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Ways to Avoid Accidents When Handling Heavy Equipment

heavy equipment moving

As much as they come in handy when doing heavy work, heavy machinery can be highly risky and lead to expensive accidents. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk. Plenty of things can go wrong when you are moving heavy machinery, so you should be ultra-cautious when doing it.

To help you out, here are tips given by heavy machinery moving experts on how to transport the equipment safely.

Be cautious when transporting the equipment

As mentioned, when moving the equipment from one place to the other, you need to be ultra-cautious and avoid accidents. As a rule of thumb,, you must ensure that you are working with reputable machinery moving company.

Other than this, you need to:

Ensure that the transport vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating and/or gross combination weight rating are not exceeded.

Determine whether permits for oversized or over width movements will be necessary. These loads may also necessitate warning flags, lights, and oversized or wide load banners. If this is the case, get them.

Find out if there are any loading requirements for the equipment, such as the usage of locking pins, brakes, a specific transmission gear or deck wideners.

Find out where the equipment will be placed on the transport vehicle to ensure proper weight distribution and securement.

Check the equipment’s securement points for wear and damage.

If there will be little friction between the equipment and the transport vehicle (for example, metal crawler tracks on a metal deck), consider if friction devices are required. If you need them, get them before you begin the transportation.

If the item to be moved has rubber tires, check the pressure. Low pressure may cause the tie-downs to loosen.

Remove any excess aggregate, dirt, debris, or other materials that could fall or reduce friction during transport.

Have minimum tiedown requirements during transportation

If the loaded vehicle has crawler tracks or wheels, you should have at least four tie-downs to prevent the machine from moving around.
You can use a chain as two tiedowns provided it is appropriately linked to two anchor points with two binders and has slack in the middle, ensuring that a break in the chain does not affect each tiedown.
The total working load limits of the tie-downs must be at least 50% of the cargo’s weight. If the cargo weight is unknown, more tie-downs may be required.
You can attach the tie-downs near the front and back of the equipment, or
At the mounting locations of the equipment intended for that purpose.
Stop and inspect the load securement 50 miles into the journey, and every three hours or 150 miles thereafter. This is because the loads can move, and the tie-downs can become loose on bumpy roads and during acceleration and deceleration.
If you notice a problem, you should fix it before proceeding with the journey.
Be ultra-cautious when loading heavy equipment for transportation
Do not operate or load equipment you are unfamiliar with or cannot operate safely.
When possible, put the equipment against a vehicle structure to help prevent forward movement, unless weight distribution or securement considerations prevent this.
Attach securement devices cautiously to avoid damaging brakes, hydraulic lines, or cylinders.
Use edge protection to safeguard the tie-downs and equipment.
Whenever possible, utilize the equipment manufacturer’s designated connection points and adhere to the manufacturer’s securement guidelines.
Attach, each tiedown as close to the vehicle’s front and rear as possible, or to mounting points on the car built explicitly for that purpose.
Do not use any attachment point with doubtful strength or compatibility.
Chain is the primary tiedown method for large equipment and machinery. Ensure that no links are strained or have nicks.
Use direct tiedowns whenever possible, but remember that they require more tiedowns than indirect tiedowns.
Place chocks, cradles, wedges, or other measures against the wheels to keep wheeled vehicles from moving. These devices require security.

Protect the equipment after loading.

You should lower all supplementary equipment and moveable elements, such as hydraulic shovels, booms, ploughs, crane arms, etc., and secure them to the transport vehicle with tie-downs.

Accessories with locking pins or similar devices that prevent movement in any direction are not required to be secured with additional security measures.

Hydraulics alone are insufficient to secure auxiliary equipment.

If the equipment you are transporting has an articulation point, pivot, or hinge in its design, secure or constrain the vehicle or equipment to prevent articulation during transit.

Secure accessories and other things not attached to the equipment to the transport vehicle by the normal cargo securement rules.

Confirm the vehicle’s true height and breadth.

Perform all needed en-route security assessments.

Do a final inspection before transportation.

You should do the Level I inspection, a thorough 37-step examination of the vehicle and the driver’s credentials.

As part of the cargo security inspection, you should check the following:

Ensure that spare tires, loads, goods, tools, and dunnage are securely fastened and do not fall, blow, spill, leak the vehicle, or roll or shift while in transportation.
Make sure there are enough tie-downs for the weight and length of the equipment you are transporting.
Check for faulty tie-downs, which may be loose, torn, broken, crooked, or knotted.
Inspect the anchor points and buildings for damage.
Confirm that you are observing commodity-specific cargo security standards.

Know your limits

Even seasoned veterans can sometimes find transporting and operating heavy machinery difficult. Regardless of your instructions, never place yourself in a scenario that makes you uncomfortable.

If you are unsure about loading a machine on a slope or in hazardous conditions, get the help of professional heavy machinery movers VA. Staying calm and aware throughout the day will help you to be more productive and create a great working atmosphere for those around you.

When hiring moving companies, don’t hire the first one you come across. Instead, you should take your time and find a reputable one with a proven track record.

When hiring, ask them to provide proof of having previously handled a similar project. This way, you will be sure that you won’t land into problems and will have an easy time.

Tips to Consider When Moving Heavy Machinery

Moving heavy equipment is always tricky, and no one is having fun, even the machines.

The task is not only challenging, but also pegged with plenty of risks.

Thankfully, with some planning and preparation, you can safely ensure that your heavy equipment gets from point A to point B without any major problems or damage.

Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through all the steps you need to take to ensure that your heavy machinery moving is a success.

Some of the things you need to do include:

Keep an eye on the land around you.

When moving heavy equipment, it is important to pay attention to the terrain in the area. Before you leave, take the time to carefully plan a route for your chosen mode of transportation. This can help you avoid trouble.

Also, be conversant with the road widths and bridges where you will be transporting your heavy machinery. The driver will be safer if they don’t have to start, stop, turn, or drive through rough terrain.

Also, think about doing a trial run. Driving through a manned checkpoint is a good way to spot any possible dangers that can be avoided ahead of time. Lastly, if you want to make sure that your cargo always gets to its destination safely, you should be aware of the local geography before you leave.

Apply for the right transportation license.

Heavy equipment, like cranes, dump trucks, graders, and scrapers, should be transported with special permits.

To ensure your heavy equipment gets where it needs to go, you must apply for the right transportation permit. Different states have different rules, so you need to find out what they are and make plans based on that.

Getting the necessary permit can take a lot of time, but it’s important for the safety of your equipment and the people who are transporting it. So, set aside time to ensure you have all the necessary permits before starting any transportation job.

Lock down the wheels.

Not only is it important to ensure your equipment is safe by securing the wheels, but locking the wheels also helps reduce risk when moving heavy equipment.

The time it takes to put on the parking brake, and use wedges, chocks, or cradles on the wheels of equipment will be worth it because they will keep the equipment safe.

When locking the wheels, think about weight distribution forces that could happen during transport, such as:

A 50% force in the back when accelerating, changing gears, or going in reverse.
When stopping, 80% of the force goes forward.
When driving uphill or over rough terrain, you stand to have an upward force of up to 20%.
When turning, changing lanes, or braking while turning, you will have a sideways force of 50%.

These steps cut down on accidental movement and make for a smooth ride.

Put signs and flashing lights on vehicles.

The transport vehicles need to have the right banners, signs, and lights on them. In some situations, there needs to be a vehicle on either side to help guide the truck and show it where to go. The other vehicle follows behind to let other drivers on the route know what’s going on.

For all transportation operations to look professional, ensure communication between transport and escort vehicles. You can achieve this using two-way radios, CB radios, or cell phones.

Inspect the equipment even during transport.

For safe and legal transport, heavy cargo must be properly strapped down. During a trip, it’s important to check in often to ensure that the cargo is safe. Safety standards in the industry say that these checks-in should be done at least:

Once during the first 50 miles of travel.
Every 150 miles or every 3 hours, depending on which comes first.
Whenever a driver’s job or station changes.

Ensure that the drivers write down inspections in a transport log so that safety standards are met.

You might be wasting time putting time and effort into running these key checkpoints, but it’s the only way to make sure that cargo is delivered successfully.

For peace of mind, ensure that the heavy equipment movers DC are experienced and have done it before, and know how to do it safely.

Guide to Moving Heavy Machines with Precision and Care

heavy machinery moving

Moving heavy machinery can be challenging and dangerous, but it can be done safely and efficiently with the right planning and preparation. Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind when moving heavy machines:

Choose a reputable and experienced heavy machine moving company

The heavy machinery moving company can make or break your project, so be cautious when hiring. As a rule of thumb, hire a reputable and experienced moving company that knows what it’s doing.

Many people make the mistake of hiring the first company they see in the search results. This is wrong. The best way to do it is to research and find at least five or more companies and then schedule interviews with them.

As you are interviewing the companies, Look for companies with a proven track record of safe and successful heavy machine moves.

Besides doing your research online, you can also ask colleagues, friends, and other businesses in your industry for recommendations on heavy machine moving companies.

Regardless of how you find the company, ensure it’s licensed, insured, and compliant with all relevant regulations and standards.

Have a solid plan and prepare for the move

You can’t just wake up and decide to move the machinery—you need to have a detailed plan that includes a timeline, logistics, and any special requirements or considerations for the move.

Work with the moving company and devise a plan and logistics for the move, including the route, necessary permits, and potential obstacles or challenges.

As a rule of thumb, ensure that the machinery is properly prepared for the move, including securing loose parts and disconnecting any power or fuel source.

To be on the safe side, closely monitor the move to ensure that it is done safely and efficiently, and be prepared to address any issues that may arise.

Use the right equipment.

The best equipment for moving heavy machinery depends on the specific machinery being moved and the conditions of the move. In general, however, some common pieces of equipment that may be used for moving heavy machinery include:

Heavy-duty trailers or lowboy trailers, which are designed to carry heavy loads and can be attached to a truck or other vehicle

Forklifts or cranes, which can be used to lift and move the machinery

Skates or rollers can be placed under the machinery to make it easier to move

Straps or chains can be used to secure the machinery during the move

Dollies or carts, which can be used to move smaller or lighter pieces of machinery

Choosing the right equipment for the job is essential to ensure that the machinery is moved safely and efficiently.

Thankfully, if you are working with a moving company with heavy machinery experience, you will have an easy time telling the best equipment to use for your specific needs.

Protect your machine

To protect heavy machinery during transport, you should observe the following tips:

Secure any loose parts or attachments on the machinery to prevent them from moving or falling off during transport.

Disconnect any power or fuel sources to prevent accidents or damage to the machinery.

Use straps, chains, or other secure fasteners to secure the machinery to the trailer or other vehicle. Make sure the fasteners are properly tightened and will not loosen during transport.

Use skates or rollers to support the machinery and make it easier to move. This will help prevent damage to the machinery and make it easier to load and unload.

Cover the machinery with a protective tarp or other material to protect it from the elements and prevent debris from getting inside.

Monitor the machinery during transport to ensure that it remains secure and is not damaged. Be prepared to address any issues that may arise during the move.

Follow safety protocols

Ensure all workers involved in the move are trained and experienced in heavy machine moving and follow all safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

For example, all heavy machinery movers DC should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses, to protect themselves and others from potential hazards.

5 Reasons to Hire a Heavy Machinery Moving Company

crane moving

There are plenty of reasons you should consider hiring heavy machinery moving company to move your heavy equipment. Some of these reasons include:

To replace the machine

Like any other thing, machines have a lifespan, and once they have crossed their threshold, you have no other way out other than to replace them.

You can also decide to replace the machine after it has become obsolete or damaged beyond repair.

You can hire a heavy machine moving company to help you move the damaged or obsolete machine from the factory to the storage area. The machinery mover will also help bring in the new machine.

To move the machine within the building.

This is known as in-house movement, and it involves moving the heavy machinery from one area to the next, often to create more space or increase efficiency and production.

When you hire the machinery movers, they use the best tools, usually forklifts or air bearings.

To move the heavy machinery across the country.

Sometimes you might be interested in moving your heavy machinery from one factory to another across the country.

While you can buy a completely new machine for the new production line, this isn’t always possible due to limited resources.

Hiring a moving company to move the heavy machinery is much cheaper than buying a new one, which, as you can tell, saves you a lot of money.

When looking to discard the old equipment

While some people store their old machines so that they can use them for parts, others opt to discard their obsolete units altogether.

If this is you, you need to hire a company that will move the heavy machine from your place of work to the area where you want to discard it, usually a scrapyard.

When you are looking to upgrade the machine

For machines to perform at their best, you need to upgrade them. This calls for you to replace the old parts with new ones. You can replace large to small parts depending on the upgrade you want to make.

When looking to upgrade large parts, you may need heavy machinery moving company to help you move the large machine to an area where you can easily work on it.

What should you look for when hiring a machinery moving company?

To get the most from the moving company, you need to hire the right one. What should you consider when hiring?

Experience of the company

How long has the company been around? It’s important to know this as the older the company, the more experienced it is, hence the higher the chances of it providing you an excellent service.

You should work with a company providing heavy machinery moving services for years. This way, you are sure that the company will professionally move your heavy machinery without any hiccups.

Equipment that the company uses

You should know that the equipment the moving company uses to move the heavy machinery influences the speed at which it does it and how safely the process proceeds.

As a rule of thumb, you need to hire a company using the latest equipment. You don’t want to work with a company using old tools that keep breaking down.

Reputation

You don’t want to work with a company with a bad reputation, do you?

Unlike years ago when you could hire an awful company without knowing, things have rapidly changed, and now you can easily find out how reputable a company is, simply by googling the company.

Most people have embraced leaving reviews on various review sites like Facebook, Google, and Yelp.

If you want to know the company’s reputation, you simply need to search for the company name online, and you will find out what the previous customers have to say about it.

You should work with a company with a stellar reputation. The last thing you want is working with heavy equipment movers MD that is a part of a problem, instead of being a solution.

While you should always go for highly reputable companies, you should note that a perfect 5-star record is hard to get, even for the most experienced. If a company has a 4.5-star rating, that’s an excellent company to work with.