An important part of the moving industry is the ability to safely relocate unusual objects that are oversized, heavy or situated in a difficult position (for example: on a roof, in a basement or in a tight spot). This is when riggers are called in to use their specialized moving skills.
What kinds of items do riggers move?
- air handling units
- diesel generators
- printing presses
- machine shops
- boilers/heaters
- semiconductor Chip FAB equipment
- sculptures
- safes
Riggers use moving techniques and safeguards to relocate these kinds of items with special equipment such as slings, skates, lifting bars, blocking, steel plates, ropes, chains, hoists, gantries, forklifts, flatbeds, high-cube trailers and cranes.
A rigging job is often like a chess match – the next move is carefully planned in preparation for the move that comes afterwards. Experience and intelligence are the two most important tools of a rigger.
In order to move a very heavy or odd-shaped object, a rigger first has to determine the weight and center of gravity, as well as the vertical and horizontal force once it is lifted and movement begins. These factors will influence which equipment will be used, too.
Safety is most important, not only for the object being moved, but for the riggers themselves. A careful survey of the conditions at origin and destination are critical for planning a relocation and the equipment needed, as well as the kind of manpower required. For instance, weather, stairs and ground conditions (if the load has to be moved a long distance over gravel or lawn) – these factors impact the success of a job. Relocating certain items may require less men but with more muscle, and sometimes moving one piece of equipment can take more than one day.
