An industrial rigging company moves machinery weighing several metric tons from one location to another but the cost of doing so depends on far more than the weight of the equipment alone. Understanding the several factors that affect the bottom line can help manufacturers budget accurately and compare rigging proposals based on the full scope of work.
Equipment Weight and Dimensions
Though not the only consideration, weight does tend to be the first. Industrial machinery can weigh several tons, even when sectioned off into smaller pieces. The weight has to be within the capacity of the lifting equipment to be used.
Odd dimensions like very long or very tall machines, along with center of gravity, introduce more complications that need to be factored into the process and, therefore, cost of transportation.
Type of Rigging and Lifting Equipment Required
Forklifts and hydraulic jacks are the bare minimum of what it takes to move industrial machinery. Cranes, gantries and machinery rollers introduce another level of complexity. However, some scenarios may require specialized equipment and skidding systems that can add significant costs.
Site Accessibility and Lifting Conditions
Entryway and ceiling clearances, floor-load capacity, staging space and other structural limitations should be considered as a whole. With these in mind, manufacturers should consult with qualified rigging specialists who understand load dynamics, rigging geometry, and the limitations of their equipment.
Distance and Complexity of the Move
The greater the distance, the more complex the relocation tends to be. In-plant moves are the simplest, moving a machine from one part of the facility to another. Building-to-building moves need to factor in routes, ramps, and clearances. Interstate transportation may call for a survey of passable roads while cross-border moves should take customs and other legal permits into consideration.
Labor and Project Duration
Since industrial rigging is usually quite labor intensive, labor and project duration tend to go hand in hand. On top of the cost of renting equipment, relocation normally involves riggers and millwrights, crane and forklift operators, engineers, and project managers. Complex projects may be expedited by utilizing multiple shifts and, to some extent, increasing manpower, but this comes at a premium.
Engineering and Planning
Engineers and project managers are hired to make on-site assessments, load calculations, lift plans, rigging configurations, and produce contingency plans if anything should go off course. All this is done with consideration to safety and efficiency.
Engineering and preparation are important to reduce the risk of damaging both the equipment and the surrounding facility.
Installation, Positioning, and Alignment
Industrial rigging costs do not simply end when the equipment reaches its destination. Depending on the type of machinery, each placement may also require precise positioning, leveling, anchoring and alignment before utility reconnection and commissioning. Even small positioning errors can affect performance and cause undue wear leading to shortened lifespans on equipment like CNC machines, presses, and robotics.
To get a full picture of the cost of hiring an industrial rigging company, visit AKIC.us or call 501-268-7827 today.