Guide to Moving Industrial Mixers

Industrial mixers are far from easy to transport; these machines are heavy, expensive, and require in-depth knowledge to successfully move and set-up. With the right equipment and experience, however, these moves can become realistic. At Sullivan Industrial Services, we have years of experience with specialized rigging and logistics to ensure your industrial mixer is moved efficiently while minimizing damage and machine downtime. Read on as we detail the nuances behind one of these complex moves.

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Planning the Industrial Mixer Move

A move with adequate preparations goes much smoother, especially with large, sensitive equipment like industrial mixers. Evaluating the size and complexity of the particular machine at hand should come at the forefront of prep. Understand features like the machine’s footprint and components that can be disassembled – something we at Sullivan Industrial Services have plenty of experience with. 

Setting a Timeline

Successful moves are able to lay out the timeline for each section of the move. Here is a breakdown of key points in a moving timeline: 

Pre-Move Preparations

The scale of industrial mixers requires the correct moving equipment, which always needs to be secured prior to starting a move. Depending on the size of the mixer, there is different equipment that works best. Smaller mixers can sometimes be effectively moved with a forklift, while larger mixers will require various forms of rigging to smoothly maneuver the machine. 

Preparing the Mixer to Move

Many steps are involved with prepping a mixer to move. First and foremost, all power needs to be disconnected. Then, a thorough cleaning is required to prevent any spillage within transportation. From there, removing pieces that can be disassembled and securing other pieces that could move is a key step to ensure no injuries or damages come from the move.

Logistics and Transportation

Getting the right transportation company can quite literally make or break the operation. Find a partner that understands the nuances of moving heavy industrial mixers. Long-term industry experience is often an indicator of a good service.

Coordinating Move Schedules

Coordinating move schedules is a key piece to a successful move. Having an all-in-one service that can load and transport your mixer can help streamline this process and align schedules easier. Having a dedicated truck and team for your mixer opposed to being a part of a larger operation can make the process much more efficient.

Industrial Mixer Disassembly

Different industrial mixers come with varying levels of complexity. Regardless, this process should occur with extreme caution to avoid any costly damages. Disconnecting wires, removing components, and securing moving pieces are all a part of this process.

Organizing Parts and Components

At the same time, keeping all parts and components organized during travel makes assembly and operation significantly more efficient. Smaller pieces should be bagged and labeled while important connections should be noted and understood.

Packing and Loading Industrial Mixers

Alongside packing and organizing components, adding protection to sensitive, fragile pieces is equally important. Electrical components on a mixer tend to be the most at-risk during a move, so opting for padding, vapor barriers, and other protective shells can make a significant positive impact.

Safe Loading Techniques

Loading an industrial mixer into a truck safely is monumentally important. This includes transportation to the truck, but also how the machine is secured for the duration of transportation. Understanding the machine’s center of gravity is important for finding the right places to tie down. Any rocking or sliding during transportation can be costly.

Installing at New Location

Once at the new location, preparing the particular site for the industrial mixer comes next. This largely includes clearing a path to navigate the machine into position and having the tools ready to safely move the machine once again. With preparations in order, getting your industrial mixer into position becomes much more efficient.

Reassembling the Industrial Mixer

When the final position is reached, reassembling can begin for your mixer. Labeled components can be reconnected while wires are situated. Consulting the user manual is often best practice to ensure everything is installed properly the first time through.

Calibration and Testing Post-Move

Once at the new location, many large machines require recalibration – this is true for industrial mixers as well. Ensure the machine is level and properly set up while consulting technicians and the owner’s manual to ensure all processes get calibrated.

Performing Operational Tasks

After calibration, operational tasks are performed to verify all aspects of the machine are working properly. Before any regular industrial material is tossed in and operations can resume, dry runs are helpful to ensure everything is working, giving confidence to the team moving forward.

Training and Documentation

A new location often means that standard operating procedures are changing. Moves are a great opportunity to update operational logs and maintenance records as well. While helpful to have these updates for staff, they are also required to maintain an OSHA-compliant operation in many instances.

Training Staff on Relocated Machines

Alongside updating the documentation, physically training staff on relocated machines is also a great idea. Keeping users and maintenance on top of any changes/nuances of the new location makes operations significantly smoother moving forward.

We Move Machines & Equipment Across CT & the North East

Sullivan Industrial Services is warehoused in Milford, CT with a second location in Bloomfield, CT, and serves small and large businesses throughout Connecticut and the North East including but not limited to:

Industrial Mixers on the Move with Sullican Industrial Services

Moving industrial mixers is not for the faint of heart. Between complex moving procedures to avoid costly damages and technical calibrations on the backend to ensure a fully functional machine, moving an industrial mixer is stressful to say the least. For the best results, get yourself a trusted name with a wealth of industry experience. At Sullivan Industrial Services, you can rest easy knowing your machine is in good hands. From move to install, Sullivan Industrial Services has you covered! Call or go online today to get your move on the calendar.