When a piece of heavy machinery needs to be moved, it’s tempting to think, “We’ve got forklifts. How hard can it be?” The answer? Harder than it looks – and a lot riskier.
From manufacturing plants and steel mills to power facilities and packaging lines, moving heavy machinery isn’t just about muscle. It takes planning, specialized equipment, and millwrights who know how to disassemble, relocate, and realign critical assets with zero margin for error.
Here’s why partnering with a professional equipment moving company like Fenton Rigging & Contracting is the safest and most cost-effective choice for any industrial move.
Why DIY Equipment Moves Can Go Wrong
Trying to manage heavy equipment moving in-house might seem like a cost-saver, but the hidden risks and costs stack up quickly.
Here’s what can go sideways without the right tools and training:
- Improper lifting methods lead to equipment damage or structural failure.
- Inadequate rigging gear can result in dropped loads.
- Untrained crews may injure themselves or others.
- Misalignment during reinstallation can cause operational issues, inefficiency, or equipment breakdowns.
Machinery is often precisely calibrated, and even a few millimeters of misalignment can result in costly downtime or long-term mechanical problems.
What an Expert Equipment Moving Company Does Differently
At Fenton, we’ve moved everything from 20-foot-tall presses to delicate, high-precision equipment. Our approach to heavy equipment moving is built on safety, efficiency, and doing the job right the first time.
Here’s how we handle a move so your operations stay on track.
1. Site Assessment and Planning
No two moves are the same. That’s why we start with a full site review:
- Weight and size of equipment
- Floor load limits
- Entry and exit points
- Obstructions or clearance issues
Our team maps out every detail so nothing is left to chance.
2. Heavy Machinery Rigging and Transportation
We use specialized tools, including toe jacks, gantries, and forklifts with rigging booms, to safely lift, roll, and relocate equipment. We also handle interstate and long-haul transportation when needed.
Our cranes, capable of lifts from 4.5 to 250 tons, are available for oversized moves or lifts requiring vertical clearance.
Whether you’re moving a piece of equipment across the facility or across the state, Fenton has the tools and team to do it safely.
3. Millwrighting and Equipment Realignment
Unlike most rigging companies, we provide full millwrighting services, meaning we don’t just move equipment. We make sure it’s installed and aligned for peak performance.
Our millwrights handle:
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Foundation and anchor bolt setting
- Laser and optical alignment
- Piping, structural, and mechanical support integration
“We don’t just set it in place and leave,” said one Fenton project lead. “We stay until it runs right.”
4. Minimizing Downtime and Risk
When you work with Fenton, you’re not just getting equipment movers. You’re getting a strategic partner. We work closely with plant managers and site supervisors to plan lifts around shift schedules, power shutdowns, and site traffic.
That means less downtime, fewer disruptions, and a smoother transition back to production.
When Should You Call a Rigging & Millwrighting Company?
If your job involves any of the following, it’s time to call in the pros:
✅ Moving machinery over 1,000 lbs
✅ Lifting equipment onto or off mezzanines
✅ Realigning rotating machinery
✅ Plant relocations or shutdowns
✅ Replacing or upgrading production lines
✅ Precision installations involving tight tolerances
Why Cincinnati Manufacturers Trust Fenton for Equipment Moving
Fenton Rigging & Contracting has been moving, installing, and aligning heavy machinery since 1898. From local manufacturers to national industrial clients, companies choose Fenton because we bring:
✔ Generations of proven expertise
✔ A dedicated, full-time millwright crew
✔ A full fleet of cranes, forklifts, and transport vehicles
✔ One point of contact from start to finish
✔ Safety-first culture and planning
“This is the crew you want when the job has to go right. They plan it out, communicate, and execute it flawlessly.”
— Client feedback, manufacturing facility in Cincinnati
Final Word: Moving Heavy Machinery? Don’t Risk It.
If your next project involves moving heavy equipment or requires millwrighting support, don’t leave it to guesswork or piecemeal contractors. Call the team that knows how to plan, lift, move, and install it all safely and precisely.
Call Fenton today at 513-631-5500 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. Whether you’re relocating a single machine or an entire production line, we’ll help you move it right, the first time.