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Steerable Skates – Precision Load Movement for Heavy-Duty Industrial Transport

In industrial environments where relocating heavy machinery, large equipment, or structural components is a regular task, having the right load-moving equipment is essential for safety and efficiency. Steerable skates, also known as steerable load skates or rotating machine skates, offer a powerful, controlled solution for moving heavy loads with precision and minimal effort.

Whether you're shifting industrial presses, HVAC units, or structural beams in factories, workshops, or warehouses, steerable skates are built to take the strain—offering high load capacities, excellent control, and smooth rolling under even the heaviest of loads.

 

Why Choose Steerable Skates

When static machinery or heavy loads need to be repositioned, traditional lifting methods can be risky, time-consuming, and labour-intensive. Steerable skates, when used with toe jacks or lifting equipment, make the job significantly easier and safer.

At Verdex, we believe steerable skates are a go-to for professional riggers, facility managers, and maintenance teams for its:

  • High load capacities ranging from 6 to 100+ tonnes

  • Precision steering for tight corners or awkward layouts

  • Low-profile designs that slide easily under machinery

  • Durable, non-slip tops to hold loads securely in place

  • Modular compatibility with fixed skates for full directional control

Whether you're moving plant equipment across a manufacturing floor or installing large machinery in confined spaces, steerable skates ensure you can do it with confidence and minimal disruption.

 

Key Benefits

Controlled Directional Movement

Unlike fixed load skates, steerable skates feature a turntable or pivoting head that allows the operator to steer the load with precision, making them ideal for navigating tight factory layouts or machinery setups.

Heavy-Duty Capacity

With load capacities often exceeding several tonnes, steerable skates are engineered to handle massive loads safely and with minimal rolling resistance.

Easy to Position

The low profile and compact design allow skates to be positioned under equipment with low ground clearance, reducing the need for excessive jacking or lifting.

Smooth and Safe Transport

Fitted with high-strength nylon or polyurethane rollers, these skates offer low rolling friction, protect flooring surfaces, and provide a stable base for transporting valuable or sensitive equipment.

Versatile Applications

Steerable skates can be used in combination with fixed skates to create multi-point movement systems, enabling precise manoeuvring of long or irregularly shaped machinery.

 

Types of Steerable Skates

There are a few different styles and configurations available, depending on your load type, environment, and movement requirements:

1. Rotating Turntable Skates

Feature a rotating top plate or turntable that allows full 360-degree steering. Often used in combination with trailing fixed skates for directional stability.

2. Roller-Track Steerable Skates

Equipped with a fixed roller arrangement and a directional steering handle. Designed for straight and curved movement with control at the handle.

3. Modular Skate Kits

Include steerable and fixed skates bundled together to form a complete load moving system—ideal for contractors or facility maintenance teams handling multiple applications.

4. Compact Swivel Skates

Smaller models suitable for moving lighter machinery or components in tight spaces. Often used in maintenance and equipment installation tasks.

 

How to Choose the Right Steerable Skate

Before purchasing steerable skates, it’s important to assess the demands of your application, the layout of your workspace, and the type of load being transported.

Load Capacity

Determine the total weight of your load and divide it across the number of skates you plan to use. Always choose a skate rated slightly above your needs for safety and long-term performance.

Load Footprint and Dimensions

Large or irregularly shaped equipment may require multiple skates positioned at strategic load points. Pair steerable skates with fixed skates to create a balanced configuration.

Turntable or Steering Functionality

Rotating turntables allow full directional control, whereas handle-steered models offer guided control from the operator. Choose based on your space constraints and required turning radius.

Roller Material

  • Nylon wheels: Durable and suitable for most surfaces

  • Polyurethane wheels: Quieter, non-marking, and gentle on polished or epoxy-coated floors

  • Steel rollers: Best for rugged environments or extremely heavy loads on concrete

Build Quality

Look for models with welded steel frames, anti-slip surfaces, and high-quality bearings to ensure durability and safe performance under load.

Additional Features

  • Pulling handles or towing lugs

  • Anti-slip rubber pad or checker plate tops

  • Replaceable rollers or parts

  • Stackable or modular storage design

  • Lifting holes or forklift-friendly bases for transport

Alternatively, our range of trolleys and hand trucks may be better suited to help you transport goods from one place to another. Choose from cage trolleys, lifting trolleys, powered trolleys, multi tier shelf trolleys, multi purpose trolleys and more.

 

Workplace Safety Tips for Using Steerable Skates

Safe usage is critical when transporting heavy loads with steerable skates. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and site safety procedures:

  • Inspect skates for wear, cracks, or loose rollers before use

  • Use appropriate lifting equipment (like toe jacks) to position the skates

  • Distribute the load evenly across all skates used

  • Move loads slowly and steadily, avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns

  • Ensure floor surfaces are clean and level before transport

  • Use fixed skates at rear points for stability while steering with a front skate

  • Never exceed the rated load capacity of any skate or system

Proper training and planning are essential—especially when moving machinery through tight factory zones, doorways, or across loading bays.

 

Applications Across Industries

Steerable skates are relied upon in a wide variety of industries that require safe, efficient, and precise movement of large equipment:

Manufacturing and Production

Used for repositioning heavy production machines, presses, and line equipment during maintenance, installation, or reconfiguration.

Equipment Installation and Fitouts

Essential for riggers, technicians, and installers when fitting HVAC units, switchboards, printing presses, or CNC machines.

Construction and Infrastructure

Used for moving steel beams, formwork, or prefab units across flat site surfaces or inside buildings under construction.

Warehousing and Logistics

Assist in relocating racking systems, pallets of heavy tooling, or equipment within distribution centres.

Healthcare and Labs

Support the movement of large diagnostic machines, autoclaves, or research equipment in high-value environments.

 

Shop Our Range of Steerable Skates

At Verdex, we stock a premium selection of steerable skates and modular load skate systems built for heavy-duty Australian industrial environments. Whether you're moving equipment within a warehouse or across a production floor, our load skates are engineered to deliver performance, safety, and precision. Reach out to us today.