Thompson Industries sponsors university tractor design competition

The participants at the 25th annual American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition (IQS). Source: Thompson Industries Inc.

Thomson Industries Inc., a manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, is among the industry sponsors of the 25th annual American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) ¼ Scale Tractor Student Design Competition (IQS).

This year, 24 universities from the U.S. and Canada fielded design teams. As a silver sponsor, Thomson contributed to the operation of the five-day event, which was held at the Expo Gardens Fairgrounds in Peoria, Illinois.

Through involvement in the competition, students gain practical experience in the design of drive train systems, tractor performance, manufacturing processes, analysis of tractive forces, weight transfer and strength of materials. In addition, they also develop skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, fundraising, and testing and development.

Thompson electric linear actuators are used in the competition designs. Source: Thompson Industries

Each team starts out with a 31-hp Briggs & Stratton engine and a set of Titan tires, and the rest is up to them. A panel of industry experts judges the design for innovation, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, sound level, ergonomics and a design report submitted in advance of the competition.

Throughout the five days of the competition, they must sell their design in a formal presentation to industry experts acting as a corporate management team. Ultimately, they must prove designs in three performance events: three tractor pulls, a maneuverability course and a durability course.

“We look forward to this event every year,” said Jeremy Gong, area sales director at Thomson. “It’s not only important for the students and the mobile off-highway industry, but also a lot of fun. Being able to see the innovative designs these young engineers have been working on further indicates that this industry has an even brighter future.”