Kalvesta Implement Sponsors the 2019 Kansas State University Tractor Team

Kalvesta Implement was a proud sponsor of the 2019 Kansas State University Tractor Team. The 2019 team was comprised of 10 engineering students. They were mentored by coaches Jon Zeller, Ryan Zecha, Pat Murphy, and Ed Brokesh. The team was led by Corbin Baldwin - President and Braden Mishler - Vice President. In June, we made the trip to Peoria Illinois to cheer on the team as they competed in the International 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition.

The ASABE International 1/4 Scale Competition is an annual event held in Peoria Illinois. An average of 28 teams from universities across the United States, as well international schools, come together to compete in this 3-day competition. During this time, they will be tested on innovation, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, sound level, and ergonomics. However, this competition is more than just who has the best tractor. It helps students develop crucial skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management. The best part is that students will leave the competition with practical knowledge and real-world design experience, which is something many new college graduations are lacking.

Before teams can participate in the competition, they must pass a tech-in where the tractor's configuration, safety, markings, shielding, etc. is tested. They must also pass a sound tech-in to check that the sound of the tractor falls within a predetermined range. The tractor that ranks the quietest will be awarded additional points which will be calculated into the team's final score.

Once both tech-ins have been passed, teams may begin participating in the competition rounds. Students will participate in three performance events - a maneuverability course, a durability course, and three tractor pulls. The maneuverability course tests the tractor's ability to operate in tight spaces as well as its overall drive-ability. The durability course is designed to test operator comfort as well as how the tractor holds up when on rough terrain.

The tractor pulls are the highlight of the event. They are testing the overall drive train of the tractor as well as the tractor's ability to fulfill its intended purpose. Teams will participate in three pulls each. Each round they will flip a coin to determine light weight or heavy weight as well as flat chain or angle chain. Points are calculated per pull based solely on the distance driven.

Teams will also be asked to submit a written design report as part of the competition. This report is due a month prior to the event start. Then, they will be asked to give an oral presentation of this report on day 2 of the competition. During this formal presentation, students will sell their design to industry experts acting as a corporate management team. The presentation is timed and ends with an open question segment from the judges where the students will be challenged on parts of their designs.

The competition wraps with an awards banquet. During the banquet, the top five overall finishers are announced and presented with plaques and cash awards. There are also multiple awards handed out for various category winners. It's a great time to relax after a stressful competition and reflect on the highs of the event.

The 2019 Kansas State team had a multitude of highs from the event. They came together as a team to overcome a variety of challenges thrown their way. They pulled an all-nighter together during the competition to make adjustments on their tractor so they would pass tech-in. Their teamwork played a large role in their 10th place finish. A big win for the team was winning a technology scholarship due to the Campbell Scientific Report submitted by team member and 2020 team president Kaleb Keehn. They also had an excellent first pull in heavy class. The tractor ran well and pulled hard.

Of course, with highs come lows. The team did struggle to pass tech-in. Their shielding failed in multiple locations. The time spent working to pass tech-in caused them to miss the maneuverability event - resulting in a 0. They also ran out of time to do thorough software testing. This was their biggest problem with completing the durability course. Because they were unable to finish a lap, they received a 0. They also struggled with the first and last hook of the tractor pull. The PID failed which resulted in short pulls.

Overall, Kansas State had an excellent team. When faced with adversity they never backed down. Instead, they worked harder. We are extremely proud to have been a sponsor of this team. We’re excited to watch them continue to grow and compete over the upcoming years. Go cats!