We are a student group, based in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. All students attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can participate in designing and building the quarter-scale tractor. Current and past members have included students majoring in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanized Systems Management, Biological Systems Engineering, Agricultural Business and Animal Science.

Prospective, curious, or aspiring members are welcome to join our club. We meet Tuesday from 6:30 pm to about 8:30 pm and Saturdays at 9:00 am.

The UNL Quarter Scale Tractor Team incorporates engineering principles taught in the classroom into the design and construction of a Quarter Scale Tractor.  The tractor competes in multiple categories including four pulls, maneuverability course, static design judging, written report, and a presentation at an international design competition sponsored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

The club members not only include those involved in the Agricultural Engineering and Biological Systems Engineering disciplines but also members in the Mechanized System Management program as well as other CASNR students ranging from Agronomy to Animal Science.  Anyone willing to help turn a wrench or machine a part is welcome to be involved.  The Quarter Scale Tractor Team meets every Tuesday and Saturday during the majority of the school year and near the end of the spring semester meets every day including Sunday to finish building the tractor.  While the club does not have social events or speakers, the amount of time spent in the design and construction of a single tractor brings the team members together in a way unlike any other club.

Team members spend the fall semester on conceptual design of the tractor.  The goal is to have a fully designed tractor on paper before any construction begins.  The spring semester involves the actual construction of a garden-sized pulling tractor.  ASABE sponsors an international design competition held in Peoria, Illinois this year in which the tractor competes against other universities.  This competition gives members a chance to incorporate their engineering skills into practical design experience.  It also allows members to learn machining and fabrication skills.  The experience from the Quarter Scale Tractor Design Competition is invaluable as members move into the engineering workplace.    

At last year’s International Quarter Scale Tractor Design Competition the team received 10th place out of 30+ universities across the country and into Canada.  The entire project is funded by donations from individuals and corporate sponsors alike and without their support this project would never be completed.  Sponsors names are placed on the bodywork of the tractor to show the appreciation of our donors.  Included is a cost summary of the Quarter Scale Tractor project.  As you can see there are many costs associated with building a tractor.  If you need more information feel free to contact Grant Janousek at the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab at 472-2442 or by email at unltractor@gmail.com.