Industries including construction and plant relocation require workers to move heavy machinery. No matter the moving distance, minor mistakes can lead to costly delays, damaged equipment, or serious workplace accidents.
Due to the numerous risks involved with this task, it’s essential to plan ahead and follow the proper procedures. ARS Contracting can help you avoid some of the common errors teams make during this process by providing the information for a successful relocation. Read the ten mistakes to avoid when moving machinery, so you can create a safe, efficient moving process.
1. Failing To Assess the Equipment Properly
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for moving machinery. Conduct a detailed assessment and inspection of the equipment.
Check the item’s weight, size, and center of gravity. This information can help you figure out what equipment you need and which techniques are the best for relocation. You should also consider details like attachment points, fragile components, or any custom parts that may have an impact throughout the move.
2. Neglecting Detailed Planning
One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to create a detailed plan. Lack of proper planning can lead to missed deadlines, misallocated resources, and operational disruptions. You need to have an outline in advance for every aspect of the process, from assessing the route to coordinating moving teams and equipment.
You should also lay out a clear timeline with responsibilities for every team member. This stage also allows you to check for potential risks and create fail safes. Rushing a plan or failing to account for the right details may result in unfavorable outcomes.
3. Relying on Improper Tools and Equipment
Attempting to move heavy machinery without a comprehensive set of tools and equipment is likely to result in accidents, like injuring workers or damaging the machinery.
Using standard forklifts to lift oversized or unusually shaped machinery can compromise safety. Managers need to make sure that they have the right equipment for the job and that it’s in working condition. Test that it can handle the weight and design of the machinery that you plan to move.
4. Skipping Route Surveys
No matter how short the transport route is, survey the route ahead of time to check for issues like tight corners, uneven surfaces, low ceilings, or unstable flooring. Unfamiliarity with the route greatly increases the risk of injury or damage. A proper route survey gives the team a chance to identify possible challenges.
5. Underestimating the Importance of Skilled Labor
Not every worker has the proper training to conduct heavy machinery relocation. Assigning untrained or unqualified team members can lead to serious problems.
Miscommunication, mishandling of equipment, and a lack of safety knowledge are just a few of the risks that come with having an untrained team on the job. Make sure that everybody involved in the relocation has the correct credentials and understands their responsibilities. This not only minimizes risks but helps streamline the entire operation.
6. Overlooking Safety Precautions
One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when moving machinery is neglecting safety precautions. Some team members, especially ones who have experience working on similar projects, become overconfident. They might ignore some of the basic safety protocols to complete the job quickly.
Ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and conducting proper risk assessments will help prevent these issues. Always follow the necessary safety steps, like wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to load limits. These simple steps are necessary, as they reduce the risk of serious accidents.
7. Ignoring Regulatory Requirements
Moving equipment involves adhering to general safety and legal standards. You need to pay attention to regulations, acquire necessary permits, and understand all compliance standards. Failing to secure necessary permits or ignoring weight limit restrictions for transportation can lead to legal complications and fines.
Many of these requirements vary depending on the location, the type of machinery you’re moving, and the route in which you’re moving them. Make sure you understand all applicable rules for each job. Neglecting this step can disrupt the entire relocation process and cause unnecessary penalties.
8. Failing To Secure Machinery Properly
Did you know that properly securing your equipment is one of the best ways to prevent accidents during transport? Machinery can experience vibrations, heavy turns, or sudden stops during transport, causing them to shift.
Using the correct restraints—like tie-down straps, chains, or braces—ensures that the machinery remains stable during the move. Professionals should securely tighten all forms of restraint and conduct a thorough inspection before starting the transport process.
9. Disregarding Post-Move Inspections
The job isn’t complete just because the physical transport is over. Your team should take a moment to conduct a post-move inspection to check for any issues.
Did any loose pieces fall off or shift during the move? Is the equipment in working order? You may have some minor damage that isn’t immediately visible.
Nevertheless, it’s worth inspecting the entire machine, so that you can fix any issues promptly. Skipping this inspection can result in delayed operations or further damage down the line. A short but thorough inspection allows you to use the equipment and resume operations as soon as possible.
10. Miscalculating Timelines and Costs
Poorly estimating the time and cost involved in moving machinery is another common error. Underestimating timelines can disrupt operations, lead to additional expenses, and cause you to overlook hidden costs like permits, labor, or equipment fees.
To prevent a strained budget, it’s a good idea to calculate the expected costs and create a timeline as soon as possible. Factoring in potential contingencies helps managers stay on track while avoiding other common risks.
Machinery relocation is an intricate task, but it can go smoothly by avoiding these common mistakes. The key to success lies in prioritizing safety, detailed planning, and leveraging the expertise of trained professionals.
For a seamless and stress-free machinery move, trust ARS Contracting’s expert plant relocation services. Our experienced team can deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions that suit your project’s specific needs. Contact ARS Contracting today to execute your next relocation project with precision and thorough preparation.
