When completing surface preparation, contractors often consider how they can improve productivity onsite to reduce costs and meet deadlines. While this is vital, the decisions contractors make before arriving onsite can also influence productivity. For example, ensuring equipment arrives at and leaves the site safely can extend the lifespan of the machine, reduce the risk of delays and keep employees safe.

Proactive maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of surface preparation machinery—when the equipment is in use and when it’s stationary. When moving heavy construction equipment, contractors must be mindful of how transportation will impact the machine’s performance. A lack of care when transporting equipment increases the risk of damaging the machine, as well as the chance of operator injury.

How do I transport a walk-behind scraper?

The choice of what vehicle to use to transport a machine is an important first step to get right. In particular, the weight of a machine needs to be taken into consideration when choosing a vehicle. This is because the weight of some machinery could easily damage a vehicle if not properly reinforced, costing businesses large sums to replace damaged equipment.

Choice of transport is also important because what’s available in the mode of transport can influence best practice for loading the machine. For example, if there is an electrical outlet, operators can simply drive the machine up a ramp and onto the vehicle. If electricity is not available, the contractor will be required to take the drive pins off the wheels to allow free movement, check the tilt is up and use a winch cable to pull it onto the vehicle. Knowing whether or not there is an electrical outlet available will help contractors prepare for transport further in advance.

Once in the vehicle, there are local laws that cover how a machine should be secured, which contractors must adhere to. For extra security, use a chain to tie the machine down to stop it from getting damaged during transportation.

How do I unload and reload a ride-on scraper?

During loading and unloading, one of the main risks with walk-behind scrapers is slamming it into the floor as it moves up a ramp, which can drastically shorten the lifespan of the machine. To reduce this risk by limiting additional movement when maneuvering walk-behind scrapers, contractors can add transport wheels to the machine to limit damage. These should be removed during transit to limit additional movement when in a vehicle.

When the transport wheels are attached flat to a ride-on scraper, the machine will tilt back a little to stop the wheels from spinning around as it moves, altering the center of gravity. Operators should always back ride-ons into the vehicle so the center of gravity is more stable and safer as the machine is unloaded.

The weight and size of ride-on machines can be a risk to the operator, so operators should wear personal protective equipment when using the machinery, including steel-toe shoes, to protect them from any accidents.

How regularly should I maintain my machinery?

The lifespan of components is heavily dependent on how regularly you use the machinery. If there is an accident, even new machines may need repair work. More commonly, if a machine is rented out, it can be five or six years before parts need maintaining or replacing. If the machine is owner operated, some will never need replacements and others will see 10 years after purchase for battery replacements or new chargers.

Moving heavy-duty machinery is no easy feat. By carefully planning how to safely and effectively transport equipment, contractors can protect their colleagues and their equipment so when they arrive onsite, they can concentrate on the task at hand.