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Need to Transport a Forklift? Here's What You Need to Know

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When it comes to lifting of heavy loads in warehouses, construction sites and other industrial facilities, forklift trucks are a common choice of work equipment. But forklifts are usually large and heavy, and this makes them rather burdensome to transport wherever it is required.

Though forklift transport is not an easy job, those who are well-acquainted with the ins and outs of the process often make light work of it. If you want to know what it takes to transport a forklift just like a pro, you should keep reading on.

Choose the right vehicle for the haulage

Forklifts come in different sizes and load capacities so that users can find a machine suited for every job. The bigger the machine, the more it weighs. For that reason, it is imperative for you to select a transport vehicle that can handle the load of your forklift.

Generally speaking, the load capacity of the hauling vehicle must match or exceed the weight of the entire forklift assembly.

Ensure proper securement of the load

Because forklift trucks are large and heavy machines, they can be major safety hazards if not properly secured for transport. Improperly secured forklifts can fall off from the transport vehicle and result in fatal consequences. Therefore, ensuring the load is firmly and steadily secured is a critical part of the transport process.

There are lots of load securing systems, including straps, chains, come-alongs, chocks, and wheel blocks that can be used to secure the load in place. Make sure you choose the most effective load securing system for your haulage.

Minimise potential safety hazards

Tip over is not the only safety hazard that forklift transport poses. Forklift trucks may contain fuel that may accidentally spill out during haulage and cause an explosion. Likewise, batteries may lead to arcing if they are not disengaged prior to the haulage. Emptying the fuel tank and disengaging the battery before transporting a forklift will help prevent these safety risks.

Before the day of the transport, it is important that you research the route you will take. Make sure to take note of road obstacles such as heavy traffic and maximum height clearance for roads that pass under a bridge. If possible, it is advisable to choose a day when there is less traffic or good traffic flow.

If you do not feel confident enough to do the job, it is best to let a heavy haulage specialist to do the job for you. There are several heavy haulers in Australia, so you shouldn't find it difficult to find one you can hire.


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