Agricultural Equipment and Farm Machinery Transport
Agricultural equipment transport requires the right trailer, accurate machinery dimensions, securement planning, and a route that can accommodate the loaded equipment. Buchanan Hauling & Rigging, Inc. transports tractors, combines, sprayers, tillage equipment, farm implements, and other agricultural machinery for equipment manufacturers, dealers, farms, agribusinesses, and other commercial shippers.
Some farm machinery can move on standard flatbed equipment, while taller or heavier machines may require a step deck, removable gooseneck trailer, or more specialized heavy haul configuration. Buchanan evaluates the weight, dimensions, ground clearance, attachments, loading method, origin, and destination before determining the transportation requirements for the shipment.
Agricultural Equipment Buchanan Can Transport
Agricultural trucking covers a wide range of machinery, and equipment requirements can vary considerably from one shipment to another. Buchanan can transport agricultural equipment such as:
- Farm tractors
- Combines and harvest equipment
- Self propelled sprayers
- Planters and seeders
- Tillage equipment
- Balers and hay equipment
- Farm implements and attachments
- Irrigation equipment
- Specialized agricultural machinery
- Agricultural equipment moving between manufacturers, dealers, farms, and auction locations
Tractor Transportation for Farms, Dealers and Equipment Companies
Tractor transportation can range from a relatively straightforward legal load to an oversized shipment requiring specialized equipment, permits, and route planning. The tractor's overall height, width, length, weight, ground clearance, tires, dual wheels, cab, exhaust stack, attachments, and loading method can all affect the transportation plan.
Before quoting a tractor shipment, it helps to provide the exact make and model along with accurate dimensions and weight. Measurements should reflect the tractor as it will actually be transported, including tires, duals, loaders, buckets, weights, exhaust components, mirrors, or other attachments that will remain installed.
Loading conditions also matter. Some tractors can be driven onto an RGN or other trailer, while others may require a loading dock, ramp, crane, or additional assistance at the pickup or delivery location. Identifying these requirements before dispatch helps determine the appropriate equipment and reduces problems at the site.
If you need pricing for a tractor or other farm machine, provide these details through our agricultural equipment transport quote request.
Choosing a Trailer for Agricultural Equipment Transport
There is no single trailer that works for every piece of farm equipment. Trailer selection depends on the machinery's dimensions, weight, ground clearance, loading method, and whether the loaded shipment remains within legal size and weight limits.
Flatbed Trailers
A flatbed may be appropriate for agricultural implements, attachments, smaller machinery, and equipment that can remain within legal height requirements when loaded. Open deck access also allows freight to be loaded from the side or overhead when necessary.
Step Deck Trailers
A step deck provides a lower main deck than a standard flatbed, which can help accommodate taller agricultural equipment while maintaining useful side and overhead loading access. Multiple tractors or pieces of equipment may sometimes be positioned on a step deck when dimensions, weight, and securement requirements allow.
For more information about these two trailer types, see our Flatbed vs. Step Deck Trailer Guide.
RGN Trailers
A removable gooseneck, or RGN, is often useful for tractors, combines, sprayers, and other self propelled machinery because the front of the trailer can be lowered to create a ramp. Equipment that can be operated under its own power may be driven onto the deck when site conditions and the specific machine allow.
The lower deck height can also help with taller machinery. Larger or heavier agricultural equipment may require additional axles or another specialized configuration based on the shipment.
Learn more about equipment selection in our RGN vs. Lowboy Trailer Guide.
Heavy Haul Equipment
Agricultural machinery that exceeds standard size or weight limits may require multi axle equipment, additional permitting, route studies, escorts, or another specialized trailer configuration. Buchanan's heavy haul trucking services support oversized and overweight machinery that requires additional transportation planning.
How Agricultural Machinery Transport Is Planned
Moving large farm equipment involves more than assigning a truck. Buchanan reviews the shipment details before determining the equipment and planning requirements.
- Review the Equipment: Confirm the machinery type, dimensions, weight, attachments, operating condition, and any special handling requirements.
- Select the Trailer: Determine whether a flatbed, step deck, RGN, or specialized heavy haul configuration is appropriate.
- Review the Route: Evaluate the origin, destination, roadway restrictions, loaded dimensions, and any permit or escort requirements that may apply.
- Plan Loading and Securement: Determine how the machine will be loaded and identify securement points and equipment appropriate for the machinery.
- Coordinate Pickup and Delivery: Confirm site access, appointments, loading equipment, unloading requirements, and other location specific instructions.
Oversized Farm Equipment, Permits and Route Planning
Many tractors and agricultural machines are wider or taller than standard legal freight once loaded. If the loaded dimensions or weight exceed applicable limits, permits and other requirements can vary based on the states and routes involved.
Route planning may need to account for bridge clearances, roadway restrictions, construction, turning space, permitted travel times, and the ability to enter the pickup or delivery property. Depending on the shipment and jurisdiction, escort vehicles or additional route planning may also be required.
Providing accurate dimensions early is particularly important. A change caused by dual tires, attachments, an exhaust stack, or another component can affect loaded height or width and change the equipment, permit, or route requirements.
Preparing a Tractor or Farm Machine for Transport
Preparing the equipment before the truck arrives can help avoid loading delays and unexpected changes to the transportation plan.
- Provide the exact make and model of the equipment
- Confirm accurate length, width, height, and weight
- Include attachments when measuring the machine
- Identify whether dual tires, loaders, buckets, weights, or other components will remain installed
- Secure or remove loose items when appropriate
- Check for fluid leaks that could affect loading or transportation
- Confirm whether the equipment starts, runs, steers, and brakes if it will be driven onto the trailer
- Identify the available loading method at both locations
- Confirm that trucks and trailers have adequate access to the pickup and delivery sites
- Check gates, overhead clearances, driveways, turning areas, and ground conditions
- Provide appointment, PPE, check-in, and other site requirements before arrival
Agricultural Transportation Around Planting and Harvest Schedules
Timing can be especially important when agricultural machinery is needed for planting, spraying, harvesting, equipment demonstrations, dealer inventory, or repairs. A late piece of equipment can affect more than the transportation schedule.
When a shipment has a specific deadline, provide the requested pickup and delivery dates as early as possible. Buchanan can review the required timeline along with the equipment, route, and available transportation options. For urgent freight requirements, our expedited freight services may also provide additional options depending on the equipment involved.
Why Agricultural Shippers Work with Buchanan
Buchanan Hauling & Rigging has transported freight since 1996 and operates an asset-based fleet with equipment for standard flatbed transportation, specialized freight, and heavy haul projects. That range allows our team to evaluate agricultural machinery based on the actual shipment rather than assuming every tractor or piece of farm equipment needs the same trailer.
- Asset based flatbed, step deck, RGN, and specialized transportation capabilities
- Experience with tractors, sprayers, farm implements, and other machinery
- Equipment selection based on dimensions, weight, and loading requirements
- Permit and route planning when oversized or overweight requirements apply
- Shipment tracking and communication throughout transportation
- Transportation coverage throughout the continental United States
Buchanan operates from locations in Indiana, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Texas that support freight movement across major regions of the country. Visit our Buchanan locations page for current facility and coverage information.
Agricultural Equipment Transport FAQs
What type of trailer is used to transport a tractor?
The correct trailer depends on the tractor's dimensions, weight, ground clearance, attachments, and loading method. A flatbed or step deck may work for some tractors, while taller, heavier, or self-propelled equipment may be better suited to an RGN or another specialized trailer configuration.
What information is needed for a tractor transportation quote?
Provide the tractor's make and model, actual transport dimensions, weight, attachments, operating condition, pickup and delivery locations, requested dates, and available loading and unloading methods. Photos or equipment specifications can also help when the machine has an unusual configuration.
Does farm equipment require oversize permits?
Permits may be required when the loaded equipment exceeds applicable legal size or weight limits. Requirements depend on the shipment dimensions, weight, states involved, and planned route. Oversized agricultural equipment may also require route restrictions or escorts.
Can Buchanan transport combines, sprayers, and other farm machinery?
Yes. Buchanan transports tractors, combines, sprayers, tillage equipment, farm implements, and other agricultural machinery. The equipment and transportation plan are selected according to the specific size, weight, loading method, origin, and destination of the shipment.
Request an Agricultural Equipment Transport Quote
If you need to move a tractor, combine, sprayer, farm implement, or other agricultural machinery, provide Buchanan with the shipment details so our team can review the equipment and transportation requirements. Exact dimensions, weight, origin, destination, requested dates, and loading information will help us evaluate the move.
Visit our Rate Quote page or call 1-260-471-1877 to discuss your agricultural equipment shipment.
Resources
Learn more about Buchanan's transportation capabilities and equipment:
- Heavy Haul Trucking Services
- Flatbed Trucking Services
- Flatbed vs. Step Deck Trailer Guide
- RGN vs. Lowboy Trailer Guide
- Buchanan Hauling & Rigging, Inc. Digital Brochure
- Buchanan Heavy Haul Division Digital Brochure
Tell Buchanan about the agricultural equipment you need to move.
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