Farm machinery
Shipping tractors and farm machinery overseas
The U.S. exported $2.48 billion of wheeled tractors and $1.48 billion of combines in 2024, half the tractors and nearly three quarters of the combines by value to Canada[1][2]; overseas, most large farm machines go RoRo or on flat racks because few pass a 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) container door[8], and Australia and New Zealand inspect every used machine for soil and seeds on arrival[5][6].
Machine sizes by class
Ranges across every model in our data whose manufacturer publishes the transport figures. Tractor width depends on tyres and duals, so we measure each machine before quoting.
| Class | Weight | Width | Height | Spec sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tractors | 7,510 lb / 3,407 kg – 50,300 lb / 22,828 kg | 6 ft 10 in / 2.08 m – 14 ft 5 in / 4.4 m | 9 ft 7 in / 2.92 m – 13 ft / 3.96 m | |
| Combines and forage harvesters | 30,600 lb / 13,900 kg – 49,400 lb / 22,400 kg | 10 ft 6 in / 3.2 m – 13 ft 1 in / 3.99 m | 13 ft / 3.95 m – 13 ft 1 in / 4 m | |
| Self-propelled sprayers | 35,400 lb / 16,068 kg | 12 ft / 3.66 m | 12 ft 10 in / 3.92 m | 1 model |
| Compact loaders | 9,180 lb / 4,162 kg – 12,100 lb / 5,493 kg | 6 ft 2 in / 1.88 m – 6 ft 9 in / 2.05 m | 6 ft 9 in / 2.07 m – 7 ft 3 in / 2.2 m |
How each class usually ships
| Method | Use it when | Avoid it when |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Utility and compact tractors, compact loaders and implements that pass a 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) wide, 8 ft 6 in (2.60 m) high door, sometimes with the cab or wheels removed[8]. | The tractor runs on duals or wide tyres and the buyer cannot refit them. |
| RoRo | Row-crop and 4WD tractors, combines and sprayers that drive aboard, to a port on a RoRo service. Headers ride on their own trailer. | The machine does not run and no roll trailer is booked. |
| Flat rack | Combines, 4WD tractors and sprayers too wide for a door, going to a port without a RoRo call. | The destination has a RoRo service: a machine that drives aboard blocks no container slots. |
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.
Common models and how they ship
| Model | Weight | L × W × H (transport) | Best method | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 8R 410Row-crop tractorSpec source | 28,000 lb (12,700 kg)base weight | 21 ft 9 in (6.64 m) × n/a × 11 ft 6 in (3.5 m) | Measured before quoting | The manufacturer does not publish the transport width, so we measure the machine at pickup and confirm the method before you book. |
| John Deere 9R 6404WD tractorSpec source | 46,700 lb (21,174 kg)shipping weight | 26 ft 1 in × 14 ft 5 in × 12 ft 3 in (7.95 × 4.4 × 3.74 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (6 ft 7 in / 2 m over width, 5 ft 10 in / 1.79 m over height). |
| Case IH Magnum 340Row-crop tractorSpec source | 25,900 lb (11,730 kg)shipping weight | 19 ft 9 in × 8 ft 4 in × 11 ft 1 in (6.02 × 2.55 × 3.38 m) | 40 ft high-cube containerFits after partial disassembly | We handle the disassembly: wheels off, exhaust stack and beacons off, and duals off. How we containerize |
| Case IH Steiger 6204WD tractorSpec source | 50,300 lb (22,828 kg)shipping weight | 25 ft × 10 ft × 13 ft (7.62 × 3.04 × 3.96 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (2 ft 1 in / 0.64 m over width, 6 ft 7 in / 2.01 m over height). |
| New Holland T7.270TractorSpec source | 16,100 lb (7,300 kg)shipping weight | 18 ft 11 in × 8 ft 1 in × 10 ft 5 in (5.77 × 2.47 × 3.17 m) | 40 ft high-cube containerFits after partial disassembly | We handle the disassembly: wheels off, exhaust stack and beacons off, and duals off. How we containerize |
| Kubota M7-172TractorSpec source | 14,800 lb (6,730 kg)base weight | 15 ft 8 in × 8 ft 2 in × 9 ft 11 in (4.77 × 2.5 × 3.01 m) | 40 ft high-cube containerFits after partial disassembly | We handle the disassembly: wheels off, exhaust stack and beacons off, and duals off. How we containerize |
| John Deere S780Combine harvesterSpec source | 45,700 lb (20,750 kg)base weight | 29 ft 10 in × 13 ft 1 in × 13 ft 1 in (9.1 × 3.99 × 4 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (5 ft 3 in / 1.59 m over width, 6 ft 9 in / 2.05 m over height). |
| New Holland CR8.90Combine harvesterSpec source | 42,200 lb (19,158 kg)base weight | 32 ft 9 in × 10 ft 10 in × 13 ft (9.97 × 3.3 × 3.96 m) | 40 ft high-cube containerFits after partial disassembly | We handle the disassembly: wheels off, exhaust stack and beacons off, header off (ships alongside), and duals off. How we containerize |
| CLAAS LEXION 8900 TERRA TRACCombine harvesterSpec source | 49,400 lb (22,400 kg)base weight | n/a × 11 ft 5 in (3.49 m) × n/a | Measured before quoting | The manufacturer does not publish the transport length and height, so we measure the machine at pickup and confirm the method before you book. |
| John Deere R4045Self-propelled sprayerSpec source | 35,400 lb (16,068 kg)base weight | 35 ft 5 in × 12 ft × 12 ft 10 in (10.8 × 3.66 × 3.92 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (4 ft 2 in / 1.26 m over width, 6 ft 6 in / 1.97 m over height). |
Where U.S. farm machinery goes
U.S. exports by HS subheading in 2024, as reported by the United States to UN Comtrade. Canada buys most by value; Australia is the largest overseas market.
| Product | U.S. exports, 2024 | Units | Largest markets, share of value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeled tractorsHS 870190 | $2.48 billion[1] | 36,979 | Canada 50% · Australia 13% · Belgium 5% · Brazil 5% · Mexico 4% |
| Combine harvestersHS 843351 | $1.48 billion[2] | 5,688 | Canada 72% · Australia 9% · Belgium 5% · Brazil 2% · Mexico 2% |
| Other agricultural and forestry machineryHS 843680 | $281 million[3] | 159,212 | Canada 36% · Australia 11% · Mexico 9% · Brazil 6% · Netherlands 4% |
Export rules for farm machinery
U.S. rules count self-propelled farm machinery as vehicles. Australia and New Zealand add cleanliness checks, and Australia a seasonal stink bug treatment.
- Used self-propelled vehicles: 72-hour ruleU.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. regulations count self-propelled construction and agricultural machinery as vehicles. A used one must be filed in AES at least 72 hours before export, whatever its value or destination, and the ITN, the VIN or serial number and the ownership documents go to CBP at the port of export. Filing after departure is not allowed.[9][4][10]
Applies to: Used machines that drive: excavators, loaders, dozers, tractors, trucks
- Electronic Export Information (15 CFR 30)U.S. Census Bureau
Electronic Export Information is filed in AES for each Schedule B number worth more than $2,500 going to one consignee on one conveyance, and for every vehicle whatever its value. For vessel cargo it is due at least 24 hours before loading; the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) goes to the carrier with the booking.[11][10]
Applies to: Any Schedule B line over $2,500, and every vehicle
- Used machinery cleanliness: AustraliaAustralian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Used machinery must arrive free of soil, seeds and plant or animal material, which can mean partly dismantling the machine to clean hollow and concealed sections. Every consignment is inspected on arrival; a machine with low contamination is re-cleaned at an approved site at the importer’s cost, and a heavily contaminated one can be ordered out of the country.[5]
Applies to: Used machinery and parts shipped to Australia
- Brown marmorated stink bug season: AustraliaAustralian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Target high-risk goods shipped from the United States between 1 September and 30 April need mandatory treatment, judged by the shipped-on-board date. Flat rack, open top and breakbulk cargo must be treated before it leaves; if untreated, it is refused discharge or sent back. Heat treatment holds 56 °C at the coldest surface for 30 minutes, and for break bulk pieces under 6,610 lb (3,000 kg) 60 °C for 10 minutes.[7]
Applies to: Machinery, vehicles, steel and other listed goods (HS chapters 84, 85 and 87 among them) shipped from the U.S. by sea, 1 September to 30 April
- Used machinery cleanliness: New ZealandNew Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries
Used machinery must be cleaned inside and out before shipping, and a cleaning certificate for used outdoor machinery reaches MPI before arrival. MPI expects to inspect on arrival, within 12 hours of unloading for breakbulk and open containers, and can require partial or full dismantling. If contamination cannot be removed, the machine may be reshipped or destroyed at the importer’s cost.[6]
Applies to: Used vehicles, machinery and parts shipped to New Zealand
- Engines exported without U.S. certification (40 CFR 1068.230)U.S. EPA
New engines and equipment that are not certified to U.S. emission standards may be exported under 40 CFR 1068.230 if they carry a label stating they are solely for export. Selling or offering one to a buyer in the United States voids the exemption, and the machine may only be run in the U.S. to prepare and deliver it for export.[12]
Applies to: New nonroad engines and equipment built for a foreign market
Cleaning a used combine or tractor
Combines hold grain, chaff and seed in the header, the feeder house, the elevators and the grain tank, and tractors carry soil in the wheels, the frame and the radiator. Australia sends a contaminated machine to be re-cleaned at the importer’s cost[5]; New Zealand can require it to be dismantled for inspection[6].
Between 1 September and 30 April, machinery shipped from the U.S. to Australia on a flat rack, in an open top or as breakbulk must also be treated for brown marmorated stink bug before it sails[7]. We book the wash and the treatment near the port and keep the records with the export file.
Questions about shipping farm machinery
Does a combine ship with its header on?
No. Without its header a combine or forage harvester in our data is 10 ft 6 in to 13 ft 1 in (3.2 to 4.0 m) wide, and the header ships separately on a header trailer, a flat rack or in a container, depending on its width.
When does farm machinery to Australia need stink bug treatment?
When it is shipped from the U.S. between 1 September and 30 April, judged by the shipped-on-board date. Flat rack, open top and breakbulk cargo must be treated before it sails, or it can be refused discharge.
Can a tractor fit in a container?
Utility and compact tractors usually can, sometimes after the cab, wheels or loader come off. Row-crop and 4WD tractors are wider than the 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) door and go RoRo or on a flat rack.
Which countries buy the most U.S. tractors?
In 2024 Canada took about half of U.S. wheeled tractor exports by value, followed by Australia, Belgium, Brazil and Mexico.
Our Services for Agriculture
- RoRo Shipping
For tractors, combines and sprayers that drive aboard
- Container Shipping
For compact tractors, loaders and implements
- USDA Washing
Cleaning and records for Australia, New Zealand and other inspecting countries
- Export Fumigation
Seasonal treatments required at destination
Equipment We Ship for Agriculture
Brands We Specialize In
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the documents below, each checked on the date shown. Carriers and authorities revise them, so we confirm the current figure when we book.
- [1]World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade), U.S. exports of HS 870190, 2024, checked October 18, 2026
- [2]World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade), U.S. exports of HS 843351, 2024, checked October 18, 2026
- [3]World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade), U.S. exports of HS 843680, 2024, checked October 18, 2026
- [4]U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Exporting used self-propelled vehicles, checked October 18, 2026
- [5]Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Cleanliness requirements for imported machinery, checked October 18, 2026
- [6]New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, Steps to importing vehicles, machinery, or parts, checked October 18, 2026
- [7]Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Seasonal measures for brown marmorated stink bug, checked October 18, 2026
- [8]Hapag-Lloyd, Container Specification (2024 update), checked October 18, 2026
- [9]eCFR, 19 CFR 192.1 Definitions (used self-propelled vehicles), checked October 18, 2026
- [10]U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Regulations FAQs, checked October 18, 2026
- [11]eCFR, 15 CFR 30.37 Miscellaneous exemptions (Foreign Trade Regulations), checked October 18, 2026
- [12]eCFR, 40 CFR 1068.230 Exempting engines/equipment for export, checked October 18, 2026
Send us the machine and the destination
Give us the model or the measured dimensions and weight. We come back with the method, the sailing and a price, and the figures behind them.