Compact, extensible, track laying, agricultural tractor

A method of operating a tractor, the method comprising:

• providing a tractor comprising a frame and first and second drive systems, wherein
• the frame defines longitudinal (nominally forward and backward), lateral (nominally left and right), and transverse (nominally up and down) directions, all mutually orthogonal,
• the frame comprises first and second side structures and a width adjustment, wherein the width adjustment comprises beams, extending laterally between the first and second side structures and each characterized by a bearing length and bearing width selected to be capable of operably connecting to fix the first and second side structures with respect to one another at each of a plurality of widths selectable therebetween, and
• the first and second drive systems are secured within the first and second side structures, respectively, wherein powertrain components including a power supply that are used to power the first and second drive systems are disposed within or above the first and second side structures;
• selecting a width corresponding to a spacing of furrows in soil corresponding to ground therebelow;
• and
• adjusting the width adjustment to position the first and second side structures to correspond to the spacing.

An apparatus capable of operating as a tractor, the apparatus comprising:

• a frame defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions mutually orthogonal;
• the frame, comprising first and second side structures capable of interconnecting by a width adjuster extending in a lateral direction;
• the width adjuster comprising beams, each characterized by a bearing length and bearing width selected to be capable of operably connecting to the first and second side structures to fix the first and second side structures with respect to each other at each of a plurality of widths therebetween;
• and
• first and second drive systems, secured within the first and second side structures, respectively, wherein powertrain components that are used to power the first and second drive systems are disposed within or above the first and second side structures.