Transporting sports equipment to a new location is a responsible process that requires preparation. Heavyweight, non-standard dimensions, and complex mechanisms make transporting sports equipment a difficult task. Without proper preparation, you can damage the exercise machines or get injured while carrying them. In this article, we will consider the basic rules for the safe transportation of exercise machines, in particular, a treadmill. If you need a reliable method of transportation, then you cannot do without reliable commercial movers in Boston, such as Paradise Moving. Let’s consider why the participation of professionals in the transportation of sports equipment is important.
Types of Exercise Equipment
The difficulty of transporting sports equipment is not only its large weight. Professional movers can successfully handle loading and transporting exercise machines of any weight. Special equipment and various rigging devices are used to solve these problems. It is more important to maintain the operability of the equipment because many exercise machines are equipped with built-in mini-computers. Vibration loads and shifts during braking can disrupt their operability or even disable them.
For employees of a moving company, all exercise machines are conventionally divided into two types. The first includes devices for cardio loads, the second — for strength training. Each of them has its own transportation rules.
Cardio Exercise Machines
Equipment in this line is considered more fragile. In addition to blocks with complex electrical filling, its body often has plastic structural elements.
For example:
- ellipsoid (orbitrek);
- treadmill;
- rowing machine;
- stepper;
- exercise bike.
The integrity of the design of these devices makes their transportation easier. The main thing for the masters is to determine the center of gravity and lower the simulator down the stairs in a certain position. Its displacement can cause damage to the built-in computer.
Strength Training gear
There are no complex electronics here. However, it is difficult to transport this type of sports equipment due to its large weight.
Strength training equipment includes:
- press benches;
- push-up equipment;
- fitness station;
- racks for placing barbells, weights, dumbbells, kettlebells;
- hyperextension;
- equipment for working out certain muscle groups.
The body of the strength equipment is made of steel or metal alloys. The working platform is usually rubberized. To move such a powerful device, professional equipment and a whole team of commercial movers are required.
Proper transportation of exercise equipment involves:
- Securing switches and rotating parts. If any handles can be removed, they are placed in a separate cardboard box and must be marked.
- Dismantling (if the equipment is fixed to the wall, ceiling, or floor). Sometimes, free-standing equipment structurally consists of several parts. If they belong to the power group, they must also be disassembled and assembled in a new place.
- Packaging. Models with electronic filling require special attention. Air bubble wrap and corrugated cardboard are used for protection. The base part should be wrapped in several layers, securing each of them with tape. Power models are also wrapped in film with air layers or stretch film. In some cases, cardboard sheets are used.
It is worth noting that both on a flat surface and on stairs, it is necessary to observe an important condition — maintaining a certain position (avoiding tilting).
It is possible to control the load by involving several people. Usually, movers work in pairs – for support from below and from above. Depending on the weight of the object, 4, 6, or more movers may be involved.
How to Transport a Treadmill?
Transporting a treadmill when moving is a difficult task. Disassembling, packing, and transporting such equipment requires certain skills and professional tools. First of all, such complex electrical equipment must be dismantled.
You must have:
- screwdrivers;
- adjustable wrench;
- a screwdriver;
- hex keys.
In addition, you should have the manufacturer’s instructions at your disposal. It will help you avoid mistakes during subsequent assembly. If you have not saved it, you can find it on the Internet.
Disassembly steps:
- De-energize the equipment.
- Remove the console and side guides.
- Disconnect the electronic control panel.
- Unscrew the screws holding the flooring and walking belt. Make sure that they are packed without crushing.
- Dismantle the folding frame and motor.
- All removed elements are packed separately. It is important to correctly label each package so as not to mix up the parts during assembly at a new location. Particular attention should be paid to the fittings. The bolts should be in a separate box, also labeled.
At this stage, the treadmill is ready for transportation.
Why Is It Important to Involve Professionals When Transporting Exercise Equipment
Independent transportation of sports equipment is fraught with dangerous situations. In addition, you risk causing damage to the material assets themselves. Heavy equipment requires the use of special equipment and professional training of movers. There are often cases when equipment falls during independent transportation. After this, they often cannot be restored.
One of the unconditional advantages of contacting professionals is compliance with proper operating conditions. Complex sports equipment powered by electronics is operated at certain humidity and temperature levels. Specialists will definitely take this circumstance into account and advise the owner of the equipment to plan the move for a suitable time.
The choice of a truck for transportation is also important. Therefore, the type of vehicle when cooperating with a moving company is discussed at the stage of concluding a contract.
The most important part of transporting equipment is the correct fixation of the equipment in a special compartment of the vehicle. A reliable moving company can take care of this.
Final Thoughts
Proper organization of transportation of sports equipment allows you to keep them intact and avoid problems when installing them in a new place. Disassembly, reliable packaging, and proper fixation in the vehicle are key points to consider. Independent transportation can be difficult and risky, so turning to professionals is the best way to protect your equipment. If you need reliable movers in Boston, we recommend paying attention to Paradise Moving.
