Agricultural Equipment Transport: Farm Machinery Shipping Guide

Agricultural equipment represents some of the widest and most complex loads in heavy haul transportation. From massive combines to specialized harvesters, farm machinery requires expert handling and seasonal awareness.

Agricultural Equipment Categories

Combines and Harvesters

Modern combines are exceptionally wide:

Equipment Type	Typical Width	Weight Range
Small Combine	12-14 feet	20,000-30,000 lbs
Mid-Size Combine	14-18 feet	30,000-40,000 lbs
Large Combine	18-24+ feet	40,000-60,000 lbs
Headers (attached)	20-45+ feet	5,000-15,000 lbs

Header Transport Options:

• Transport with header attached (very wide)
• Header cart (farmer-towed)
• Separate flatbed transport
• Header trailer (specialized)

Tractors

Tractor transport varies by class:

Utility Tractors (Under 100 HP)

• Usually fit standard flatbed
• 5,000-15,000 lbs
• Minimal permit needs

Row Crop Tractors (100-300 HP)

• May need over-width permits
• 15,000-35,000 lbs
• Dual wheels add width

4WD/Articulated Tractors (300-600+ HP)

• Significant oversize loads
• 35,000-60,000+ lbs
• 10-14+ feet wide
• Dual/triple wheels common

Specialty Equipment

Planters and Drills

• Extremely wide when deployed
• Fold for transport (12-16’ folded)
• Light weight but bulky

Sprayers

• Self-propelled units are tall
• Boom width requires removal
• 20,000-40,000 lbs

Cotton/Specialty Harvesters

• Unique dimensions
• Very wide working widths
• Seasonal transport needs

Seasonal Transport Considerations

The Farm Equipment Calendar

Spring (March-May)

• Peak demand for planters/drills
• Tractors moving to fields
• Fertilizer equipment
• Pre-season equipment purchases

Summer (June-August)

• Sprayer and cultivator moves
• Equipment repositioning
• Hay equipment transport
• Lower overall demand

Fall (September-November)

• PEAK SEASON: Combines and harvesters
• Custom cutters moving north-to-south
• Headers and wagons
• Highest transport demand

Winter (December-February)

• Equipment returning south
• Dealership trade-ins
• Auction purchases
• Off-season maintenance moves

Peak Season Planning

Fall harvest season creates unique challenges:

High Demand Impacts:

• Trailer availability decreases
• Prices increase 20-40%
• Lead times extend
• Permit processing slows

Planning Recommendations:

• Book transport 4-6 weeks ahead
• Flexible pickup/delivery windows
• Consider off-peak pricing
• Confirm equipment ready dates

Width Regulations and Permits

Standard Legal Width Limits

Most states allow:

• Standard width: 8’6” without permit
• Agricultural exemptions: Vary by state
• Daylight-only: For wider loads

Agricultural Equipment Exemptions

Many states offer special provisions for farm equipment:

Common Exemptions:

• Farm-to-farm moves (no permit)
• Farm-to-dealership/repair
• Seasonal equipment
• Implement transport

Typical Requirements:

• Must be agricultural equipment
• Daylight hours only
• Speed restrictions
• Escort requirements at certain widths

State	Exempt Width	Notes
Iowa	Up to 16’	Farm equipment specific
Kansas	Up to 15’	Daylight only
Nebraska	Up to 16’	Seasonal provisions
Texas	Up to 14’	Various restrictions
Illinois	Up to 14.5’	Farm roads included

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements.

When Permits Are Required

Always Need Permits:

• Interstate transport
• Non-agricultural carriers
• Night transport of wide loads
• Urban area transport
• Loads exceeding exemption limits

Permit Types:

• Single trip oversize
• Annual oversize permits
• Agricultural equipment special
• Multi-state routing permits

Preparing Farm Equipment for Transport

Pre-Transport Checklist

Clean the Equipment:

• Remove soil and crop residue
• Clean undercarriage
• Pressure wash if needed
• Some states require cleaning certification

Reduce Dimensions:

• Fold headers/augers to transport position
• Remove or fold dual wheels
• Retract GPS equipment
• Lower cab height if adjustable
• Remove aftermarket additions

Secure Components:

• Lock folding sections
• Secure grain tank lids
• Pin all moving parts
• Remove detachable components
• Lock cab and doors

Document Condition:

• Photograph all sides
• Note existing damage
• Record serial numbers
• Hour meter readings

Header Preparation

Combine headers require special attention:

Attached Transport:

• Header locked in transport position
• Gathering chains secured
• Snouts protected
• Significantly increases overall width

Separate Transport:

• Remove from combine
• Transport on header trailer
• Protect cutting components
• Coordinate delivery timing

Transport Methods

Self-Propelled Equipment

Drive to Trailer:

• Wheel loaders
• Tractors (some)
• Sprayers (some)
• Use RGN trailer for loading

Cannot Self-Load:

• Combines (too heavy/wide)
• Large harvesters
• Tracked equipment
• Requires crane or loading dock

Trailer Selection

Equipment	Recommended Trailer
Utility Tractor	Flatbed, gooseneck
Row Crop Tractor	RGN, lowboy
4WD Tractor	Lowboy, multi-axle
Combine (no header)	RGN, lowboy
Combine + header	Specialized, escort
Planter (folded)	Step deck, flatbed
Sprayer	RGN, step deck

Escort Requirements

Wide agricultural loads need escorts:

Load Width	Typical Requirements
10-12 feet	Warning flags only
12-14 feet	1 pilot car
14-16 feet	2 pilot cars
16+ feet	2+ pilots, possible police

Custom Harvester Transport

Following the Harvest

Custom harvesters (custom cutters) move equipment thousands of miles following crop maturity:

Typical Route:

• Texas/Oklahoma (May-June)
• Kansas/Nebraska (July)
• Dakotas/Montana (August-September)
• Return south (October-November)

Transport Challenges:

• Multiple moves per season
• Time-sensitive scheduling
• Equipment wear from prior use
• Coordinating multiple units

Fleet Moves

Moving custom harvester fleets requires coordination:

• Multiple combines
• Support trucks
• Header trailers
• Service vehicles
• Living quarters trailers

Agricultural Transport Costs

Cost Factors

Factor	Impact
Season	Fall = 20-40% higher
Width	More escorts = higher cost
Distance	Primary cost component
Urgency	Rush fees apply
Route complexity	Rural roads add time

Typical Cost Ranges

Combine Transport (no header), 500 miles:

• Spring/Summer: $3,000-$5,000
• Fall peak: $4,500-$7,000

Large 4WD Tractor, 300 miles:

• Off-season: $2,000-$3,500
• Peak season: $2,800-$4,500

Planter (folded), 400 miles:

• Standard: $1,500-$2,500
• With escort: $2,500-$4,000

Costs vary by specific equipment, route, and market conditions.

Dealer and Auction Transport

Dealership Moves

Farm equipment dealers need reliable transport for:

• Trade-in pickups
• Customer deliveries
• Inter-store transfers
• Demo equipment
• Warranty/repair moves

Dealer Programs:

• Volume discounts available
• Priority scheduling
• Flexible billing options
• Dedicated support

Auction Transport

Major auction houses require:

• Pre-auction equipment delivery
• Post-sale buyer transport
• Tight scheduling windows
• Condition documentation

Auction Transport Tips:

• Book immediately after purchase
• Provide sale documentation
• Confirm payment before pickup
• Coordinate with auction yard

Safety Considerations

Load-Specific Hazards

Stability Concerns:

• High center of gravity (combines)
• Uneven weight distribution
• Wind effects on wide loads
• Unsecured components

Equipment Hazards:

• Sharp cutting edges (headers)
• Hydraulic oil leaks
• Fuel tank contents
• Rotating components

Road Safety

Wide Load Challenges:

• Shoulder encroachment
• Oncoming traffic clearance
• Intersection navigation
• Utility line proximity

Weather Limits:

• Wind restrictions (typically 25-35 mph)
• Visibility requirements
• Road condition impacts

Everdauer Agricultural Services

Our Expertise

Everdauer serves the agricultural industry with:

Equipment We Transport:

• Combines and harvesters (all sizes)
• Tractors (utility to 4WD)
• Planters, drills, and seeders
• Sprayers and applicators
• Specialty harvesters
• Headers (attached or separate)

Services Include:

• Seasonal capacity planning
• Multi-unit coordination
• Dealer program rates
• Auction logistics
• Cross-country routing

Coverage Area

We serve major agricultural regions:

• Midwest grain belt
• Southern row crop areas
• Great Plains wheat country
• Western specialty crop regions
• Canadian border areas

Transport Your Farm Equipment

Contact Everdauer Heavy Haul for agricultural equipment shipping:

• Free transport quotes
• Seasonal rate programs
• Dealer fleet pricing
• Auction coordination

Call: (414) 600-3636 Online: Request a Quote

Our team understands agricultural timing and delivers equipment when you need it.