USD 3.96 billion, that is the value of tractors parts and accessories imports in 2023 by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), representing 0.8% of total world imports for tractor spares. Ranking 28th among importing countries, the UAE sources tractor spare parts from:
✅ China, accounting for 41.5% of the UAE's total imports in this category, with a value of USD 1.65 billion. China’s exports grew at a rate of 47% between 2019 and 2023.
✅ Japan follows as the second-largest exporter to the UAE, with imports valued at USD 448.3 million, constituting 11.3% of the UAE’s total imports in this category.
With a negative trade balance at -USD 3.69 billion, there is a high demand for imported tractor parts in the UAE. Additionally, the market concentration for tractors parts and accessories stands at 0.21 in the UAE, indicating a fairly diverse range of suppliers.
These figures, from Trade Map, highlight the UAE’s reliance on international suppliers, particularly from East Asia, for its automotive sector. In this release, we asked our logistics team about the top logistical considerations for shipping common tractor spare parts. ⬇️⚙️
Shipping Tractor Axles and Rear Axle Parts
Labeling and packaging are the key!
✅ Axles are typically manufactured from high-strength steel or cast iron with a protective coating, which contributes to their durability. Avoiding scratches or chips during transport is essential to preserve the protective finish. Corrosion could still be a concern if there is a prolonged exposure to moisture, even if they’re well-packaged.
✅ Many axle components undergo heat treatment to enhance strength, though this process increase brittleness, making them prone to cracking if handled roughly, that is, if subjected to severe impacts, drops, or shock loads during transit.
✅ Precision machining of parts like wheel bearings, spindles, and splines is critical, and these parts can become damaged or bent without proper packaging or secure loading/unloading, with excessive vibration potentially affecting tolerance fits.
✅ Axle assemblies also contain seals and gaskets to retain lubricants, and improper orientation could lead to leaks, while venting may be required for pressure regulation in long transits. Factory pre-lubricated axles, in particular, need careful handling to prevent lubricant leakage or contamination, which could affect functionality.
✅ Additionally, some axles integrate electrical components such as sensors or ABS systems, which are vulnerable to damage from vibration or moisture. Proper torquing of fasteners, including bolts and cotter pins, ensures the assembly remains intact, with locking mechanisms preventing loosening.
Shipping Tractor Engines
✅ The engine's configuration, including the shape, size, and layout of components like the engine block, cylinder heads, and alternator, influences how it must be oriented, supported, and braced, often requiring specialized stacking, loading, and unloading.
✅ The center of gravity (CG) plays a significant role in securing the engine, as an off-center CG can cause shifting or tipping during transit, necessitating careful attention to weight distribution. Engines should be supported at designated mounting points on the block, with chains or straps attached securely to tested points rated for the engine's weight.
✅ Additionally, fluid dynamics must be accounted for, as residual oils or fuels may shift during transport, particularly on long voyages. To further protect the engine, shock-absorbing mounts, foam padding, or spring systems may be incorporated into custom crates to dampen vibrations during handling.
✅ Lastly, as car and tractor engines are classified as a dangerous cargo, technical details like engine serial numbers, model, service history, center of gravity, weight, dimensions, photos, existing damage, hazardous materials, etc. should documented.
Shipping Tractor Wheels and Tires
✅ The size and weight of tractor wheels/tires often requires material handling equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, etc.
✅ The wheels/tires must be strapped down securely to the transport platform (pallet, flatbed, container). Ratchet straps, chains, steel cables, edge protectors are commonly used as restraints. Proper working load limits need to be calculated.
✅ Materials like wood, air bags, and rubber mats may be used as dunnage to stabilize and cushion the wheels/tires during transport. The dunnage design needs to account for load dimensions, weight distribution, friction, trailer wall pressures, acceleration forces, etc.
✅ Fumigation, desiccants, or specialized coatings/films may be required if shipping through high humidity or salt spray conditions to prevent corrosion or mold growth.
✅ Tire air pressure may need to be adjusted before shipping to avoid damage and improper wear depending on duration/conditions.
Shipping Tractor Clutches
✅ The clutch bearings and pilot bushings require proper sealing and lubrication to avoid damage from moisture or debris during transit.
✅ Clutch components are precision balanced. Improper handling that disturbs balance could lead to vibrations in operation.
✅ The flywheel contact surface needs protection to avoid scuffs or gouges that could disturb clutch disc seating. We also consider that vibration may loosen critical fasteners.
Shipping Tractor Brakes
✅ Brake designs matter, are they drum brakes or disc brakes? Drum brakes with lots of linkages are more vulnerable to damage. Disc brakes are more rigid but large rotors are still fragile. Caliper brackets can bend if not supported.
✅ Different brake materials require different handling techniques, ceramic pads are lightweight but fragile. Semi-metallic pads are durable but heavy. Rotors vary, too, carbon ceramic rotors are lighter than cast iron but more expensive. Materials affect vulnerability.
✅ Air actuated brakes have chambers, valves, filters, etc. Air lines and fittings are susceptible to vibration issues, that is accounted for when stacking the shipment.
Got any question? Reach out to our logistics team today:
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