Photo: SDSU Quarter-Scale Tractor Team named Overall Secondat the 2019 ASABE International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition in Peoria, IL. Team members and advisors include, from left to right: Jeff VanderSchaaf (advisor), Megan Bodin, Michael Hansen, Brian Prchal, James Kellen, Ty Grone, Collin Endres, Tate Ketelhut, Luke Schemm, Logan Goslee, Jeremiah Dooyema, Joshua Irvin, Douglas Prairie (advisor), Tia Muller, Joe DeBoer, Levi Wicks.
Not pictured: Advisor Aaron Franzen; Members Jesse Kramer and Craig Santema.
SDSU TAKES SECOND IN 2019 INTERNATIONAL QUARTER SCALE STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION
The South Dakota State University Quarter-Scale Tractor Team was named reserve champions at the 2019 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition held May 30-June 2 in Peoria, Illinois.
Students participating in the competition are challenged to harness the power and torque of a specified stock engine in order to maximize the performance of a quarter-scale tractor during a series of performance challenges.
Each competing team must submit a written design report before the competition. The teams are given a 31-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine and a set of Titan tires. The design of their tractor is up to them. A panel of industry experts judges the tractors on innovation, manufacturability, serviceability, safety, sound level and ergonomics. The teams are also judged on performance in three tractor pulls, a maneuverability course and a durability course.
Additionally, the teams present and sell their design in a formal presentation to industry experts playing the role of a corporate management team.
“Our tractor, UV-2431, was equipped with a mechanical driveline, independent front suspension, electronic throttle and full-screen display. We wanted to design an easy-to-use tractor that would stand up to the roughest conditions,” said Tate Ketelhut, the team captain.
“This year’s tractor design was chosen with the customer in mind. We wanted to make an easily serviceable tractor that was simple to understand. We also used the proven design of previous team’s tractors and then improved those designs. In order to be successful from year to year, we have to keep improving and perfecting the tractor design. Our designs are also based on the direction industry is going, which is why we had a fully electronic throttle and digital display,” he continued.
Members of the SDSU A-Class team, which is made up of students who have previously been involved in quarter-scale competitions include: Jeremiah Dooyema, Logan Goslee, Ty Grone, Michael Hansen, Joshua Irvin, Tate Ketelhut, Jesse Kramer, Tia Muller, Brian Prchal, Craig Santema and Luke Schemm.
The X-Class team is designed for freshmen and sophomores to help them learn more about the competition. The team uses the tractor built by the previous year’s A-Class team and makes modifications and improvements. The team members submit a basic written report describing their design changes, give a formal presentation at the event and participate in the tractor pull competition.
Members of the X-Class team include: Megan Bodin, Collin Endres, James Kellen and Levi Wicks.
“I believe some of the success of this team was a result of the fact that they listened to and learned from previous years’ team members that have since graduated,” said Douglas Prairie, adviser for the team and instructor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. “The alumni have acted as advisers and coached the students on how to improve the design and perform at the event. Our team focuses on being a top three-pulling tractor and then doing really well in all the other event categories. We know we aren't going to place first in every category, but we focus on being extremely competitive in all aspects of the competition.”
The team begins designing the tractor when classes start each fall. The students met twice a week throughout the year and put in a combined 3,500 hours total to design and build the tractor.
“Team members develop many important skills throughout the year, including 3D modeling, design, writing, problem-solving, fabrication and teamwork,” Ketelhut said.
2018-19 Team Members
| A-Class Team | X-Class Team |
|---|---|
| JJ Dooyema (Luverne, Minnesota) | Megan Bodin (Mankato, Minnesota) |
| Logan Goslee (Glenville, Minnesota) | Collin Endres (Alexandria, Minnesota) |
| Ty Grone (Wayne, Nebraska) | James Kellen (Alton, Iowa) |
| Mike Hansen (Lakeville, Minnesota) | Levi Wicks (Austin, Minnesota) |
| Josh Irvin (Austin, Minnesota) | |
| Tate Ketelhut; President (Miller) | |
| Jesse Kramer (Ellsworth, Minnesota) | |
| Tia Muller (Pipestone, Minnesota) | |
| Brian Prchal (Montgomery, Minnesota) | |
| Craig Santema (Milaca, Minnesota) | |
| Luke Schemm (Pella, Iowa) |
Special thanks to the SDSU Quarter Scale Team sponsors:
SDSU Jerome J Lohr College of Engineering; SDSU Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering; SDSU Students' Association; Briggs and Stratton; Titan Tires; SolidWorks; GSI; Miller; AGCO Company; Case IH Agriculture; Central City Scale; RCI Engineering, LLC; New Holland Agriculture; CLAAS; John Deere; Igus; Katie McDonald Photography; Caterpillar; Cambell Scientific, Inc.; First Bank & Trust; Outlaw Graphics; Industrial Machine & Engineering; Thomson Linear Motion; ABM Manufacturing, Inc.; Vermeer; Kubota; Wilwood Brakes; Twin City Fan; Sturdevant's Auto Parts; Dave's Collision & Repair; Titan Machinery; Design Tanks; JT's Exhaust World; TEAM Industries; Kibble Equipment; Danfoss Power Solutions; Motion Industries; Continental; Sudenga Industrial, Inc.; Driveline Service, Inc.; Bobcat Company; Golden Willow Seeds; KD Designs; Nielson's Supply; Scotchman Industries.