Unlike any other form of HO scale competition, HO Truck and Tractor pulling is the single most aggressive form of competition as a show of brute power and strength.

    A pullers objective(s) sound simple enough... hook your HO puller to a weight transfer sled and pull as much as you can, as far as you can. However, this is where simplicity ends.

    Note here that HO scale Truck and Tractor pulling is one instance where an actual working knowledge in the sport of pulling is necessary. It would be unrealistic to explain (as they apply) all aspects of pulling (weight transfer, vehicle balance, torque, traction, hook height, etc.) in this form and expect anyone unfamiliar with the sport of pulling to understand. Therefor, the following show/explain some of the requirements you'd need should you find HO scale pulling of interest. However, remember that the basic homework on learning Truck and Tractor pulling is up to you.

 TRACK SETUP:

     For pulling, all you'll need is a smooth, flat, straight section of track approximately 2'-6' in length (about 100-300 scale feet). Pay special attention to any track or rail joints. be sure they are as smooth and clean as possible (unlike race cars that 'zip' by, often pullers will only 'creep' along. The smallest flaw in the track/joints can stop a puller dead).

 WEIGHT SCALE:

    As with full scale pulling, HO pullers are (for the most part) classified by weight... not to mention that the competition itself consists of pulling weight. For this reason, some type of weight scale will be needed.
    A 'Triple-beam' scale in Gram increments (what we use) is perfect... but will run about $150. Other scales (like small postage scales) will also work (though their range may be limited) and can be had for under $50. The point here is you WILL need a weight scale... what you spend on one depends on how serious you plan to get into HO scale pulling.

WEIGHT SLED:  (Diagram)

    The weight transfer sled is the one piece of equipment indigenous to Truck and Tractor pulling. Looking much like a flatbed trailer with a front skid pad (in place of the 5th wheel), the weight transfer sled is where the pulling weights are mounted.
    On top of the sled is the weight box. Starting at the rear of the sled, the weight box (which in HO scale may be loaded with upwards of 450 grams - approx. 1 1/4 lb..) moves towards the front of the sled as the sled is pulled down course (hence: weight TRANSFER sled). This, in turn, puts more down force directly over the sled's skid pad, creating more drag/friction for the puller to contend with... and hopefully overcome.