You might have come across different types of mining equipment digging into the earth. They are obviously transported to different locations for the purpose. Both of these tasks are demanding but can be made easier with the use of the right equipment. There may come a time when you need to move your mining machinery from one place to another as well. For heavy machinery moving, you need to be well-prepared and have everything ready for the moving process to go smoothly. This guide will help you in this regard.

What Is Rigging In The Mining Industry?

You must have heard the word rigging multiple times in the mining industry. You may think it has something to do with digging or excavating. Rigging in the mining industry refers to the transportation of mining equipment and any other equipment that needs to be transported to the location for assisting mining.

The rigging process is a huge task. The reason is that the equipment used in the mining industry tends to be extremely heavy and usually requires a team that helps transport the equipment. Plus, the definition of rigging may vary based on the industry but its primary purpose tends to remain the same.

For instance, rigging is also done in the shipping industry. The process here is not too different. Here, you’re dealing with different types of equipment. A common misconception surrounding rigging is that it is only limited to loading and unloading heavy materials.

It goes beyond lifting and shifting with the team navigating and ensuring the transportation process goes smoothly. This is because some routes and destinations can be hard to reach. You might have to go through narrow streets and busy motorways and highways.

Furthermore, some states have strict regulations on moving heavy equipment on public roads. This might require the rigging company to acquire a license and other permits. So, as easy as rigging might seem, there is a lot of risk involved that needs proper calculation and evaluation.

How Do You Transport Mining Equipment?

Moving mining equipment requires multiple stages. In some situations, you might need to think and act quickly to prevent serious situations from taking place. As a general rule of thumb, you should always plan before the actual rigging is supposed to take place.

You need to discuss with your team about what is going to happen next. The biggest complication with rigging processes is unexpected situations popping up. This is what you should plan and be ready for. Before you start signing papers, you will need to take a good look at the route, surroundings, and other relevant factors.

For instance, if the weather forecast says that it will rain or snow for a few days, you will need to hold it. In the meantime, you will need to contact a rigging company and discuss the terms and situation that will be ready to pick up the load once you give them the go-ahead.

Make sure that you consult professional rigging and crane services DC that are certified and experienced in the field of moving heavy equipment. Moreover, they need to have insurance as well so that if something ever goes wrong, the insurance covers the costs and you don’t have to pay for it.

Preparation

After completing the planning phase, you should start preparing for the move. Gather all the documents your transporter is going to need for them to move the equipment. Keep in mind that you will need to survey the route before the equipment can be moved.

Do not rely on the transporter entirely to perform an inspection. You should also take a look and ensure all the safety codes are met. The reason route surveys are important is because there might be situations and obstacles that interfere with or make the rigging process difficult.

For instance, you might have to move through an area that has narrow turns, power lines, and other factors that need to be taken care of. If you think that moving through some routes can be dangerous, you might want to contact the local authorities to block the traffic for a while.

Choosing The Right Trailer

Choosing the right trailer is one of the most important aspects of the rigging process. Because every trailer has different weights and dimensions, you should pick one that meets your needs and preferences. Depending on the situation, you might need a unique rigging setup.

You have to keep in mind that rigging equipment is often oversized and over-dimensional. This can pose a risk during the transportation process. That said, the goal is to choose a trailer that suits the dimensions, weight, and transportation requirements of the mining equipment you are moving.

There are different types of trailers you can choose from. Enclosed box trailers provide extra protection to the rigging equipment by covering them in an enclosed box. This helps prevent damage to the equipment due to water, snow, and other factors.

Hydraulic slide-axle tilt step decks offer extra space for larger loads. Their hydraulic slide axles offer unique advantages. For example, they keep the main cylinder closed to prevent damage. Additionally, you can also choose a standard flatbed that will support a wide range of weights and lengths.

Plus, they also provide easy loading and unloading, making them a popular and versatile option for a variety of loading and unloading tasks.

Secure The Machinery

This is going to be a critical part of the entire moving process. At this point, the transporter will reach the location and start loading the equipment. You will need to let the company take charge but keep an eye on the process. Once the equipment has been loaded, you should perform a personal inspection to ensure everything is locked and loaded.

Before the equipment can be moved, you should discuss and double-check with the team to make sure they are on the same boat as well and follow the safety protocols. You will have to give all your time and focus on this process as even a minor mistake can cost you big time.

Do I Need To Partner With A Professional Company?

If you were planning to transport the equipment on your own using the minor tools and transportation devices you have, you will need to give it a rest. There is a reason professional rigging companies exist and you should entrust them with the task.

The reason is that professional companies go into the nitty-gritty of the process and pay close attention to details. They know where to look and will ensure everything is in place before the equipment can be moved. The service is going to cost you money but it is a sort of investment, keeping you away from serious complications and legal issues.

Conclusion

Transporting mining equipment takes thorough planning and smart decision-making. Although, the information mentioned above will help you, but you need to be mentally prepared each time. Do not hurry the process as it will lead to mistakes. Consider all the possible situations and expect the unexpected. And only hire reliable rigging companies VA. This way, you will be ahead of your time, increasing the success probability of the process.