Big Bud on the pulling track

Big Bud 16V-747 hit the puling track Saturday night at the show, effortlessly pulling two weight transfer sleds out the end of the track.  According to one report, the behemoth motored down the track, slipping a little as it hit the soft soil at the end of the track, only to speed up as it hit the sod. 

The second sled was pulled with a length of high strength chain used in the 2005 record setting 60 bottom plow action.  Though it's hard to see details in the video, the first sled is a historic piece of machinery itself.  It is one of the first, if not the first ever weight transfer sleds.  Built in the mid 1960's, it made tractor pulling a safer and more consistent activity.

Big Bud At Fargo Scales

I found this YouTube video of Big Bud 16V747 at the weigh scales in Fargo,North Dakota.

Big Bud Is Here!

Big Bud 16V747 arrived in Rantoul mid afternoon July 2, the trip was long, but safe. A crowd of fans was on hand to welcome the big tractor on it's visit to Illinois.

All a-Twitter about Big Bud

Big Bud 747 is on it's way to Illinois, and you can follow it's journey with updates on the short message site Twitter. You can find the updates at twitter.com/Bigbud747

Tonight, Monday June 29, Big Bud is bedded down for the night in Bismarck, North Dakota.

"Legends Of Time" Updates

The "Friends of John Deere" committee is announcing that Harold Brock is planning to attend. Harold worked at Henry Ford before going to John Deere. He developed the POWER-SHIFT TRANSMISSION for John Deere. He is looking forward, if his health remains good, to be there to answer questions. He will be in the John Deere Tent.

There will also be three of the John Deere engineers, if their health remains good, who helped develop the 8010-8020 Tractor there for you to talk to. It is the "50 Year Celebration" of the Tractor. The Seminar on the Pony Motor of the Two-Cylinder Diesel Tractor by Earl Seamands is still being planned, day and time will be announced later.

Above is a picture of the 1/32 scale 8010 4-wheel-drive-articulated tractor with the F180 8-bottom plow that may be purchased at the Show. A limited number will be available. If you are interested and want to order before the show, please contact Darrel Fischer (815) 383-4367. The price of the tractor and plow will be $85.00.

Many Thanks to Marilyn Moore for this update.