ground, and not more than 13" above the ground.

C. Nothing can interfere with the hitch or sled chain; must be readily accessible.

6. Weights:

A. Rear weight bracket cannot exceed 24" from the center of the rear axle to the furthest point back.

B. Front weights cannot exceed 96" from the center of the rear axle to the furthest point forward.

C. Weights cannot interfere with hooking to the sled.

D. Weights may be repositioned on a false start or re-pull.

7. Kill switch:

A. Switch must be located as not to interfere with hooking to the sled.

B. On sport stock and pro stock, switch must be disable ignition and electric fuel pump if equipped.

C. Kill switch required on all tractors except stock class. To disable ignition and electric fuel pump located at rear of tractor.

D. To pull up out of stock class, you must have kill switches and wear helmets

8.Shielding:

A. Cast iron engines are to have scatter shields opposite the camshaft side of the motor except stock and motorcycle engines.

i. It must be a minimum of 1/16th steel, or .090 aluminum.

ii. Minimum dimensions must be from the bottom of engine to 4 1/2" above

the centerline of the crankshaft, and must be at least 7" in width.

iii. Shield must be attached to the chassis/hood in a secure manner at both the top and bottom.

iv. This rule shall not be in affect for stock classes.

B. All drive chains must be shielded radially, top , front and rear, with a minimum .060 steel. Shield must be wider than the belt.

C. All drive belts must be shielded radially, top, front and rear, with a minimum .060 steel. Shield must be wider than the belt.

D. Stock altered, sport stock tractors must have clutch assemblies covered 360 degrees with a minimum 1/8 (.125) steel or equivalent.

9. Jumping of classes allowed. Examples: Stock to stock altered, stock altered to sport stock, sport stock to super stock. A single tractor may not take more than one place per class. If an event allows 2 drivers per weight class, 1 must be designated as the puller of record before pulling. If not the shortest pull with be considered the pull of record.; the other pull will be for exhibition only. Each puller must pay an entry fee.

10. If a class had one registered, that tractor gets the trophy and one point for that class.

A. One tractor can pull multiples times per day. Exhibition pulls will be held at class end and done in moderation.

11. There will be a 25' false start line with the option of restarting one time only. You may re-hook if you go out of bounds within the 25' false start line one time only; no matter what happens.

12. The first puller in each weight class has a chance to decline the pull and come back in last position. That decision must be made before being unhooked from the sled. Puller must then take the distance of the second pull. Any part of the tractor out of bounds or any weight or tractor parts falling off the tractor while hooked to the sled and seen by the track official, will mean a disqualification for that hook, unless it is a mechanical breakage. The first hook in each class must decline before unhooking to be able to re-hook at the end of the class.

13. No turbo chargers, no superchargers, also no nitros oxide allowed. Classes limited to four cylinders- 4 cycle with 1200cc, diesels exhibition only.

14. Exhaust- if not using stock exhaust then all pipes must discharge upward 12 inches, measuring from top of the exhaust port for 12 inches.

Classes:

Weight Classes ( with driver, 5lbs.over allowed)

5hp outlaw 850 lbs

5-6.5 hp 850 lbs

7-9 850 lbs

10 hp 950 lbs

12 hp 1,050 lbs

13-17 hp 1,150-1,200 lbs

18-21 hp 1,200-1,250 lbs

Stock Altered Twin 1,200-1,250 lbs

Sport Stock Twin 1,200-1,250 lbs

Modified 501 and up to 899 cc 1,150-1,250 lbs

Modifies 900- 1200cc 1,300-1,400 lbs

Modifies 1201-1600cc 1,350-1,450 lbs

* All pullers must weigh before hooking in class and before any re-pull.

NOTE: Weight can be repositioned or weight added or subtracted as long as not to weigh more than class limit. Air may let out or added as long as hitch height stays 13 inches or less.

15. A scale will be provided on site by the association. All pullers will weigh in prior to pulling in each weight class. Track official may re-weigh any puller before or after a pull, upon request.

16. All weight classes are the total weight of tractor, weights, and driver.

17. Event procedures:

A. Entry: no entries can be accepted after class starts.

i. No refunds will be given to a person who decides to just leave after he has paid for more classes than he had pulled. Refunds or credit will be given if a class is canceled due to the fault of the club, or because of bad weather that requires the pull to end.

ii. Scratching from a class after it has started shall not constitute a refund.

iii. Pulling position will be determined by random drawing at the time of the contest entry.

iv. All pulls will start with a tight chain- no jerking.

B. Tractor operations:

i. All tractors must be operated in a safe manner at all times. Tractors are limited to one operator. Tractor must be in neutral and both hands must bein the air before chain is hooked. From the time the chain is hooked and the tractor is stopped by the flagman, no one, except track officials maybe on the track between the marked lines during this time or the tractor will be disqualified.

ii. Driver will remain in seat for the duration of the pull attempt.

iii. During the pull, driver will have at least 1 hand on the steering wheel. iv. Flagman will stop any pull attempt considered unsafe.

v. Shifting of gears while pulling is permitted as long as the sled does not stop its forward motion. No jerking allowed.

C. Clothing:

i. All non-stock classes must wear DOT approved or Snell rated helmet with chinstraps fastened. Club recommends the use of eye protection and chinstrap helmets for all classes.

ii. Drivers must wear a minimum of long pants, shirt, and shoes.

iii. Helmets are mandatory for pullers 15 years old and younger.

D. DQs (Disqualified)

i. If track officials decide to repull a class, then everyone in the class, including DQs will pull over.

ii. If the sled knocks a tractor out of bounds, the tractor will not be disqualified and the laser reading will be taken at that time.

18. For tractor to receive points, driver must be a club member and a club number must be visible on the tractor. The correct tractor number must be on class sheets to receive points.

19. 25'- 2nd try.

20. Causes for Disqualification:

A. Decisions of event officials are final. Arguing with event officials can/will result in event disqualification or suspension. Upon second occurrence, membership can be revoked for 1 year from date of second occurrence.

B. Any competitor or member of his/her crew found to be under the influence of an intoxication agent, drug,or having a measurable blood alcohol content during contest activities shall be barred from any further involvement of participation in the event and may face suspension, or termination of membership.

C. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification.

D. Using edge of the fender as a grasp point to obtain leaning leverage will result in disqualification. Sturdy handles may be installed for this purpose.

E. Excessive loss of liquid onto the track by a pulling vehicle either while hooked to the sled at the starting line and not moving, or while in forward motion, and not due to internal breakage, may result in disqualification. Excessive is defined as any steady or intermittent stream discharge onto the track, or a spot equivalent to more than 8" in diameter..

F. Depositing of any tractor equipment or weights onto the track during the course of competition (breakage excluded) will result in disqualification. Track official to red flag breakage and then tractor must stop.

G. During the course of competition, tractor may not touch the boundary lines or disqualification will result and all points will be missed for that pull. Sled may go out of bounds and not result in disqualification.

H. Any contestant attempting to leave under the red flag will be disqualified.

I. Any loss of ballast weight during the course of competition will result in disqualification.

J. Failure to have all safety equipment in place.

K. Deliberate attempt to cause slack in the chain while under the green flag, is reason for disqualification.

L. Failure to obtain safety sticker on tractor obtained by safety officer.

M. Failure to have fire extinguisher on tractor prior to hooking to sled.

21. Penalties:

A. If deemed necessary, a puller or tractor may be placed on temporary suspension. Possible causes include, but are not limited to, arguing with eventofficials, fighting, alcohol or drug abuse during event, illegal vehicle advantages, unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe behavior, etc.

B. Suspension can range from 1 to 5 pulls.

22. All rule interpretations shall be made by the ranking committee member at each pull. Upon a lodged protest, the rule will be interpreted by at least 2 committee members. Their decision will be final. Anyone with a violation of a major rule will be disqualified. If they have completed a pull, their money will not

be refunded.

23. Maximum time between pullers will be five minutes. Obvious mechanical breakdowns will be moved to the last position in the class. If they are still not ready to compete, they will be disqualified for that class.

24. All tractors using a points ignition system must have a plastic or metal cover over them.

25. All starter carts must have a cover over the battery terminals.

26. All tractors must have a fully charged fire extinguisher with a gauge. Minimum of 1-1/2 lb. dry chemical. Factory buttons and seals are okay.

27. Must have a workable kill switch, except for stock classes.

28. Protest: $75 to see top end, $150 to disassemble entire motor. If found guilty, must pay fines to club and forfeit points for that class. If not found guilty, the owner gets to keep the fines. Protesters must remain outside of a ten-foot parameter during tear down of tractor.

29. There will be nine track officials: One on the laser and two on the track. Track officials can call for a check on any tractor at any time that they feel the tractor is operating illegally. Protest fees are not required by officials if the majority of officials are in agreement to the protest. Actual money will not be transacted during this process unless the tractor is found to be illegal.

30. No refunds will be given to a person who decides to just leave after he has paid for more classes than he has pulled.

(Unless it is an emergency.)

31. Refunds or credit will be given if a class is canceled due to the fault of the club, or because of bad weather that requires the pull to end.

Points system for members only: (points go to the tractor, not the driver) 1st - 5 points, 2nd- 4 points, 3rd- 3 points, 4th- 2 points, 5th- 1 point and 1 point for hookup.

Note: Any tractor that hooks to the sled and moves enough to tighten the chain will receive 1 point.

If there is a tie in points at the end of the year, it will be broken by comparing the number of 1st place finishes during that season. If a tie still exists, compare second place finishes, per class. If a tie still exists, go for the total feet accumulated during the season.

Outstanding Support Award: attending meetings- 2 points, work days (clean ups)- 4 points.

Sportsman Award: At the end of the pull season, members attending the November meeting will elect this person by popular vote.

Eligibility:

1. Pulling contest is open to 2 wheel drive, rear wheel drive, rubber tired tractors. No recapped tires, no dual wheels, no chains, studs, paddle tires are permitted. ATV tires are permitted.

2. Drivers of stock tractors, minimum age 5 years old, MUST drive the tractor on their own with no assistance. Stock altered, sport stock minimum driver is age 12 years old with no assistance. Modified drivers must be at least 15 years old.

3. All tractors are subject to a safety inspection.

4. All drivers should attend a drivers meeting prior to pulling that day.

5. No portion of the tractor may interfere with the hitch of the sled during the pull. Chain or kill switch cable must be easily hooked without interference.

6. No tractor shall exceed 4' 6", (or 54") in width.

7. Judgement calls by officials or flagman are final and may not be appealed.

8. Engine may not be a structural part of the frame. (except modified or rail)

9. Use lawn mower parts only on front axles. No homemade axles. Axles can be flipped except on the modified tractors.

Stock Class Rules

1. Factory stock, commercially available garden tractor frame with stock running motor. Does not have to be motor that came in tractor. Frame can be modified only to accept motor.

2. No high performance alterations for that engine. Stock, OEM available, unaltered replacement parts only!! Also for that engine: camshaft, valve train components, piston, valves, rods, stock deck height, crankshaft cylinder head, and ignition system: stock OEM system, either points or electric replacement for that engine, Chevy points may be used. Fuel pump or Electric fuel pumps can be used. No compressed fuel tank system. Exclusion are: clutches, belts, and pulleys. Carburetor must be stock, unpolished and unaltered. Air restricting venturi must not exceed stock size for engine model., horsepower, and configuration. Flywheel key may be removed if desired.

3. No welded rearends. No locked rearends unless you can prove they are OEM from factory.

4. Maximum bore size .030 overbore from standard specs. Exception: Magnum motor can be bore .030 above their spec.

5. Governor control can be unhooked.

6. No intake standoffs or velocity stacks.

7. Must use stabilizer bars. Maximum hitch height is 13 inches.

8. May use kill switches, deadman throttle, and other safety devices.

9. Rear tires maximum size 26 x 12 x 12, turf, ag, or bar, cut or uncut.

10. Must maintain stock wheelbase.

11. Fuel: any pump gasoline. No methanol and no alcohol.

12. Maximum horsepower is 21 hp, flathead or overhead valve, four cycle, one or two cylinder with maximum factory displacement of 17.21 cubic inch.

13. Weight classes: (with driver, 5 lbs. over allowed).

14. Any horsepower over class maximum goes up to the next class.

15. Any stock tractor pulling up into non-stock classes must have kill switch and driver must wear helmet.

16. Sandblasting may be used for cleaning purposes only; no cool cans.

Weight classes (with driver, 5lbs. over allowed):

5-6.5 hp max. 850 lbs

7-9 hp max. 850 lbs

10 hp max. 950 lbs

12 hp max. 1,050 lbs

13-17 hp max. 1,150 lbs

18-21 hp max. 1,200 - 1,250 lbs

5 hp Outlaw max 850 lbs

1. Factory stock, commercially available garden tractor frame. Frame can be modified only to accept engine, can run flathead or overhead valve engines but must be 5 hp blocks.

2. Rearends may be locked.

3. No pressurized fuel tanks.

4. Vacuum operated fuel pumps only.

5. No nitrous oxide.

6. Must use stabilizer bars. Maximum hitch height is 13 inches.

7. Must use kill switches , deadman throttle, and other safety devices.

8. Rear tire maximum size 26 x 12 x 12, turf, ag,bar,cut or uncut.

9. Must maintain stock wheelbase.

10. Fuel: Gasoline or Methanol.

11. Weight with driver is 850 lbs. maximum (5 lbs. over allowed)/

12. Engine: four cycle, single cylinder, factory rated, 5 hp. Maximum displacement is 17.21 cubic inches.

13. Must run flywheel shroud.

14. Billet flywheel for safety reasons.

15. Any carburetor, but only one carburetor allowed.

16. No fuel injection.

17. No blowers, turbo chargers, super chargers, etc. The engine must be naturally aspirated.

18. Fire extinguishers required.

Stock Altered

1. Run what your bring. Locked differentials allowed.

2. Porting or polishing is allowed.

3. Intake standoffs or velocity stacks allowed.

4. Must use kill switches. Deadman throttle recommended.

5. Rear tires: 26 x 12.00 x 12 maximum.

6. Chassis may be altered to accept non-original engine, but wheelbase may be altered.

7. Sheetmetal may be altered., but must look like a production garden tractor.

8. Fuel: pump gasoline, dyed methanol, and racing fuel accepted.

9. Maximum horsepower, 25 hp block, single or twin garden tractor engine

10. Exhaust: straight pipes allowed but must discharge vertically.

11. Must use stabilizer bars if stock hitch height is altered. Maximum hitch height is

13 inches.

12. Shielding requirements refer to General Rule #8.

13. See weight classes.

Sport Stock

1. Maximum 2 cylinder, air cooled, naturally aspirated, four cycle, flat head engine, maximum cubic inch displacement 45 cubic inches.

2. Must maintain original measurement from center of crankshaft to top of block and original head bolt pattern.

3. Crankshaft and camshaft must be in original position.

4. Stock appearing carburetor limited to a maximum air restricting venturi size of 1.200 inches. Airflow must be controlled by throttle. Throttle shaft actuated butterfly in stock location. No air may enter the intake after the 1.200 restriction.

5. Billet steel or aluminum flywheel and/or starter pulley required if using fuel other than gasoline.

6. Engine and tractor components must be shielded per requirements in General Rule #8.

7. Maximum tire size 26 x 12 x 12.

8. Maximum wheelbase 56 inches. Any garden tractor chassis having a longer stock wheelbase must retain the stock wheelbase. Max. width: 54 inches.

9. Chassis and transaxle must be from an OEM production garden tractor.

10. Tractor must have a stock appearing hood and grill. Switching to another factory sheetmetal is permissible. Tractor must have fenders.

11. Fuel: gasoline or racing fuel.

12. Kill switch and deadman throttle required.

13. Porting and polishing, intake standoffs, and velocity stacks allowed.

14. Exhaust must discharge vertically, and must extend at lest 12 inches from exhaust port.

15. See weight classes. No lock differentials.

Modified Tractors

1. Limited to maximum of 4 cylinder, 4 cycle, motorcycle engines with 1,600 cc maximum, .030 bore allowed over.

2. Must have kill switches for motor and electric fuel pump.

3. Maximum tire size 26 x 12 x 12.

4. Motorcycling engine shielding: Any rotating mass (drive shafts, universal joints, chains, clutches) attached to crankshaft must be covered sides,top and exposed end with a minimum 1/8 " (.125) steel or 1/4 " (.250) aluminum. Shield must be securely attached to engine block or chassis covering a minimum of clutch and alternator areas to the bottom of cylinders.

5. Exhaust must discharge vertically.

6. No turbo chargers, super chargers or nitros kits.

7. Maximum length: 96 " wheelbase; Maximum Width: 54". Length measures from center of rear axle to front foremost structure.

8. Driveshafts: Must have round metal loops shielding shaft at least two 360 degree loops on each section, not to exceed 36" lengths without extra loops, minimum 1/4"(.250) aluminum or 3/16 " wide, not more than 2 1/2" from the end of the shaft or either between the u-joints.

9. U-joints: All u-joints to shielded 360 degrees with 1/4 (.250) aluminum or 3/16" (.187) steel. Minimum length not to be less than 1/2" greater than u-joint assembly.

10. Roller chains and drive belts: Are to be shielded top, front and rear with minimum 1/16" (.060) steel. Shield to be wider than chain or belt.

11. Drivers must wear helmets.

12. Tractor to be put in park when being hooked and unhooked.

13. Weight classes:

501cc - 899cc 1,150 - 1,250 lbs

900cc - 1200cc 1,300 - 1,400 lbs

1201cc - 1600cc 1,350 - 1,450 lbs

KIDS CLASS - FREE

1. Kid class – 5-8 yrs old and must furnish own tractor.

2. Kids must have helmet and long pants.

3. Highback seat at least 5 inches high.. Kill switch cable to the parent's control.

 4. Deadman throttle on the clutch pedal side.