Difference in rigging and machine moving

When factories expand, upgrade, or relocate, one of the biggest challenges is safely moving heavy machinery. This is where machine-moving and rigging services come in. It’s not just about transporting equipment from one location to another; it’s a precise engineering challenge that demands expert planning and execution. While the terms “machine-moving” and “rigging” are often used together, they describe two distinct yet closely connected parts of the equipment relocation process.

But what exactly is the difference between rigging and machine moving, and what does the process involve from start to finish? This guide breaks down the essential steps and best practices.

What is the difference between machine moving and rigging?

While often used together, machine moving and rigging refer to two distinct but complementary disciplines:

• Machine moving: This is the overarching logistical process of relocating machinery. It encompasses project management, planning, transportation, and coordination to ensure that equipment is delivered from its origin to its destination.
• Rigging: This is the specialised, hands-on discipline of safely and efficiently lifting, moving, and positioning heavy loads. Riggers are the skilled technicians who use specialised equipment like cranes, hoists, skates, and hydraulic gantries to handle the machinery itself. Rigging is a critical component of the machine moving process.

In short, machine moving is the entire project, while rigging is the expert technical work required to handle the equipment during the move.

The process: A step-by-step Journey from dismantling to installation

A successful machinery move follows a meticulous, phased approach to manage risk and ensure a seamless transition.

Planning and site assessment:

Before any equipment is touched, a thorough plan is developed. This involves site surveys at both the current and new locations to assess accessibility, floor loading capacities, and potential obstructions. Engineers create detailed lift plans, calculate the machinery’s weight and centre of gravity, and perform risk assessments. At Beck & Pollitzer, our project managers handle every detail, from initial surveys to complex logistics, ensuring a solid foundation for the entire project. Plus, our project managers bring decades of experience in planning factory relocations and large-scale machinery moves.

Dismantling and match marking:

The machinery is carefully dismantled by skilled technicians. Every component – mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic is systematically disconnected, labelled, and “match-marked. This crucial step ensures that every part can be precisely reassembled in the correct order at the new site. At Beck & Pollitzer, our experienced engineers ensure this process is handled with meticulous care to guarantee flawless reassembly.

Rigging and loading:

This is where expert riggers take centre stage. Using a carefully selected combination of equipment, they lift the dismantled sections and the main body of the machine. This phase often requires the close coordination of crane and rigging teams for heavy or awkward loads. The equipment is then securely fastened onto specialised transport vehicles.

Transportation:

The machinery is transported to its new home, a process managed by logistics experts who handle route planning, permits, and ensure compliance with all transport regulations. Our industrial rigging teams are trained to handle oversized and heavy loads with precision, using the right equipment for every lift. Additionally, with our global network, we manage the logistics of heavy equipment transport safely and efficiently.

Offloading and installation:

Upon arrival, the rigging process is repeated in reverse. The machinery is carefully offloaded and moved into the new facility. For the installation of the machinery, riggers then precisely position, or “set,” the equipment onto its new foundation, often to within millimetre accuracy. Our teams at Beck & Pollitzer leverage a century-old experience and specialised equipment to ensure every machine is positioned with absolute precision.

Assembly, alignment, and commissioning:

The final step is reassembling the machine according to the match marking. This is a key part of many industrial and machinery rigging projects. Once assembled, the equipment is precisely levelled and aligned to meet operational specifications. After final utility connections are made, the machine is tested and commissioned, ready to return to production. At Beck & Pollitzer, we don’t just move machinery; we reinstall and align it to exact operational specifications so production can restart quickly. This final phase is where our turn-key approach provides maximum value, ensuring your equipment is production-ready.

Best practices for safety and efficiency

In machine moving and rigging, safety and efficiency are paramount. Adhering to best practices is non-negotiable.

• Uncompromising safety: Professional riggers work to stringent safety standards. This includes certified and inspected lifting equipment, comprehensive risk assessments, and highly trained personnel who understand the dynamic forces at play. Beck & Pollitzer’s global commitment to health and safety is at the core of every project we undertake, protecting your people, your assets, and our teams.
• Meticulous planning: Efficiency comes from planning. A well-designed move minimises factory downtime and prevents costly delays. Every step should be pre-planned to avoid surprises on moving day.
• The right team and equipment: Using the correct tools for the job is essential. An experienced rigging company will have a diverse fleet of specialised equipment and, more importantly, the expertise to know which tool is right for each unique challenge.

For a complete overview of the different services and skills involved, see our Complete guide to rigging services and riggers.

Expert support for every move: From dismantling and transport to precision rigging and installation, Beck & Pollitzer delivers a complete machinery moving and industrial rigging service. Whether you need a single machine moved or a full production line relocated, our experienced teams ensure safe handling, efficient delivery, and seamless installation. Contact our team to learn more about how we can support your next project.