Tractor trailers: how to match one to your tractor and buy well
The trailer must match the tractor
A tractor trailer is for a farm, a dairy or municipal work: it carries grain, fodder, firewood, building materials, soil. The first condition is that it matches the tractor. A tractor pulls up to a certain weight, and the trailer plus its load must stay within it. The brake system (air or hydraulic) and the type of hitch matter too.
The classic in this segment is the tipping trolley, in 2-tonne to 6-tonne sizes. Mechanics know them well, and spare parts are easy to find.
What to put in your request
- Type — for example a tipping trolley or a flatbed.
- Load capacity — how many tonnes you need, for example 4 tonnes.
- For which tractor — model and power, for example 45 hp.
- Unloading — three-way tipper, rear, side.
- Number of axles — one or two.
- Body size — for example 4×2 m.
- Technical condition — running, after repair or new.
- District and budget, if you want to state it.
Example: “I need a tractor tipping trolley for a 45 hp tractor, load capacity 4 tonnes, body 4×2 m, three-way tipper. Two axles, running, without serious rust. Near Manila, budget up to ₱150,000.”
Inspecting a used trailer
First the body and floor: steel often rots from underneath and near the sides. The sides must lock well and the latches must work. The body hoist must lift the load smoothly, with no leaks. Inspect the drawbar and the hitch, because cracks and play here are dangerous.
Then the axles, hubs, brakes, tyres, wheel bearings and lights. Match the frame number with the papers, if there are any. If everything looks fine outside but the frame is twisted, the trailer will run “sideways” and wear the tyres.
How to compare offers
- Compare the same load capacity and type of unloading.
- See whether the brakes match your tractor.
- Ask about replaced parts: tyres, bearings, the hydraulic ram.
- Find out whether there are papers and what the delivery terms are to your farm.
A new trailer gives you a warranty and predictability, while a used one is cheaper but usually needs some spending. Work out both options together with repairs.
People often buy a trailer that does not match the tractor's brakes: some models have an air system, others a hydraulic one, and they are not always compatible. Another mistake is to judge only by looks, when the main problems hide in the floor and the bearings. Do not forget ownership either: make sure the seller has papers for the trailer. And if needed, bring a mechanic friend to the inspection.
How searching works on BlaBlaPrice
You do not have to drive around farms and scroll through listings: create a request, and sellers answer on their own in the chat with price, terms and photos. The request is checked, and you get hints on what is missing. The best-fitting offer is shown first, with reviews next to it. Sellers see their place and improve their terms. Contacts are opened only to the one you choose. More in the “How it works” section.
For larger grain volumes look at grain trailers, and for other loads, cargo trailers.
