How Heavy Machinery Transport Is Done & What Tools Are Used

Heavy Equipment Moving: How It Is Done & What Tools Are Used?

Moving heavy equipment is a specialized task that requires extensive planning, proper equipment, trained personnel, and adherence to safety protocols. At Bestcare Movers, we have years of experience relocating industrial machinery, construction equipment, and other heavy assets across Nairobi and throughout Kenya. In this article, we'll take you behind the scenes of heavy equipment moving operations to understand the processes and specialized tools involved.

Understanding Heavy Equipment Moving

Heavy equipment moving involves the relocation of large, bulky, and weighty machinery such as:

• Construction equipment (excavators, bulldozers, cranes)
• Manufacturing machinery
• Medical equipment (MRI machines, CT scanners)
• Industrial boilers and generators
• Agricultural equipment
• Printing presses
• CNC machines and metalworking equipment

These items often weigh several tons and require specialized handling techniques that go far beyond standard moving services. The process demands meticulous planning, risk assessment, and precise execution.

The Planning Phase

Site Assessment

Before any heavy equipment move begins, our team conducts comprehensive site assessments at both the origin and destination locations. We evaluate:

• Available access points and doorways
• Floor load capacities
• Elevator specifications and weight limits
• Potential obstacles and clearance issues
• Power requirements for equipment setup

Equipment Evaluation

Each piece of machinery requires individual assessment to determine:

• Exact dimensions and weight
• Center of gravity
• Attachment/anchor points
• Fragile components requiring special protection
• Manufacturer's recommendations for transport

Route Planning

For large machinery, the transportation route must be carefully planned considering:

• Road width and conditions
• Bridge weight restrictions
• Height clearances for underpasses
• Traffic patterns and restrictions
• Permit requirements for oversized loads

Specialized Tools and Equipment

Moving heavy machinery requires specialized tools designed to safely handle extreme weights. Here's an overview of the essential equipment in our heavy-moving arsenal:

Lifting Equipment

Forklifts

• Industrial forklifts with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 pounds
• Extended forks for larger equipment
• Various attachments for specialized lifting needs

Cranes

• Mobile cranes for outdoor lifting operations
• Gantry cranes for indoor movements
• Boom lifts for accessing elevated equipment

Jacks and Hoists

• Hydraulic jacks capable of precise lifting
• Chain hoists for controlled vertical movement
• Pneumatic lifting bags for positioning in tight spaces

Transport Equipment

Dollies and Skates

• Machine skates (capacity up to 40 tons per skate)
• Hydraulic dollies with steering capabilities
• Roller systems for controlled movement

Trailers

• Lowboy trailers with minimal deck height
• Multi-axle trailers for distributing weight
• Extendable trailers for oversized equipment
• Drop-deck trailers for tall machinery

Trucks

• Heavy-duty prime movers
• Specialized rigging trucks with built-in cranes
• Air-ride suspension vehicles for sensitive equipment

Securing and Protection Tools

Rigging Equipment

• Wire rope slings in various configurations
• Synthetic web slings for delicate surfaces
• Chains and binders rated for heavy loads
• Shackles, eyebolts, and rigging hardware

Protective Materials

• Custom-built crates for sensitive components
• Industrial shrink wrap
• Anti-shock padding
• Moisture barriers and desiccants
• Corrosion inhibitors for long-distance moves

The Moving Process: Step by Step

1. Preparation and Disconnection

Before moving any heavy equipment, our team:

• Documents the equipment's current setup with photos and diagrams
• Labels all connections and components
• Disconnects utilities (power, water, compressed air)
• Drains fluids and removes hazardous materials
• Secures or removes loose components

2. Equipment Dismantling (When Necessary)

Some machinery must be partially disassembled for transport:

• Removal of protruding components
• Separation of modular sections
• Careful labeling of all parts and fasteners
• Organization of components for reassembly

3. Rigging and Lifting

This critical phase involves:

• Calculating proper lifting points to maintain balance
• Attaching slings and rigging hardware
• Using spreader bars to distribute weight evenly
• Performing controlled, incremental lifts
• Continuous monitoring during the lifting process

4. Transport Positioning

Once lifted, machinery is:

• Precisely positioned onto transport equipment
• Secured with chains, straps, and blocking
• Protected from movement and vibration
• Covered for weather protection when necessary

5. Building Exit Strategy

Removing equipment from buildings often requires:

• Temporary ramp construction
• Doorway widening (in some cases)
• Floor protection using steel plates
• Specialized rigging for stairwells or tight corners

6. Transportation

During the journey, our team ensures:

• Proper weight distribution
• Secure load restraints
• Compliance with all transportation regulations
• Escort vehicles for oversized loads
• Real-time monitoring of valuable equipment

7. Placement and Reinstallation

At the destination, we:

• Position equipment precisely according to specifications
• Level and anchor the machinery
• Assist with reconnection of utilities
• Support initial testing and calibration

Safety Protocols and Best Practices

At Bestcare Movers, safety is paramount during heavy equipment relocation. Our standard protocols include:

• Comprehensive risk assessment before every move
• Daily equipment inspections
• Team briefings before critical operations
• Continuous communication during lifts
• Backup systems for all critical equipment
• Load testing before full lifting operations
• Clear zones marked around lifting areas
• Certified rigging specialists on every project

Challenges and Solutions in Heavy Equipment Moving

Limited Access Situations

When doorways or elevators cannot accommodate equipment, we employ:

• Building partial wall removal and reconstruction
• Crane lifting through windows or roof openings
• Equipment disassembly to component level
• Custom rigging solutions for unusual spaces

Floor Loading Concerns

For heavy equipment on upper floors:

• Structural engineering reviews
• Load spreading using steel plates
• Temporary support structures
• Weight distribution calculations

Sensitive Equipment Protection

For calibrated or precision machinery:

• Vibration isolation during transport
• Climate-controlled transport options
• Custom crating with shock absorption
• Tilt indicators and impact monitors

Case Study: Industrial Printing Press Relocation

One of our most challenging projects involved relocating a 15-ton printing press from a facility in Nairobi's industrial area to a new location in Mombasa. The project required:

1. Partial disassembly of non-critical components
2. Construction of a temporary steel track system
3. Use of synchronized hydraulic jacks to maintain perfect balance
4. Custom-built support cradle for highway transport
5. Police escort for the oversized load
6. Precision placement with millimeter accuracy at the destination

The entire operation was completed within 72 hours, minimizing production downtime for our client.

Why Choose Professional Heavy Equipment Movers?

Moving heavy industrial equipment is not simply a matter of scale – it requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and experience. Professional movers like Bestcare Movers offer:

• Proper insurance coverage for high-value equipment
• Risk mitigation expertise
• Efficiency that minimizes downtime
• Compliance with transportation regulations
• Specialized tools not available to general movers
• Experience with similar equipment and challenges

Planning Your Heavy Equipment Move

If your business needs to relocate heavy machinery or industrial equipment, we recommend:

1. Contact specialized movers like Bestcare Movers early in the planning process
2. Provide detailed equipment specifications and requirements
3. Allow adequate time for planning and preparation
4. Consider the total cost of downtime when scheduling
5. Ensure proper insurance coverage for the move
6. Prepare your team for the equipment transition

Heavy equipment moving is a complex, specialized field that combines engineering knowledge, specialized tools, and experienced personnel. At Bestcare Movers, we've developed comprehensive systems and invested in the proper equipment to handle Kenya's most challenging industrial relocations.

Whether you're moving a single piece of heavy machinery or relocating an entire manufacturing facility, understanding the tools, techniques, and planning involved helps you better prepare for a successful transition.

For more information about our heavy equipment moving services, contact Bestcare Movers at 0722566999 or email us at info@bestcaremovers.co.ke.

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Bestcare Movers - Kenya's Specialists in Heavy Equipment Relocation