Moving heavy plant machinery can be a dangerous and complex job if it is not done correctly. Without the right skills and training in place, as well as the right equipment, it could be a costly task. A lot of individuals suffer from accidents or even mortality as a result of moving machines, when health and safety is not fully considered on site.
Let’s take a look at the types of plant machinery that may need additional training to move, as well as used construction equipment for sale at International Plant Sales.
HEAVY PLANT MACHINERY THAT WILL NEED MOVING
Excavators
Excavators can be considered as heavy plant machinery depending on the size of the digger. If a mini digger such as a Komatsu PC26 was being transported, it would be quite a simple task. However, if a Komatsu PC360 or even a long reach excavator needed to be moved this would be a considerable weight increase.
Rollers
As the name suggests rollers are used to roll out and flatten materials. They are great at compacting areas and smoothing out surfaces, for example roads and pathways. Rollers are often used in the post construction stages of a project. Due to the weight of the roller drums, they are incredibly heavy, and can cause damage if not moved correctly. There are various types of rollers available including:
- Smooth wheeled rollers
- Pneumatic rollers
- Grid rollers
- Sheepsfoot rollers
- Vibratory rollers, also known as Tandem Rollers
Backhoe Loaders
The most versatile type of heavy plant machinery, backhoe loaders. If a project requires digging, lifting, loading and even breaking asphalt, then a backhoe loader is the perfect machine for the job.
Backhoe loaders were originally designed with a tractor in mind. The design was adapted to include the use of a front loader, backhoe and still provide the same amount of traction with the durable tyres.
So what should you consider when plant machinery needs to be moved?
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN MOVING HEAVY PLANT MACHINERY
If you’re looking to move heavy plant machinery, whether that be around the construction site or loading it up for transport, we have a few tips for you.
Plan
Planning is important when thinking about transporting machines in particular. If you’ve recently purchased second hand diggers or other construction equipment, it is vital that you plan how to transport them, and how as soon as you can. Where is your final destination? Is it outside of the UK or overseas? What mode of shipping or transport will you need?
There are plenty of scenarios to consider, and the sooner you think about them, the simpler the task at hand will be.
Budget
Finally, most importantly the budget will need to be considered. Budget can cover a multitude of tasks including but not limited to:
- How much it would cost to ship your machines
- If an experienced operator is needed to unload on site
- Buying the machine itself
- Any additional costs such as insurance etc
Certain skills are required to safely unload plant equipment, so be sure to include this in your budget. An alternative option is to invest in plant training courses that would be ideal in this situation.
PLANT TRAINING COURSES FOR MOVING CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Our sister company, the Diggerland Plant Training School can offer a variety of construction courses to suit individuals or even companies. Based in Kent, they can offer courses to companies or operators in Kent, London and the South East. They can also operate in Devon, Durham and Yorkshire at the other Diggerland parks. If you have your own site and facilities, they can even send their skilled instructors to you.
In this particular scenario, the following courses may be beneficial to book onto:
- Plant Loader Securer
- Plant Mover
- Construction Site Supervisor
- Construction Site Manager
- Emergency first aid at work
Give the team a call to book on: 01634 295355 or email them. They would be happy to assist if you have any questions.
LOOKING TO BUY USED PLANT MACHINERY?
When you buy any of our used plant machinery from International Plant Sales you will benefit from:
Low Hours
All of our used plant equipment was originally purchased for either Diggerland or H.E. SERVICES (Plant Hire) Ltd. They are then replaced after 3 years to ensure the best up to date machines are available. Therefore guaranteeing customers with low hour plant machinery.
Warranty
All of our machines include a warranty on all major components. All of our customers will have peace of mind knowing that should anything happen, then you will be able to contact us.
Worldwide Shipping
Our aim is to sell used plant machinery to the global market. Whether you are based in the UK or overseas we can provide you with a quote for international delivery. Leave the shipping to us and sit back and wait for your machines to be delivered.
CONTACT THE IPS TEAM
Speak to the International Plant Sales team today if you’re looking to invest in any quality used construction equipment. We would be happy to assist you if you’re looking for a specific type of size of machine. Our customers are welcome to visit our head office to view the machines if they are local. Alternatively we can offer virtual tours, and send over extra photos and videos if required.
Call the team on: 01634 779123 or email us. We look forward to hearing from you.
All information correct as of: 14th April 2021.
