By Peyton Coursey, 2024 Sunbelt Expo Social Media Intern
The Sunbelt Ag Expo is all about discovering new things, and one of the standout attractions this year is the daily Antique Tractor and Lawnmower Pull. This exciting event is a fan favorite, offering a loud, exhilarating experience for people of all ages. It features a wide variety of tractors and lawnmowers, each in different shapes, sizes, and weight classes, all trying to pull a sled the farthest.
In the Antique Tractor category, the rules are strict. Tractors must be completely stock, meaning no modifications are allowed. These classic machines must rely on their original build and strength to compete. The lawnmower category, however, offers more flexibility, as participants are allowed to modify their mowers for peak performance. This opens up the competition to creative tweaks, such as engines and tires, making for a more competitive event. The “pull” portion consists of each tractor or lawnmower being hitched to a weighted sled. As the machine pulls the sled down a straight path, the weight shifts forward, making it harder to keep moving. The distance each machine travels before it can no longer pull the sled determines the competitor’s score. The farther they go, the higher their score, and the more intense the competition becomes. It’s a test of power, traction, and endurance.
A young star stole the show during today’s test run, Jace Danner, a 9-year-old lawnmower puller from Glennville, Ga. Danner has been participating in pulling events since he was just 4 or 5 years old. After taking a short break from the sport, he is back in action at the Expo this year. His impressive pull of 104 feet and young age made him the highlight of today’s test runs, showcasing both his skill and determination.
While today’s pulls were just a warm-up, the real competition starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. near where the Tram Tours begin. Expo-goers can expect even more excitement as competitors take the track to showcase their pulling power in this much-anticipated event.
