Safety is paramount when moving heavy machinery and equipment. Accidents, damage to the machinery, and delays are possible without careful preparation. Adhering to safety tips and guidelines, such as the ones that follow, is key to a smooth and effective relocation process.

What are types of common heavy machinery?

The range of heavy machinery and equipment is vast and numerous. Many are used in the construction industry and include forklifts, bulldozers, and wheel loaders. Trenchers, feller bunchers, excavators, drills, and skid steer loaders are other types of heavy machinery and equipment.

Track loaders designed with moving tracks rather than wheels are used in large-scale projects. Scissor lifts are ideal for use in warehouses or stockroom storage facilities. Telehandlers are also used in warehouses to move bulk material. Wheel loaders move dirt but can be equipped like snowblowers.

What are the risks involved in moving heavy machinery?

Without careful planning and execution, relocating heavy equipment can lead to dangerous scenarios. Workers moving the machinery are susceptible to crush hazards or being caught between the equipment. When moving the items from elevated platforms, falling is a potential danger.

The sheer size and massive weight of the machines pose serious risks of collisions. Electrical hazards, visibility limitations, and rollover accidents can occur without proper methods of transportation. Fire and explosion risks are possible when workers fail to abide by best practices for moving the items.

What are tips to safely move heavy machinery?

Tip 1: Perform a Pre-Move Assessment

Prior to moving the equipment, assess the machinery. Document the dimensions, weight, center of gravity, and requirements for disassembly. Equipment with electrical connections, fluids, or delicate parts must be carefully handled and secured, so identify potential hazards as a preliminary step.

Tip 2: Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Each piece of machinery comes with delicate components. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how it should be handled and transported. If the manufacturer’s information is unavailable, check with industry experts on best practices for lifting and moving the weighty items.

Tip 3: Create a Detailed Moving Plan

Moving heavy machinery requires developing a detailed moving plan. Prepare a step-by-step outline that factors in potential obstacles on the moving path, such as narrow doorways, low ceilings, or uneven floors. Once these risks are identified, formulate strategies to overcome them.

The moving plan should involve acquiring the necessary permits to haul heavy equipment. Approvals may alternately be required to transport the oversized loads. Make sure all resources are accessible; if not, obtain them as an initial part of the moving plan.

Tip 4: Disassemble the Equipment

Disassembly, per the manufacturer’s instructions, may be required prior to the move. If so, take ample photos of the components prior to disassembly to aid in reassembly. Disconnect hydraulic or electrical connections and seal fluid lines to prevent leaks. Safely pack all detachable components.

Tip 5: Choose Appropriate Tools

The right tools support the relocation process of heavy machinery. In contrast, the wrong tools complicate the process and lead to accidents or damage to the equipment. Select tools that are rated for the weight and dimensions of the machinery being moved.

Common tools used when moving large equipment include cranes, forklifts, and rigging gear. Cranes, for instance, are useful when lifting large, heavy items. Specialized rigging gear includes slings, chains, and hooks and should be suitable for the dimensions of the machinery being moved.

Tip 6: Secure and Inspect the Load

Properly securing the machinery with straps, chains, and other methods is critical for a safe transportation process. Without adequately securing the equipment and ensuring it matches the weight and size of the machinery, the load can shift, movement during transport leads to damage or accidents.

Straps and chains should be heavy-duty and rated to meet the dimensions and weight of the machinery. Prevent movement and tipping with braces. Once the equipment is secured, inspect the security of the load regularly and correct any issues before they lead to damage or safety issues.

Tip 7: Wear Safety Gear

Handling bulky equipment and machinery requires wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Wearing safety gear minimizes the risk of injury. If accidents occur nevertheless, have an emergency plan in place to address them.

Tip 8: Monitor the Load

While transporting heavy machinery in accordance with the moving plan, unforeseen challenges or issues may arise. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed or as conditions change. Flexibility in the approach curtails accidents and keeps the move on schedule.

Tip 9: Hire Heavy Equipment Movers

Evaluate potential movers with experience moving heavy machinery. The right commercial moving company has access to the equipment, expertise, and insurance to handle transporting large machinery. Check references, ratings, certifications, and insurance coverage before settling on a professional mover or rigger.

Businesses that wish to simplify the process of relocating their heavy machinery and equipment can delegate this task to an experienced commercial moving service, like Chicago Office Movers. We’ve successfully moved heavy equipment and machinery for countless satisfied corporate customers.

As experts in heavy equipment moving, we are prepared whether you need to move one major piece of equipment or an entire assembly line. Our moving crews are trained, IOMI-certified and experienced, thereby assuring our customers a safe, efficient, and timely relocation.

Chicago Office Movers can also help your business disassemble and reassemble the machinery. Our movers are available to reconnect, level, align, and anchor equipment. With convenient services like these, your company experiences less downtime and can resume operations right away.

Short- and long-term storage options are available when your equipment must be stored. Our climate-controlled storage facilities are ideal for housing sensitive machinery. Once you need the equipment, our moving crews are available to deliver it to your new location.

The machinery movers at Chicago Office Movers meet the needs of corporations in Chicago, Illinois. From budget-friendly moves to equipment storage options, you can be assured of a seamless move from start to finish. Given our industry experience, we handle obstacles with ease.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.