After selecting an ideal vending machine, a business owner may face the challenge of vending machine transportation. You may believe that you can quickly move this on your own, but this is dangerous. This is due to the bulky dimensions of vending machines, which make DIY transportation nearly impossible.
Vending machines typically range in weight from 400 to 900 pounds. Using your strength without the proper tools and knowledge of the transport can seriously harm you and your machine.
So, what are your options?
Because vending machines are challenging to transport, hiring professional movers or vending logistics, such as the TCN Vending team, ensures that your machine arrives in good condition. We take extra precautions and have more experience understanding how to move devices from one location to another.
However, if you want to assist the professional movers, you can. And, to avoid transport failure, read the steps on how to move a vending machine.
4 Steps to Take When Transporting a Vending Machine
If you must move a vending machine without professional assistance, you can still do so successfully by following this process:
Step 1: Seek Assistance
As a general rule, never attempt to transport a vending machine on your own. Even if professional assistance is not available, enlist the help of a few people you know who are experienced with transporting vending machines. Once you’ve identified one or two, you can proceed with the proper moving procedure.
Otherwise, if you do it alone, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to maintain the required balance to transport the vending machine. For example, if your location has a slope, the descending movement requires complete control to ensure that your device does not run away with you.
Thus, as stated in TCN Vending’s blog, our team firmly believes that “two heads are better: one to see the direction and check on the machine constantly.”
Step #2: Familiarise the Vending Machine Moving Equipment
All expert movers have a list of moving equipment to move any vending machine, from heavy-duty hand trucks to furniture follies. These tools can assist you in carrying the weight of the devices, allowing you to have complete control over the moving process.
Here are some tools to help you guarantee a safe and smooth moving experience:
Pallet Jack
This is of the most basic forms of forklift, designed for horizontal transportation. The slot beneath the tool is designed to raise and lower the load, making it a valuable tool for transporting large vending machines and reducing body strains.
So, do you need to buy one? No. Renting is preferable to buying because you only move occasionally and not regularly.
Packing Tape
There have been reports of torn boxes and machines with scratches due to the incorrect type of adhesive being used. Thus, covering the vending machine with the proper adhesion can protect it from damage.
Begin by determining the best type of tape to use for transportation. Then consider other factors, such as the packaging material, the vending machine weight, distance, and tensile strength.
Furniture Blankets
These are also known as thick-covered moving blankets. They protect your vending surface while it is being moved. Here are some other reasons to use furniture padding when moving vending machines:
- Prevents scratch;
- Protects the floor;
- Keeps the vending machine clean;
- Protects the walls of your store;
- Acts as a buffer while in transit; and
- Makes moving easier.
Step 3: Adhere to Proper Moving Guidelines
To maintain the flow of the relocation even without the expertise of professionals, do this:
Wear Slip-Resistant Shoes
Wearing a pair of slip-resistant shoes helps reduce slips, trips, and falls, especially on wet and greasy surfaces that you may encounter during the moving process. For heavy vending machines, it is recommended to wear closed anti-slip shoes with excellent traction.
Use Measuring Tools
Always bring a measuring tool with you. Measure the machine’s dimensions to ensure that it will fit through every passage. Then, before wheeling the machine inside or outside, measure the doorways and hallways, too. Furthermore, measure horizontal and vertical space, as your device may need to be raised above the ground during the relocation process.
Empty Your Vending Machine
The machine is already heavy, so imagine how much heavier it will be if it is packed with various products, banknotes, and coins. That is why, to reduce weight, empty the vending machine.
You may believe that putting it back requires effort and time. However, the minutes it takes to put the items back are nothing compared to the money and time lost due to burst snacks, spilled liquid, and broken products.
Ensure Safety Electric Cable
If your machine has an electric cable compartment, place it inside. If there isn’t a special compartment, use packing tape to wrap the cable around the machine’s back in an arch shape to keep it from coiling. Because if not, you risk tripping over a scattered power cord.
Read
Now that you have all of the necessary tools for the move, the next step is to learn how to use them from start to finish. More information is available by reading TCN Vending’s blog tips on the best vending machine transport process.
Step 4: Contact a Professional Vending Machine Transport Service
If you and your assistant have difficulty following the instructions, do not hesitate to contact vending logistics experts such as TCN Vending.
This may be your last resort after deciding to do it with someone, but it is not a wasted effort. Getting professional help reduces the likelihood of property damage, which safeguards your business.
TCN Vending’s Movers Are One Call Away!
You may know about moving your vending machine, but if you require high-quality vending machine transportation, look no further than TCN Vending Australia.
So, if you want to personally visit our showroom, we are at 9/16 Bernera Rd, Prestons NSW 2170. Contact us today!