◄◄ ATLTF.com Build-Off Rules! ►►

Build-Off Notification:

The ATLTF Build-off is an exciting contest where ATLTF members transform a garden tractor, lawn tractor, or riding mower into a rugged and attractive machine within 11 months. Afterward, members cast their votes for their preferred creation. The competition is governed by a fundamental set of rules to ensure a level and fair playing field, allowing members of any skill level to enjoy the experience. Please note, our community includes members aged 13 and up, and we aim to maintain a fun atmosphere for everyone.

- Qualifying Builds -

1.) The vehicle must be compact, designed for personal transportation, able to carry the operator and a maximum of one passenger, and resemble a lawn or garden tractor in appearance.

2.) It must be capable of moving itself without external assistance.

3.) The vehicle should be powered by a small engine typically used in Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE), with the following characteristics:
- One to three cylinders, either 2-stroke or 4-stroke, running on gasoline or diesel.
- Air-cooled or water-cooled engines are acceptable.
- The engine can have either a horizontal or vertical crankshaft.
- The engine may be sourced from equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, garden tractors, pressure washers, portable generators, tillers, cement mixers, string trimmers, leaf mulchers/vacuums, or water/trash pumps. Additionally, it is permissible to use more than one engine that meets these criteria.

3.1) Electrically powered vehicles will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, provided they comply with all other specified rules.

4.) Chassis Framing Requirements:

• - No chassis from automobiles, trucks, SUVs, etc.
  
• - No complete ATV chassis.
  
• - No "Compact Tractor" chassis from larger homestead tractors.
  
• Acceptable examples include lawn tractor, yard tractor, garden tractor, and mini chassis, whether stock or modified.
  
• Custom-built chassis are permissible as long as the final product resembles a lawn or garden tractor chassis, specifically in ladder, tunnel, or pan styles. Space frames or frames predominantly made from tubing that resemble go-karts, rock crawlers/bouncers, etc., are not allowed. However, chassis constructed from tubes are permitted. Refer to the examples provided below.
  
  EXAMPLES of custom tube style frames ALLOWED!
  
   
  
  
  
• Tube skeletons for bracing and exoskeletons may be allowed with approval. They must "wrap" around a part of the tractor or reinforce the lawn tractor frame, rather than replacing any part of the tractor. The only exception is that they may replace a missing hood for safety reasons.
  
  An acceptable example is like @diddie's Beast:
  
  
  
  
• Scabbing framing parts from an ATV frame is prohibited. However, utilizing components like suspension parts is permissible provided they do not alter the tractor's frame or appearance. For instance, it is not acceptable to weld the front of an ATV frame onto a tractor frame, but it is acceptable to fabricate and attach independent suspension pieces from an ATV.
  

5.) The vehicle must operate on any number of wheels, tracks, skis, or a combination thereof. It is constrained by the requirement that there must be at least four points of contact with the ground, or a minimum of two for tracked vehicles. Points of contact refer to wheels, tracks, or skis. Wheels must not be arranged in an inline pattern akin to that of a "cycle".

6.) Sheet-metal and bodywork is open, provided that the final product bears some resemblance to a tractor. Micro-cars, cycles, trikes, rock crawlers, bouncers, and similar vehicles are not allowed.


7.) The entry must be "complete" by the deadline. This rule aims to define what "complete" means for the contest and to ensure safety. While paint and aesthetic enhancements are not required for an entry to be considered "complete," they may influence voting. "Remote" refers to the ability to operate the engine without physical contact. Therefore, "complete" is defined as follows:

- Starts with a switch or pull-start.
- Operates.
- Moves under its own power.
- Equipped with a remotely operable throttle (without the operator touching the engine).
- Equipped with a kill switch that can be operated without the operator touching the engine.
- Equipped with an installed and functional braking system.
- Equipped with an installed and functional steering system.

8.) Entries must not be more than 50% complete before the official start date. Builds with minor modifications will not be eligible for the contest. To qualify, participants must share a photo of the main parts' sources, along with a physical sign displaying the start date and a password. The definition of completeness will be based on your description of the planned work and the parts displayed in the photographs. 

9.) The entry must be constructed by the entrant themselves. Teams of multiple individuals are permitted to enter and construct a machine together. In such cases, the team must agree to share or divide any potential winnings. Outsourcing or contracting parts of the entry for construction by third parties is prohibited. However, purchasing off-the-shelf parts for your entry is allowed.

Entries and completed builds will be reviewed by the site administration, which reserves the right to reject entries or completed builds that do not adhere to the above-stated rules.

- Competition Details -

The Build-Off begins on January 1st. Building prior to the official start announcement on that date is prohibited, but planning and gathering parts beforehand is permitted. The start announcement will include a PASSWORD that must be handwritten on a sign in the photo of your main parts pile, along with "ATLTF "year" Build-Off," your username, and the date, and posted in the [Build-Off Entries] forum. The sign may be handwritten or printed, but it must be legible in the photo. The entry period is from January 1st to October 31st, and the Build-Off concludes on November 30th at 6PM Central Time. Projects not completed or adhering to the rules by the finish announcement will be disqualified from judging and winning (refer to official contest rule "7" for the definition of "complete"). Entrants will not receive extensions for poor time management. In the event of a verifiable emergency, an extension of no more than one week may be granted. Failure to complete will result in a DNF status. Builders are encouraged to post detailed build information, including the origin of parts, design elements, challenges faced, specifications, and more..

- Entrants -

1.) Participants must have a valid ATLTF membership in good standing.
2.) Individuals may join ATLTF to become eligible for contest entry.
3.) Contestants are required to maintain their ATLTF membership in good standing throughout the contest period.
4.) Entrants are allowed to submit multiple projects for the competition.

- Completion -

Upon completion, the builder is required to post a video showcasing the finished build, including a walk-around and a demonstration of its function and capabilities. The video must be uploaded to a platform that permits sharing within your post, such as YouTube. Additionally, builders must announce the completion of their build in a post to ensure qualification. If you are unable to film or upload this video, you must inform a forum administrator to thoroughly review your build for eligibility before the competition concludes.

In case of a tie, the winner will be decided by a panel of judges. For instance, there was a tie for second place in 2015, which was resolved by a vote from the admin staff.

- Competition Specifications -

Competition Start date: January 1
Competition End date: November 30 @ 6PM Central Time


Entry start date: January 1
New Entry close date: October 31

Voting will commence immediately following the review of entrants for completeness, which will not exceed one week.

Terms:

Space Frame/body: Consisting of mainly tubes or small diameter materials. Like an ATF or buggy  with or without hung sheet metal.

• Space frame/body example:
  
  
  
  
  

Remote: Device or controller that activates objects without direct contact.  Examples would be a starter switch/button, kill switch, dash throttle, etc.

- Voting -

All ATLTF members are invited to vote for their preferred build confidentially.

As in previous years, we will temporarily suspend the approval of new accounts to avoid account bolstering. Therefore, if you intend to participate in the voting, please feel free to pull up a chair and join us.