8 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Agricultural Machinery Transport
Moving agricultural machinery isn’t like hauling boxes or pallets. You’re dealing with equipment that’s often oversized, oddly shaped, and absolutely essential to day-to-day operations. And yet, too many moves still go wrong—either from relying on the wrong freight partner or skipping the details that matter.
Let’s walk through 8 common mistakes that happen all too often in agricultural machinery transport—and more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Assuming Any Freight Company Will Do
This one’s surprisingly common. Many assume a general freight trucking company can handle heavy-duty farm machinery just like they would standard cargo. But here's the thing—agricultural equipment comes with its own set of challenges: size, shape, sensitivity, and handling requirements.
You need a company that specialises in heavy machinery transport, not just one that owns a few flatbeds. The right company will know how to manage everything from wide-load permits to specialised rigging.
2. Not Checking Transport Regulations
Whether you're moving equipment across state lines or just between properties, regulations vary—and they matter. You might need special permits for oversize or overweight loads, and some regions have time-based restrictions or route limitations.
Overlooking these details can mean unexpected fines or delays at checkpoints. Reputable heavy machinery transport providers stay on top of local and cross-state rules, so you don’t have to.
3. Forgetting About Ground Clearance and Loading Angles
Not every trailer is suitable for every machine. Think of low-slung harvesters or wide combines—loading them onto a standard trailer without accounting for clearance can end in disaster.
Make sure the transport company checks your equipment’s height, width, and the angle required for safe loading. Otherwise, you're risking damage before the journey even begins.
4. Skipping Pre-Transport Checks
Here’s a simple truth: a lot of damage happens before the truck even starts moving. Loose parts, hydraulic leaks, low tyre pressure—these are all avoidable with a basic pre-check.
Before you load anything, take time to inspect the machinery. Clean off excess dirt (some states actually require this to prevent biohazard spread), check fluids, and secure all attachments. It's a small effort that can prevent big headaches.
5. Choosing Based on Price Alone
Look, we all want to save money. But going for the cheapest quote—especially from a general freight trucking company that doesn’t usually handle agri-equipment—can cost more in the long run.
Specialised agricultural machinery transport companies invest in trained teams, proper gear, and route planning. That’s what protects your machinery (and your peace of mind). Cheaper isn't always smarter.
6. Not Planning for Terrain or Route
It’s not just about the destination—it’s about how you get there. A lot of farm areas involve gravel paths, sharp turns, or narrow rural roads. If the transport crew hasn’t accounted for that, things can go wrong quickly.
Professionals in heavy machinery transport don’t just look at maps—they look at accessibility. They’ll consider everything from bridge weight limits to on-site turning space. That level of planning makes a world of difference.
7. Poor Communication Between Farm and Freight
Delays often come down to simple miscommunication: the driver arrives before the equipment is ready, or no one’s there to help with loading. Avoid it by confirming timelines on both ends. A reliable transport partner will keep communication clear and ongoing—ideally with real-time updates. It’s a small touch that ensures a smooth operation.
8. Overlooking Insurance and Liability
Agricultural machines don’t come cheap, so why risk moving them without checking the insurance coverage? Many assume the freight company has it all covered—but that’s not always the case.
Make sure your transport partner offers comprehensive liability protection. A trustworthy general freight trucking company will be upfront about what's covered, and provide documents to back it up.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to agricultural machinery transport, there’s no room for shortcuts. From choosing the wrong partner to skipping prep work, every mistake comes with a price tag. But the good news? They’re all avoidable with the right knowledge and the right team.
Need a transport team that actually understands the demands of agri-equipment? Earles Transport is more than just a general freight trucking company—we specialise in agricultural machinery transport and heavy machinery transport across Australia. Talk to Earles Transport today and move smarter.
