Moving a washer can be quite a challenging task. They are heavy and transporting a washer without damaging it is difficult. The orientation of the washer during transport can make all the difference between keeping it safe and causing damage to the delicate inner workings of the machine.
The safe and proper transportation of a washer requires careful planning and an understanding of the damage that can be sustained by the machine if it is not appropriately handled when in transit. Let’s discuss why washers should not be moved while laying down and the safest method for transporting a washer.
A front load washer can not be transported laying down. Transporting it on its side, back, or front will cause severe damage. The machine’s internal components will be harmed, and the outer panels of the washer will be scuffed. Always transport a washer in an upright orientation.
It Is Not Recommended to Lay Your Washer Down
Transporting a washer can be a challenge. These machines are cumbersome and can be difficult to fit into a regular vehicle. However, no matter how challenging it is to transport your washer, avoid the temptation to lay it down.
Washer manufacturers and professional washer technicians strongly advise against laying a washer down because it can cause serious harm to the machine.
Problems With Laying the Washer Down for Transport
As font load washers are not designed to be transported in any other orientation than upright, laying it down should only be attempted as a very last resort. Just remember that it is preferable to find an alternative transport solution than having to buy a whole new machine!
Let’s discuss some of the potential problems with laying a washer down on each of its sides for transport:
Laying the Washer on Its Back
Front-load washers are heavy machines, and laying the full weight of the appliance in its back places a lot of pressure on the internal components. The inner and outer drums will press against one another, which is likely to damage the suspension and mounting components of the drums.
While the drums are unlikely to move in this orientation, the pressure placed on each other, as well as the other internal components, will still cause damage.
The rear of the machine may also be damaged if it is placed on its back. The outer surface of the washer may be scuffed or scraped, and the connection hoses and electrical cables are at risk of damage.
Laying the Washer on Its Side
Laying the washer on its side for transport is another orientation that may cause damage to the machine while in transit, although for different reasons.
The internal components of a washer are surprisingly delicate for a machine that can sound like it’s about to rock itself out of the laundry room!
Laying the machine down on its side for transit may cause the locking mechanisms and structural braces for these components to loosen or come undone entirely. If these components are jostled too much when in transit, they will be structurally and functionally compromised and you may be facing expensive repairs or the necessity of having to replace the whole machine.
The side panels of a washer are also susceptible to superficial damage. Laying the machine on its side is likely to scratch these panels, and there is no way to repair damage of this kind without replacing the panels.
Laying the Washer on Its Front
Laying the washer on its front is probably the worst way to transport a washer.
This orientation bears the same potential for damage as laying the machine on its back, as it will put pressure on the internal components on the machine, such as the inner and outer drums.
In addition to these hazards, laying a front load washer on its front is likely to damage the machine’s door, the glass in the door, and the controls on the front panel of the appliance.
Thus, this orientation is likely to cause the most damage to a washer while in transit.
How to Safely Transport a Front Load Washer
Transporting a front load washer is not as simple as moving other appliances since it can not be placed on its side for transport. Still, there are ways to safely move a washer without causing damage to it.
This is how to safely transport a front load washer:
- Prepare Before Transport – before moving the washer, it is important to be sure that you are prepared for the move. Use a vehicle or trailer that can transport the machine in an upright orientation, prepare plenty of ratchet-straps or rope to secure the washer, and prepare some blankets or towels to help protect the machine.
- Always Replace Transit Bolts – most modern washers come with transit bolts installed to ensure that the drums in the machine do not shift when the machine is moved. These bolts are removed to allow the machine to run correctly. Still, they should always be replaced before moving the washer to help protect the machine’s internal components.
- Use a Moving Dolly – a moving dolly or a hand truck is the best way to safely move a washer to and from the vehicle that is used to transport it. These tools allow the machine to be kept upright while moving and will help to keep the appliance free from harm.
- Keep the Washer Upright – the only safe orientation to transfer and transport a washer is upright, standing on its feet. Be sure that your chosen method of moving the washer to the vehicle as well as your chosen transport method can accommodate this.
- Secure the Washer Properly – it is vital to ensure that the washer is adequately secured with ropes or ratchet-straps when in transit so that the machine does not rattle or move while being transported. Use blankets or towels to place under the straps or ropes to prevent them from damaging the exterior of the washer.
Rather Lay Your Dryer Down
Washers may not be transported laying down, as it will cause damage to the machine. However, dryers can be moved while laying down without sustaining any damage.
Technically, it is recommended to transport both machines upright, but if you have to choose, rather lay the dryer down than the washer, but always lay a dryer on its side rather than its back or its front, and be sure to use towels or blankets to protect the dryer from any cosmetic damage while being transported on its side.
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Sources
https://www.hunker.com/12003108/can-a-washing-machine-be-transported-on-its-back
https://askinglot.com/can-you-transport-a-front-load-washer-on-its-back
https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/home-appliances/how-could-i-transport-washing-machine-safely/