The University of Missouri Torq’N Tigers had two teams compete in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition this month, with one being named Performance Event Winner. The X-Team took those event honors, and second place overall out of eight teams; the A-Team finished in fifth place out of 18 teams.
The event took place June 1-5 in Peoria, Ill. The MU Torq’N Tigers quarter-scale tractor team competes in the competition each year.
This year’s competition was particularly challenging, said advisor Kent Shannon, assistant teaching professor of agricultural systems technology. The A-Team experienced two mechanical failures, including losing an exhaust bolt in the durability test and a pulley failure in the first hook, but still had two first-place pulls out of three total.
The team provides its members the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge and gain hands-on experience, as well as develop professional skills and network, Shannon said. Students are challenged to harness the power and torque of a specified stock engine during the competition, to maximize performance during a series of challenges.
According to the ASABE website, for the competition, “teams of students are given a 31-hp Briggs & Stratton engine and a set of Titan tires. The design of their tractor is up to them. A panel of industry experts then judge each design for innovation, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, sound level, and ergonomics. Teams also submit a written design report in advance of the competition, and on-site, they must sell their design, in a formal presentation to industry experts playing the role of a corporate management team. Finally, machines are put to the test in three performance events – three tractor pulls, a maneuverability course, and a durability course.”
Members of the 2023 Torq’N Tigers team include:
- Will Adkins, senior, agricultural systems technology
- Sierra Beaver, sophomore, agricultural education
- Trevor Blanken, sophomore, mechanical engineering
- Trace Chambers, spring 2023 graduate, agricultural systems technology
- Garrett Clark, spring 2023 graduate, plant sciences
- Graysen Clark, sophomore, agribusiness management
- Jonathan Ebbesmeyer, junior, mechanical engineering
- Aiden Engbert, sophomore, computer science
- James Fischer, spring 2023 graduate, agricultural systems technology
- Ethan Gutz, senior, agricultural systems technology/agribusiness management
- Will Hansen, senior, plant sciences
- Jake Lakenburger, sophomore, mechanical engineering
- Evan Masterson, sophomore, agricultural systems technology
- Andrew Slater, fall 2022 graduate, mechanical engineering