We want to share important information that will show you the best way to transport tractors and other equipment.
And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor, parts and implements when the time is right.
Let’s dive into the details.
Introduction
The king of the hill when it comes to transport trailers (in size, capacity, and cost) is the equipment transport lowboy trailer.
These double drop-deck designs are becoming more sought after as the geographic areas of farms increases.
Double drop-decks with outrigger brackets have become popular for transporting sprayers and spray supplies.
There are other trailer configurations available --- varying by configuration, length, width, and deck height.
Trailer Types
There are three basic trailer types on the market.
Let’s go through each.
Flatbed Trailer
Flatbed trailers are the workhorse of the open road.
They vary in length from 45’ to 60’ --- their decks spread out 96” or 102” wide --- and they sit 4’, 8” inches off the ground.
These trailers are rated to accommodate weights of up to 48,000 pounds, 65,000 pounds, or 96,000 pounds --- depending on the design.
An exception to this --- Stretch versions of flatbeds (also called trombone trailers), are 48’ to 80’ long --- so they can legally carry over-length items. These stretch beds have a lower maximum weight rating, however, of 45,000 pounds.
Flatbed construction (primarily their frames) utilizes either steel, aluminum, or a combination of both metals.
Drop-deck Trailer
Drop-deck trailers are often referred to as stepdeck trailers.
These units feature a gooseneck hitch upper deck that is usually 10’ to 11’ long.
The trailer’s main deck, or well, is 37’ to 38’ long riding 39” or 40” off the ground. Deck widths are 96” or 102” wide. Drop-deck construction is heavier than flatbed design and can transport loads from 44,000 to 45,000 pounds.
Stretch versions of drop-deck trailers extend to 76’.
Double Drop-deck Trailer
The double drop-deck trailer is often called a lowboy trailer.
Its well of the center deck dips below the trailer’s front and rear trailer axles.
This lowers the center deck’s height to between 15” and 18” off the ground. Generally between 48’ and 53’ long and 96” or 102” wide (a wider version of the trailed, called a “9 wide,” is 108” wide), double drop-decks are constructed of high-strength steel capable of hauling loads over 55,000 pounds.
Yet, the common weight limit of the trailer is 40,000 pounds. Double drop-decks are feature-rich.
Many of them are equipped with removable gooseneck (RGN) front decks, which allows the equipment to be driven onto the front of the trailer.
Also common on ag transports are various forms of outrigger brackets that are installed or swing out to accommodate planking that extends their width carrying capacity.
Another option is flip axles consisting of a third axle that is flipped up and laid on the deck when not in use or moved down and locked into place.
And then there are slide-axle designs that allow the rear axles on the trailer to move forward lowering the trailer’s rear deck to the ground for loading.
Hopefully, this brief article has helped you better understand transport vehicles for tractors, supplies, and other equipment.
If you need any further help or have any questions about equipment transports, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request.
Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.
