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A machine mover is a sturdy contraption used
for transporting heavy machinery from one place to another. Most
machines are too large to be carried by hand, which may result in undue
strain for the workers as well as increase the danger of the machine
falling and getting damaged. A machine mover is commonly seen in most
factories and workshops and can be even used onsite during construction
or road building activities. The machine movers are ideal in tight
locations, where space constraints do not allow usage of larger fork
trucks. The mover is also very handy to have at home, especially in a
ranch or a farmhouse. Most machines need to be handled with care and
any sudden jerk may adversely affect their internal components. The
machine mover ensures that the machine is transported under safe
conditions.
Features and working of a machine mover
Machine movers have varied designs. They can
either be flat roller-like gadgets or they may resemble heavy duty
trolleys. Some machine movers, also called machine rollers, have a low
height and a broad base and are designed with a low center of gravity
to enhance stability even when moving in the fully loaded condition.
The rollers are usually precision ground and made of hardened steel.
These rollers form an endless loop, revolving around a load bearing
plate located at the center of the base. This layout effectively
transfers the weight of the machine mounted on the mover from the load
bearing plate to the rollers. Thus, axle friction is minimized,
enabling the machine to start and move the load using less power. A
swiveling top, with a complete 360 degree range, increases the
maneuverability of the device and enables machines of various shapes
and sizes to be carried. Added stability and secure load placement is
ensured with a spring loaded locking facility spaced at 45 degree
intervals. The dimensions of an average roller are approximately 4
inches x 6 inches x 12 inches, with the roll width being around 4
inches, and the roll diameter ranging between around 0.8 to 2 inches.
Pushable machine movers have a sturdy tubular
frame with swivel castors, permitting multidirectional movement.
Intrinsic hooks are compatible with both LB-1and LB-2 binders. An
average machine mover is around 25 inches wide, 45 inches tall, and 14
inches deep. It has a carrying capacity of around 8000 to 12000 pounds
and a lift height of approximately 6 inches. The ID fork span ranges
from around 5 inches to 20 inches. The mover has approximate 8 inches x
2.5 inches steel, phenolic resin, or urethane wheels. The wheel
movement over the axle is eased with the incorporation of well
lubricated bearings in some machine movers. Additionally, the tires are
designed to increase traction on the ground, preventing any chance of
stalling over a bump or depression. Some movers have chrome plated
steel wheels with rubber cushions for absorbing any vibrations when
rolling. A sturdy screw is built into the device to enable the Level of
the mover to be adjusted.
In order to securely fasten the load to the
mover and prevent spillage, most machine movers have load binding
accessories. Commonly used binders are approximately 12 feet long twin
nylon belts incorporating heavy duty ratchet buckles. Delta rings as
well as E-track hooks ensure foolproof connection between the belt and
the unit. These binders are mandatory for large loads.
What to look for in a machine mover
The design of the base of a machine roller,
with high ground clearance, enables the gadget to smoothly roll over
uneven surfaces, minimizing potential damage to the machine. The roller
is manufactured with low maintenance in mind, requiring only occasional
cleaning and minor re-oiling.
Considering the weight that the machine
movers are required to carry, they are usually rendered with
hand-operated hydraulic jacks, enhancing the lifting capacity and
offering better control when lowering the load. The construction of the
machine mover as well as the weight distribution is judiciously
arranged to increase stability and enable the user to more easily the
mover. The handles of the machine mover are ergonomically contoured
with occasional soft padding to enhance user comfort. Roll and set
leveling castors help to maintain the level of the mover and the load
even over uneven ground. Adjustable forks allow loading of different
sized machines.
Wesco Industrial is one of the reputed manufacturers of
machine movers.
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