In short
Generators and compressors are heavy, and their weight is not always evenly distributed. Before the move an electrician on the customer's behalf disconnects them, pressure is released and fuel and fluids are drained according to the manufacturer's instructions, and they are lifted only from the designated lifting points. On the truck they travel upright and strapped, and at the new site they are placed on a level surface with ventilation and room for service.
Why it differs from a regular machine
A generator has an engine, a fuel tank and sometimes batteries, and a compressor has a pressurised air tank, oil and fluids. The weight is concentrated in the engine or the tank, so the centre of gravity is not always in the middle. Lifting from the wrong point can tip the machine or damage the frame.
Before the move
- An electrician on the customer's behalf disconnects the generator or compressor from the switchboard and the system.
- On a compressor, all pressure is released from the air tank and accumulated water is drained.
- On a generator, the fuel tank is emptied or left with a minimal amount according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the battery is disconnected.
- Weight, dimensions and lifting points are checked against the manufacturer's plate.
Lifting and transport
- Lift only from the lifting eyes or forklift pockets set by the manufacturer.
- A generator in an acoustic enclosure is lifted from the lifting point on the enclosure, usually by crane.
- On the truck the machine stands upright and is strapped or chained to the anchor points, not to pipes or the enclosure.
- On sensitive floors, load-spreading boards are laid down.
At the new site
The machine is placed on a level surface that can take the weight, in a spot with ventilation and room for service and maintenance, and for a generator with a suitable route for exhaust gases. Then the customer's electrician and technician connect it, fill oil and fuel and check the machine before start-up.
Customer responsibilities
Disconnecting and connecting power, draining and refilling fuel and oils, checking the machine and restarting it are done by the customer's electrician and technicians. We plan the lift, move and place the machine.
More about heavy equipment moving
- Moving industrial machinery: from disconnection to restartHow an industrial machine is moved: weight and lifting-point survey, power disconnected by your technician, axes locked, forklift or crane lift, placement and levelling.
- Lifting equipment by crane: when you need it and how to planWhen an equipment move needs a crane: items that will not fit the elevator, high weight or narrow stairs. What to check in advance and how to plan a lift through a window or balcony.
More guides
- Moving a CNC machine: what to do before the movers arrivePreparation checklist for moving a CNC machine: lock the axes, drain coolant, back up programs, check lifting points and level after placement.
- Moving a heavy safe: when you need a craneHow to move a heavy safe: check weight and floor load, stairs or elevator, and when it is better to lift it by crane through a window or balcony.
- Lifting equipment by crane: when you need it and how to planWhen an equipment move needs a crane: items that will not fit the elevator, high weight or narrow stairs. What to check in advance and how to plan a lift through a window or balcony.
- Moving industrial machinery: from disconnection to restartHow an industrial machine is moved: weight and lifting-point survey, power disconnected by your technician, axes locked, forklift or crane lift, placement and levelling.
Need help with this?
We do heavy machinery moving from start to finish. See the service or request a quote.