The tractor, the most frequently used machine on the farm, has two large wheels at the rear that  provide the power and two smaller ones at the front for steering, with an engine in the centre. Tractors come in many sizes and have a shaft at the back that turns and provides power to other machines that it pulls. Some tractors have front-end loaders - an implement for moving feed, manure or dirt, or for lifting heavy objects like large round hay bales. The cab of the tractor protects the driver from the rain, cold, wind, dust and heat; some even have air conditioners and sound systems, just like a car. Some tractors have four wheel drive - power to the front wheels as well as the back wheels; this adds to the usefulness of the tractor and it can be used during all seasons.

Cultivator

A cultivator has a series of sharp teeth mounted on spring arms that are pulled over the field by a tractor in the spring to prepare the ground for planting seeds. Cultivators come in various widths from 2.8 m to 16 m.

Corn and Grain Planter

In the spring, farmers use planters to put in rows; they consist of boxes mounted over a set of disks. A hose runs from the box to each of the disks to carry the seeds. Farmers use planters to put seeds in even rows across the field. Fertilizer is usually applied on or beside the seed row. Planters are pulled by a tractor to apply seed and fertilizer. A new planting method (called "no till") puts the seeds directly into the remnants of the previous year's crop without having to till or plow the soil.