Before heading to your pull event, make sure your UTV windshields are in tip-top shape. Pull events, or pulling, began long ago when farmers wanted to prove their horse was stronger than anyone else’s. As the times evolved (moving from horses to tractors to trucks and UTVs), pulling competitions became more regulated, more competitive and a lot more fun. However, the basics of pulling haven’t changed. It starts out with an ATV pulling a heavy load, then more weight is added (in the form of people or inanimate objects) until a clear winner is declared. What began as a local sport in the 1880s has become the epitome of bragging rights and machismo around the world. The most common pulls today require towing a sled along a 300-foot dirt trail. The goal? Simple: Haul the load as far, as fast and as straight as you can. A heavy block moves from the back of the sled to the front along the way, making it increasingly difficult to drag. To qualify for a “full pull,” a competitor needs to complete that 300-foot stretch.

Pull Up for Safety

Many rallies have their own safety regulations, but at the bare minimum you should have a UTV windshield and roll bar or cage. Since you’re hauling between five and six times the weight of the UTV, you’re in a precarious situation. Some pulls are full-fledged events in their own rights, while others are features at monster truck rallies or autumn harvests. They usually require a much lower entry fee than other contests (around $20), which makes pulling an accessible sport. Want to try pulling this harvest season? Make sure you have the rules down pat. Every competition will have different regulations, and many may require early online registration. You often have to arrive well before the start time for a machine inspection. Many times, UTV pulls are first followed by tractor and traditional horse pulls. The safety requirements vary rally to rally and state to state. Make sure you have all the UTV accessories you need before the big day.

Pulling Your Weight

The weight requirements are usually broken down into two-wheel and four-wheel drives, and based on cc’s. For example, a common regulation is that a two-wheel drive up to 300 cc can attempt to pull up to 900 pounds. The weight requirements go up from there. It’s often required that your UTV be stock, with no modifications or upgrades (officials will look for this during check-in). You usually can’t have tires bigger than 27 by 12, they must have full tread bars, and you can’t have any upgraded exhaust systems or extensions on axles. Occasionally rallies are held for modified UTVs, but those are few and far between. Put safety upgrades before other types of modifications. Call UTV Windshield and Accessories for a UTV windshield or roll bar upgrade before heading out to your first pull of the season.