When it comes to tractors, Modesto Junior College knows its stuff.
Other universities found that out when MJC students beat schools such as Michigan State and Texas A&M at a national competition last year. Of 30 public and private universities, MJC moved from 24th in 2005 to ninth in 2006. MJC is the only junior college that competes in the national contest. California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo is the other team representing California.
The competition? Building a quarter-scale tractor that meets several requirements, including the ability to pull weighted sleds and maneuver an obstacle course. A little larger than riding lawn mowers, the tractors must meet size and weight restrictions, be replicable and safe.
"It's hard to balance. More weight means better traction," said Nicholas Stuyt, an agriculture mechanics student and member of this year's Pullin' Pirates tractor team.
Competitors taken by surprise
Placing ninth in its second year earned MJC recognition as most-improved team in 2006. Advisers and students are hoping to make the top five this summer.
The annual competition is hosted by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in Michigan.
Manyuniversitieswere shocked to see the junior college do so well. MJC team members overheard Michigan State students complain about placing lower — something MJC takes as a compliment.
MJC's accomplishment motivates other teams to step up their effort, said Sean Landers, a design engineer at Caterpillar Inc. and member of the ASABE organization and rules committees.
"They definitely took the field by surprise," Landers said.
Teams are taking note. North Carolina State University's team decided to use some of MJC's rear-drive design, said Steve Amador, co-adviser of the team with Todd Conrado. Both teach agriculture at MJC.
"At first, they thought it was amazing we were there," Amador said. "The second year, once we gained some respect, it was the underdog syndrome. People were rooting for the underdog."
To promote team spirit, universities paint tractors with school colors and mascots, and dress in school colors. Some have even developed T-shirts asking, "When does a hobby become a sickness?"
MJC's advisers wanted to give agriculture engineering students the same outlet to compete and gain real-world experience that livestock and dairy students get on their own judging and auction teams.
"The students have to take the initiative to find out and come up with more ideas. Students learn more," said Kyle Beeman, a freshman agriculture mechanics student and team member.
It's a class, and a project
The tractor team is a class at MJC; students also spend their own time on the project.
MJC has about 20 students on the team. One woman participated last year and the number bumped up to three this year. Advisers are trying to encourage female involvement in a male-dominated industry.
"It's been different. It seems like most of the guys are OK with us," said Eileen Whitcomb, a sophomore animal science major and team member. "We know more about what we're doing than (the guys) think we do. It's a lot of hands-on, which most girls don't get."
About half the team will go to the competition this summer in Illinois. The trip takes about 10days, with half that time spent driving out with vans and trailers hauling the tractors. The team will take two tractors this year — one is new and the other is recycled from last year.
The competition lasts four days and the team tries to tour agriculture company facilities such as Caterpillar and John Deere. This year, advisers hope to stop by some universities in Iowa, Colorado, Arizona or Texas, so students can get a better feel for where they want to transfer.
Most funds donated or raised
The team spends between $12,000 and $15,000 on the tractors and $500 to $600 more traveling to the competition, Amador said. Schools such as Kansas State University get $50,000 budgets straight from the school, he said.
The agriculture department gives the team some money, but most is donated or raised through barbecues and catering events. Several local companies give money or offer materials and supplies.
Modesto Steel provides materials for the tractor's frame, hood, fenders, running board and axles, co-owner Don Wenstrand said.
Wenstrand got involved after sitting on the department's advisory committee.
"I was aware of some of the limited budget the departments are working with," he said. "If they're going through all the trouble in doing this outside of class on their own time scrapping together nickels and dimes, it's the least we could do."
Quarter-scale tractor team members aren't all agriculture engineers. Part of the competition includes a report and oral presentation. The team has room for people of all skills, Amador said.
Beeman got involved because he has always liked building things. "But when I do it at my house, it never got finished," he said.
For more information on MJC's team, go online to http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/agens/clubs/AgMech/14_scale.htm.
Bee staff writer Michelle Hatfield can be reached at 578-2339 or mhatfield@modbee.com.
