How to Move a Vertical Milling Machine
Transporting your vertical milling machine is no simple task. At thousands of pounds, your machine will need to be moved with the utmost care. You need to obtain the right tools, take the necessary precautions and secure your machine correctly. When in doubt, it’s best to call the equipment transportation professionals to get the job done safely.
How a Vertical Milling Machine Is Designed
A vertical milling machine has several parts, and having a general understanding of these components is critical to transporting the machine safely.
A typical vertical milling machine has a rectangular base. A column is located on one side of the base and stands upright. It holds the ram and head. The ram is the arm of the machine, which runs parallel to the base. The ram is essential during the moving process because your fork will rely on the ram to hold the machine’s weight when lifted.
The Dangers of Transporting a Vertical Milling Machine
A typical vertical milling machine weighs about 2,000 pounds, if not more. Taking the necessary precautions ensures the equipment stays free from damage and people in the area stay safe.
Make sure to remove any handles and small pieces, which could be easily damaged if the machine were to fall or endure a bumpy ride. The machine must also be loaded correctly. A lack of protection between the forks and the ram can create friction, damaging the equipment. Even worse, a machine loaded without straps or timbers could fall and break. Once you have loaded the machine onto the forks, clear the path that the forklift takes. If the machine or pieces of it were to fall, you want to keep your workers out of harm’s way.
How to Move a Vertical Milling Machine Safely
The safest way to move your machine is by approaching it from the side, then follow these steps:
- Move your fork toward the machine, widening the forks to fit around the column.
- The forks should extend past the ram.
- Set rubber, cardboard or wood pads on the parts of the forks that are under the ram. These items will reduce friction, limiting the possibility of the machine moving during the lift or transport.
- Place wooden timbers on the back of the forks so the ram does not slide backward.
- One last measure of security is a cargo strap. Tie this strap around the milling machine, and secure it to the forklift’s mast so that the machine does not slip off.
Contact Equip Trucking & Warehousing, LLC to Move Your Machinery
Moving a vertical milling machine is tricky. If you are looking for a safe way to move your equipment, contact Equip Trucking & Warehousing, LLC. We have years of experience and always handle heavy equipment with the care it deserves. Don’t take on the burden of moving your vertical milling machine — let us move, transport and store your equipment for your safety and peace of mind.
Give us a call today at 610-521-8527 or fill out our contact form to learn more.