2016 Build-Off Competition Instructions And Qualification Rules

***Ladies And Gentlemen! Welcome to the 2016 All-Terrain Lawn Tractor Forum Build-Off Competition!


Participants will again be given 9 months to cobble together the roughest, toughest, nastiest, sexiest, high-falutinest mean machine they can, for the title of “2016 Build-Off Champion”!!!


Okay- so here's the short version of events to come. Beginning Feb 1st, those entering the contest will start a build thread in the forum subcategory created for the purpose. To start your thread, you'll need to post a pic of your primary parts source(s), pile, donor machine(s) etc. In that picture, you need to have a sign that reads "ATLTF 2016 Build-Off", the date, and the password, which will be announced on Feb 1st. If you are not participating in the contest, please do not start a thread in this forum, use our regular forums as normal. After the Nov 30th contest deadline, the voting system will be unlocked, and all registered members will have 2 weeks to examine the entries and vote for their favorite builds. Any ATLTF member may enter the Build-Off, and anyone at all may become a member to enter the Build-Off. So let the sparks fly! Please carefully read the details below before proceeding. Good luck, Gentlemen (and maybe a couple of ladies?)

ATLTF 3rd Annual Build-Off Contest rules- Qualifying vehicles-

1)Must be a small, personal-transportation type vehicle, capable of carrying operator, and not more than one additional passenger.

2)Must be self-propelled

3)Must be powered by an OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment) type engine. Generally- one or two cylinders, 2 or 4 stroke, gasoline or diesel, air cooled*, horizontal or vertical crankshaft, and derived from Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, lawn/yard/garden tractors, pressure washers, portable generators, tillers, cement mixers, weedeaters, leaf mulchers and vacuums, water pumps, etc. *Note: There are a few liquid-cooled OPE engines out there, such as offerings from Honda and Kawasaki. As long as it fits the OPE description, it is allowed, limited to two cylinders. However- MORE than one qualifying engine may be used.

4)No automobile, truck, SUV etc chassis allowed. No ATV chassis', nor "Compact Tractor".Allowed are- Lawn tractor, yard tractor, garden tractor and mini chassis’, stock or modified. Custom-built chassis are allowed provided the end result will be resemblant of a lawn or garden tractor chassis in appearance. Specifically, ladder, tunnel, or pan-style. No space frames.

5)Must run on any number of wheels, tracks, skis, or any combination of these, limited by the following constraint: A minimum of 3 points of contact must be made with the ground, a minimum of two if vehicle is "tracked". Points of contact are defined as wheels, tracks, or skis.

6)Must be "complete" by deadline date. For our purposes, "complete" means- Starts, runs and drives under its own power. Remote throttle must be installed and operable without operator touching engine. Remote kill switch must be installed and operable without operator touching engine. Remote start must be installed and operable without operator touching engine- this applies to electric start only, pull-starting IS acceptable. Braking system must be installed and functional. Steering system must be installed and functional. The purpose of this rule is not only to define completeness for the contest, but to help ensure safety. Paint and related aesthetic touches are not mandatory to qualify as "complete" but may affect scoring. For clarification, "Remote" specifically means "The ability to operate without touching engine".

7)Sheetmetal/bodywork is open. As long as all other rules are adhered to, the vehicle may take any vehicular appearance.

8)Must NOT be more than 50% completed prior to the official start date. Previously completed builds or lightly modifying builds for the contest will not qualify. As part of qualification, contest entrants will post a picture of the major parts source(s), including a sign showing the commencement date and code word.

Entrants-

1)Must hold a valid ATLTF membership in good standing

2)May Join ATLTF in order to qualify for contest entry

3)Must maintain their ATLTF membership status in good standing for the entire duration of the contest.

4)May enter more than one project for the contest

Contest Details-

*Contest commences Feb 1st 2016. You may NOT start building until the official start announcement on that date, but you MAY plan and collect parts until that time.*The official start announcement will contain a PASSWORD. Entrants MUST start a build thread in the 2016 Contest forum, and: Post a photo of their main parts pile that contains a sign bearing "ATLTF 2016 Build-Off", the date, and the password, all printed on a sign in the same photo. Entrants may join anytime ON or AFTER the start date. *Entrants MUST update their thread and include update pics at least monthly.* Contest ends November 30th 2016. Any project NOT completed upon the official finish announcement on that date does not qualify for judging/winning. See official contest rule #6 for definition of "complete".  Builder should post as many details of build as possible, including parts sources/origin, costs, design elements and difficulties, specifications, gear ratios, etc. NEW FOR 2016>>>*Upon completion, builder must post a video of completed build, consisting of a walk-around and operation to demonstrate function and capabilities.  If for some reason you are not able to shoot or post this video, you MUST contact a forum administrator to closely scrutinize your build to determine eligibility.Voters may post questions for the builders during building and voting periods to assist in assessing the builds.*In the event of a tie, winner will be determined by a panel of judges.- Ed. Note: There was indeed a tie for 2nd last year, the admin staff voted.

One question- what is a "space frame?"

Space frame is like a tube chassis. Like a race car frame.

So Doc, I have a tractor that I built for pulling a few years ago- then I got a craftsman gt and stole the goodies off this tractor. (wheels and tires, weights, engine, ect) However It has an engine on it that runs, and it drives- barely. The belt has a tendency to fall off, since I haven't made retainers and there is a 90 degree twist in the belt. I am going to do some engine work, (port intake/ exhaust passageways, deck heads, lap valves, adjust valves, adjust carburetor, and possibly make a cam with more duration) and I am going to change the belt system dramatically, build bumpers/winch, rack and pinion steering, and front suspension. Is the base tractor OK to use as a starting point? (just runs/ drives like stock, except locked diff, and direct throttle) or do I need a less complete tractor to start the build off with? Here is a pic of its back end, its the second closest to the camera. I can get more pics if you need them, took this one a while back.

I wish to know if any restriction about transmission I read the rule but I want to be sure

Transmissions (or lack therof) will go on a case-by-case basis. What were you planning on using?

its already on my entrie lol. Im looking to use a car transaxle and the simple reason is a lawn tractor transaxles  will never survive to my plan add I have one doing nothing in my shed. See the overkill massey built entrie you will understand more my plan

I looked over the rules carefully (lol)- Ok, ok... No, there's no issue with your tranny plan.

nice Im feeling better now thanks

Quote :

limited to two cylinders

Any particular reason only 2? I realize we dont want someone using their Iron Duke, Slant 6, small block chevy or whatever... but there are a number of small engines with 3 or 4 cylinders. 3cylinder diesels, 4cyl Wisconsin or Teledyne engines.. kind of exotic, but still.

And about automotive transmissions, is there certain guideline here to follow? Or could a person use any ole 3/4/5 speed manual trans? And what about a clutch, driveshaft(cut and shortened) and rear end(cut and narrowed)?

For curiositys sake of course.

I think the 2 cylinder rule is to try to stay with smaller engines generally used on smaller out door equipment vs engines that may have came from a small bucket loader for example. As for the transmissions and axle, that's pretty much what steeldaytonas is doing I think. As was being discussed a couple posts up I believe.

Its to mainly keep the field level, as single/ twins are more commonly found in mowers or light duty lawn/ garden tractors, while 3+ cylinders are more of a compact tractor or larger deal.

Transmissions are fairly open, they all work the same. Same with custom axles and driveshaft configurations.

Only one week left! Be sure you qualify!

Doc Sprocket wrote:

ATLTF 3rd Annual Build-Off Contest rules- Qualifying vehicles-

1)Must be a small, personal-transportation type vehicle, capable of carrying operator, and not more than one additional passenger.

2)Must be self-propelled

3)Must be powered by an OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment) type engine. Generally- one or two cylinders, 2 or 4 stroke, gasoline or diesel, air cooled*, horizontal or vertical crankshaft, and derived from Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, lawn/yard/garden tractors, pressure washers, portable generators, tillers, cement mixers, weedeaters, leaf mulchers and vacuums, water pumps, etc. *Note: There are a few liquid-cooled OPE engines out there, such as offerings from Honda and Kawasaki. As long as it fits the OPE description, it is allowed, limited to two cylinders. However- MORE than one qualifying engine may be used.

4)No automobile, truck, SUV etc chassis allowed. No ATV chassis', nor "Compact Tractor".Allowed are- Lawn tractor, yard tractor, garden tractor and mini chassis’, stock or modified. Custom-built chassis are allowed provided the end result will be resemblant of a lawn or garden tractor chassis in appearance. Specifically, ladder, tunnel, or pan-style. No space frames.

5)Must run on any number of wheels, tracks, skis, or any combination of these, limited by the following constraint: A minimum of 3 points of contact must be made with the ground, a minimum of two if vehicle is "tracked". Points of contact are defined as wheels, tracks, or skis.

6)Must be "complete" by deadline date. For our purposes, "complete" means- Starts, runs and drives under its own power. Remote throttle must be installed and operable without operator touching engine. Remote kill switch must be installed and operable without operator touching engine. Remote start must be installed and operable without operator touching engine- this applies to electric start only, pull-starting IS acceptable. Braking system must be installed and functional. Steering system must be installed and functional. The purpose of this rule is not only to define completeness for the contest, but to help ensure safety. Paint and related aesthetic touches are not mandatory to qualify as "complete" but may affect scoring. For clarification, "Remote" specifically means "The ability to operate without touching engine".

7)Sheetmetal/bodywork is open. As long as all other rules are adhered to, the vehicle may take any vehicular appearance.

8)Must NOT be more than 50% completed prior to the official start date. Previously completed builds or lightly modifying builds for the contest will not qualify. As part of qualification, contest entrants will post a picture of the major parts source(s), including a sign showing the commencement date and code word.

Entrants-

1)Must hold a valid ATLTF membership in good standing

2)May Join ATLTF in order to qualify for contest entry

3)Must maintain their ATLTF membership status in good standing for the entire duration of the contest.

4)May enter more than one project for the contest

Contest Details-

*Contest commences Feb 1st 2016. You may NOT start building until the official start announcement on that date, but you MAY plan and collect parts until that time.*The official start announcement will contain a PASSWORD. Entrants MUST start a build thread in the 2016 Contest forum, and: Post a photo of their main parts pile that contains a sign bearing "ATLTF 2016 Build-Off", the date, and the password, all printed on a sign in the same photo. Entrants may join anytime ON or AFTER the start date. *Entrants MUST update their thread and include update pics at least monthly.* Contest ends November 30th 2016. Any project NOT completed upon the official finish announcement on that date does not qualify for judging/winning. See official contest rule #6 for definition of "complete".  Builder should post as many details of build as possible, including parts sources/origin, costs, design elements and difficulties, specifications, gear ratios, etc. NEW FOR 2016>>>*Upon completion, builder must post a video of completed build, consisting of a walk-around and operation to demonstrate function and capabilities.  If for some reason you are not able to shoot or post this video, you MUST contact a forum administrator to closely scrutinize your build to determine eligibility. Voters may post questions for the builders during building and voting periods to assist in assessing the builds.*In the event of a tie, winner will be determined by a panel of judges.- Ed. Note: There was indeed a tie for 2nd last year, the admin staff voted.