Construction Guide: Transporting Heavy Machinery
Moving heavy equipment is a complex task that takes some careful planning and consideration. Whether you are transporting large machinery a short distance, to a different city or interstate, you need to ensure that the load reaches its destination safely and without any problems. While there is a lot that can go wrong with transporting heavy machinery, with the right approach, you can ensure safe and smooth transit of the load.
When it comes to transporting heavy equipment, planning is everything. It’s important that you are meticulous in your preparations to ensure that there are no problems prior to departure, during transit or when you reach your destination. From preparing the equipment itself to ensuring you have enough shackles and the right type of vehicle, there are a lot of different aspects to consider when you are transporting heavy machinery. However, with the right plan in place, you can be sure that everything will go according to plan and that your load will be delivered safely to its destination.
Continue reading to learn how you can transport heavy machinery successfully.
Consult The Owner’s Manual
Depending on the type of machinery you are transporting, there may be different best practices for you to follow. Heavy machinery units should be accompanied by an owners manual that should outline how the machine can be transported safely. The manual will advise of any sensitive areas of the machine that require extra care or attention. It should also outline any elements of the machinery that should be dismantled prior to transport. If the owners manual is available, you should search online or contact the equipment manufacturer prior to transport.
Consider Your Route
To ensure that your load reaches its destination on time, it’s crucial that you consider the route carefully. Pay attention to issues that might cause delays or require the driver to take a detour. It’s also wise to check the weather in advance in case the conditions will impact your journey. Finally, be sure to keep in mind that large loads often cannot be carried on certain roads due to height restrictions caused by bridges, power lines and other low-lying obstacles. Be thorough in your route-planning and be sure to include a contingency plan to deal with any potential issues.
Try To Avoid Wide Loads
While in some cases, there is no way to decrease the width of your load, in many other scenarios, it will be possible. Travelling with equipment designated as a wide load typically means that you will need a support vehicle and additional paperwork. What’s more, your route options will be more limited due to the size of the equipment. Remove any elements of the machinery that you can so that it is as compact as possible. This will make the load easier to transport and will allow you more flexibility with your planning.
Proper Loading
As with transporting any load, you need to ensure that it is packed and secured properly. Depending on what type of machinery you are moving, you may need additional chains, ratchet straps and shackles to safely secure the machinery in place for transport. It’s also important to ensure that you load the equipment properly so that the weight is evenly distributed and will not cause any issues en route.
Transport your Heavy Machinery Safely And Successfully
Transporting heavy machinery is not a straightforward task. To ensure you complete your heavy machinery haulage safely and successfully, it’s crucial that you plan out every element of the transportation in advance. With careful and considerate preparation, you can be sure that your heavy machinery will reach its destination safely without any problems.
