Riggers and Machinery Movers: What Are They?

When it comes to moving heavy machinery, the task requires specialized skills and a deep mechanical understanding to safely decommission, transport, and reassemble equipment in a new location. Several professionals are involved in this process, often referred to as riggers or machine movers. At Able Machinery Movers, our team includes experts proficient in both rigging and machine moving to ensure your equipment is handled with the utmost care.

What Does a Rigger/Machine Mover Do? 

A rigger, also known as a machine mover, is a specialist who uses tools such as pulleys and hoists to lift and relocate heavy equipment or oversized loads. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including:

  • Creating a plan for moving a load
  • Determining weight distribution during the move
  • Identifying potential hazards
  • Lifting machines
  • Placing machines onto transport vehicles
  • Fitting machines into a new location
  • Assisting crane operators with hand signals

Specialized Tools Used by Riggers/Machine Movers

Given the technical nature of the job, riggers or machine movers must be skilled in using specialized tools to safely move large loads. These tools include:

  • Pulley systems
  • Cranes
  • Overhead lifting equipment
  • Hoists
  • Hydraulic jacks
  • Hydraulic gantries
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Load moving dollies
  • Forklifts
  • Drop decks
  • Winches
  • Shackles
  • Slings
  • Skates

Environments and Industries That Require Riggers/Machine Movers 

Certain environments and industries frequently require the expertise of riggers or machine movers, including:

  • Oil and gas
  • Food and beverage
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical/healthcare
  • Telecommunications
  • Aerospace/Aviation
  • Construction
  • HVAC
  • Semiconductors
  • Utilities

Whenever a piece of machinery is heavy, oversized, or located in an area with limited access, a rigger or machine mover is essential. Examples of such scenarios include:

  • Moving heavy machinery in a manufacturing plant
  • Relocating large medical machines in hospitals
  • Lifting storage silos on farms
  • Handling parts of a jumbo jet in the aviation industry

Key Responsibilities of a Rigger/Machine Mover 

Riggers or machine movers are responsible for various aspects of machinery moving, often working together to ensure the process goes smoothly. Their tasks include:

  • Decommissioning machinery
  • Crating and securing equipment for transport
  • Loading and unloading machinery
  • Reassembling, leveling, and aligning equipment at the new location
  • This job requires a deep understanding of the machinery itself, ensuring it is correctly handled from start to finish.

Certifications and Training for Riggers/Machine Movers 

Riggers or machine movers are highly specialized professionals who undergo rigorous training and certification processes. Certifications often involve written and practical exams, with recognized bodies like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) providing credentials. Additionally, operators may need specific certifications for the equipment used during machinery moves.

Regulations, Permits, and Legal Considerations 

Moving heavy machinery is a task with inherent risks, and it is governed by various regulations and requirements. It is crucial to ensure compliance with these to avoid potential legal issues:

  • Obtaining Permits: Some machinery moves may require permits. Always verify upfront whether a permit is needed
  • Compliance with Regulations: Local, state, and federal regulations must be followed to ensure safety and avoid fines or delays.
  • Liability Considerations: Ensure that the riggers or machine movers you work with are fully insured to minimize potential liabilities for your business.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Machinery Moving Needs 

Deciding whether you need a rigger or machine mover—or both—depends on the specifics of your project. Key factors include:

  • What is being moved
  • The size and weight of the machinery
  • The location and destination of the equipment

If your equipment requires lifting for the move, a rigger will be necessary. If the equipment also needs specialized handling, decommissioning, or reassembly, you’ll need the expertise of a machine mover. Often, a team that includes both is the best solution.

Consult with Our Machine Moving & Rigging Experts 

At Able Machinery Movers, you don’t have to choose between riggers and machine movers—we have experts skilled in both areas. Partnering with MEI Rigging, we offer comprehensive services, from initial planning to reassembling and testing equipment at the new location.

When you need expert advice on the best method for moving machinery or for an entire factory relocation, you can count on Able to provide proven solutions. Contact one of our five locations across Texas to discuss your project and determine the services needed to get the job done!

Riggers and Machinery Movers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do riggers & machinery movers ensure equipment safety during the relocation process?

Safety is a top priority for riggers and machinery movers. To ensure equipment is moved without risk, they meticulously plan every aspect of the move, from initial erecting to final placement. This involves using specialized tools like hydraulic jacks and pulley systems, which provide precise control over heavy loads. Their knowledge of weight distribution and hazard assessment allows them to handle and secure equipment effectively, safeguarding both the machinery and the surrounding environment.

What makes the role of a rigger/machinery mover essential for industries like healthcare or aerospace?

In sectors such as healthcare and aerospace, where equipment is both highly valuable and critical to operation, riggers and machinery movers bring essential skills to complete sensitive relocations. Whether moving medical imaging machines in hospitals or erecting large aircraft parts, their expertise helps avoid downtime and ensures precision. Their ability to handle these complex challenges with specialized equipment and careful planning is crucial for industries reliant on uninterrupted service and operational accuracy.

How do riggers and machinery movers collaborate with other professionals on large-scale projects?

Riggers and machinery movers frequently work in tandem with crane operators, engineers, and project managers to complete complex machinery moves. They rely on strong communication and coordination skills, often using hand signals to direct crane operations or guide load placement. This combination of technical skills and teamwork ensures each aspect of a project is handled efficiently, from planning and lifting to securing and placing machinery.

What factors do riggers and machinery movers consider when moving equipment in confined spaces?

Moving machinery in tight or restricted spaces presents a unique challenge that riggers and machinery movers are trained to handle. In these situations, they assess the dimensions and accessibility of the area, use compact tools like load-moving dollies, and sometimes even dismantle machinery for easier transport. Their knowledge of spatial planning and equipment requirements enables them to complete moves safely, even in the most confined locations.

Why is regulatory compliance important in the rigging and machinery moving industry?

Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is critical to every aspect of rigging and machinery moving. This includes obtaining necessary permits, following safety guidelines, and ensuring all equipment and operators are fully certified. Adherence to regulations not only minimizes legal risks for customers but also guarantees that the move is handled with the highest safety standards, making it easier for clients to maintain a smooth operation post-move.