Agricultural machinery
Agricultural machinery transport — tractors, combines and implements
Since 1996 we have been moving farm machinery between Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy and Hungary: tractors, combine harvesters, foragers, sprayers, balers and implements. We survey the route, obtain the permits, provide low loaders and escort vehicles and secure the machine properly. Quote within 24 hours.
Machines, dimensions and matching vehicles
| Machine | Typical data | Transport solution |
|---|---|---|
| Tractors (standard and high-horsepower) | 4–20 t, width 2.5–3.5 m with dual wheels, height up to 4.0 m with cab | Low loader with low deck height; removing dual wheels and front weights usually keeps the move permit-free |
| Combine harvesters with header | 12–25 t, header 6–12 m wide, height often above 4.0 m | Header on its own trailer or as a second load; grain tank empty, over-height permit after route survey |
| Forage harvesters | 14–20 t, tall build, sensitive discharge spout | Low bed because of the height, front attachment removed, spout folded and secured |
| Self-propelled sprayers | 8–14 t, booms 24–48 m, folded width up to 3.0 m | Booms folded and mechanically locked, tank empty and rinsed, lashing at manufacturer points |
| Balers, seed drills, ploughs | 3–12 t, often over-width in working position | Transport position per manufacturer instructions, standard trailer or low loader depending on height |
| Trailers, slurry tankers, muck spreaders | 5–15 t, length up to 12 m | Flatbed or low loader, emptied and cleaned, drawbar and axles secured |
A move becomes an abnormal load above 2.55 m width, 4.00 m height, 16.50 m length (tractor-trailer) or 40 t gross weight. With farm machinery a single component often decides whether a permit is required.
Dismantling saves permits and cost
- Removing the combine header — usually avoids the over-width permit and escort vehicles.
- Removing dual wheels and front/rear weights from the tractor — width often drops below 2.55 m.
- Removing cab add-ons, beacons and exhaust stacks when overall height exceeds 4.00 m.
- Folding and mechanically locking sprayer booms, with the tank emptied and rinsed beforehand.
- Loading front loaders and implements separately so length and centre of gravity stay within limits.
- Closing hydraulic couplings, folding mirrors and covering glass surfaces.
We tell you in advance which dismantling pays off: if the machine stays under the limits, there is no permit, no waiting and no escort — often the largest single items in a quote.
Permits along the route
- Hrvatske ceste / HAC — Croatia — state roads and motorways
- DRSI and DARS — Slovenia — state roads and motorways respectively
- § 101 KFG (provincial authorities, ASFINAG) — Austria
- VEMAGS — Germany — single electronic procedure for all federal states
- Regional and provincial authorities — Italy and Hungary, depending on the route
We file the applications, including technical documentation and a proposed route. Across several countries we align the validity windows so the transport runs without standing time at the border.
Harvest season, trade fairs and auctions
In harvest every day counts: combines and foragers have to move between farms and regions at short notice, exactly when permits and vehicles are scarce. We plan such dates ahead and keep low loaders available for the season.
We also collect used machines bought at auctions, dealers or trade fairs in Germany, Austria and Italy and deliver them straight to the farm in Croatia or the region — with customs handled by your forwarder or in agreement with the seller.
Loading and cargo securing
- Ramp loading for drivable machines, otherwise a crane or lifting equipment on site.
- Low deck height thanks to low loaders and low beds, keeping total height below 4.00 m.
- Form-fit securing to VDI 2700 at the lashing points released by the manufacturer.
- Protection of hydraulics, sensors and glass surfaces, locking of axles and articulated steering.
- Transport under CMR liability, with additional cargo insurance on request.
What we need for a quote
- Manufacturer, model and year of the machine
- Length, width and height in transport condition plus weight in tonnes
- Whether the header, dual wheels or implements can be removed
- Loading and unloading site with address, access and manoeuvring space
- Whether the machine drives onto the trailer under its own power or needs a crane
- Preferred date or time window, especially in harvest and auction season
Frequently asked questions about agricultural machinery transport
- What does it cost to transport a tractor?
- The price depends on dimensions, weight, distance and whether a special permit is needed. A dismantled standard tractor under 2.55 m wide is far cheaper than a large tractor on dual wheels. With the model, dimensions and both addresses we return a binding quote within 24 hours.
- Does a combine harvester transport need a permit?
- Almost always: with the header fitted a combine exceeds 2.55 m in width and frequently 4.00 m in height. If the header is removed and moved separately, the over-width permit is often no longer required.
- Do I have to remove the header myself?
- If you or your dealer can do it, that is the fastest route. Otherwise we arrange staff and lifting equipment at the loading site and carry the header on its own trailer or as a second load.
- How long does an agricultural machinery transport take?
- Permit-free moves are often done within a few days. Where dimensions require a permit, several working days are added depending on country and route; in harvest season we recommend enquiring early.
- Do you also move used machines from auctions and dealers?
- Yes. We collect purchased tractors, combines and implements from dealers, auction yards and fairs across the EU and deliver them directly to the farm — including permits and cargo securing.
Related pages
Quote within 24 hours
Send the model, dimensions, weight and both loading and unloading sites — you receive a calculation including vehicle, permits and escort. Phone: +385 1 2641 116, e-mail: info@zgt.hr. Registered office: Zagrebačka 2a, Leprovica, 10370 Dugo Selo, Croatia.