Pulling together a tractor treat

After years standing on the sidelines watching the Tractor Pulling Championship at the Angus Show, Jim Whitecross and Suzanne Fairweather decided it was time to step up to the mark.

The pair, of Powerwasher Services Ltd, set out to track down the perfect vehicle and, after a road trip to Denmark, they returned with Gator.

Now they hope the 2.5-ton modified tractor will drag them onto the prize table as they make their debut in this year’s competition.

Gator has two Rolls Royce engines, which were originally used in British tanks and have been converted so they can run on alcohol.

Since bringing his new tractor home, Jim has spent five months stripping and rebuilding Gator and getting her ready for the 2017 Scottish and British Tractor Pulling Championship.

The first event in the contest took place last month at the BA Vintage Fair and Jim and Gator shone. Despite not having the opportunity to practise beforehand, Jim chalked up a longest pull of more than 101 metres.

With the Angus Show approaching, Jim, Suzanne and the team at Powerwasher Services Ltd would love to see lots of supporters there cheering them on. The tractor pulling events are scheduled to take place at 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday.

The team would also like to extend their thanks to Martyn Dey and all at Ross Agri Services for manufacturing specialist one-off parts, and to Carnegie Fuels for sourcing specialist racing oil and fuel. They also appreciate all the support they have had in getting Gator ready to compete, especially from Rick at Turner Graphics and Phil at Autotech who have helped get the tractor looking competition ready.

Jim Whitecross hopes all his hard work on Gator will pay off this weekend.