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Rules For Vintage Ploughing
1. TRACTOR
In both trailing and mounted plough classes, all models of tractor must have been in production before 31st December 1959.
2. PLOUGHS
• a. Trailing plough class – any trailing plough is eligible.
• b. Mounted plough class – any mounted plough in production before 31st December 1959
• c. Plough bodies to be in production before 31st December 1959.
• d. Skimmers and one-piece tailpieces are optional – no other attachments allowed.
• e. No modified tailpieces or brackets allowed. Tailpieces should not be more than 22cm long from the end of the mouldboard and 11cm wide and can only be adjusted by the mouldboard bolts.
• f. Plough bodies can be raised or lowered but cannot be raised out of the ‘ploughing’ position.
• g. All plough bodies to be used when ploughing the finish.
• h. Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
• i. Only one plough wheel allowed in mounted ploughing.
3. TIME ALLOWED
• a. 20 minutes for opening. Penalty for failure to finish opening on time – 2 points per minute or part minute.
• b. 40 minutes for openings to be judged.
• c. 4 hours to complete the plot. Penalty for failure to finish the plot at finishing signal – 10 points per minute or part minute
• d. 15 minutes for any cast-off made after commencement of ploughing.
• e. Maximum of one hour only allowed for a breakdown.
4. OPENING
• a. Double opening – no land left unturned.
• b. On grassland there is no opening. Scratches may be handled but not removed.
5. START
• a. The start shall consist of 11 or 12 furrows.
• b. Competitors must cast towards the next highest numbered plot.
6. FINISH
• a. The finish shall consist of the last 8 furrows.
• b. Last furrow to be cast towards competitors own start.
7. DEPTH
Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
Minimum depth 15 cm.
8. GENERAL
• a. The first and second runs next to the neighbours’ plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
• b. Rolling of furrows or scratches is not allowed. Penalty – 20 points deduction.
• c. Twin tractor wheels not allowed.
• d. Three sighting poles only (one can be placed on the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance allowed including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or any other method.
• e. Handling, shaping or treading of scratches or furrows is not allowed.
• f. Only one tractor and one plough wheel mark allowed at the finish.
• g. Only the competitor allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones, etc. Clearing stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
• h. Competitors must produce evidence of age of tractor if requested.
• i. The use of Global Positioning Technology, laser beams or any other electronic or computerised measuring devices are not allowed.
• j. Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty – 20 points.
9. SAFETY
• a. Passengers not allowed on tractors or ploughs at any time.
• b. Society of Ploughmen Safety Policy to be adhered to at all times.
10. FINAL DECISION
Any question arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the chief steward whose decision shall be final and binding.
Judges Method of Scoring – Vintage Ploughs
OPENING .............................................................. 20
Well cut, uniform and straight
START (11 or 12 furrows) ............................................. 20
Uniform and level
SEED BED ............................................................. 20
Weed control and soil made available
FIRMNESS ............................................................. 20
Firm, well packed furrows, no holes
UNIFORMITY ........................................................... 20
Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing of furrows
FINISH ............................................................... 20
Uniform and shallow
INS AND OUTS ......................................................... 20
Neat, accurate and regular
STRAIGHTNESS ......................................................... 20
Straightness of the whole plot
GENERAL APPEARANCE ................................................... 20
Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot
FIXED PENALTY DEDUCTIONS
Two tractor wheel marks .................................... up to 20 points penalty
Finish wrong way ........................................... 20 points penalty
Depth infringement ......................................... 20 points per cm less than specified depth
Rolling .................................................... 20 points penalty
Failure to finish opening on time .......................... 2 points per minute or part minute over time
Failure to finish plot by finishing signal ................. 10 points per minute or part minute over time
Abuse of officials or fellow competitors ................... 20 points penalty
Any other penalty deduction will be decided by the chief steward
Equipment
1. Discs/skimmers/tailpieces can be of different make.
2. Weights can be used on tractors or ploughs.
3. Adjustable stays on plough mouldboards are allowed.
4. Quick entry or slotted top links are allowed.
5. Extended wheel axles are allowed.
6. Screw adjustments on cross shafts are allowed.
7. Modified plough shares are allowed.
8. Diesel engine conversions are allowed.
9. Hydraulic top links and other hydraulic rams are not allowed.
10. Stubble chains, or any other attachment used to bury stubble, are not allowed.
11. Modified tailpieces or brackets are not allowed.
12. Two-piece adjustable tailpieces are not allowed.
13. Draw-bars with hydraulic movement not allowed.
14. Four-wheel drive tractors or conversions not allowed.
15. A list of eligible equipment is available from the Society of Ploughmen on request.