Choosing the Right Load Moving Equipment

In the oil and gas industry, you're constantly moving heavy loads — drilling rig components, pipes, tanks, pressure vessels, and all kinds of other equipment. Choosing the right load moving equipment is essential to keep your operation running smoothly and safely. There are lots of different types of equipment for moving heavy loads, and the right choice depends on what you're moving, how far, and where.

Common Types of Load Moving Equipment

Cranes. Cranes are the most common load moving equipment. You can get truck-mounted cranes, crawler cranes, and all-terrain cranes. They're used for lifting and moving heavy equipment on well sites, in yards, and during construction. They're flexible, and they can handle almost any lifting job.

Forklifts. Forklifts are used for moving smaller loads — pipes, pallets, equipment boxes. They're essential in any oilfield yard or supply base. You can get small forklifts for light loads, and big rough-terrain forklifts for heavy loads on uneven ground.

Winches and Pullers. Winches are used for pulling heavy loads horizontally. They're used on well sites for pulling pipe, pulling equipment, and doing salvage work. They come in all sizes — from small hand winches to big hydraulic winches that can pull hundreds of tons.

Hydraulic Jacks and Skates. Hydraulic jacks are used for lifting very heavy loads, and skates are used for sliding them along the ground. This is how you move heavy equipment that's too big for a crane or a forklift. It's slow, but it's the only way to move really big loads inside a building or a tight space.

Walking and Skidding Systems. These are specialized systems for moving drilling rigs and other very large equipment. They use hydraulic cylinders to lift and slide the whole load. They're expensive, but they're the only way to move a full drilling rig without taking it apart.

How to Choose

When you're choosing load moving equipment, think about:

- How much weight do you need to move? This is the first question. The weight determines what size and type of equipment you need.
- How far do you need to move it? Short distances can use skates or jacks. Longer distances need trucks or cranes.
- What's the terrain? Is it smooth concrete, or rough dirt? Is it inside a building, or outside?
- How often do you do this? If you move loads every day, it's worth investing in good equipment. If you only do it once a year, you can rent.

FAQ

Q: What's the most versatile load moving equipment?
A: The truck-mounted crane is the most versatile. It can drive anywhere, it can lift all kinds of loads, and it can move them from place to place. Every oilfield operation needs at least one good crane.