Hauling/Transporting An 8n From NJ to ME

[keegs]

Anyone have any experiences to share with regard to transporting a tractor over long distance? Looking to find out my options for transporting an 8N from NJ to Maine.

Who did you use, what did it cost, about how long did it take to transport?

TIA

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have hauled a 8N and other Ford series tractors for years using a 16' and a 18' car hauler. Both were 7,000# car haulers and it worked great.

On the 16' trailer I backed it on. My current 18' trailer I just pull it on forward. The 8N is not that heavy, right around 2,500# but can weigh about 4,000# with the rears filled. As for securing I used 4 chains and 2 boomers.

I put a tow pin in the draw bar and ran each of my short 10' chains to the corners of the trailer at aprox. 45deg angles. I like to use 2 short chains each independent of each other incase one fails or comes loose. I then idle the tractor up to stake up the slack then from the front brush guard I used 2 more 10' chains to the corners of the trailer again at aprox. 45deg angle and then used my 2 boomers to snug it down good.

If you are hauling any implements make sure you lower them to the trailers deck to take the load of they 3 point and secure them with a strap or chain over the top of them.

Drive a few miles and check everything. A stop about every 100 miles to get a drink, hit the rest room, check the load, check the trailer tires/bearings is a good idea also.

Chris

 

[keegs]

Thanks Chris for the tips. I don't have a vehicle with enough towing capacity to pull the trailer with the tractor on it all the way up to our place in ME. I thought I'd try to find out what it would cost to have one hauled professionally and what the particulars are for doing that. There are some outfits advertizing online that specialize in transporting tractors.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks Chris for the tips. I don't have a vehicle with enough towing capacity to pull the trailer with the tractor on it all the way up to our place in ME. I thought I'd try to find out what it would cost to have one hauled professionally and what the particulars are for doing that. There are some outfits advertizing online that specialize in transporting tractors.

If you cannot move it yourself forget about it. Or should I say fer-ged-boud-it since we are talking Jersey here. lol

You could buy another 8N up there and be money a head in the long run. Transport cost I have found to be right at $3 to $3.50 per mile. Every 100 miles plan on $325 in round numbers. NJ to Maine is about $525 so you are looking at $1700 in round numbers. I can buy decent 8N's any day of the week using local paper, EBAY, or my favorite Craigs List for the $1500 price range. You are looking at about 525 miles for the trip so it just does not make sense to transport it.

Chris

 

[keegs]

If you cannot move it yourself forget about it. Or should I say fer-ged-boud-it since we are talking Jersey here. lol

You could buy another 8N up there and be money a head in the long run. Transport cost I have found to be right at $3 to $3.50 per mile. Every 100 miles plan on $325 in round numbers. NJ to Maine is about $525 so you are looking at $1700 in round numbers. I can buy decent 8N's any day of the week using local paper, EBAY, or my favorite Craigs List for the $1500 price range. You are looking at about 525 miles for the trip so it just does not make sense to transport it.

Chris

If it's going to be that much then I agree....it's time to start looking closer to ME.

I've been relying on craigslist for my search but there aren't nearly as many to choose from up there...not sure why since ag is still a big part of the economy there. I'll have to come up with another plan...but in the mean time I'm having a ball looking at all these nice old tractors for sale :thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

So I do not understand? Do you have the tractor yet? I took it as you now live in NJ and are moving to Main. I guess not.

I assume now you are looking to buy a tractor and one you found and like is in NJ. If this is true shipping will kill you. It would be different if you were talking about a $25,000 tractor or more, but to spend that much $$$$ to ship a old machine like that is crazy. Its not like a 8N is hard to find tractor. Its a good old machine and there are tons of them out there. Keep your eyes open. Ask around, you will find one within 25 miles of your home for sale.

Chris

 

[keegs]

No.. I haven't purchased one yet.

We own a small farm in a very rural part of Maine where local newspapers/classifieds are not available to me remotely. I was using craigslist for my search. I guess I need to get plugged into how used tractors are marketed up there. Like you implied, there are many of these machines listed locally here in NJ and the surrounding area.

I may have spoken too soon about the towing capacity of my pickup. I have a Chevy Colorado 4 cyl,, manual. Apparently the specs show I can tow 4k lbs. which might be within the margins to do the job.

 

[roaf3x]

Depending on where you are in ME, check Union Farm Equipment.

Uncle Henry my have something. For the money to go to NJ I would recommend something local.

They have a website with the used tractors.

Or give them a call.

Nice folks been there a long time.

Good luck !

RD

 

[keegs]

thanks roaf...Uncle Henry's looks like a keeper. :thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

There is no way that Colorado will tow it without killing it. Remember you are towing the tractor at aprox 3,500# to 4,000# and the trailer at aprox 1,700# to 2,000#. You will be way over weight.

Do you have other stuff to take up? Rent a Uhaul and trailer to do the trip or rent a pickup. My customer just rented a brand new, less than 2000 miles, 2011 F-250 long bed extended cab 4x4 diesel to transport his 15,000# boat about 800 miles. Got it for 5 days for $300 which I though was very reasonable.

Chris