07 Oct 2021

MACHINE MOVING SKATES: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

In industries that deal with machine manufacturing and lifting equipment, employees are often required to move machines or make adjustments to the positioning of machinery. A machine moving skate is an ideal solution for businesses that need to do this on a regular basis which is why we wanted to give you a detailed overview of what they are, how they are used, the different types and the advantages you can get from using skates for moving heavy objects.

What we don't cover in this article is how these products can help your business specifically. At Lifting Equipment Store (LES), we always aim to ensure our customers can make the most informed and detailed decision.

If by the end of the article you're wondering if this is the correct heavy load transport solution for your business or not, please contact an experienced member of the LES team where we can discuss your bespoke requirements.

WHAT ARE MACHINE MOVING SKATES?

Machine moving skates are specialised platforms on wheels that are designed to aid in the transportation of large loads, heavy machinery and equipment. By allowing objects to be controlled and rolled across flat surfaces, this lifting equipment greatly reduces the effort exerted through manual handling.

Skates for moving heavy machines are commonly found in factories, warehouses and various industrial applications, either for relocation projects or general movement.

HOW DO MACHINE MOVING SKATES WORK?

Machine moving skates work by supporting heavy equipment on low-profile wheeled platforms, allowing loads to be moved safely with reduced effort. Used alongside lifting equipment such as toe jacks, they help transport machinery across suitable surfaces.

LIFTING THE LOAD

Before positioning skates, the equipment must be raised using a toe jack or similar lifting device. Once lifted, skates are placed beneath the load at designated points. Correct weight distribution is essential to prevent instability, ensuring the machinery remains balanced throughout the move.

MOVING THE LOAD

Steering bars allow operators to guide machinery accurately while maintaining controlled movement. Stability should be monitored continuously to avoid shifting loads. Machine moving skates perform best on smooth, level surfaces, so floor conditions, gradients and obstacles must always be assessed before transport begins.

POSITIONING AND REMOVAL

Once the equipment reaches its destination, lower it carefully into position using the lifting equipment. Remove the skates only after the load is fully supported.

Process: lift the load, position skates, move carefully, lower securely, then remove skates and inspect positioning.

LES Single Machine Moving Skate LES - Lifting Equipment Store

BENEFITS OF USING SKATES FOR MOVING HEAVY OBJECTS

MOVE HEAVY LOADS WITH LESS EFFORT

Skates for moving heavy objects and loads significantly reduce the manual effort in any workplace transportation. By allowing loads to roll smoothly, they make moving large items easier and in a far more efficient manner.

IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY

Using machine moving skates greatly reduces the risk of injuries associated with lifting and handling heavy loads. Thanks to their stable design, workers will benefit from impeccable control and safer transportation of machinery and equipment.

SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS

Machine moving skates are used to transport machinery, industrial equipment, containers and other heavy objects. They are available in various load capacities and configurations to suit different applications.

GREATER CONTROL AND MANEUVRABILITY

These skates provide improved control when positioning heavy loads. Their design allows operators to manoeuvre equipment more accurately, making them ideal for confined spaces and complex movements.

PROTECT FLOORS AND EQUIPMENT

By distributing weight more evenly, machine moving skates help reduce pressure on floor surfaces. This minimises the risk of damage to both the flooring and the equipment being moved.

SCALABLE FOR DIFFERENT LOAD SIZES

Machine moving skates are suitable for both small and large machinery moves. Multiple skates can be used together to create larger load-moving systems for heavier equipment.

SAFETY TIPS FOR USING MACHINE MOVING SKATES

CHECK LOAD CAPACITY

Be sure to verify the weight of the load you are looking to move and that it is within the moving skates' rated capacity before moving it. This is why selecting the right skate for your needs is crucial.

INSPECT THE ROUTE

Carefully inspect the planned route before moving any equipment. Check for uneven surfaces, obstacles, slopes and gradients that could affect stability or create hazards during transportation.

USE THE CORRECT SUPPORTING EQUIPMENT

Skates for moving heavy objects should be used in conjunction with suitable equipment like toe jacks, roller crow bars and steering handles. Using the correct tools while moving heavy equipment improves efficiency, safety and control.

ENSURE EVEN WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

As with any kind of lifting equipment, the load should be evenly distributed across all skates to maintain balance and stability. Proper weight distribution helps prevent tipping, improves control and reduces strain on equipment.

LES Machine Moving Skate Kit LES - Lifting Equipment Store

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MACHINE MOVING SKATE

The ideal skates for moving heavy objects depend on several factors like the weight limit, size, working environment and type of load being moved. Different systems are designed for specific applications, from relocating machinery to precision positioning.

FOR GENERAL MACHINERY MOVES

General-purpose machine moving skates are ideal for relocating machinery within factories, workshops and warehouses. Complete skate kits and load-moving systems provide a practical solution for transporting industrial equipment safely and efficiently. These systems are commonly used for routine machinery installations, maintenance projects and internal equipment relocations.

FOR HEAVY-DUTY INDUSTRIAL LOADS

Some heavy-duty skate systems have been designed with the capabilities of moving loads of several tonnes or more. They are commonly used for manufacturing machinery, large-scale industrial installation, relocation and moving production equipment.

FOR PRECISION POSITIONING AND TIGHT SPACES

Steerable and adjustable skates for moving heavy machinery offer greater control when navigating restricted areas or positioning equipment accurately. Their enhanced manoeuvrability makes them suitable for installations where machinery must be aligned precisely, helping operators move heavy loads safely in complex working environments.

FOR CONTAINERS AND SPECIALIST LOADS

Then there are the container-moving and caterpillar skate systems which have been designed for transporting oversized, unusually shaped or other specialist loads. These lifting solutions are commonly used for moving shipping containers, large industrial components and equipment that require additional support, stability or flexibility during transportation and positioning.

FOR FURNITURE AND LIGHTER EQUIPMENT

Furniture movers and furniture trolleys are stable lifting systems that are suitable for transporting bulky but fairly lightweight items. The most common applications of this lifting system are in offices, workshops and other commercial environments that need an efficient way of moving cabinets, workstations, equipment and more.

For more guidance on which skates for moving heavy objects will be best suited to your needs, seek advice from the experts. Here at Lifting Equipment Store, we have long been the UK’s leading provider in material handling equipment. For over a decade we have supported more than 5,000 UK businesses, you could be next.

FAQs

HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN MACHINE MOVING SKATES CARRY?

Total capacity of any piece of lifting equipment depends on the model and what the manufacturer deems is a tested maximum weight. Some smaller systems can handle general furniture from a few tonnes to tens of tonnes.

ARE MACHINE MOVING SKATES SAFE?

Yes, machine moving skates are safe when used correctly in line with safe working practices and within their rated load capacity. Proper setup, even weight distribution, route planning and the use of suitable supporting equipment are essential for safe operation.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS USED WITH MACHINE MOVING SKATES?

Skates for moving heavy objects are commonly used alongside toe jacks, roller crow bars and steering bars. These tools help lift, position and guide heavy loads safely, improving control and efficiency throughout the moving process.