newbie pulling question tire pressure?

I've done some reading and they talk about hard tracks and soft tracks , how do i tell the difference ? what tire pressure should i run on a farmall m. going to my first pull in a week, any help?

How heavy is your M. Tire size. Even
brand. Rim width. But Probably 10 psi. Buy
a 0 to 20 psi gauge. Just use it from now
on. Best deal is be a friend to the guys
in the lead. And have fun.

Suggest checking the tires about 10 minutes from hooks .
Make a a pressure equalizer hose to connect to the rear tires . That way you have a good base line to start . Some tires pull better with 12
and one with 11 ,age and compounding you have to experience ,check the tire tracks as pull away from the sled to see if the is a difference
and how the track looks .
I like to park the tractor in the shade so the pressure doesnt build up in one tire , soften sidewalls .
As suggested get and accurate tire gage like a moroso drag racers use on there slicks.
I walk the track ,usally after the drivers meeting and stick my pocket knife into the track to see how far the blade goes in to tell if its had or
soft . Or if Earl old time puller is there I ask him ,he sits in the stands and watches the track prepare. Earl is way better than the knife , but
doesnt come to all the pulls I go to .
Hot day the track (dry out) can change in just one class so be on your toes.
You be fine ! Youll have to do this a lot to find your pulling routine.
I say work on traction first
You will get beaten , keep good records of everything that happens for your set up that way you improve on your mistakes.
Sit near a guy like Earl , you will notice all of the pullers going up to someone in the track and sitting with someone ,easy to spot after you
get some experience.
Have fun

a soft tire loses hitch height, an old hard tire needs less air that some, heavier classes need more pressure, have someone you trust watch the sidewalls as you pull, a slight bulge is good, a squat not so much, depends on many factors, balance power, speed, weight brackets,middle front rear,

Experience is the best teacher, too many variables to be scientific only, watch others pull before you do, learn from their mistakes,

It probably won't matter much unless you've
spent at least 10k on engine.

I will strongly disagree, have less than 3000 in my whole tractor, have many times waxed guys with 10k plus in just their engine, balance/traction play a huge part. I pull a 700 Case, absolutely spanked to 4.1 limited pro stocks at a pull, 30 plus feet on them, HP is not the only thing! As the rest have said study what others are doing, ask questions, most will share some info, main thing is have fun and learn as you go.

Well said !
I agree , I concur ,the same thing , a well set up tractor with gription can pull with tuned up stock motor .
Would recommend that beginners ,pull stone boat , because at the end of the pull of the sled a guy (stone boat experience)that pulls stone
will out pull those that dont know traction setting up procedures to pull dead weight .

I have never pulled stone boat, just weight transfer, I have one of the smallest engines in our club at 301, all factory case parts, some head work and boring, Tire pressure and weight postitions change depending on track( soil type, moisture, compaction, pressure changes with weight class too) these can change throughout the day too. I watch others and read what their setup did and adjust mine, its still a guess though, and I've pulled this same tractor since 99. Made some great friends and had a heck of a lot of fun doing, that is the main part.