The Badger Pulling Team, co-advised by Brian Luck and Kody Habeck in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, took sixth-place overall in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter Scale Tractor Student Design Competition. The competition was held in Peoria, Illinois, May 31 through June 2. The team’s result is a six-position improvement from their 2023 showing.

“The top finishers were all extremely close in points this year,” said Luck. “If a few small things would have gone our way, we had the potential to win the entire competition. This is a very difficult contest, and our sixth place finish is something to be very proud of.”

Competitors from agricultural and engineering schools from across North America were judged in design, durability, maneuverability, performance, appearance and craftsmanship. Most notably, the UW–Madison team placed second in durability, maneuverability, and performance, and was awarded the Best Appearance and Craftsmanship Awards.

Habeck explained that the ASABE competition is designed to challenge the machines in harsh environments — it’s the best way to ensure proper engineering went into the design of the tractors, and to guarantee they can hold up to the rigors of typical agricultural operating conditions. Teams must be ready to fix a wide range of issues — minor or major — quickly. But the Badger-made machine weathered the challenges.

“We only had to replace two small parts and tighten one or two fittings,” said Luck. “The machine worked as intended: no need to rush and fix anything, and we were on-time and ready to compete in every event. And they returned to Madison with a functioning machine.”

The team hopes to return to Peoria in 2025 to attempt to bring the first-place trophy back to Madison for the first time since 1998.

A highlight video showing the tractor’s design and fabrication, as well as highlights from the competition, can be viewed on YouTube.