By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky’s Wildcat Pulling Team recently returned from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) International Quarter Scale Tractor Student Design Competition held in Bloomington, Illinois, marking a milestone with its largest team to date. The university has participated in the event for 25 years.
This year’s team included 19 undergraduate students, two graduate students, and four advisors, divided into two groups. The A-Team designed and built a new tractor, Wildcat 3526, while the X-Team focused on improving last year’s model, Wildcat 3525.
The A-Team earned several honors, including awards for Best Appearance, Manufacturability, and Ergonomics. They also won the heavyweight pull and placed seventh overall among 24 competing teams. Additional achievements included second place in durability, fourth in team presentation, fifth in overall design judging, and sixth in the written report.
The X-Team delivered a strong performance, finishing third overall and winning both of their pulls. Their tractor was retired with an undefeated record. Overall, the Wildcat Pulling Team has remained unbeaten in heavyweight pulls for the past three years.
Beyond competition results, the program provides students with valuable hands-on experience in engineering design, manufacturing, and problem-solving. Participants gain practical knowledge that prepares them for careers in agricultural and biological engineering.
The team’s continued success is supported by dedicated faculty advisors, technical staff, and strong backing from the university, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and institutional support.
To learn more visit, Wildcat Pulling Team and the UK Department of BAE at https://bae.mgcafe.uky.edu/.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pablo-rodriguez
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Equipment & Machinery