Rigging or Machine Moving is the art of moving, lifting, landing or assembly/erection of large or heavy machines and loads. Sometimes it’s not even that the load is overly large, but that it’s in a location where installing or moving it requires the load to travel through environments that are remote, difficult to access, or not designed to handle the size and weight of the object. Regardless of the weight and size or location of the load, it’s not a simple operation. The operation requires a combination of creative ingenuity and acquired skills and knowledge. If not planned and executed properly, things can go wrong, sometimes horribly wrong. The craft professionals with the expertise and skill-sets to do this work and perform it safely is a rigger or machine mover.

Before we dive into the typical duties of riggers and machine movers, we need to point out the difference between the two professions.

In the construction and industrial worlds, a rigger will move any type of load, whereas a machine mover specializes in the moving, erecting, assembling and/or relocating of machinery and equipment. Both professionals do however rely on basic to extremely specialized equipment to lift, land, move, support, balance, manipulate, level, align and position loads.

Simply put, a rigger is a skilled-craft professional who engages in the lifting and moving of large objects, whereas a machinery mover does the same, but specializes in machinery and equipment that may additionally require assembly, erection, leveling and aligning.

There are many good riggers and machine movers out there who didn’t start out in the specialized work of rigging. But, these individuals have common traits such as being mechanically-inclined, enjoy working with their hands, and a passion for tinkering with objects; taking them apart and putting them back together.

Most riggers tend to be somewhat creative and enjoy a challenge. They enjoy the puzzle aspect of figuring out how to move something that may at first glance impossible to do but can be deeply rewarding.

A rigger’s job revolves around perception and how these large, heavy objects they’re moving will fit into tight quarters within a plant, facility or, shop. They’re responsible for creating innovative solutions for how to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Many riggers and machine movers also have an innate appreciation and fascination with engineering, especially where it pertains to the marvels of huge pieces of machinery and the clever, specialized rigging equipment such as cranes, lifts transporters and other specialized equipment.

Strong communication skills are important. A good rigger, machine mover, and signal-person understand they’re the “eyes” of the operator and are responsible for safely and efficiently directing the move.

And, because riggers and machinery movers work as a team and can have different responsibilities during the planning and execution of the work, the desire and ability to work within a high-functioning team are critically important.

Also importantly, a good rigger is always eager to learn and better their skill-sets as a skilled-craft professional. Many leaders in the rigging and heavy lifting industry have great insights, techniques, and tips for becoming a better rigger. Engaging with these individuals through association like the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) is a great place to start.

On jobs, riggers and machine movers are often performing work that involves utilizing some sort of heavy or specialized equipment such as forklifts, Versa-Lifts, tri-lifters, cranes, and more. There are often licensing and certification requirements for the different equipment, typically provided by or through the employer. A reputable employer will also provide ongoing and regular training along with the specific, manufacturer-provided training for some of the highly specialized equipment.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) provides certification training and testing for crane operators, signal persons, and riggers. A rigger can study to become certified and prove their skill-sets at crane rigger employment. For the certification, rigger candidates must complete and pass both a written and practical test, which measures their competency.

Our skilled-craft professionals are cross-trained in both rigging and machinery moving. Our teams take pride in the work they perform on a daily basis, moving and relocating large and sometimes massive pieces of machinery and industrial equipment. We’re known for having some of the most innovative and creative rigging professionals in the industry. Our customers see this first-hand when they Discover the A&A Difference.

We’re always looking to grow our team with individuals who are passionate about tinkering with mechanical objects, eager to learn and better their skill-sets, and can work on a team to provide our customers what we call the A&A Difference.

Interested in joining our team? Take a look at the open positions on our team and apply today.