How to Lift and Install a
Universal Testing Machine
Universal Testing Machines are heavy and require careful installation planning. The good news is that most installations can be performed by a single person with the right tools and knowledge. The guide below will explain what to expect and how to properly plan for a new universal testing machine installation. This guide is focused on tabletop machines, the installation of a floor standing machine is slightly different.
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1. What you will need.
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2. Planning the Initial Receiving from your Freight Carrier.
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3. Uncrating the Machine and Moving it to the Lab.
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4. Hoisting the Machine into place with an Endless Sling and Shop Crane.
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5. Notes and Considerations
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1. What you will need.
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All of these items are available from local and online hardware supply companies for under $800. In many cases, they can be rented or returned within 30 days after they are used.
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- Pallet Jack with at least 9" of lift.
- Shop Crane with at least 1 ton capacity with hook and short chain. 80" of height.
- Endless Sling with at least 4,000 lbs. strength and 4' of length.
- Hammer to decrate the box.
- Table with at least 2,000 lb. capacity. 30" height.
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2. Initial Receiving
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The machine will be crated and shipped upright in a seaworthy wooden box crate. Seaworthy means that the machine is in a water tight plastic bag with desiccant pouches included. The crate will arrive from the freight carrier on a pallet. If the machine is going to be delivered to a ground level location, lift gate service should be used. Most freight carriers will have lift gate service which is a small motorized elevator between the ground and the back of the truck. If the machine is being received in a receiving dock, it can be easily moved with a pallet jack or pallet mover. Universal Grip recommends a pallet jack with at least 9" of lifting height.
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3. Uncrating the Machine
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The machine can be partially uncrated by using a hammer to take out the four walls and top of the box. The machine will be sitting in a foam cutout and should be upright. The cross-head will be lowered and down towards the base of the machine. Remove the plastic packaging around the metal of the machine.
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A sturdy table should be used to support the machine. Universal Grip recommends the "welded machine shop table" from Uline for about $200. The table can support about 3,000 lbs. If vibration is a concern, the table can be bolted into the floor. Rubber pads can be used like washers between the flat table foot and the floor for added dampening.
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4. How to Lift the Universal Testing Machine into its Final Resting Place
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The machine should be sitting upright with the cross-head lowered. Use an Endless Sling with at least 4,000 lbs. of working load and 4 ft. of length and wrap it around the cross-head in the following manner:
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The shop crane should have at least 1 ton capacity. The heaviest benchtop Galdabini machine is the 100kN and it weighs around 800 lbs. The machine should now be sitting on the foam, on the pallet, on the pallet jack, and close to the resting table.
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To perform the final lift, place both the pallet jack with the machine on it and the shop crane as close as possible to the resting table. Jack the machine up on the pallet jack to its the full 9" of height. It is important that the maximum height is reached so that the shop crane supporting feet can be wheeled underneath the pallet. The pallet jack and the shop crane will be facing each other and the feet will intertwine.
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Now that the pallet is jacked up, wheel the shop crane into position. The boom arm of the crane should be placed directly over the center of the cross-head. The machine's support columns will be on either side of the crane arm. Once the crane is in position, wrap the endless sling around the cross-head and around the hook of the crane. Make sure that the sling is balanced and lined up properly.
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Stand away from the machine and begin pumping the crane lift. The machine will slowly lift up and out of the foam and the bottom of the crate. If at any point the sling slips or becomes off balance, lower the machine and readjust the sling. Keep jacking the machine up until the bottom of the machine is just barely higher than the base of the table. Usually about 30".
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Once the machine is high enough, slide out the pallet jack and move it away. Now the machine should be free hanging by the shop crane in mid-air. Move to the back of the crane and push the machine into place over the table. Once the machine is over the table and in position, release the crane's pump to place the machine.
5. Notes and Considerations.
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Not all machine installations are straightforward. Below are some special considerations to take into account.
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Be sure to measure all doorways that the equipment will pass through including any elevators and tight hallways.
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Elevators can be used to transport the machine to a different floor. Be sure to check the capacity of the elevator. If there are any steps or staircases involved, it may be worthwhile to hire a rigger.
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A rigger is a local engineering service firm that provides hoisting, lifting and placement services for industrial customers. There are hundreds of rigging companies across the United States and they are very experienced with moving and placing heavy objects with a crane. If your project is complicated or you just don't feel confident, hire a rigger for about $1,000.
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