Machine Relocation
Disconnect, rig, transport, level, re-commission.
Moving a 12,000-pound machining center is a project, not a chore. One missed step in disconnect, rigging, leveling, or re-commissioning can scrap a way surface, knock a spindle out of alignment, or destroy compensation that took years to dial in. We project-manage the entire move so the machine arrives at the new location making the same parts it was making at the old one.
What's Included
Scope of work
Specific to your machine list and shift count. Custom adjustments are quoted separately.
- Pre-move site survey at both origin and destination — clearances, floor load, power requirements, air, coolant lines
- Electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic disconnect with documented termination labels
- Coordination with vetted rigging crews — we manage the rigger, you don't
- Loadout supervision, transit risk management
- Receiving, set-down, leveling to OEM spec (typically <0.001"/ft on machining centers)
- Re-connection of utilities, anchoring, vibration isolation pads if specified
- Re-commissioning: power-up, parameter verification, axis homing, spindle warm-up, accuracy verification with ballbar
- Run-off on a test part the customer specifies, signed acceptance
Why It Matters
The business case
A botched move is one of the most expensive mistakes a shop can make. Way scratches don't buff out. A spindle dropped 1/8" can be re-aligned, but knocked off the column it's a rebuild. We've moved hundreds of machines; we know where the failure modes hide.
How It Works
The process
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Site survey
Visit origin and destination. Confirm utilities, clearances, floor capacity, and route. Identify rigger requirements.
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Plan + quote
Detailed scope with rigger, transport, re-commissioning, and contingency. Fixed price where possible; T&M with not-to-exceed where uncertainty justifies it.
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Pre-move
Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic disconnect with labeled terminations. Removable components secured. Way covers locked.
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Move
Rigger lifts and loads under our supervision. Transport carrier of customer's choice or our recommendation. Set-down at destination.
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Re-commission + accept
Level, anchor, reconnect utilities, power up, run safety circuits, axis home, ballbar verification, run-off on a customer-specified test part. Sign-off and you're back in production.
Common Questions
FAQ
Do you handle interstate moves?
Yes — anywhere within our 250-mile service area for full project management, and beyond on a coordinated basis when the customer wants our team handling the disconnect and re-commission.
Are you insured for damage during the move?
Yes. We carry general liability, and reputable rigging partners carry per-machine cargo coverage. Specific coverage limits are documented in the proposal — review them before sign-off.
How long does a typical move take?
Single VMC: 2–3 days end-to-end if origin and destination are local. Multi-machine moves and longer transit windows scale accordingly. We can compress timelines for emergency moves but it costs more.
What if a machine doesn't level after the move?
It will — leveling is part of the scope, not optional. If the destination floor is a problem, we identify that during the site survey before we move, not after.
Other Services
Also worth a look
Preventive Maintenance
Scheduled inspections and service that catch failures before they cost you a shift. Coverage tailored to your machines and run hours.
Learn moreEmergency Repair
Machine down? We respond to emergency calls within 15 minutes during business hours and prioritize PM-contract customers for same-day dispatch.
Learn moreAccuracy Testing & Ballbar
Ballbar diagnostics, geometry verification, and laser calibration. Quantify what your machine is actually holding before a part goes scrap.
Learn moreRequest Service
Tell us about your machine and the issue. We respond to emergency calls within 15 minutes during business hours.
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