A successful machinery move requires far more than physical strength and a crane. It is a carefully planned, sequenced operation that follows a defined process from initial assessment through to final commissioning. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how Reef Rigging manages a machinery move in South Africa — and what you as a client can expect at each stage.
Step 1: Initial Site Inspection and Assessment
Every machinery move begins with a site inspection. The rigging team visits the source site — and where applicable, the destination site — to assess the machinery, access routes, floor conditions, overhead clearances, and any constraints that will affect how the lift is carried out. Measurements are taken and photographs recorded. Ground conditions, doorway dimensions, column spacing, and the proximity of other equipment or live services are all documented. This information forms the basis for all subsequent planning decisions.
Step 2: Method Statement and Risk Assessment
Following the site inspection, the rigging team develops a formal Method Statement and Risk Assessment (MSRA). This document describes exactly how each piece of equipment will be rigged and moved, identifies all hazards associated with the operation, specifies the control measures required, and lists the personnel, equipment, and sequence of operations for the project. The MSRA is submitted to the client for review and approval before work begins — and in many cases is required by the client’s SHE department as a condition of site access.
Step 3: Lift Plan Preparation
For each individual lift within the project, a specific lift plan is prepared. The lift plan covers the weight and dimensions of the load, the crane and rigging configuration to be used, the positions of crane and rigging equipment on site, the step-by-step sequence of the lift, and any special precautions required. Lift plans for non-routine or critical lifts must be reviewed and signed off by a competent person before operations begin.
Step 4: Equipment Mobilisation and Pre-Lift Inspection
On the day of the move, all equipment — cranes, rigging tackle, transport vehicles, and ancillary tools — is mobilised to site. Before any lifting begins, all equipment is inspected: crane load test certificates are verified, slings and shackles are checked for damage, and the crane is set up on correctly assessed ground. The entire team participates in a pre-lift briefing covering the sequence, signals, emergency procedures, and any site-specific hazards identified in the MSRA.
Step 5: Machine Disconnection and Preparation
Before any machinery is lifted, it must be safely isolated from all services. Electrical supply is locked out and tagged. Hydraulic, pneumatic, and process pipework connections are disconnected and capped. Any fluid-filled components that cannot be drained may need to be accounted for in the weight calculation. The machine is prepared for lifting — which may include removing ancillary components, attaching lifting lugs, or building a temporary lifting frame where factory-fitted lift points are inadequate.
Step 6: Lifting, Transport, and Placement
The lift itself is executed in accordance with the lift plan. The banksman gives all movement commands. The machine is lifted, moved to the transport vehicle or directly to its new location, and set down under controlled conditions. Skates and rollers are used for final positioning within buildings. The machine is confirmed level and correctly positioned before the rigging team releases it.
Step 7: Installation and Commissioning Support
At the destination, the rigging team positions the machine on its new foundation or housekeeping pad and reconnects services. For precision equipment, laser alignment or optical levelling may be required. The machine is confirmed stable, level, and correctly oriented before the rigging team stands down. Recommissioning — confirming the machine operates correctly after the move — is typically carried out in conjunction with the machine manufacturer or the client’s engineering team.
Reef Rigging handles machinery moves across South Africa, specialising in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng but operating nationwide. Learn more about our machine moving services or contact the team for a project quote.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Machinery Move Process
How far in advance should I plan a machinery move?
For a single machine relocation within the same building, two to four weeks’ notice typically allows sufficient time for site inspection, method statement preparation, and equipment mobilisation. For complex multi-machine moves, factory relocations, or projects requiring abnormal load permits, four to eight weeks or more is advisable. The more complex the project, the earlier the rigging contractor should be engaged — so that planning can be incorporated into the broader project timeline.
What information do I need to provide for a machinery move quotation?
To provide an accurate quotation, the rigging company will need the machine dimensions and weight, the source and destination locations, information about access routes and any constraints (low doorways, soft floors, restricted outdoor areas), and the preferred date range for the move. Photos or drawings of the source and destination locations help the estimator identify any site-specific challenges. A site visit is usually the most accurate way to gather all required information.
Will the machinery move damage my factory floor?
A professional rigging team takes precautions to protect your factory floor. Timber or steel floor protection is placed under any equipment that could otherwise mark or crack the floor surface. When using skates or rollers, steel plates may be laid to protect polished or coated floors. If floor damage is a concern, discuss this with the rigging contractor during the planning phase so that appropriate protection measures are included in the method statement.