Can You Lay a Vending Machine on its Back? Transport a Vending Machine
If you want to transport your vending machine from one place to another, you might be curious about the proper way to do so without damaging the machine.
You might consider adjusting the orientation of the machine for the job. But can you lay a vending machine on its back?
Yes, you can lay a Vending machine on its back but is not recommended because the machine is only designed to withstand its weight while upright. If you remove the compressor, you can lay it on its back if you’re careful, but even then, keeping the machine upright is still much safer.
If you want to know how to properly transport a vending machine, you’ve come to the right place. Keep on reading for a brief step-by-step guide on how to do it safely!
RELATED READ: How Much Does it Cost to Move a Vending Machine?
Can You Transport a Vending Machine While Laying It on Its Back?
The size of a vending machine makes it quite a difficult transportation job. Regardless of the design and dimensions of the vending machine, some owners might suspect that transporting the machine upright can be quite risky.
For that reason, some might consider laying the machine on its sides or back while transporting, so that it has a larger surface area in contact with the ground. However, it’s highly recommended that you don’t transport a vending machine while laying on its back.
The reason behind that is that, at the end of the day, most vending machines are basically large refrigerators with cooling units. This cooling unit has a compressor that can be easily damaged from bumps and hits during transportation.
If your vending machine doesn’t have a compressor or you’re able to remove the compressor, you can theoretically transport the machine sideways.
However, even in that case, you should keep in mind that the machine’s side panels aren’t as durable as the base.
In other words, laying it sideways or on its back may still damage some delicate parts in the machine, which is why you should always try to haul the vending machine while it’s upright.
What Would Happen If You Lay a Vending Machine on its Back?
In the vast majority of vending machines out there, most of the delicate electronics and refrigeration units are built on the back.
If you lay the machine on that side, the pressure of its weight may permanently damage the pipes of the compressor.
The only solution to fix this is by buying a new refrigeration unit to replace the damaged one, which can cost you quite a hefty sum.
What Is the Proper Way of Transporting a Vending Machine?
The best way to transport a vending machine, whether for a short or a long-distance, is by keeping the machine as upright as possible throughout the entire distance.
This is because most vending machines are reinforced at the base of the machine to handle its entire upright weight. So, while the machine has less surface area on the ground, it’ll still be extremely difficult to tip-off or fall on its sides.
If you’re hauling the machine on a truck, you can keep the machine upright and prevent it from falling off using ratchets and ropes.
If you’re simply relocating the machine within the same area, the best way to do so is by using a pallet jack, whether manual or electrically powered.
This doesn’t only protect the vending machine from irreversible damage, but it also protects the floor from damage as well as the movers from injuring themselves.
How to Move a Vending Machine Safely?
Now that you know more about the proper way to haul a vending machine, here’s a brief guide that shows you how to safely haul and transport a vending machine from point A to point B, whether it’s near or long.
Step 1: Prepare the Machine for Moving
The first thing you need to do is to completely empty the vending machine to make the machine as light as possible. Put your items in suitable storage or a refrigerator if they need low temperature.
Next, you’ll need to bring a suitable pallet jack, moving blankets, and ratchets to move the machine. For that, you might need to measure the machine to choose the right sizes.
Make sure to also empty the area where you’re going to move the machine and clear any carpeting to make it easier for the pallet jack to move around.
Once everything is ready, unplug the machine and secure the cord on the back so that it doesn’t get in your way while moving.
Step 2: Position the Pallet Jack Safely Beneath the Machine
Position the pallet jack’s forks exactly under the machine so that its weight is distributed equally on either side, then start pumping the jack’s handles to lift the machine off the ground (a few inches will do).
Step 3: Load and Secure the Vending Machine on Your transporting Vehicle
Once the vending machine is loaded on the pallet jack, use ratchet straps to secure the machine on the jack, then cover the vending machine with moving blankets to protect its exterior from bumps and scratches.
Once the machine is secure, move carefully towards the new spot or haul the machine on the moving truck using a low slope ramp. You might need a helping hand in that step to avoid hurting your back if the machine is too heavy.
Step 4: Unload and Put the Machine in the New Location
Upon reaching your destination, pull up the pallet jack’s handle to release the machine where you want it to be. Remember to do that slowly to prevent damaging the plant.
Start removing the protective blankets and straps but don’t plug the machine just yet. Instead, allow the compressor oil to settle for 12 to 24 hours first.
Final Thoughts
With that said, today’s guide about vending machine transportation and whether you can lay them on their back comes to an end.Â
As you can see, you should never transport a vending machine on when it’s laying on its back, as it can cause serious damage to the electronics of the machine as well as the refrigeration unit.
For that reason, while transporting a vending machine from one spot to another, it’s always best that you leave the job to professionals or use special tools that are capable of getting the job done without having to lay the machine sideways or on its back.
