How to Block and Brace Equipment for Transportation
Secure equipment before shipment
When shipping your equipment, it's important to take precautions to ensure nothing gets damaged during the transportation process. Taking time to block and brace your equipment will help eliminate possible damage, helping you get the most return out of your machine.
In this document, we will go over the following:
- How to position equipment on a trailer
- Blocking the equipment
- Bracing equipment with a strap
Tools and materials required:
- ¼ In. Impact Driver with T25 Bit
- T25 Wood Screws
- 2X4s cut to size
- E Track Ratchet Tie Down Straps
Equipment positioning on a trailer
Securing your equipment for transportation begins with positioning it correctly on the trailer. Whether your machine is sitting on casters, legs, or a skid, you’ll want to push it up against the front wall of the trailer, preferably in the corner with the sidewall. It’s important to place your equipment in the front corner of the trailer because it acts as a base to enable proper blocking and bracing. This position allows you to block the machine up against the sides using 2X4s while also bracing it against the trailer walls using a strap. If you cannot position the equipment in the front of the trailer, make sure the item is positioned firmly against the side wall.
Be sure the flattest side of the machine goes up against the side wall. This keeps the machine’s screens and buttons away from the walls to avoid damage.
Blocking the equipment
Once the piece of equipment is correctly positioned in the trailer, take some 2X4s and place them around the bottom of the machine, blocking it in. Screw down the 2X4s to the floor of the trailer. Make sure the wood is set properly to prevent movement of the machine in every direction.
Bracing equipment with a strap
To keep the equipment from tipping, you need to brace it by strapping the piece against the sidewall. For this step, you need the strap to go around the equipment's frame, which is the most solid part of the machine. Be sure to avoid going over any screens, buttons, wires, or sensitive areas that could cause damage. A minimum of two straps per item is recommended.
Summary
When your equipment is properly blocked in and braced against the wall, it will be well-protected and ready for transit.
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