Welcome To Half Century of Progress IV
August 27-28-29-30, 2009
Rantoul National Aviation Center Airport - Rantoul, IL
(The Former Chanute Air Force Base) Big Bud Power Display To Be Feature Of Half Century Show
Farm power fans attending the Half Century Of Progress IV will not only see Big Bud on display, but will also have the opportunity to witness the strength of Big Bud. The World's Largest Farm Tractor, owned by the Williams Brothers of Big Sandy, Montana, will be the center attraction for the colossal 2009 show.
Powered up to nearly 1,000 horsepower, Big Bud is a one-of-a-kind farm workhorse. Manufactured in Montana in 1977, this behemoth is just simply BIG all over. Each of its massive wheels is attached by no fewer than 45 lug bolts. Each pair of Big Bud's wheels weighs nearly 14,000 pounds. Its fuel tank holds 1,000 gallons, the quantity of fuel this giant would consume in eight hours of pulling under a heavy load.
And the crowds at the Half Century Of Progress will witness this machine labor under a huge burden and the kind of work Big Bud is capable of. It is expected that Big Bud will work in the fields around the sprawling Rantoul National Aviation Center. No details have yet been released by show organizers regarding the kind of field equipment that will be hitched to the giant tractor.
It has been announced, though, that Big Bud will be put to work in front of the audience at the Half Century Of Progress Pulling Track. The fans who crowd around that track on the show grounds will see Big Bud lashed to not just one, but TWO big tractor pulling sleds to see what this giant is capable of. Chicago-based agriculture broadcaster Max Armstrong commented on the plans announced by Half Century officials. “This promises to be a stunning display…absolutely stunning,” Armstrong said. “With that engine roaring and with the smoke billowing from those big chrome stacks, this should be a jaw-dropping exhibit of power,” he added.
The Half Century Of Progress IV will be held at Rantoul, Illinois August 27, 28, 29 and 30. The show will take place at the site of the former Chanute Air Force Base. |
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