Tractor pull draws crowd

21 Aug 2025 • By Jon Rawlinson

Wally Sinton, Petrol Modified

Ōhaupō’s Reymer family was revved and riding high at the Ōtorohanga Tractor Pull this month.

From left Liz Stolwyk, Steve Hughes and Rodney Dow at the Tractor Pull

Dan Reymer won the 10-12 tonne class and secured overall honours, and his uncles, Andrew and Bill Reymer balanced out the podium, placing second and third in the pre-1990s class.

Dan’s father, Stephen Reymer, is also well known in the sport.

Competition organiser Ōtorohanga’s Ben Ferguson said conditions were near perfect on the day.

Overall winner, Daniel Reymer, 10-12 tonne class Case IH Puma 240 – photo: Allan Hay Photography

“The night before, it was terrible. It was raining, so I was worried that we might have to cancel or postpone the event. Although there was a bit of a cold chill on the Saturday, it turned out to be beautiful.”

Some spectators might prefer to see such mighty machines flex their muscles by dragging heavy sleds in the muck, but dry ground is usually preferred by competitors. Conditions also influence which tractors – size and type – will have the right amount of pulling power.

“You don’t want it to be too muddy because it becomes a headache as the sleds pack up with mud. A nice, hard track is what we’re after,” Ferguson said.

“The drivers have to control their tractors, but every day’s different, every hour’s different, so you never know who’ll come out on top.”

Wally Sinton, Petrol Modified – photo: Allan Hay Photography

The clear skies also attracted plenty of spectators.

The overall winner was Daniel Reymer.

“I’m not sure of the numbers, but we definitely had a massive turnout this time, the best we’ve had,” said Ferguson.

Entrants competed in classes mostly based on weight, with tractors ranging from up-to-seven tonnes to 14-16 tonne titans.

The tractors on show at the private farmland venue on Otewa Road included such makes as New Holland, John Deere, Fendt, Massey Ferguson and more.

Ferguson placed third in the 14-16 tonne class, driving a Case IH.

This year’s class winners were: 0-7 tonnes Brae Metcalfe, 7-8.5 tonnes Shawn Luxton, 8.5-10 tonnes Calvin Smith, 10-12 tonnes Daniel Reymer, 12-14 tonnes Simon Swan, 14-16 tonnes Michael Ritch, Diesel modified Neil Timmins, Petrol modified Wally Sinton, Pre 1990s Jordon Sinton.