Installation of Pre-Cast Ironer Pit in Laundry Facility
Installation of Pre-Cast Ironer Pit in Laundry Facility
At Finch of Bookham, our team expertly managed the complex internal installation of a pre-cast ironer pit. The job involved a coordinated lift and precise positioning within an active laundry environment. Drawing on our specialist moving equipment and machine movers service, we executed each phase safely and efficiently, from external offload to final placement below ground level.
Lift Equipment Setup and Forklift Offload
We began by positioning the lorry loader within the rear yard, alongside a forklift truck. To ensure safe and stable lifting, we placed 500 x 500 Nylacast mats under the outriggers and attached four 5000kg x 3m nylon slings to the hook. Once the hook was centrally aligned over the forklift, we secured the slings to the designated lifting points and, following equipment checks, lifted the forklift from the vehicle bed.
Using the forklift, all gantry components were then offloaded and transported into the laundry area for assembly.
Gantry Assembly and Power Connection
Trackway was laid on either side of the ironer, and jacks were positioned at each end. These were removed from their transit frames and set into place to support the system. An 8-metre beam, weighing approximately 1000kg, was lifted onto the jacks. We then lowered the side shift units onto the beam and connected the system to the site’s power supply.
Two 5000kg chain blocks were installed onto the side shift units to prepare for lifting the pit liner.
Pit Liner Rotation and Entry
The pre-cast pit liner, initially flat in the rear yard, was prepared for vertical repositioning. We repositioned the lorry loader beside it, repeated the stabilisation process with Nylacast mats, and attached four 5000kg x 3m slings to the hook. With all safety checks completed, we installed M30 lifting eyes into the factory sockets and carefully rotated the liner 90 degrees to vertical. The client provided structural support during this stage.
The front end of the liner was placed on skates while the forklift, fitted with a jib, lifted the rear end and manoeuvred the unit into the laundry, positioning it beneath the gantry system.
Lift and Lower into Pit Opening
Using the chain blocks, we lifted the front end of the pit liner clear of the skates and laterally traversed it over the pit opening. The forklift continued to support the rear during this movement. Once aligned, the forklift lowered the rear to the floor beneath the second chain block.
We then lifted the rear end using the chain block, suspending the full unit from the gantry. With controlled guidance, we lowered the pit liner into its final position within the floor void.
Final Fix and Demobilisation
Once seated, the building contractor secured the pit liner as required. We then removed all lifting and handling equipment from the site. The gantry was dismantled, loaded onto transport, and our team completed demobilisation. With all team members signed out, the project was declared successfully complete.
