Tips on how to move heavy machinery

There are plenty of different situations that may require heavy machinery to be moved. No matter what business sector you operate in, you may have large machinery that is critical to your daily operations. If you need to move heavy machinery, it is imperative that it is done in a safe and effective manner. But how can you make sure that this is the case? Read on to discover our tips on moving heavy machinery.

Always plan ahead

There is only one place to begin, and this is with planning. You can’t simply dive right in an attempt to move the machinery. You need to have a detailed yet clear plan in place for the moving process. A written proposal is a must. The most critical thing here is to make sure that the name and the duties of every person involved in the moving process are identified. Moving large machinery is a multi-step process, so each part of the process needs to be outlined and everyone involved needs to have a clear and full understanding of their role.

Consult with the person who will be operating the machine

You need to make sure that the machine is going to be effective in its new home. Make sure you measure the machine not only in terms of its actual dimensions but with regards to how much space is going to be needed for the machine to operate successfully. People will need to move around the machine, after all, and this needs to be accounted for to make sure that the move is a success. There is no point in fitting a machine nicely into the corner if there is no space for the person who is going to be operating it. The best thing to do here, therefore, is to speak with the machine operator. After all, he or she knows better than anyone what sort of space they require to be able to carry out the task effectively. Also, make reference to ensuring there is space around the machine to carry out routine maintenance or repairs in event of a breakdown.

Be sure to clear the way when moving heavy machinery and equipment

Last but not least, you need to get rid of any obstacles prior to the move. This may sound like an obvious piece of advice, but you would be shocked by how many people attempt to move equipment without clearing the pathway. You need to ensure your workflow is reorganised and that you have a clear path between both locations before you start attempting to move the heavy equipment. The people moving the equipment must be totally focused on that; not attempting to dodge any hurdles or obstacles along the way – that would be a recipe for disaster!