The Crate - The Load - Weights and Dimensions:
It is fairly typical to expect the tractor to be in a primed or painted steel angle iron framework wrapped in plastic. This crate is approximately 3000 lb. (1400 KG).  Crate dimensions are about 89 in. long X 53 in. wide X 45 in. high.  ( 225 cm X 137 cm X 110 cm)

A front end loader package has the same length, width and height but only weighs about 700 lb.  It is almost always  bolted directly to the top of the tractor package, with eight bolts. (metric 18 mm wrench) Visualize a box frame on top of another.

A backhoe comes in its own crate which is narrower (about 3 feet) but similar in length and weighs about 1200 LB (550 KG).

A MW-10 Mower crate is 480 lb. (220 KG) measuring 64 in. X 47 in. X 25 in.

Remember that if you purchased a tractor and front loader then the two crates are probably stacked and bolted together with the loader on top.  If you will not have access to a forklift or overhead lift at your final destination where you will make final assembly then you will want to separate them at the warehouse. The warehouse will not do this for you, so you should arrive with a pair of crescent wrenches (open end adjustable wrenches). We have found most often that 18 mm wrenches and sockets fit most applications but with open end wrenches you have everything covered.

For safety and security reasons most warehouses will not allow you inside their building.  Ask them to stage your freight outside in an open area on the ground. Remove the 8 bolts to allow separation of the loader from the tractor into two separate packages. Then have each package loaded separately. Put the heavier tractor centered just slightly forward of the trailer axles for towing stability.

If the trailer you bring has any side walls (even if they are only a few inches tall), or if it has fenders higher than the flat bed, you will need 2 chains, at least 10 feet long for lifting.  Wrap the chains around the upper corners of the framework and the forklift operator will lift the load with the chains from above.  Sort of like handles on a purse or suitcase.  The forklift operator is experienced in this area, ask for assistance if necessary. He or she may already have a better idea and is most familiar with what is available.

Tipping the forklift operator $10.00 or $15.00 is an accepted procedure.  The operator will probably go to much more trouble to help you than he would have in his normal routine loading for a professional trucker.

The Warehouse - Tying Down your load before departure.
Using two chains and binders (or 2 straps) for each package, tie it down.  Use the same chains you lifted the crate with.  Two chains or straps per package complies with all known state laws.  But having said that, we always use 3 straps per package when hauling. Better safe than sorry.

Using good common sense and shifting the load over the axles to achieve 15 to 20% tongue weight will allow a safe towing package to be pulled behind a standard pickup truck.  Remember you MUST tie down the load with heavy duty straps or chains with binders. If you don't have any then you can rent these from most U-haul or tool rental companies.

Arriving back home.
When you get home, first remove all tie downs and chains, if you do not have a forklift or overhead lift then unbolt the framework of the crate, jack up the tractor body and then simply bolt on the wheels and then roll the tractor to where you will do your final assembly. Or, if you want the crate on the ground and will be off loading from a "wood deck" while still in the crate, you will want to put some pipe rollers under the load to stop from gouging or scaring the wood deck.  The Egyptians moved huge stone blocks the same way when they built the Pyramids. Once the front-end loader package is disassembled, a healthy man can move the pieces around by hand.