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Equipment & Heavy Equipment Moving & Haulage Service
We are capable of moving both standard equipment & heavy equipment. We can install the equipment on the other end for you as well. We offer a heavy haulage transport service.
This includes: moving heavy machinery, transporting construction equipment, oversized loads, wide loads, gauges and long vehicle convoys.
We provide escort vehicles as part of our service and can also handle the logistics of your move, so you don’t have to. This even includes liaising with local police authorities and government agencies on your behalf.
We also have extensive experience in successfully moving everything from small CNC machines to 150-ton press crowns and everything in between.
Our Equipment Moving Capabilities at a Glance
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| Heavy Lifting | Specialist Haulage | Technical Planning | Global Logistics |
| Single & tandem lifts up to 100 Tonnes using Gantry & Hiab systems. | Abnormal Load specialists with extendable trailers and pilot car support. | Full RAMS & LOLER compliance with dedicated site-survey experts. | Nationwide UK coverage plus International machinery relocation. |
Heavy Haulage, Simplified and Secured
Moving specialised machinery, oversized loads, or heavy industrial equipment requires more than just a truck - it demands precision planning, specialist fleet capability, and a commitment to safety, and we understand that.
That is why we will handle the entire process, from initial route surveying and securing necessary permits to providing dedicated lift and logistics support.
So, whether you are relocating construction machinery, moving plant equipment between sites, or transporting modular units like the ones shown here, our expert team ensures your assets are delivered on time and in perfect condition, minimising your downtime and maximising your operational efficiency.
Silver Knight Technical Capability & Fleet Specifications
| Category | Equipment / Vehicle Type | Maximum Capacity | Key Features |
| Heavy Lifting | Hydraulic Gantry Systems | Up to 100 Tonnes | Precision lifting in low-headroom environments. |
| Mobile Lifting | Lorry Mounted Cranes (Hiab) | 60 Tonne/Metre | 15m - 21m reach for plant room deliveries and rooftop installs. |
| Precision Moving | Machine Skates & Jacks | 50 Tonnes (Combined) | Non-marking nylon wheels for cleanroom or epoxy floors. |
| Lifting Options | Versa-Lift / Iron Fairy | 12 - 25 Tonnes | Telescopic frame for moving heavy machinery through tight factory aisles. |
| Haulage | Low Loader & Step Frame Trailers | 44 Tonne GVW | Extendable trailers for "Abnormal Loads" and oversized machinery. |
| Specialist Access | Forklifts (Electric & Diesel) | 2.5 - 7 Tonnes | Equipped with jib attachments for delicate internal positioning. |
Our 5-Step Precision Moving Process
To make sure that every equipment move is executed safely, on time, and with zero incidents, we follow a rigorous planning framework:
Step 1 - Expert Site Survey & Technical Consultation
We actually begin with a comprehensive site visit, where possible to do so, to assess access points, floor loading capacities, and overhead obstructions, if things can not be sent to us remotely to review ahead of time.
Here we will then discuss your specific requirements about what equipment will need to be moved - whether it’s a single CNC machine move or a full factory relocation - to identify the most efficient lifting strategy.
Step 2 - Custom RAMS & Lifting Plans Are Then Created
Next, we believe that safety is our non-negotiable priority; our in-house experts produce site-specific RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements).
However, for complex moves, we provide detailed Lifting Plans in accordance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), making sure that every lift is engineered for stability, safety and according to plan as well.
Step 3 - Decommissioning & Preparation
Our equipment moving team can then work alongside your engineers as well to make sure all equipment is disconnected, drained of fluids (where necessary), and secured, ready for transit.
We can also use specialist packing, including anti-vibe bracing and industrial shrink-wrap where needed, to protect sensitive electronics and calibrated components as well.
Step 4 - Precision Extraction & Heavy Haulage
Using our specialist equipment, moving and transportation fleet - including Hiab cranes, Versa-Lifts, and hydraulic gantry systems - we can then move your assets from their footprint to our transport.
Our drivers are also trained in "Abnormal Load" handling as well, making sure that they get safe passage across the UK or internationally when required.
Step 5 - Positioning, Levelling & Handover
Once at the destination, we don't just "drop and go."
We use precision machine skates and jacks to position your equipment to within millimetres of your floor plan, where possible to do so.
We then perform a final levelling and shimming as well to make sure your machinery is ready for immediate re-commissioning.
Delivering Your Critical Infrastructure, With a Safety First Mindset
Our role also extends beyond simply moving equipment; we are instrumental in delivering the components that shape our future, from essential utilities to renewable energy projects.
We actually recognise that heavy haulage is inherently high-risk, which is why safety is non-negotiable.
So much so, that our drivers and logistics crews are rigorously trained to manage complex loads, adhere to strict regulatory compliance, and execute detailed risk assessments for every journey.
As a result, by providing you with reliable and responsible heavy equipment moving services, we help to make sure that your critical projects - from machines needed for city development to your industrial growth - can advance safely and sustainably as well.
Specialist Equipment Moving by Industry
We understand that a medical scanner requires a completely different approach from a 20-tonne CNC lathe.
So much so that our team is trained in sector-specific protocols to make sure your high-value assets are protected.
For instance, here is how we approach different types of equipment.
Medical, Laboratory & Scientific
Moving sensitive diagnostic and research equipment requires more than just muscle; it requires a controlled environment.
Vibration-Sensitive Handling
We use air-ride suspension and specialist padding for MRI, X-ray, and delicate lab instruments.
Cleanroom Protocols
Our teams follow strict hygiene and "non-marking" procedures to operate within sterile environments without contamination.
Manufacturing, Engineering & CNC
Precision is the difference between a machine that works and one that needs a week of recalibration.
Millimetre-Perfect Positioning
We don’t just move your machines; we provide precision levelling and shimming to ensure they are production-ready.
Heavy Tooling
From injection moulders to 5-axis CNC centres, we manage the entire extraction and installation process.
Printing & Packaging
Long, modular production lines require expert synchronisation to dismantle and rebuild.
Modular Assembly
We specialise in the phased removal and re-installation of multi-unit printing presses and high-speed packaging lines.
Long-Load Handling
Expert management of oversized rollers and frames that require specialist lifting frames and skates.
Construction Plant & Infrastructure
When your equipment exceeds standard dimensions, we handle the legalities and logistics.
Abnormal Load Management
We handle all notifications to police and local authorities for wide, high, or heavy loads.
Escort Services
Comprehensive route planning and pilot vehicle support for heavy plant machinery and oversized structural components.
Specialist Rigging & Lifting Fleet for Heavy Assets
Our heavy machine moving fleet consists of the latest in heavy haulage and commercial vehicles with a very large lifting capacity combined between them. It is also staffed by a large and skilled team professional moving with years of experience in the industry and thousands of machinery installations under our belt. As a result, all of our heavy machine movers and moving machines are well maintained and upgraded to handle the complexities of modern industrial equipment and machinery moving.
As a result, you can rest assured and have peace of mind that the machinery relocation services have the equipment and expertise to carry out any move with our professional movers and specialized equipment. Furthermore, we have full public liability insurance as well.
From hydraulic gantry systems and cranes to specialised transporters and heavy-duty trailers, we have the equipment to accommodate loads of all sizes and weights.
Our fleet includes, to name but a few:
Hydraulic Gantry Systems, Machine Skates, Toe Jacks, Air Skates, Fork Trucks, & Other Lifting Accessories
For precise lifting and positioning of heavy machinery in confined spaces.
Mobile Cranes
Offering flexible lifting solutions with extensive reach and capacity.
Transport Vehicles
For the efficient on-site movement of super-heavy components for manufacturing companies.
Heavy-Duty Trailers
Including flatbeds, drop decks, and multi-axle trailers, which are designed to transport heavy loads safely across long distances.
Comprehensive Insurance & Risk Protection
We understand that we are often moving your company’s most valuable assets.
To provide total peace of mind and satisfy even the most stringent site-access requirements, Silver Knight maintains industry-leading insurance cover:
Public & Products Liability
Fully Insured up to £10,000,000. This high-level indemnity ensures we are cleared to work on major industrial sites, airports, and infrastructure projects across the UK.
Employers’ Liability
Insured up to £10,000,000. Full protection for our specialist rigging teams and any secondary contractors under our supervision.
Goods In Transit (GIT)
Bespoke Cover up to £500,000 per load. Specific cover for high-value machinery during the haulage phase. For ultra-high-value assets (e.g., £1m+ medical scanners), we can arrange uplifted 'All Risks' cover on a project-by-project basis.
Professional Indemnity
Coverage for our technical site surveys and Method Statement (RAMS) production.
Note to Procurement Teams - Copies of our current Insurance Schedule and Broker Letters are available immediately upon request during the tendering process.
Expert Heavy Equipment Moving & Haulage Services
Our highly experienced team of professionals is at the heart of our moving process. With extensive training in the different types of specialist machinery, industrial asset recovery, and general machine moving we can bring to bear - such as our own equipment from our machine moving skates to our specialist lifting equipment, all combined with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in heavy equipment transport - including international machinery transportation and the complexities that come around that - and the installation services post move.
Consequently, we can ensure that your machinery is in safe hands.
High-quality service includes:
Project Planning and Management
Every one of our machinery relocation projects begins with meticulous planning.
We assess the specific requirements of your machinery, implement lift plans and site surveys, and consider dimensions, weight, and transport routes to devise a comprehensive relocation strategy for your heavy machinery.
Whether you need a whole plant relocation to kick in, or to move heavy items as part of your business needs, our quality service is here to help you and your specific requirements.
Custom Solutions
Recognising that no two projects are the same, we provide customised solutions tailored to your equipment's specific requirements.
So, whether it's a single-machine move or a complete factory relocation, we've got you covered.
Permit Acquisition and Route Surveying
We handle the logistics, including permit acquisition and route surveying, to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
On-Site Assembly and Disassembly
Our team is equipped to manage the assembly and disassembly of your machinery, ensuring it's ready for use as soon as it arrives at its destination.
Our Geographic Reach, Where We Can Deliver
When it comes to moving heavy equipment, our service isn't limited by borders. We provide a comprehensive machinery shipping service across a vast geographical area, with a carefully managed distribution network that covers the entire UK mainland and extends to Europe and beyond.
Our global network of partners and expertise in route planning allows us to handle complex international movement and border crossings with ease.
We also have extensive experience with offshore haulage, regularly serving the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, and the Channel Islands with specialist care.
Every route is meticulously planned, and we manage all necessary local transport permits to ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.
So, wherever your machinery needs to go, we have the logistical expertise to get it there securely and efficiently.
How We Prepare for Transport?
Before any heavy equipment leaves your site, a rigorous preparation process is undertaken to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.
That is why our heavy transport strategy begins long before the wheels start turning. Every item is checked for cleanliness, and a detailed inventory is created to document its condition and components, which is a vital part of our damage mitigation plan.
Crucially, all hydraulic systems are secured, and any loose or separate parts are carefully packed and labelled. We also ensure that all necessary import/export documentation is in place well in advance, streamlining the cross-border transport process.
We follow strict health and safety measures throughout the entire loading and unloading process, with expert crews utilising specially designed ramps to load the machinery onto our vehicles.
Our no-transhipment policy is key here, as it means the equipment is only loaded once, and our dedicated team is responsible for its journey from start to finish.
This, combined with our use of robust, secure, fastening methods, guarantees your machinery is completely safe and stable throughout its entire journey. We also handle any hazardous materials in line with all regulations, ensuring a fully compliant and secure service.
What is the maximum weight capacity you can lift and move?
At Silver Knight, we operate specialist hydraulic gantry systems (Megalifts) capable of lifting and positioning assets up to 400 tonnes. For smaller, restricted-access moves, we use Versa-Lifts with capacities up to 27 tonnes.
Can you move machinery in tight spaces or low-clearance areas?
e specialise in "confined space" rigging. We use compact Versa-Lift forklifts and low-profile machine skates that allow us to move heavy equipment through standard industrial doors and under low mezzanine floors where traditional cranes cannot reach.
Do you provide a full turnkey factory relocation service?
We don't just "move" equipment; we manage the entire project. This includes initial site surveys, decommissioning, professional packing, secure transport, and final installation/levelling at your new premises.
Can you handle international equipment moving?
Absolutely. We provide worldwide machinery haulage. This includes the packing of shipping containers, sea or air freight logistics, and handling all necessary customs documentation to ensure your equipment reaches its global destination safely.
Do you offer "out-of-hours" or weekend moves to prevent downtime?
Absolutely. We provide worldwide machinery haulage. This includes the packing of shipping containers, sea or air freight logistics, and handling all necessary customs documentation to ensure your equipment reaches its global destination safely.
What insurance cover do you provide for high-value machinery?
Absolutely. We provide worldwide machinery haulage. This includes the packing of shipping containers, sea or air freight logistics, and handling all necessary customs documentation to ensure your equipment reaches its global destination safely.
Do you provide RAMS (Risk Assessment & Method Statements) before the move?
Every project begins with a detailed technical site survey. We then produce site-specific RAMS and Lift Plans that comply with all UK health and safety regulations, ensuring a "safety-first" environment for your staff and our crew.
Are your operators fully trained and certified?
All our onsite personnel are highly experienced and hold relevant certifications for the specialist equipment they operate, including CPCS/NPORS for cranes and forklifts, and specific training for our Megalift gantry systems.
How should I prepare my equipment for a move?
While we can handle the heavy lifting, we recommend that all fluids (oils/coolants) are drained and all electronic data is backed up. Our team can assist with mechanical and electrical disconnection as part of a bespoke moving package.
How do you calculate the cost of an equipment moving service?
Pricing is based on several factors: the weight and dimensions of the asset, the complexity of access (e.g., stairs or narrow aisles), the distance of the move, and whether specialist lifting frames or permits are required. We provide transparent, fixed-fee quotes following a site survey.
How do you move a 50-tonne CNC machine safely?
Moving a 50-tonne asset requires a coordinated "Lift and Shift" strategy. We typically use Hydraulic Toe Jacks to raise the machine slightly, allowing us to position Heavy-Duty Machine Skates (steerable and trailing units) underneath.For high-value CNCs, we often use Hydraulic Gantry Systems which provide a stable, "overhead" lift within the factory footprint, avoiding the need for large mobile cranes that may not fit inside.
What are the requirements for a machinery move site survey?
A professional site survey is the blueprint for a safe move. Key requirements include:
Access & Egress, measuring door widths, ceiling heights, and turning circles.
Floor Loading, confirming the Newtons per square metre ($N/m^2$) capacity of the concrete slab.
Obstacle Mapping, identifying overhead services (gas/electric), pits, or mezzanine edges.
Utility Isolation, ensuring power, compressed air, and coolant are safely decommissioned.
Do I need RAMS for moving machinery in a warehouse?
Yes, under UK Health and Safety law (specifically LOLER and PUWER), any significant lifting or moving operation requires a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS). This document proves you have identified hazards (e.g., floor damage, crushing risks, or utility strikes) and have a documented "Safe System of Work" in place.
Can you move machinery through narrow factory doors?
Yes. If a machine is wider than the door, we use two main techniques:
Partial Dismantling,
Removing peripheral components (guards, control panels) to reduce the footprint.
Skate & Rotate
Using steerable skates to move the machine at an angle or "crab-walking" it through the opening. If all else fails, we can coordinate with structural engineers to temporarily remove door headers or wall panels.
Safety and Compliance, Our Top Priorities
Transporting heavy equipment isn't just about moving machinery from one place to another; it's a job that requires a careful and precise heavy transport strategy.
At every stage of the process, from loading to securing the equipment for transit, we follow strict health and safety protocols.
Our global logistical expertise enables us to develop a comprehensive approach to damage prevention. We believe in creative engineering to manage even the most complex lifts and moves, using our state-of-the-art equipment and an unwavering no-transhipment policy.
This ensures your valuable machinery is handled by the same skilled team from start to finish.
We also have specialised procedures for handling hazardous materials, with every aspect of the transport carefully planned to a critical path to guarantee the utmost security.
Your machinery transport service with us means peace of mind, knowing that your heavy equipment is in the safest hands, from the moment it leaves your site to its final delivery.
About Our Large Equipment Movers
Alongside our primary handling equipment services, we also offer Machinery dismantling, lifting equipment, lifting jacks, factory clearance and complete clean up, transporting heavy plant, removal of equipment from the site, machine hire service, UK and worldwide haulage, full documentation service, provide movement orders for abnormal loads, liaison with police and road network authorities, importing and exporting of machinery, container loading, open top containers and end loaders transport, full risk assessment and method statements, complete project management, and 24-hour call out.
We offer a comprehensive door-to-door service for machine installation. There’s no job too big or too small. Our services include machinery collections, including machinery auctions, dismantling, reconstruction, project installation, machine containerised and packing service; this is global. We have international movements. We provide various services, including heavy haulage, transportation of long loads, handling out-of-gauge loads, forklift and versa hire, mega lift operations, iron fairy crane hire, machine disposal service, and short and long-term storage facilities. In addition, we offer a trailer repair and modification service. We also undertake on-site fabrication services. We carry out site visits upon request.
Why Choose Silver Knight Haulage
and Machineries for Your Heavy Equipment Moving Needs?
With Silver Knight, you are choosing a machine removal company that values your machinery as much as you do, regardless of the scope of work required; from individual to turnkey projects, we can cater for all of them easily with our specialist equipment and heavy machine movers.
Our heavy machinery movers, combined with our expert team of industrial movers and commitment to safety, make us the ideal services company for your heavy equipment moving and haulage needs.
Contact us today to discuss your project and learn how we can help you achieve seamless, stress-free machinery transport and get a free quote - we are here to help you.
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