The Wildcat Pulling Team competes annually in the ASABE International ¼ Scale Tractor Student Design Competition. The team is evaluated on tractor performance and design decisions. Despite a strong showing in the 2025 performance events, the team placed fourth overall due to limited drivetrain justification and testing. The team requires a new drivetrain annually; therefore, this project will consider a range of drivetrain configurations to produce a design validated by testing and analysis.
The picture on the left shows the Wildcat 3525 driveline. Over the course of two semesters, the 2026 drivetrain team will be addressing issues in the 2025 design by performing tests and engineering analysis for their senior design project.
Will Faulkner
Kyler Kromer
Lauren Lanham
Heath Shewmaker
Project Sponsor
Project Advisor
Project Advisor
The 2026 ASABE IQS Competition will mark the Wildcat Pulling Team’s 25th appearance on the international stage. Since its first competition, the team has embodied innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to engineering excellence. Over the past quarter century, the Wildcats have established themselves as one of the most respected programs in collegiate tractor pulling, earning three International Championships and more than a dozen top-three finishes.
Beyond the statistics, the team’s true legacy lies in the dedication and ingenuity of its members. Each generation of Wildcats has built upon the foundation of those before them, continually advancing the performance of their machines and pushing the limits of what is possible in the quarter-scale tractor arena. This tradition of excellence has not only shaped a reputation for high performance but has also provided students with invaluable hands-on experience in design, fabrication, and leadership.
In recent years, the Wildcats have continued to build upon this legacy. At the 2025 competition, the team earned a 4th place overall finish, while remaining undefeated in the pulling portion of the contest for the second year in a row. As they prepare for their 25th competition in 2026, the Wildcats carry forward a proud history of achievement, innovation, and Wildcat pride that has defined the team for a quarter century.