A tractor moving along the road slows down the traffic and can also be potentially dangerous. There are safer options to transport your machinery, and many farmers choose trailers to move their tractors. With the right trailer, you can safely move agricultural equipment, even oversized tractors, and other large vehicles. From this article, you will learn about the top trailers for shipping tractors and tips on selecting the best one.
Tips for choosing the right trailer
The trailer you choose for transporting your tractor will depend on several key factors:
- Dimensions of your tractor. Its weight must not exceed the trailer’s load capacity. Also, if your tractor is oversized, you will need a wider trailer;
- Number of axles. Make sure the trailer has enough of them to support the heavy load;
- Robustness. The trailer should be sturdy enough to handle rough road conditions.
Agricultural machinery transportation often turns out to be a challenging task. Atlantic Project Cargo — expert in machinery transport, especially in tractor shipping. Our company offers various logistic solutions, e.g. transporting tractors across the country as well as ocean and air cargo transportation. We prioritize your choices and are committed to going the extra mile to perform shipping services efficiently.
Now let’s have a look at the common types of trailers that suit best for tractor shipping.
Step Deck Trailer
A step deck trailer, often referred to as a drop deck or lowboy trailer, is specifically designed for transporting tall machinery that exceeds legal height limits. By utilizing a step deck, drivers can avoid the need for special permits.
Step deck trailers feature two levels: an upper deck and a lower deck. Some of these trailers are equipped with ramps, providing easier loading and unloading of equipment. Their lower height allows forklifts to access cargo more conveniently, as it is closer to the ground.
Step deck trailers can carry a maximum of 40,000 pounds, which can be increased to 80,000 with additional axles.
These trailers provide flexibility but have a lower payload capacity because of their smaller deck space. Their specialized design and added complexity can lead to increased operating costs. Additionally, loading and unloading cargo on step deck trailers might require extra equipment, particularly for oversized or irregularly shaped items.
RGN Trailer
A Removable Gooseneck Trailer, also known as RGN, consists of three key components: a gooseneck that connects a trailer to a truck cab, a drop deck, and a step back over the trailer’s rear axles. The drop deck creates a well that accommodates taller equipment, ensuring compliance with regulations for heavy equipment transport by lowering machinery closer to the ground to avoid exceeding height limits.
In addition to providing an extra foot of clearance, RGN transport offers an extended trailer option, allowing the drop-deck area to be extended to 61 feet, which increases the overall length to 74 feet. This expanded space is ideal for transporting oversized equipment.
RGN trailers can be configured with multiple axles. Standard setups typically feature two to four support axles, but additional ones can be added for heavier loads.
The primary distinction between a removable gooseneck trailer and other types is that the front gooseneck can be easily detached. This feature allows for front-loading, enabling equipment, like tractors, to be driven directly onto the trailer. Once the gooseneck is removed, the trailer can be lowered to ground level for easier access.
Removable Gooseneck Trailers provide easier loading and unloading. They can be equipped with up to 20 axles and can transport loads of up to 150,000 pounds. However, their detachable and extendable features contribute to a higher cost.
Now you know how to choose the best trailer for your tractor transportation based on the given examples. Remember to consider factors like the dimensions of your tractor, the number of trailer’s axles, and its robustness while choosing the best one. Also, don’t forget to contact Atlantic Project Cargo to help you arrange the shipping of your tractor or other agricultural equipment.
