Moving heavy equipment can often be a strenuous task, even for a small scale business. It can take a lot of people and a lot of work to move the equipment.

So, if you are planning to move your business to a new location and this move involves shifting heavy equipment, you must be prepared with smart options, i.e. tools and resources.

Luckily, some tools can make these jobs easier. The saying work smarter, not harder definitely applies to this scenario. You have to be smart when moving heavy equipment to make the task as easy as possible.

Here are nine things you need to do if you are planning to move heavy equipment.

1- A Forklift

Forklifts are crucial for moving large and bulky items. Forklifts are not used to move heavy equipment to new locations. Forklifts move heavy objects from one area to another within a small space, most likely in the same building or same lot.

Forklifts can also pick up objects to place them in trucks that will then take them somewhere else. Forklifts use their long forks to pick up objects and lift them. Since they are skinny and agile, they are excellent at operating in tight spaces. Go to A&A Machinery to learn more about machine moving.

Most forklifts are skinny, but provide a lot of power. That is how they can lift heavy objects and maneuver around to relocate those objects. Forklifts have to be operated and controlled by someone manually, preferably someone trained and capable of using a forklift to the best of its ability.

A popular option for renting forklifts is through Komatsu forklift rental services. These rentals offer the advantage of having a skilled operator included in the rental fee, ensuring safe and efficient forklift use. Its slender build and impressive strength make it ideal for navigating tight spaces and lifting heavy loads.

2- Roller Skids

Roller skids are very similar to skates, except for one big difference. The one difference is that the skids provide bolts for the heavy equipment, whereas the skates do not. If you’re using skates to move unbalanced equipment, there is a chance that the material will fall off the skates. If the equipment is balanced well, there is no risk in using skates.

Skids are a great asset if you need to move large unbalanced objects. Skids allow you to attach to the equipment, making sure nothing falls off during the transportation. You can use a forklift to lift the machines, then attach the skids underneath.

3- Lift Buddy

A lift buddy is a tool that allows you to lift a heavy object on your own. While the equipment is being raised, you can place skates or roller skids under it.

4- Skates

Wheels make moving any items more comfortable. When you have wheels, you do not need to carry, all you have to do is push or let a machine push for you. Skates are exactly what they sound like. Skates are a rectangular board with a wheel at each corner. This allows for easy transportation and control. You place the skates under the heavy machinery and appliances and then glide them across the surface using the skates.

There are two types of wheels you can use for the skates. You can use the classic cylinder-shaped wheels, or you can use spherical wheels. Cylinder wheels are useful if you need to push straight and need more control and balance. Sphere-shaped wheels are better if you need to maneuver the skates in different directions. Since they are shaped like balls, they can move quickly in different directions.

5- Toe Jacks

Toe jacks are the alternative if you do not have access to a forklift. Toe jacks are used to lift equipment so that skates or roller skids can be placed and attached underneath.

The toe jack is more durable than the lift buddy and operates a little differently. A toe jack acts like a car jack, by using a hydraulic lever to do the lifting. Some toe jacks can help position equipment more precisely by using a swivel feature. Some toe jacks can lift to 60 tons. Even though the toe jacks are very strong, you may need to use more than one of them to get the job done.

6- Air Bearings

Bearings are more commonly used when lifting hefty equipment. This is equipment that would be labeled in tons rather than pounds. The air bearings are positioned under the material after being filled up by an air compressor. Because of the steady airflow, the equipment is floated across the floor. Air bearings are used to move items a couple of feet or yards, not miles or kilometers. Air bearings work especially well with items uneven in weight.

7- Hand Truck Dollies

Hand truck dollies are simple as they normally only need one person to operate it. Sometimes, two people will be used, but only to get the equipment on to the Dollie. Once the equipment is on the Dollie, it only requires one person to push and steel it. A Dollie should be used on equipment that is not too overlarge, as a Dollie is not super big, and can only hold a limited amount of weight. There are several different types of dollies that are all used to move different kinds of equipment.

8- Moving Truck

Moving trucks are crucial if you are planning to move equipment over a wide range of areas. Moving trucks are used to transport items that are too big or heavy to be moved by a forklift or Dollie.

The moving truck is also used if you need to move equipment from one site to another since other ways of transportation can’t go that far.

9- Lifting Straps

Lifting straps are exactly what they sound like. They are a harness that attaches to the equipment you are trying to move. Depending on what is being moved, two people can move it with the assistance of the lifting straps. There are many forms of this tool, but the most common type being a simple two strap harness with adjustable ends. The two people wear straps around their shoulders or forearms that connect to the object and the other person wearing the harness.

Lifting straps help to take the pressure off the back. Everyone who lifts heavy objects knows that it can cause a lot of strain on the back, and a lifting strap helps to prevent this. There will also be much more stability when using a lifting strap. Most lifting straps are capable of holding up to 700 pounds.

There are many ways to move equipment, and choosing which way comes down to where you are moving it and how heavy it is.