Machinery Dolly Moving Equipment

Steerable Machine Skates

From heavy duty construction vehicles to precise manufacturing equipment, workers are almost always in the presence of large and potentially hazardous machinery. According to the Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health, more than 100 people are killed each year by mobile heavy equipment on construction sites. Employees should be the most cautious when the equipment is being moved out of operator control, in danger of rolling over or making unexpected movements in high foot traffic areas. There are a number of suggestions for employers to promote safety, such as allowing only the necessary trained and experienced personnel to operate heavy equipment and ensuring work areas are clean and free of obstructions. Another way to mitigate these risks is to employ a system to make the process of moving machinery easier to facilitate and control.

Usually made from high strength and capacity steel, machinery dolly moving equipment are pieces of equipment temporarily attached to the underside of heavy loads to move them across a smooth surface. They use rollers, wheels or bearings to give workers maximum maneuverability, smooth movement and ultimately greater control over cumbersome industrial machines. These can usually roll right over cracks and pitted areas, lowering the chance of damaging valuable goods. Load bearing top plates grip the object and transfer weight to the rollers, making workers use less power to begin movement by getting rid of axle friction when pushing.

Machinery skates can come in various sizes, shapes and configurations depending on their intended use. It’s important to take an operation’s needs into consideration when selecting the skate to best suit them. Fixed machinery skates are better used for moving equipment in straight lines, adjustable dollies can be fitted for different sized equipment and steerable units feature a swiveling top plate and pull bar to maneuver loads around corners. A company will usually designate an employee as the spotter to watch blind spots and warn others of potential dangers while moving equipment. Nylon wheels can be equipped to prevent marking and streaking of warehouse floors. Load capacities can range anywhere from 2,000 to 30,000 pounds, making them a versatile piece of equipment that can fit a number of industrial or commercial applications.

Easing the burden of workers with a machine skate or two will not only improve workplace efficiency by inspiring worker productivity, but also boost the corporate image of having sophisticated facilities updated with the best possible equipment.