Editing Tractor (section)

=== Configuration ===
Tractors can be generally classified by number of axles or wheels, with main categories of [[two-wheel tractor]]s (single-axle tractors) and four-wheel tractors (two-axle tractors); more axles are possible but uncommon. Among four-wheel tractors (two-axle tractors), most are [[two-wheel drive]] (usually [[rear wheel drive|at the rear]]); but many are two-wheel drive with front wheel assist, [[four-wheel drive]] (often with articulated steering), or [[continuous track|track]] crawler (with steel or rubber tracks).
[[File:Farmall Regular. 1930 (8167774826).jpg|thumb|The Farmall introduced the row crop configuration, which utilized a narrow frontend wheel arrangement]]
[[File:Zetor 25 - Ystad-2022.jpg|thumb|The diesel powered [[Zetor]] 25, was the first model from the [[Czech Republic|Czech]] manufacturer [[Zetor]] in 1946.]]
[[File:Volvo T 25.1.jpg|thumb|Volvo T25, 1956, gasoline tractor]]
The classic farm tractor is a simple open [[vehicle]], with two very large driving wheels on an axle below a single seat (the seat and [[steering]] wheel consequently are in the center), and the engine in front of the driver, with two steerable wheels below the engine compartment. This basic design has remained unchanged for a number of years after being pioneered by Wallis, but enclosed cabs are fitted on almost all modern models, for operator safety and comfort.

In some localities with heavy or wet soils, notably in the Central Valley of California, the [[Caterpillar, Inc.|"Caterpillar"]] or [[crawler tractor|"crawler"]] type of tracked tractor became popular due to superior traction and flotation. These were usually maneuvered through the use of turning brake pedals and separate track clutches operated by levers rather than a steering wheel.
[[File:John Deere track tractor 8330T.jpg|thumb|170px|center|John Deere tracked tractor 8330T]]

[[File:Modern-tractor.jpg|thumb|A modern front wheel assist [[farm]] tractor in [[Netherlands|the Netherlands]] ]]
Four-wheel drive tractors began to appear in the 1960s. Some four-wheel drive tractors have the standard "two large, two small" configuration typical of smaller tractors, while some have four large, powered wheels. The larger tractors are typically an articulated, center-hinged design steered by hydraulic cylinders that move the forward power unit while the trailing unit is not steered separately.

[[File:Wheat Planting Rig May 2007.jpg|thumb|A modern 4wd articulated crawler power unit planting wheat in North Dakota]]
In the early 21st century, articulated or non-articulated, steerable multitrack tractors have largely supplanted the Caterpillar type for farm use. Larger types of modern farm tractors include articulated four-wheel or eight-wheel drive units with one or two power units which are hinged in the middle and steered by hydraulic clutches or pumps. A relatively recent development is the replacement of wheels or steel crawler-type tracks with flexible, steel-reinforced rubber tracks, usually powered by hydrostatic or completely hydraulic driving mechanisms. The configuration of these tractors bears little resemblance to the classic farm tractor design.