Combine Harvesters Shipping
Combine Harvester & Header Transport Services
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Ship Your Combine Harvesters
Get expert advice on the best shipping solution for your equipment.
Related Equipment
Overview
Combine harvesters require careful preparation for shipping due to their width. Headers typically ship separately, and various components may need removal.
We coordinate seasonal shipping peaks when combines move between Northern and Southern hemisphere harvests. Planning ahead ensures capacity.
From Class V to Class X combines, we handle all sizes from major manufacturers.
Typical Specifications
| Weight Range | 15 - 25+ metric tons |
| Header Width | 6m - 15m+ |
| Combine Width | 3.5m - 4.5m (without header) |
| Tank Capacity | 10,000 - 16,000 liters |
Recommended Shipping Methods
Container (after partial disassembly)
RecommendedWe containerize many combines in a 40 ft high-cube by removing the header, wheels and unloading auger; the header ships on its own trailer or flat rack.
Flat Rack Container
RecommendedFor headers and feederhouses.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
RecommendedPrimary method for combines.
Breakbulk
For very large headers.
Heavy Haul Trucking
RecommendedOften requires width permits.
Container, flat rack, RoRo or breakbulk?
We quote in this order because it is usually cheapest first. Most machines that look too big for a box fit once our crew takes off the bucket, boom, cab or wheels; larger ones are taken further apart across several containers, and pieces too big or heavy for a flat rack or roll trailer go breakbulk.
01Container
- Work needed
- We partially disassemble when needed (bucket, boom, cab, wheels), or take larger machines further apart across several high-cubes and open-tops, then crate, block and lash every part.
- Destinations
- Widest: almost every port worldwide, plus inland delivery by rail.
- Typical cost
- Usually the lowest, with no out-of-gauge surcharges.
- Protection
- Sealed steel box; loose parts and attachments travel locked inside.
- Best for
- Most machines: compact ones as they are, others after partial disassembly, and large ones split across several containers.
02Flat rack
- Work needed
- Ships assembled, blocked and lashed. Surcharges apply when wider than 2.4 m or taller than about 1.95 m.
- Destinations
- Most container ports, on the same vessels as containers.
- Typical cost
- Moderate; rises with every centimetre out of gauge.
- Protection
- Open to the weather; we protect cabs, electronics and hydraulics.
- Best for
- Excavators, dozers and loaders too wide for a container door.
03RoRo
- Work needed
- Drives on assembled; non-runners go on a roll trailer.
- Destinations
- Fewer destinations: regular lanes to Europe, West Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and parts of Latin America.
- Typical cost
- Often competitive for large self-propelled machines where a lane exists.
- Protection
- Below deck, but loose items and attachments cannot ride inside the cab.
- Best for
- Running machines going to a port with regular RoRo sailings.
04Breakbulk
- Work needed
- Lifted aboard piece by piece by ship’s or shore cranes, on its own skids or cradle, then stowed and lashed in the hold or on deck.
- Destinations
- Ports with breakbulk berths and heavy-lift cranes; sailings are booked voyage by voyage.
- Typical cost
- Usually the highest for a single small machine; often the only option for the largest pieces.
- Protection
- In the hold or lashed on deck; we crate, wrap and protect exposed parts.
- Best for
- Pieces too large or heavy for a flat rack or roll trailer: transformers, process modules, mining trucks, crane sections.
Handling & Preparation Requirements
- Header removal and separate shipping
- Unloading auger secured
- Ladder/steps folded
- Reel and header components protected
- Fuel at minimum level
- Grain tank cleaned
Combine Harvesters we have loaded in containers
A spread of machines from our dismantling and loading records, with the boxes each one went in. Open a brand to see every model and its plan.
Combine
John Deere 9600
2 × 40 ft high cube
John Deere loading plansCombine
John Deere 9610
2 × 40 ft high cube
John Deere loading plansCombine
John Deere 9650
2 × 40 ft high cube
John Deere loading plans
Common Models We Ship
Frequently Asked Questions
How are headers shipped?
Headers ship on flat racks, low-profile trailers, or in special header carts. Large draper headers may require multiple pieces.
What is the lead time during harvest season?
Book 4-8 weeks ahead during peak season (July-September, December-February) for best rates and space.
Can combines ship with some accessories?
Small items in the cab or bin are usually fine. Large attachments ship separately.
Plan your shipment
Import Duty & Tax Estimator
Estimate duty and VAT on the CIF value for 70+ destinations.
Dimensional Weight Calculator
Work out chargeable weight before you book.
Container Space Calculator
See how your cargo fits in 20ft, 40ft, and HC containers.
Route Finder
Load port, sailings, duty and rules for a machine and destination.
Ready to Ship Your Combine Harvesters?
Get a customized quote for your equipment. Our experts handle combine harvesters shipments worldwide.