Relocating Machinery & Factories: How to Do It Safely Without Stopping Production

Planning Steps Before Moving Machinery

• Survey both the origin and destination sites — measure entry and exit widths, ceiling height, and the actual working space.
• Assess the machinery's weight and dimensions to select the right lifting equipment and transport vehicle.
• Plan the transport route and timing to minimize traffic disruption.
• Check whether a special transport permit is required.

Choosing the Right Lifting Equipment for the Site

Open, spacious sites can generally use a standard large crane. But in tight, hard-to-access, or indoor spaces, a spider crane is the better choice — its outriggers adjust independently and the unit itself is smaller than a standard crane, letting it work in confined spaces without tearing into the building structure.

Do You Need a Permit to Move Heavy Machinery

If the machinery or cargo exceeds the height, width, or weight limits set by ministerial regulation, the transporter must obtain a permit from the Department of Land Transport before moving it, under the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Transport insurance covering accident damage during the move is also advisable.

How to Move Machinery Without Long Production Downtime

Plan the move in batches, or schedule it during a window that least affects production — a long holiday or the annual maintenance shutdown, for example. Have the installation team ready at the destination to align and set up the machinery the moment it arrives, keeping production downtime as short as possible.

Tip: Always have your team physically survey and measure both the origin and destination sites before the move — don't rely on blueprints alone. The actual space may have obstructions that aren't shown on the plans, which can throw off your lifting plan and transport route.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machinery and Factory Relocation

Does moving machinery across provinces need a different permit than moving it within the same province?

The same rule applies either way — a permit is required if the machinery exceeds the size or weight limit, regardless of whether the move stays within one province or crosses provincial lines.

How is a spider crane different from a standard crane?

A spider crane has a smaller footprint, with outriggers that adjust independently on each leg, letting it work in tight or uneven spaces better than a standard wheeled crane can.

Do I need transport insurance every time I move machinery?

It's advisable every time, especially for high-value equipment. Transport insurance covers damage that can occur during lifting or transit — risks that are difficult to eliminate entirely.

Let Transpo Logistics handle everything from the site survey and route planning to special transport permits and installation at the destination. Message us for a free consultation.

Phone: 02 105 8651

Email: sales@transpologistics.com