Menu
Close
Moving a vending machine is an essential part of the business and can’t be avoided. Even if your business consists of locations with machines already placed, sooner or later you will run into a situation where you'll need to move them.
Some situations where you will need to move a vending machine include:
Moving them can be a challenging task due to the size and weight of a vending machine. It requires careful planning, appropriate tools, and a methodical approach to ensure the safety of both the machine and the individuals involved in the moving process.
In this post, we’ll cover some tips and advice on how to move a machine as safely and efficiently as possible.
If this is your first move and you have little to no experience moving heavy equipment, hire a professional to do it for you.
You can easily damage equipment or injure yourself or others if you’re new to the task.
Before relocating a vending machine, it's essential to prepare it properly to prevent any damage to the machine or injury to the individuals involved in the move. This preparation involves a series of crucial steps designed to ensure the safety of both the equipment and the movers.
Before any physical handling, one must ensure that the vending machine is disconnected from power to avoid electrical hazards. It might seem like a no-brainer, but we have personally seen people try to remove a vending machine from a break room while it was still plugged in. Unplug the power cord and secure it so that it doesn't get caught or cause anyone to trip during the move.
You also want to make sure that all moving parts are secured. This will reduce the risk of damage during moves and make relocating a lot easier. To protect the internal components of the vending machine during the move, they should be secured using screws or strong tape. This includes securing any movable parts inside to prevent them from shifting, which could cause damage. Make sure the machine's doors are also tightly closed and locked, if possible, to avoid them swinging open.
This is a part of moving that gets frequently overlooked. The vending machine must be COMPLETELY EMPTY. Not only can this lighten the load significantly (especially if you’re moving a drink machine), but it will reduce the risk of damage to the machine. Be sure to remove the coin mech, bill acceptor, and card reader (if possible) as well.
Another essential part of the moving process. Arguably one of the most important. Correctly measuring the dimensions of the doorway and the vending machine is critical to ensure it can fit through doorways and into its new location. Height, width, and depth should be recorded, and one should compare these measurements with the entryways and paths the vending machine will need to pass through during the move.
Before attempting to move a vending machine, it is critical to have all the necessary moving equipment on hand to ensure a smooth and safe process. Choosing the right tools and ensuring you have adequate protection will make a significant difference in the moving experience.
Moving a vending machine will involve equipment designed for lifting heavy objects. There are a few different forms of equipment that can be used.
The most common way of moving a vending machine involves using a pallet jack or a pump truck. This is arguably the most efficient way, as it is strong enough to move the machine into place while also requiring the least amount of assistance to maneuver.
Another common way of moving a vending machine involves a heavy duty dolly. You would simply put the machine on top of the dolly and move it accordingly. While it is more mobile than a pump truck, we are personally not a big fan of this method. It is less secure and involves tipping a 500+ lb machine to one side, which can be potentially dangerous.
Some moves will involve stairs. In a situation like this, you would need a special piece of equipment known as a stair climber. Stair Climbers are heavy duty, and you might need special training to be able to use one. But they are EXTREMELY handy when dealing with stairs.
Supplies for protection are equally important as the moving tools. Furniture blankets and moving blankets act as padding to protect the machine from scratches and dings during transit. Secure the padding with straps or packing tape to ensure the blankets stay in place. Additional protective measures such as corner guards can prevent damage to the machine and to doorways.
By gathering the necessary equipment and supplies, individuals or teams responsible for the vending machine's relocation can expect a safer and more efficient move. Properly chosen moving equipment is the cornerstone of any successful vending machine relocation effort.
In preparing for the transportation of a vending machine, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth move. Adequate assessment of the path, attention to the machine's dimensions, and understanding the structural challenges are key factors to consider.
The first step in the moving process involves a thorough mapping of the path the vending machine will take from its current position to its new location. Measure doorways, corridors, and any other points of passage to confirm the machine's height and width are compatible. Identify obstacles such as permanent fixtures or tight corners that could hinder movement, mapping out alternative routes if necessary.
Navigating through hallways, maneuvering through doors, and dealing with stairs can be challenging. It's crucial to have a detailed strategy for each segment of the move. For hallways and doors, establish a clear path, removing any possible obstructions. You may even have to temporarily remove a door if it’s still obstructing your path while open.
Each step must be planned with precision, employing the proper tools and techniques to conquer the complexities of the transport.
Moving a vending machine requires careful planning and the right techniques to prevent damage and ensure safety. This section covers the essentials for maneuvering and transporting the machine effectively.
Important: make sure the only people handling the machine are the people in charge of the move. If you’re moving at a time where foot traffic is present, do not let anyone near the machine until it’s fully set up. And do NOT ask anyone to help you out at any point of the moving process. Doing this can run the risk of injuries and lawsuits.
Vending machines are typically delivered via 1 of 2 ways:
Both are reliable ways to move a vending machine. If you don’t have a vehicle you can attach a trailer to though, you’ll probably find a truck with a tailgate to be more convenient. You can rent a truck with a tailgate for a day from somewhere like Penske for a very affordable price.
When it comes to moving a vending machine, correct lifting techniques are critical to avoid injury and maintain the balance of the machine. One should always lift from their knees and keep the back straight to reduce strain. Maneuvering the hefty appliance requires multiple people, with one guiding the movement and others supporting the weight, to maintain the center and prevent tipping over.
Once on the dolly or hand truck, it is crucial to secure the vending machine with straps or ropes. During transport, ensuring that the machine is immobilized will prevent any shifting that could cause imbalance or a fall. Proper securing techniques are necessary to keep the vending machine stable throughout the entirety of the move.
Once a vending machine has been moved, it's crucial to ensure it's correctly set up at the new location. This involves precise positioning, connecting to power, and preparing for operation. Each step is vital for the machine to function optimally and serve its purpose effectively.
The machine must be positioned on a flat, stable surface to prevent operational issues. Leveling is critical; an unlevel machine can cause mechanical malfunctions or product dispensing issues. Not just that, but it increases the risk of tipping and falling over. If you’re not sure the machine is level, use a tool such as a bubble level to check horizontal alignment and adjust the machine’s feet accordingly to stabilize its position.
Before plugging in the machine, it's important to restock any products that may have been removed prior to the move. This ensures immediate availability once the machine is back in use. Carefully reconnect the power supply, ensuring the plug fits securely in the outlet and there is no damage to the cord which could pose a safety hazard.
Upon reconnecting the power, perform a thorough test of the machine to check that all features are operational. This should include dispensing products, coin and bill acceptance, and the return mechanism. In case of malfunctions, follow troubleshooting steps such as checking for jams, ensuring proper alignment of vending coils, or consulting the machine’s manual for specific issues.
When moving a vending machine, specific tools and techniques can ensure safety and efficiency. Here, expert insights and practical advice address common concerns.
An individual planning to move a vending machine needs specialized equipment such as a heavy-duty hand truck designed for vending machines, moving straps, and furniture dollies. Additionally, protective blankets can help prevent damage during transport.
To safely transport a vending machine on a dolly, one must first secure the machine with moving straps, ensuring it is balanced and stable. The dolly should be tilted back carefully to distribute the weight evenly before moving.
Moving a vending machine up stairs requires careful planning. One should use a stair-climbing dolly and ensure the path is clear of obstacles. Enlisting the help of additional people is crucial to maintain balance and control during the move.
Any truck with a lift gate and ample space is best suited for moving vending machines. You can either use something like a boxtruck with a tailgate, or a pickup truck that has a liftgate installed. It should have tie-down points to secure the machine during transport and enough payload capacity to handle the weight that ranges between 400 to 900 pounds. Be sure to use cargo straps to keep the machine in place.
To utilize a pallet jack for relocating a vending machine, one must position it under the machine's base, ensuring even weight distribution. The machine should be lifted gently, just enough to clear the ground, and then carefully guided to the new location.
We hope you found this article helpful.
For more advice and posts on vending, click here to visit our blog.
If you're a business in the Toronto or Greater Toronto Area and would like to have vending services at your location, click here to contact us.