Tips For Moving Heavy Construction Equipment
If you are relocating your construction company, you will likely have some heavy equipment that needs to be transported. This is a big job that you should never rush through or not prepare for. It takes securing the equipment and knowing what vehicle to use in order to transport heavy equipment properly. Here are some tips to help get you started.
Use the Right Vehicle
One of the most important factors to safely transporting heavy construction equipment is using the right vehicle. A moving trailer might be good if the equipment is on the smaller size or if you aren't moving it very far. You might only be moving to the town over, which takes an hour or less. In this case, a trailer should be good enough, as long as it is properly secured to your truck and you have made sure you checked the load weight. For heavier loads and transporting long distances, an extendable trailer is a better choice. These can be extended for moving multiple types of equipment at one time or equipment with long columns, such as cranes.
Check the Equipment Before Loading it
This is something that many people forget to do, assuming as long as it is secure, it will be fine during transport. However, if you don't check the equipment thoroughly, you might end up with parts or components that are lost during the trip. Walk around the equipment before loading it onto the trailer, making sure it is in good condition. Look for cracks or signs of damage that could signal a component that might crack during transport or even fall off. This is not only inconvenient, but it can be a hazard if it falls on the road and causes an accident. Be sure tires, mechanisms, and components are all secure and in good condition.
Secure the Equipment Properly
Once the heavy construction equipment is loaded onto the trailer, make sure it is secured properly. Even if it is a flatbed trailer with a gate in the back, that is not enough to secure it. The equipment might roll around on the trailer and even fall off the sides or cause damage to other equipment it is travelling with if you don't secure it. Not only should you use quality tie-downs for heavy equipment, but check the load capacity for the tie-downs. Choose enough that support the amount of weight that particular equipment is carrying, otherwise they aren't going to be strong enough.
Consult a professional heavy hauling company if you don't feel comfortable moving the construction equipment yourself.