The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition is an engineering competition that helps better prepare students for the workplace by challenging them with real-world engineering experiences. Each team is given a 31hp Briggs & Stratton engine, as well as a set of Titan tires. However, the design of the tractor is up to each individual team. There are design constraints and additional rules each tractor must meet. Teams are judged and earn points on the following:
- Tractor drawbar performance
- Maneuverability
- Formal presentation
- Static design
- Written design report
- Durability
This international competition is held every spring in Peoria, Illinois. At the competition, students engage with professional engineers from major agricultural companies. This allows students the opportunity to receive direct feedback about the design of their tractors from professionals with extensive experience designing tractors.
As a result of engaging with these professionals, as well as other teams, brainstorming for the following year’s tractor begins while at the competition. These interactions allow students to analyze which design features of the tractor need to be improved or completely re-engineered, and which aspects do not need to be altered at all.
It is rare that undergraduate students are given the opportunity to participate in events that provide the amount of real-world experience as this event does. Through this competition, ASABE is helping to better prepare our future engineers for the workforce prior to their graduation.
For more information regarding the competition, or the ASABE organization, please visit the ASABE website.