Have you ever toured a major manufacturing plant and wondered how all those machines, some the size of small homes, got into the building in the first place? Maybe not. However, the professionals at Hevi-Haul spend a lot of time thinking about just that, as there’s a good chance their products played a critical role in getting those machines, equipment, and even entire buildings where they needed to be. 

Why You Need Heavy Duty Moving Skates 

Heavy-duty machinery moving skates are the star of every heavy equipment moving project. These durable, sturdy devices make moving even the most improbable objects possible. And while the technology itself is pretty straightforward, these moving skates are highly specialized to accommodate the needs of professional movers. 

Heavy-duty moving skates allow you to move the extremely heavy loads safely while also providing the ability to maneuver turns and angles. Oftentimes, the equipment atop Hevi-Haul’s moving skates represents a major investment of time, labor, and capital, so the cost of errors or mechanical failures is high. That’s why you want to ensure you’re not only moving the equipment with care, but you’re also using equipment that you can trust. 

Here are a few more things to consider if you need to deploy heavy-duty moving skates for your next job. 

How to Use Heavy Duty Moving Skates 

Understand the load: This is a critical first step, as the load configuration, size, and shape, often dictate the number of support points (or skates) required. Also, take into account the type of surface you’ll be transporting the load across. You want to make sure it can glide smoothly, but you also don’t want to damage the floor. Steel rollers are good all-around options, while polyurethane-coated rollers are the go-to option when protecting the surface your rolling atop is paramount. 

Clear the pathway: Make sure your rolling surface is clean and relatively free of cracks and holes. Be certain the rolling surface can support load, and reinforce weak spots with steel plates if needed. If the floor is particularly rough or uneven, you may want to deploy steel channels for the job. 

Raise the load: Lift the load with a toe-jack or other tool that’s designed to handle the weight. You’ll need to lift the object high enough to slide the skates into position at each support point. Because of Hevi-Haul Machinery Skates’ low profile, most loads can be lifted and lowered onto skates one end at a time. The load shape and weight will dictate the position and number of support points. 

Gently lower onto skates: This is a pretty straightforward step. Gradually let the skates bear the load weight, paying close attention that everything remains balanced. Be sure to carefully choose lifting and bearing points to avoid damage. Wood skids or blocking are normally placed under loads prior to moving. Steel cleats, which are standard on Hevi-Haul skates, will embed themselves into the wood under heavy load weight. 

Get moving: Now it’s time to move the load. Be sure the pathway is clear and, if you can, mark a pathway to ensure you stay on track. Make sure you are only turning while in motion to avoid undue stress on a support point. 

3 Types of Heavy Duty Moving Skates 

There are several types of moving skates, and the unique strengths of each allow you to tailor a solution for the job. 

Utility Skates 

These are arguably the most versatile machinery moving dollies on the market and are ideal for both turning and straight-line moving applications. Capacities typically range from 1.5 to 37.5 tons per skate and roll on interchangeable steel or polyurethane coated rollers. Fully welded steel frames breed confidence that mechanical failure will not be a worry. There are two types of utility skates: tilting and non-tilting. 

Straight Line Skates 

As the name suggests, these are perfect for moves that require a straight shot from point A to point B. Line skates work well when navigating narrow, tight spaces that don’t require turns. Capacities range from 2.5 to 100 tons per skate and also roll-on interchangeable steel or polyurethane coated rollers. There are three types of straight-line skates: long, short, and slim straight. 

Compact Swivel Skates: 

These pack a lot of punch into a small, low-profile package. They are perfect for light- to medium-duty loads that require full directional control. Capacities range from 1.5 to 12.5 tons per skate, and also include interchangeable steel or polyurethane coated rollers. Each swivel top skate has a friction plate between the top frame of the dolly and the bottom surface of the swivel plate to reduce swimming under load and eliminate the need for a locking mechanism.  Swivel tops are easily removable with a hex key wrench for straight line moving applications without the need to purchase additional skates.

Hevi-Haul Moves the World

Since 1938, Hevi-Haul has been manufacturing the highest-quality machinery skates for professional heavy equipment movers, rigging companies, and other customers with their load moving needs. From furniture to buildings, Hevi-Haul has a skating system to suit your company’s needs. Hevi-Haul’s durable products are built to last and manufactured right here in the United States, and their team of experts can help you assemble the right tools to help you move just about anything under the sun. 

Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!