Hauling question

[BuzzyG]

I need to purchase a tractor and have found some good deals about 150 miles from my land. I don't have hauling equipment. Which is the most logical long-term solution:

1. Purchase close to home even if a lesser deal
2. Buy the hauling equipment as an investment in the future
3. Contract to have the beast hauled so I have minimal equipment to maintain

Thanks,

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I need to purchase a tractor and have found some good deals about 150 miles from my land. I don't have hauling equipment. Which is the most logical long-term solution:

1. Purchase close to home even if a lesser deal
2. Buy the hauling equipment as an investment in the future
3. Contract to have the beast hauled so I have minimal equipment to maintain

Thanks,

If this is a first time tractor purchase, I'd recommend either rent a trailer or contract to have it hauled. If you can get a deal that offsets the cost of transport, then do it.

You'll eventually want a trailer, but there are so many options for trailers including deck-over vs. lowboy, tilt, gooseneck, long, short, etc. that I think you'll want to have the tractor and use it for a bit before you decide what trailer you want to get.

On the other hand, if you have already done your research and know exactly what you want in a trailer then by all means buy the hauling equipment along with the tractor.

 

[rimshot]

Perhaps your dealer would be willing to deliver the tractor like mine was. I was closer to 250 miles away. On the other hand, in my case I ended up getting a trailer brand new for under $2000 which gave me lots of flexability with the tractor.

Call around and I am sure you will find dealers who would willingly bring you a tractor as incentive to purchase.

rim

 

[pitt_md]

Do you have a need for a trailer other than getting it home?
If you will be doing the service work at home and don't run a business where you need to drag it around then let the dealer dilever it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I had mine delivered but it was a free haul up to 300 miles. If I had to pay for it which runs $2-3 per mile, I believe I would opt to buy a trailer if I had a truck to pull it with (which I do). In Texas, I can buy a 16-18 foot trailer for under $2000 with dual 3500 # axles with brakes on one axle. This will haul just about any CUT with FEL, box blade and bushhog in one load and still not be overloaded. Many dealers have package deals with just such equipment 16 foot trailer will haul all but an 18 foot will limit the overhang that you will have with a 16 footer. There is only a couple hundred dollars difference in 16 vs 18. Seems to be about $100 per foot above a 16 footer price. Electric brakes on one axle looks like about a $400 option also.
I would look on Craigslist for someone selling. I have found some good deals but watch it, some of the guys ask for more than you can buy them new for. Looking for a sucker I suppose.

 

[VALENT]

Depending on how big the tractor is, you can always rent a truck and trailer and probably save a few dollars. Or else, just pay someone.

 

[rayc45]

Tell the dealer you'll buy it if they deliver it. Stand firm and they will deliver

 

[deepNdirt]

Depending on how big the tractor is, you can always rent a truck and trailer and probably save a few dollars. Or else, just pay someone.

I secound this motion

I use to have a 18 ft lowboy I only used 1or 2 times per year over the 12 years of owning, I would loan out more then use myself, in fact I loaned it to a man one time and he return it with 2- new tires and told me that was payment for loaning it to him, I sold the trailer because of the upkeep and expense of tagging it each year,
they're certainly handy to own if you going to use them, but if not! just find someone to barrow from I did wind up buying another smaller 12 ft. trailer that has more pratical use and yet heavy duty enough to haul my compact tractor if ever need be.

 

[taborekle]

Depending on the size of the tractor, you -may- be able to get delivery for free, but what happens after you buy and you want service? Their going to charge you go come and get it and return it, and at 150 miles that could be quite expensive.

My first choice would be to check out my neighboors and friends and see if they will allow you to borrow a suitable trailer.

Just my take on it, but my dealer delivered for free if I was within 20 miles. Great! But for my 50 hour service it was a $75 fee to get it and I think another $75 to return it. I'm 18 miles from the dealer.

I bought a small trailer and have already used it several times, so I paid myself to use my trailer totake the tractor to them and drop it off, and then go get it when they were done.

I have a Kubota B2920, which is a fairly small tractor. I'd think you'd have to be buying a very large tractor for free delivery 150 miles away.

Larry

 

[Treemonkey1000]

If you are like me I didn't have a trailer when I purchased my tractor. The dealer was only 8 miles away so they delivered the tractor free. Also my experience hauling something that big and heavy was next to nothing. I would opt to see if you can get it delivered by the dealer or an insured carrier. Then while the tractor is at home where you can play take the time to shop Craigslist or a dealer for a trailer. I ended up buying a 20' trailer with dual axles and brakes on all 4 tires for $2K. I did put new trailer tires on it as it had car tires which weren't rated for heavy loads. The trailer has yet to be used to move my tractor anywhere though so it has been a big lawn ornament to keep licensed. I do have some really big oak and fir beams sitting on it if you are interested!
Keep in mind the bigger the trailer your towing vehicle might need to be rated for that trailer as that seems to be a bone of contention with the Law officers in different states.