Grain trailers for tractors: how to buy before the harvest
Match the grain trailer to the tractor and the field
A grain trailer is a tipping trailer for grain that works with a harvester and a storage depot. The main question is what will tow it. A smaller trailer suits a 50 hp tractor, while a big one needs a more powerful tractor. Overloading wrecks the hitch and brakes, so first work out the pulling power.
It is best to buy early. Before the harvest demand rises, and the choice of good machines shrinks fast.
What to put in your request
- Tractor — the model, for example a 50 hp tractor or a more powerful one.
- Body volume — for example 30 m³.
- Load capacity — how many tonnes you need.
- Number of axles — two or three.
- Unloading — three-way tipping, rear, side.
- Make — Wielton, Pronar or another.
- Year — from which year you are looking.
- Technical condition — running, after repair or new.
- District and budget, if you want to state it.
Example: “I need a grain trailer for a 50 hp tractor, body about 30 m³, load capacity 20 tonnes, three axles, three-way tipping. Wielton or similar, from 2010, running. Near Melbourne, budget up to $10,000.”
What to look at on a grain trailer
The body: the state of the floor and sides, no cracks, and a working hydraulic ram. For a three-way tipper check the side locks and the hydraulics. Inspect the axles, springs, hubs, tyres and brakes, and the cover or canopy that keeps grain safe from rain.
It is better to see the hydraulics at work. Oil leaks and a jerky unloading movement are warning signs.
How to compare offers
- The same volume, load capacity and number of axles.
- Type of unloading: three-way is more convenient but harder to repair.
- Whether the cover, spare wheel and delivery to your farm are included in the price.
- Warranty and service terms for new models.
The cost depends heavily on the maker and volume. So you should compare models of a similar class.
People often buy a grain trailer without checking its weight against what the tractor can do. They also forget the unloading height: not every hopper at a depot suits a high body. Another mistake is not checking the cover and the side locks, so grain is lost on the road. So state in your request which depot or hopper you will work with and what pulling power you have. Ask also for photos of the inside of the body with an empty floor: they show wear and welded patches.
How searching works on BlaBlaPrice
Instead of calling dealers, create a request, and sellers answer on their own in the chat: what they offer, the price, terms, photos. The request is checked, and you get hints on what else to add. The best-fitting offer is placed first, with reviews next to the seller. Sellers see their place and can improve their terms to win your request. Your phone is opened only to the one you choose. More on the “How it works” page.
For smaller jobs there are tractor trailers, and for other loads, cargo trailers. For long runs with loose loads there are tipper semi-trailers.
