K-State Tractor Team Overcomes Challenges to Achieve Second Place at International Competition

The Kansas State University Helwig Farms Quarter-Scale Tractor Team demonstrated determination and skill by securing second place among 22 university teams at the 26th annual American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers' International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition in Peoria, Illinois.

Having consistently performed well in this competition, with 18 top-two finishes over the years, the K-State team faced unforeseen adversity during this year's event. The competition required teams to complete various tasks, including a written design report, a formal design presentation, and a series of performance events such as durability and maneuverability courses, as well as tractor pulls.

Despite meticulous planning and successful completion of the report and presentation, the K-State team encountered a significant setback the night before the performance events. The main power shaft in their tractor's transmission broke, necessitating immediate repairs to ensure participation in the competition.

The team used a temporary solution to compete without second gear and traveled to Chicago to fabricate a new shaft. With the help of a K-State alumnus, a new transmission shaft was built and installed in time for the final competition. K-State's tractor achieved second place in the durability competition, showcasing their dedication and resourcefulness.

The Helwig Farms Quarter-Scale Tractor Team comprised a group of talented individuals who contributed to their success:

1. Jacob Porter, Junior in Agricultural Technology Management
2. Cale McCabe, 2023 Graduate in Biological Systems Engineering
3. Cole Stahlman, Junior in Agricultural Technology Management
4. Joseph Kueker, Junior in Biological Systems Engineering
5. Hayden Pierce, 2023 Graduate in Biological Systems Engineering
6. William Delzeit, Junior in Mechanical Engineering
7. Dalton Rizzo, Junior in Electrical Engineering
8. Samuel Underwood, Senior in Mechanical Engineering
9. Taylor Schroeder, Junior in Biological Systems Engineering and Agricultural Economics
10. Braden Bramhall, Junior in Mechanical Engineering

Additionally, the team included students from various states:

1. Cole Marchy, 2023 Graduate in Agricultural Technology Management (Ceres, California)
2. Amar Pannu, 2023 Graduate in Agricultural Technology Management (Patterson, California)
3. Payton Renner, 2023 Graduate in Agricultural Technology Management (Lee's Summit, Missouri)
4. John Trimmer, Sophomore in Agricultural Technology Management (Maitland, Missouri)
5. Micah Shonkwiler, Sophomore in Biological Systems Engineering (St. Joseph, Missouri)
6. Noah Nevitt, Senior in Biological Systems Engineering (Lincoln, Nebraska)
7. 7. Aubrey Paulk, Junior in Biological Systems Engineering (Charlotte, Tennessee)

The K-State Tractor Team's remarkable performance serves as a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and dedication to excellence in the field of agricultural engineering.

Photo Credit: GettyImages-fotokostic