Transporting heavy machinery is not easy. They are a nightmare to transport because there is a lot of safety precautions that need to be observed because any slight mistake can lead to very serious injuries.
Heavy machinery relocation is a job that should be left entirely to experts, they are better equipped to safely move any machine from one point to another with minimal risk and the safety of the machine in mind.
Heavy Machinery Transport Tips
The key to moving heavy machinery is knowing the right equipment and procedures to do so. There are several things that you need to consider before transporting any heavy equipment.
Proper planning is needed before attempting to move any heavy machine to minimise accidents, losses, and damages to the machine as well as the vehicle being used for transportation.
Here is a guide on how to relocate heavy machines with minimal risk:
1. Plan First
Proper analysis of the machine should be carried out to determine the best way to transport it. Transport professionals are key at this point because they can offer solid and reliable advice on how best to transport your machines.
While planning you should also keep in mind the regulations set by the government on transporting heaving machinery.
2. Choose the Right Vehicle
Using the wrong transport vehicle increases the risks involved in transportation. For example, an average trailer cannot transport long heavy columns, you might need an extend able trailer for such a load.
The type of machine you are transporting will determine the kind of vehicle that should be used it is very important to choose just the right transport vehicle versus the weight you are moving with no compromise whatsoever.
3. Note the Relevant Information of the Cargo
To safely transport any cargo it is important to note every single information about it. This information can include:
- The size of the machine
- The type of machine
- The weight
Such information will help determine how to handle the machine without any damage to it.
4. Inspect the Vehicle
Before loading the vehicle, you have to inspect it to check if it is in the best possible condition. A complete inspection should include:
- The tires: check the tire pressure of the trailer or truck and the conditions of the tires too
- Brakes: huge loads affect breaking abilities and you have to make sure that your breaks are in good shape before loading the vehicle
- Lights: the brake light and the front light should be in perfect working condition
- Tie-down points: every load requires a certain number of tie-down points. Check to see that the vehicle has the number of points as per the required standards
- Weight: the weight of the cargo needs to match that of the tie-down load limit.
Before loading the vehicle you should also make sure that the employees helping in the loading have designated duties to avoid any confusion. The loading area should also be cleared to eliminate any collisions and risks.
5. Make Sure that the Load is Secured
Use the right restraint to securely tie down the vehicle in place. There are safety regulations of moving heavy loads and you have to secure the machine as per the set laws.
Securing the load will prevent it from falling along the way and causing serious accidents as well as damage to the machine.
Final Word
It is the responsibility of the transportation company as well as the owner of the machine to ensure that the load is transported safely.
For hassle-free relocation, always work with a licensed transport company that has the right kind of equipment to transport any heavy haulage as well as the technical knowledge to do so.