Machinery skates, also known as moving dollies, are specialized tools designed to assist in moving heavy machinery and equipment across a floor or other flat surface with minimal effort. There are several types of machinery skates out there, each suited to different applications and weight capacities. Knowing which type you would benefit from the most is important, equally understanding how to use them is vital. Make sure you receive the correct training before attempting to use a moving dollie.
Here are some of the most common types of machinery skates:
Roller Dollies
Roller dollies are generally one of the most basic types of machinery skates. They consist of a set of rollers mounted on a platform. The equipment or machinery is placed on top of the rollers, and the dolly is then pushed or pulled to move the load. Roller dollies are suitable for relatively flat and smooth surfaces.
Swivel Roller Dollies
Swivel roller dollies are similar to roller dollies, however they are equipped with swivel casters. This feature allows for more maneuverability and easy turning when moving heavy equipment.
Crawler Dollies
Crawler dollies have a low profile and are equipped with tank-like tracks or crawler wheels. These are ideal for moving heavy loads on rough or uneven surfaces, such as construction sites or workshops.
Compact Machinery Skates
Compact machinery skates are designed for moving heavy machinery in tight spaces. They often have a compact design with a smaller footprint and a high load capacity.
Rotating Machinery Skates
Rotating machinery skates are equipped with a turntable that allows the load to be rotated while on the skate. This feature can be helpful when precise positioning of heavy equipment is required.
Steerable Machinery Skates
Steerable machinery skates are equipped with a steering handle, making it easier to maneuver heavy loads and maintain control during the move. They are often used for machinery relocation in factories and warehouses.
Air-Powered Machinery Skates
Air-powered machinery skates use air cushions to lift heavy loads slightly off the ground, reducing friction and making it easier to move even extremely heavy machinery. They are particularly useful for moving delicate or sensitive equipment.
Hydraulic Machinery Skates
Hydraulic machinery skates utilize hydraulic cylinders to lift and move heavy loads. These skates provide precise control and can handle extremely heavy machinery.
Multi-Directional Machinery Skates
Multi-directional machinery skates are designed to move heavy loads in any direction, making them versatile for various applications.
Toe Jacks
Toe jacks are useful for lifting machinery to place machinery skates underneath. While not technically machinery skates, they are also used for heavy lifting and positioning. They are placed under the load, and hydraulic pressure is applied to lift it.
When choosing the right machinery skate for your needs, consider the weight capacity of the skate, the type of surface you will be working on, and the maneuverability required for your specific moving task. If possible, test a few out to see which would be best suited for your needs. Additionally, always follow safety guidelines and ensure that the load is securely positioned on the machinery skates to prevent accidents or damage to the equipment. Ready Machinery Movers has a complete selection of machinery skates available, and the experience to put them to use safely & effectively to get your next machinery move done right!