As of 2023, there were 623,066 manufacturing businesses in the United States. Although many companies make use of heavy machinery, few of them are equipped with the means to transport it on their own.
If your business is relocating or you need to move heavy machinery for another reason, it can be a difficult task. In many cases, you'll need to hire skilled machinery movers to handle equipment relocation for you. It's also important to prepare your machinery adequately as well.
In this guide, we'll tell you how to prepare for heavy machinery moving.
Check the Owner's Manual
When preparing to move heavy machinery, be sure to check the owner's manual first. Look over your equipment's owner's manual and see if it gives any guidelines or instructions for moving the equipment. In many cases, you'll find guidelines on moving the machinery as well as details about how to remove engine fluids, remove batteries, secure parts, and more.
If you don't currently have the owner's manual for the heavy machinery, consider searching online for a digital copy or contacting the manufacturer to get one. The guidelines that you find in the manual will likely be very helpful when creating a strategy for moving the machinery.
Develop a Strategy
Before taking any action or attempting to move heavy machinery, you'll want to develop a solid plan. Consider every part of the process and determine whether there are any potential safety issues that you should keep in mind.
You should have a clear plan of how you'll move the machinery ahead of time and should consider everything that you'll need to do so. Consider what equipment you'll need to move the heavy machinery, as well as the schedule you'll follow to do it. Working with a heavy machinery moving company can help during this planning process.
Plan Your Budget
It will likely cost your company to move heavy machinery. Costs could include many things such as equipment rental or hiring professional manufacturing movers. Be aware that moving heavy machinery can also lead to costs due to lost time and productivity as well.
Be sure that you clearly outline what your predicted costs will be and then plan your budget accordingly. Be sure to add some extra money to your budget in case you need more money than you expected for the move.
Get Necessary Permits
In many cases, you'll need to have a permit in order to legally move your company's heavy machinery. Be sure to look into the specifics regarding what permits you'll need before you decide to go forward with the move.
A moving company or logistics specialist can help you obtain any permits that are necessary. You'll want to be sure to ask about how they can help with this when speaking to them about the moving process.
Prep the Machinery
Before you proceed to move any machinery, you'll want to make sure to prepare it well so that it will be safe during transport. Here are some of the things that you'll need to do:
Cover parts that are vulnerable
Secure loose parts
Empty all fluid, especially during the winter
Clean the heavy machinery thoroughly
Latch all doors and compartment covers
Always take the time to prep your equipment before moving it. Doing so can save your equipment from damage and will also be safer for everyone involved.
Plan the Schedule
When planning to move heavy machinery, you'll want to be sure to plan out the logistics and the schedule carefully. Know exactly when the pickup and drop-off will be and when any machinery installations will be made.
You should create a clear schedule for the move and should assign tasks to everyone who is involved with the process. If you don't have a clearly defined schedule, the move will be a lot tougher and your workers may not know how to play their part.
Be Prepared to Communicate
When moving heavy machinery, you'll want to be sure to facilitate communication between all parties who are helping. By allowing your team to communicate fully, the move will go much more smoothly overall.
During the moving process, you may want to provide two-way radios or signs. This can help you move the equipment while avoiding dangers due to blind spots and other issues.
Follow Safety Practices
Be sure to keep safety in mind when moving heavy manufacturing machinery. Ensure that everyone involved is safe by following workplace safety practices when loading and unloading equipment and machinery.
When loading or unloading, be sure that you're doing it on level ground. You should also be sure to do it with very few people around. Make sure that anybody who isn't needed for the process is removed from the area.
Consider Your Options
There are several ways that you can move heavy equipment. Especially if you plan to take on the task in-house, you should consider each of them carefully.
To move heavy machinery, you may decide to use a lowboy, a flatbed trailer, or another type of trailer. Each of these options has pros and cons and different weight limits, so be sure to research each option when creating a moving plan.
It's also a good idea to consider hiring a professional moving company. A professional moving company will already have the equipment on hand needed to move your heavy machinery. They can also help guide you on the best solution for the specific type of equipment that you'll be transporting.
Get Professional Help
To have the easiest time transporting heavy machinery, consider hiring professionals. A professional heavy machinery moving company can help in the moving process by finding an equipment relocation solution that is perfect for your needs.
Manufacturing movers can make the entire process simple and easy. They can also help ensure that nobody gets hurt and no equipment gets damaged during the process.
Preparing for Heavy Machinery Moving
If you need to prep for heavy machinery moving, be sure to follow the tips listed here. Check your equipment's manual, keep safety in mind, and develop a plan of action.
Need help moving heavy machinery? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help meet your needs.
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