Machinery movers do not always have the most straightforward task! However, with the right skillset, adequate planning, and proficient expertise, moving machinery can be a walk in the park. In this in-depth guide, we will discuss the most important things to keep in mind in order to execute a risk-free machinery moving job. From securing the machines to using the most appropriate lifting techniques, our list of tips and tricks has got your back!
Alongside dealing with the hazardous aspects of machinery moving, we will also expand on how to maximize efficiency during the moving. The best practices allow you to reduce downtime and maneuver the logistics of transportation effectively. Once you have the machinery installed in the new location, you can also ensure that it’s operating perfectly with the help of our tips.
Whether you are moving machinery in a company or from one state to another, this article ensures you receive the knowledge and methodologies to tackle machinery movement with confidence.
Types of Machinery
In order to move machinery in the most optimal way, you need to be aware of the types of machines that are most frequently being relocated. This gives you invaluable insight into the logistics of transportation. Several industries deal with heavy equipment, and each one of those has its own specific set of requirements to be safely transported.
Some of the most common heavy machinery to be moved includes construction equipment, agricultural tools, and manufacturing machines. Most of this machinery is also rented, so it requires a little more safekeeping.
Construction Machinery
Due to their weight and size, construction equipment like bulldozers, scissor lift rentals, and excavators often need uniquely designed transport. These machines are important for almost every construction project, and their safe movement can impact timelines. Moving this kind of machinery often requires a flatbed trailer, but you need to ensure that the equipment is tightly fastened and secured during travel.
Manufacturing Equipment
Some of the most commonly moved manufacturing machines include CNC machines, assembly line equipment, and forklift rentals. These types of tools usually have fragile parts that need to be handled carefully and safeguarded during the transit.
The movement of manufacturing equipment and tools requires careful planning before the move and the involvement of experts and skilled workers to tackle the equipment. This ensures that the machinery does not suffer any calibration issues or damage to the critical components upon relocation.
Getting Ready to Move Machinery
Safe and hazard-free movement of heavy machinery requires a lot of research and planning in advance. Preparation is one of the most important factors in ensuring a smooth machinery moving process.
Step One
- Perform an extensive assessment of the equipment you have to relocate. Machinery moving is challenging, and this step is crucial to ensure a smooth transition while moving heavy machinery.
- Consider the dimensions of the machine you have to move—its size, weight, and any distinctive properties.
- Understanding these steps will ensure that you can select the most optimal method of transportation and the equipment needed to move the machinery.
- You will also be able to examine any potential risks and hazards that you may face face while moving the machinery.
Step Two
- After thoroughly examining the machines, the logical next step is to work on a detailed outline of the whole moving process.
- This outline should ideally be a plan consisting of project timelines, essential staff members, and the transportation methodology required for the move.
- You also need to clearly establish the roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved, so that everyone on the team is on the same page.
- This step ensures that there is a lower risk of miscommunication and redundancy.
- Having a contingency plan in place is critical in case you run into an unexpected issue. It allows you and your team to deal with problems hassle-free.
Step Three
- Last but not least, you need to fulfil all legal obligations and obtain the right permits before you begin the move.
- This will ensure you do not get in legal trouble once the machinery movement begins.
- Local guidelines and rules vary depending on the type of machinery you are moving.
- Getting all your ducks in a row before the move prevents any delays and legal issues from popping up.
- This step streamlines the entire moving process and ascertains that safety is maintained during the move.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Means of Transport
Choosing the proper equipment to help you transport a machine is the key to a smooth machine moving experience. You can choose from various options, including lowboy trailers, flatbed trucks, and speciality trailers. The deciding factor in choosing the means of transport is influenced by the size of the machine, the distance to be covered, and the conditions of the road.
Flatbed Trailers
Flatbed trailers should be your first choice when moving larger construction tools, including fork truck rentals and industrial-grade generators. These trailers are quite versatile and allow workers to off-load and load a machine quickly and efficiently, ensuring a seamless machinery moving process.
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboy trailers, on the other hand, are more often utilized in transporting machines that exceed height limits. They offer stability during the transportation process by lowering the machine’s center of gravity. Choosing the proper means of transport for your machines assures safety and adherence to highway legislation.
Step-Deck Trailers
Step-deck trailers are another type of flatbed trailer with a raised bed known as a “step-deck” at the front side and a low, open flatbed at the back end. This mode of transport is built to tow taller loads. They do this by lowering the centre of gravity of the machinery that they are transporting. This makes them the ideal choice for transporting building materials and excavators that cannot usually be transported by regular old flatbeds.
Specialty Trailers
Speciality trailers are made according to the machinery specifications and the load that they have to carry. Just like the name suggests, these trailers usually have a speciality design difference or upgrade that makes them ideal for specific equipment. For example, a stretch flatbed trailer is a speciality trailer used to transport abnormally long machines and building materials, such as tubes and pipes.
Tips for Loading and Off-Loading
Moving fragile heavy machinery can be dangerous. This is why you need to keep the following things in mind.
- Doing a thorough risk assessment
- Training your workers
- Inspecting your vehicles before the move
- Clearing the area before off-loading
- Properly securing the equipment during transit
Conclusion
To sum up, the safest and most efficient way to relocate machines is to plan well in advance and learn about the best mode of transport before you start. Safety should be prioritized at every step to ensure the protection of both the equipment and the employees. If you keep these tips and tricks in mind, you can tackle heavy machinery confidently, knowing that they will arrive at their destination in good condition and on schedule. This challenging undertaking can be made easier if you are detail-oriented and thoroughly research beforehand.
