Restricted Access Plant Movement Using a Fassi HIAB
Moving heavy equipment into an industrial building isn't always as straightforward as driving up to the loading bay and unloading.
Sometimes the only practical access point is several metres above ground level, leaving very little room for conventional lifting methods.
This was the challenge facing the DSM team during a recent plant movement operation, where a large piece of industrial equipment needed to be manoeuvred through an elevated loading-bay opening.
HIAB Lifting Where Access Is Restricted
With the loading area positioned well above the vehicle, the team needed a lifting solution that could reach the opening while allowing the load to be carefully guided into the building.
One of DSM's Fassi HIABs was positioned outside the facility, with the boom extending up to the loading bay.
The equipment was secured for lifting, allowing the team to carefully manoeuvre it towards the opening.
As the load reached the building, coordination between the HIAB operator and the team inside became particularly important. With limited clearance available, the equipment needed to be guided through the opening and handled within the loading area.
Combining HIAB Hire with Plant Movement
One of the advantages of using a HIAB for this type of operation is the ability to combine transport and lifting support.
Rather than relying on a separate crane for every movement, a suitably specified HIAB can provide the reach needed to transfer heavy equipment directly from the vehicle to an elevated loading area.
For this project, the Fassi HIAB allowed the lifting operation to be carried out from outside the building, overcoming the height difference between the vehicle and the loading bay.
It's a good example of how HIAB hire can support plant movement when normal access routes aren't suitable.
Planning Around the Building
Restricted access lifting requires careful consideration of the surroundings before the equipment arrives.
The height of the opening, available clearance and the position of the HIAB all affect how the movement can be carried out.
The load itself also needs to be assessed, particularly where equipment must pass through an opening with limited room to manoeuvre.
With the lift planned around these restrictions, the DSM team was able to transfer the equipment through the loading-bay opening.
Specialist Plant Movement Across London, Essex and Cambridge
DSM provides plant movement and machinery relocation services across London, Essex, Cambridge and the wider South East.
From industrial machinery relocation to lift & shift operations within commercial buildings, our team works with clients to identify a suitable method for moving heavy equipment.
Depending on the task, this may involve HIAB hire, specialist handling equipment or additional lifting support.
DSM also provides contract lifting services for projects requiring a fully managed lifting operation.
For projects involving restricted access, our HIAB hire services offer a practical option where transport and lifting need to work together.
Need Support with Plant Movement or HIAB Hire?
Whether you're relocating machinery, moving heavy plant through restricted access or arranging delivery to an elevated loading area, DSM can help plan the lifting operation.
Find out more about our plant movement services, or contact our team to discuss your requirements.
📞 0203 948 9659
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