5 Main Challenges of Moving Heavy Machinery: Are You Approaching Things From the Right Angle?

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Business owners must approach relocation projects according to what is best for their equipment and property. Professional movers understand the full requirements for moving heavy equipment and machinery without creating damage. These organizations provide a crew of movers that includes specialists such as a millwright. Reviewing the five main challenges of moving heavy machinery helps you determine if you are approaching things from the right angle.

1. The Best Way to Pack the Machinery

Packing the machinery correctly provides the right level of protection during transport. Some movers choose to wrap machines in shrink wrap to keep all parts in one place and prevent dust and debris from damaging the machine. The challenge arises when it isn’t possible to wrap a machine entirely with shrink wrap, which is where a dedicated FROMM pallet wrapper becomes indispensable.

Movers consider what materials present the most benefits during transport and prevent accidents. It is wise to use packaging that provides adequate cushioning for the machine if it shifts around inside the vehicle. Improper packaging leads to dents, cracks, and more complex damage. If this occurs, the business owner sustains serious financial losses and faces the cost of repairs or a complete replacement.

Professional moving services provide adequate packaging for all types of machinery. The service providers assess the machinery before packaging and consider all risks. Business owners can learn more about proper packaging for machinery by visiting aamachinery.com right now.

2. The Weight of the Machine

The weight of the machine can lead to more complex issues. A crane or related tools are necessary for moving heavy-duty machinery that cannot be disassembled. Movers are trained to use the equipment to move heavy machines throughout commercial and industrial spaces. They understand the importance of maintaining stability and preventing damage. Rigging helps movers move the machine from higher stories in the property to the transport vehicle.

In tight spaces, the moving company provides a millwright. A millwright understands the exact requirements for more complex moving projects. The specialist can build tools on-site to secure, lift, and move the machinery without safety issues. Using the right tools makes it possible to protect the machine and move it effectively without collisions, falls, or property damage. It’s important to plan out how the movers will lift and move the machine from its location safely without a financial loss, injury liability, or a possible fatality.

3. Dismantling and Reassembling the Machines

The dismantling of machines on-site make it possible to break down the machine, package it, and transport it in smaller sections. The process requires a professional mover that understands how to read blueprints for each different machine. It isn’t wise to hire any run of the mill mover to complete the process. Millwrights can come to the rescue for business owners who want to disassemble the machines at the current location.

Upon arrival at the new location, the millwright understands how to reassemble the machine based on the blueprint. This lowers the risk of issues that cause the machine to operate irregularly or become damaged. Most business owners don’t know how to put their machines together. This could lead to unnecessary downtime for the business. A millwright can reassemble the machine properly and calibrate the machine at the new business location.

Calibrating the machines ensures that it operates as expected, and the company won’t have to worry about issues when they reopen the business. Without proper calibration, the machine causes errors and flaws in products and parts created by workers. The machine must function as expected before workers use it for business-related tasks. A millwright understands how to calibrate a multitude of machines and is a great asset to any company that needs to relocate and move heavy machinery.

4. Personal Injuries for Workers

On-site workers who make an attempt to move heavy equipment are at a greater risk of personal injuries. This is why businesses should consider hiring professionals to move machinery and equipment. The professionals understand how to move the machinery safely and avoid personal injuries. Companies that need to move quickly try to take short cuts that often lead to these liabilities.

In comparison, the business owner can lower liabilities by hiring professionals, and if the professional movers become injured, they are covered under the moving company’s insurance. Whereas, if the company uses its own workers, there is a greater risk of personal injuries, damaged equipment, and serious financial losses. Using their own workers for the project increases the probability of worker’s compensation claims if injuries occur, and the workers could file a lawsuit if they sustain more serious injuries.

5. The Right Vehicle to Transport the Machine

Choosing the right vehicle to transport the machine requires stringent risk mitigation. The size of the machine and its weight determine what transport vehicle is strong enough for the item and what vehicle presents easier loading. Typically, if the machine was disassembled and in several smaller packages, a standard transport vehicle is ideal.

However, if the machine was hoisted on a crane or lifting apparatuses, it is best to load it onto a flatbed and strap the machine down. Professional movers can review the machines they are moving and make decisions according to what is best for the relocation project and presents fewer risks to the client’s property and equipment.

The added bonus of hiring a professional moving company is access to a variety of different transport vehicles. Additionally, once the machinery is loaded onto the vehicle, it is covered by the moving company’s insurance. It is recommended that the business owner review the policies and choose wisely when setting up a relocation project involving heavy machinery.

Business owners face many challenges when moving heavy machinery. The first of these challenges is getting the machine out of the building safely. Improper rigging leads to collisions, falls, and major injuries for workers. Millwrights understand how to use apparatuses to lift, secure, and move heavy machines properly and without damage or injuries. Reviewing moving challenges and finding better solutions help business owners mitigate risks and protect their machinery more effectively during a transport project.

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