How to Transport Heavy Equipment Safely
Are you relocating your business? Heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, forklifts, and boom lifts, are expensive investments. That’s why it’s important to transport them safely.
A well-designed transportation system can help protect not only your heavy equipment investment but also your safety. The correct tools and materials will make the job easier and significantly reduce the risk of damage during shipment. Keep in mind that transporting heavy equipment, including rigging machinery, requires knowledge of commercial trucking and rail transportation regulations.
When you transport heavy equipment by truck, special concerns arise. For instance, if the load on the truck sways too much or if the securement methods aren’t properly used, severe injury and even death could result in people nearby and those on-board.
Consider the following tips for doing it right:
1. Inspect Your Vehicle Before Attaching a Load
Before attaching a load to any trailer, make sure everything looks good underneath. The frame should appear straight and free from any major damages or holes. Be aware of cracks in the frame or a bent wheel. It may seem like a small detail, but it could cause the entire vehicle to fail and lead to an accident.
Many truckers make a common mistake in attaching a piece or two of equipment that isn’t secure or safe enough. If there’s a part not correctly attached, it will most likely fall off during transport and cause a major accident.
In addition, make sure all of your lighting systems are working as they should be. You need to have headlights and taillights that keep you visible on the road at all times. When heavy equipment is attached to your vehicle, it can decrease visibility. It can be hard for other drivers to see you at night-time or in foggy weather, so having good lights is essential when carrying a load.
2. Avoid Overloading Your Load
Vehicles need adequate space on the road, so tires don’t get stuck or slip off the pavement. If there’s too much weight on your trailer, it will be difficult to control if something goes wrong. That’s why it’s always safe not to overload at all because you could end up being injured.
Before you attach your load, put everything evenly on the truck. If you have too much weight or your balance point leans to one side, it will be difficult for you to drive properly. It can even lead to an accident and serious damage to both people and property nearby.
3. Protect Your Load from the Elements
If you’re transporting heavy equipment through harsh weather, make sure there’s adequate protection for it while it’s on your truck. Snow and rain cause corrosion if they get on equipment that isn’t covered up properly. Also, a strong wind can blow things off your truck, resulting in a serious accident. If you protect your load during transport, you’ll have peace of mind knowing everything will be in good condition once you arrive at your destination.
4. Follow All Local Regulations for Transporting Heavy Equipment
In most areas of Canada, there are strict rules that regulate how heavy equipment can be transported from one place to another. Some provinces may even have different laws from city to city, so you need to check with your local municipality before moving any cargo through their region. If you don’t follow the law and cause a major accident, you could end up with serious charges and endangering lives.
5. Watch Your Speed in the Rain
Driving too fast on wet roads can make you lose control of your vehicle. If you are going 55 km/hour, try to maintain 45 km/hour when it’s wet out. Following this rule prevents accidents and keeps everyone around safe at all times.
6. Protect Yourself with Professional Equipment
When carrying heavy equipment through harsh weather or over long distances, it’s essential to wear proper clothing that protects against harsh elements. You’ll also want high-quality gloves to reduce the dangers of cuts or scrapes. To protect yourself from any debris that could happen during transport, you should also wear a protective mask and proper footwear.
Keep in Mind
When it comes to transporting heavy equipment of any kind on your truck, using high-quality chains and rope is essential. If the chain breaks during transport, it could lead to serious injuries and even cause an accident on the road that puts everyone around at risk. You need to replace your ropes every 2-3 years because they start wearing down over time.
If you think these are too much to handle, along with the stress of your moving, consider hiring professional movers like Matcom. You can visit their website for more information about their services and see how it works.