Anybody here shipped a tractor before?

canoetrpr · Nov 8, 2005

Given the large price differences between Canada and the US, and the scarcity of late model compact tractors around my local area, I've been evaluating getting a tractor shipped from the US.

When I look through dealer's inventories within 600 or 700 miles south of me, I see really fantastic deals on tractors with very few hours. The prices primarily look great because our new tractor prices up here have not gone down as our dollar has gone up in the last year or two.

Any one here had a tractor shipped? What trucking company did you use and what did it cost you?

I'm sure there are truckers among you out there. I'd appreciate any advice you could give me on this.

I know that there are a few Canucks here that have imported tractors from the U.S. but it sounds like you picked them up yourself. What kind of truck did you use to bring them over?

I even contacted a local truck rental company and the cost is not unreasonable for me to rent a flat bed or a diesel cube truck that is large enough for a compact tractor but I wouldn know the first thing about getting it on and off the truck or securing it. So I'm not sure if this is the route for me.

Would appreciate your opinions.

flusher · Nov 8, 2005

I would contact the large U.S. or Canadian moving companies like Atlas, Mayflower, etc. They might be able to squeeze your tractor on a load headed your way so you share the transportation cost with the other customers on that trip.

Chuck_Lind · Nov 8, 2005

Had my John Deere 50 shipped from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire back in 1995; cost me $500 US. It was shipped on an 18-wheeler. Nowadays...it would be a lot more.

Possible suggestion: locate the tractor you want to purchase, make the deal, then...advertise in the local paper (or have the seller advertise it) for someone who maybe travelling empty with a truck or trailer towards your location. You may make a good deal that way.

Case in point: I'm travelling from NH to central PA in December with an empty 10,000# trailer. I'd gladly haul a tractor (or whatever) for a fair price; a price that would be MUCH LESS than a hauling company.

Good Luck!!!

777777 · Nov 8, 2005

Hi,

Yup, brought one back not too long ago. Buddy of mine with a dually diesel pickup and a car hauler. Made a weekend of it and had a laugh.
Make sure you know what you are looking at and make sure you see it unless you are very, very confident in the dealer. Othewise, you might as well try ebay as tons listed for sale there and most will help with shipping. If you need the URL, just yell.
As a word of caution and without any offence to anyone, going to have to start watching out for the water logged tractor victims of Katrina with their own little problems after being dried out and put up for sale to dump them.
Also, since budget is probably an issue, have you thought about Northern Tool and the Noriker tractors they sell ? Now in Canada and free shipping.
I know, I know, they are Chinese but I just love my little Chinese tractor. Everyone should have at least one.
If you want to talk about Chinese tractors, just PM me and I'll give you a couple of leads.
Also, depending on your budget\where you live, there is a Yanmar around here with a loader ( under $10K cdn )and a Kioti CK20 with loader and backhoe on a dealers lot. Little pricey at $25K ( Cdn ) but at this time of year would be willing to deal or you could do without the backhoe and probably get a good deal.

Anyways, ain't cheap to ship. Runs from $1.25 to $3.00 a loaded mile and many times want to be paid both ways. Plus you have to have a Customs broker to clear customs for you for which you will pay a little piece of the price.

Much easier to bring it back yourself but you look kind of odd driving a compact tractor across an International Bridge. Just kidding....

Take care.

Tom

BarryinMN · Nov 8, 2005

Call a couple of local brokers. They know Customs and have leads on partial loads going your direction. They will also carry insurance; cargo is not much but liability is very important... Cheapest is a flatbed, tarping is more, an enclosed van is higher. Loading docks on both ends. Special trailer (drive on-off) & rigging all cost extra.

Cost out a round trip fetching it yourself vs shipping one way & for me is a wash, add the time; weather & flat tire hassles involved & shipping is cheaper. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RodgerF · Nov 8, 2005

(

Much easier to bring it back yourself but you look kind of odd driving a compact tractor across an International Bridge. Just kidding....

Take care.

Tom
)

Make sure to post pictures. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rodger

JINMA224XR · Nov 8, 2005

Any one here had a tractor shipped? What trucking company did you use and what did it cost you?


Hey Canoe,

Try going to this tractor site. There is a member there, that transports tractors. His name is Jim. Look in the Jinma section.
http://nortrac.proboards26.com/index.cgi

Get your tractors running &
Have a nice day,
Joe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

BillG_in_TX · Nov 9, 2005

I bought my old Kubota up in the Dallas area, then rented a U-Haul truck. The place I bought it had a borrow ditch by the road that I backed into. Using my 6' homemade ramps, I drove it into the truck. I secured it using straps, brakes, transmission and chock blocks. When I got down to Marble Falls (about 200 miles) I reversed the procedure. No problems encountered, and the tractor hadn't moved at all during transport.

frank_f15 · Nov 9, 2005

I think the first thing you might want to do is check with CUSTOMS and see how much problem it will be getting across the border.

canoetrpr · Nov 10, 2005

Thanks to all those who have responded.

I've been calling around it it seems to be a real hassle to get a tractor shipped. I've even located the perfect machine with only 130 hours or so on it - practically brand new.

Before shipping costs it would save me just over $ 8000 compared to the same model new in Canada. Since it is manufactured in north america there is no duty to pay - just our sales taxes. That 8000 savings is after I add the tax.

I can find many companies that are willing to move it for me, the problem is loading and unloading. They would require me to do it and I have no way to do either.