• 10 Tips for Heavy Machinery Storage

    Do you need to store heavy machinery like excavators, cranes, forklifts, or bulldozers? Prioritizing proper storage extends your equipment’s lifespan and ensures easy accessibility the next time you need it. Whether you’re storing machinery between jobs or preparing for a long off-season, the right preparation can save you from costly downtime and repairs when you retrieve the equipment from storage. Here are some tips to help you safely store your heavy machinery.

    Tips by LA Machinery Moving on storing heavy machinery in Los Angeles, CA

    1.    Check the Manufacturer’s Storage Recommendations

    Before preparing your equipment for storage, review the manual to ensure you’re following the manufacturer’s best practices. If you don’t have a physical manual, check the website or call customer support. You may learn important details about fluid levels, battery care, and tire pressure. Some manufacturers may also recommend certain covers or specify conditions for short- vs. long-term storage.

    2.      Clean the Equipment

    In preparation for storing your heavy machinery, clean it thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and debris. Dirt can cause corrosion, while grease and grime buildup may lead to operational issues when you put the equipment back into use. Pressure washes the machinery, paying close attention to hard-to-reach areas where debris may accumulate. Let the equipment dry completely to prevent residual moisture from causing rust during storage.

    3.      Inspect for Repairs

    Once the machinery is clean, perform a detailed inspection for existing damage or wear. Address issues like hydraulic leaks, worn belts, or loose bolts to prevent more significant damage from developing during storage. Conducting repairs beforehand also ensures that the equipment is in working order when you need it.

    4.      Lubricate Moving Parts

    Lubrication prevents friction and rust while your equipment sits idle. Apply the recommended lubricant to all joints, bearings, and pivot points to create a protective moisture barrier. This is especially important for equipment with many moving parts, like excavators and cranes.

    5.      Change Fluids and Add Stabilizers

    For machinery with engines, changing the oil and fluids before storage prevents contamination and engine damage. Be sure to top off the coolant and hydraulic fluid to avoid freezing or corrosion in the system. If you’re storing equipment for a few months or longer, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent fuel degradation. Run the engine briefly after adding the stabilizer to allow it to circulate through the system.

    6.      Remove or Disconnect the Battery

    If your equipment won’t be used for an extended period, it’s wise to remove the battery and store it separately in a cool, dry place. Disconnecting the battery prevents it from slowly draining over time and extends its life. If removing the battery isn’t practical, at least disconnect it to avoid drainage or electrical issues.

    7.      Protect Electronics and Sensitive Components

    Heavy machinery often contains electronic components, such as GPS systems, control panels, and sensors, which are vulnerable to moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures. Shield these components during storage by using protective covers, or remove detachable electronics and store them separately in a safe, dry place.

    8.      Inflate and Protect the Tires

    If your machinery uses tires, inflate them slightly above the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Properly inflated tires prevent flat spots and damage from long periods of inactivity. If possible, elevate the equipment slightly using blocks to take the weight off the tires and further reduce the risk of damage.

    9.      Plan Regular Inspections

    Check on your equipment periodically while it’s in storage. Visual inspections every few months ensure no new issues have developed. Verify that protective coverings remain in place, moisture hasn’t accumulated, and there are no signs of pest infestations or structural damage. Maintain a detailed record of your inspections, repairs, and other activities related to your equipment while in storage. This log provides valuable information about your machinery’s condition when it’s time to retrieve it.

    10.   Store Indoors When Possible

    Storing your heavy equipment indoors is ideal, as this protects it from the sun, rain, humidity, and other environmental factors. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage rubber components, while moisture can cause metal areas to rust. If you have the option, storing in a climate-controlled facility is an excellent investment in maintaining your machinery’s condition. If indoor storage isn’t available, cover the machinery with heavy-duty tarps and park it on a solid surface to avoid sinking or uneven wear.

    Safe, Secure Machinery Storage in Los Angeles

    LA Machinery Moving offers over 100,000 square feet of general storage and 40,000 square feet of climate-controlled warehouse space in Los Angeles, perfect for keeping your heavy equipment in peak condition. Our facilities protect your machinery from weather, vandalism, and other factors that can cause damage during storage. In addition to short- and long-term storage solutions, we provide loading, unloading, crating exporting, and packing services for your convenience. Contact us today to find a storage solution that fits your needs and budget.

  • Hygiene & Medical Equipment Relocation

    Hospitals, research clinics, and testing laboratories must sometimes transport oversized machinery within the same building or to a new facility. This complex process demands expertise and attention to detail. Working with a professional medical equipment transportation service ensures your critical devices are relocated safely, quickly, and in compliance with healthcare standards. Whether you’re moving a single piece, or an entire department, proper planning and specialized handling are essential for a successful move.

    Team of LA Machinery Moving in action relocating Hygiene & Medical Equipment in Los Angeles, CA

    Challenges in Medical Equipment Relocation

    Medical equipment transportation poses several unique challenges. Each must be addressed to ensure a safe, efficient move without damaging the equipment or disrupting patient care.

    Equipment Safety

    Medical devices are often expensive and fragile. They require careful handling to prevent damage during transport. Each piece must be secured using custom crates or skids and cushioned to withstand vibrations and shocks that may occur during loading, unloading, and transportation.

    Minimizing Downtime

    In the medical industry, downtime can negatively impact patient care and hospital operations. A crucial part of moving medical equipment is to reduce the time that equipment is out of use. Careful coordination and pre-planning ensure the transition goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.

    Adherence to Healthcare Rules

    Medical equipment transportation must follow strict healthcare regulations, including sterilization standards and hazardous materials guidelines. Working with an experienced medical equipment transportation company ensures that all legal and safety requirements are met.

    Custom Packaging

    When moving medical equipment, one size doesn’t fit all. Different devices require unique packaging, such as moisture-proof bagging, anti-static materials, or cushioning. These solutions protect sensitive electronics and prevent environmental factors like dust, moisture, and vibrations from affecting the equipment during transport.

    Commonly Transported Medical Equipment

    Medical equipment transportation solutions are available for a wide range of devices. Here are some of the most commonly transported items:

    CT scanners are large, fragile machines requiring careful dismantling and packaging before transportation. Their size and sensitivity make them challenging to move, necessitating a partnership with experienced medical equipment movers.

    MRI machines are bulky and sensitive to movement. They also contain powerful magnets that must be properly handled to avoid damage during relocation.

    X-ray devices are another example of large, sensitive equipment that demands precise handling and transportation.

    Diagnostic equipment like ultrasound machines and ECG units may need to be relocated during hospital renovations or layout reconfigurations. Careful transport reduces the risk of damage to sensitive components.

    Lab equipment, such as microscopes and incubators, often contain delicate parts that can be easily damaged by improper handling or environmental exposure. They require custom crating and packaging.

    Lasers used in various medical procedures are delicate and expensive. They must be secured with vibration protection during transport.

    Surgical instruments are often made of specialized materials and must be kept sterile throughout the relocation process. Custom crating and moisture-proof packaging are frequently used to protect these items.

    Hospital furniture isn’t as delicate as medical equipment, but hospital beds, stretchers, and medical carts should be securely packed and transported to avoid damage.

    Steps for Transporting Medical Equipment

    Successful hospital & medical equipment transportation requires a clear, step-by-step process. Follow these best practices to ensure each piece of equipment is moved efficiently and safely.

    Planning

    First, create a detailed plan for the move. This includes evaluating the equipment to be relocated, identifying the need for custom crating or climate control, and setting a timeline that minimizes downtime for your medical facility.

    Dismantling

    Large medical devices, such as MRI machines or CT scanners, must often be partially dismantled before transport. This requires a team of experts who understand the equipment they’re working with to avoid causing damage.

    Loading

    Proper loading techniques are crucial to ensure equipment safety during transport. Machinery should be loaded using specialized lifts and secured with straps, cushioning, and bracing to prevent movement.

    Transportation

    This phase calls for moving the machinery with suitable transportation equipment, such as cranes, trucks, trailers, or climate-controlled vans, depending on the requirements of what’s being relocated. For instance, some machines need temperature or humidity regulation to maintain their integrity, while this precaution is unnecessary in other cases.

    Reassembly

    Once the equipment reaches its destination, it must be reassembled and tested to ensure proper functionality. This process should be handled by trained professionals who understand the equipment’s technical specifications.

    Trust Us for Medical Equipment Relocation in Los Angeles

    LA Machinery Moving specializes in relocating medical equipment, drawing from over 30 years of industry experience. Our knowledgeable team ensures secure and efficient transport for sensitive medical devices. We offer personalized services that span the entire transportation process for minimal downtime and complete safety. Contact us today to request a quote for medical equipment transportation services in Los Angeles, CA.