Rigging, Removal & Loading
Winning the machine is step one. Getting it out safely is the real encore.
Auction removal windows are firm. Buyers should choose qualified machinery movers, confirm insurance and equipment, schedule early and follow the site’s release and safety rules.
What you should know
- Qualified machinery riggers and movers
- Electrical and utility disconnect planning
- Forklift, crane, skates and loading requirements
- Appointments, insurance and removal deadlines
Direct answer
Auction buyers are generally responsible for removing purchases by the stated deadline unless the lot terms say otherwise. Hire a qualified rigger, provide the lot information and photos, verify weight and dimensions, confirm the removal route, obtain required insurance, schedule an appointment and wait for paid release authorization before work begins.
What a machinery rigger may need to do
Disconnect
Separate utilities safely
Coordinate qualified electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gas or plumbing disconnects under site lockout/tagout rules.
Prepare
Make the machine transport-ready
Drain or secure fluids, remove loose components, lower heads, block axes, protect controls, package tooling and stabilize moving parts.
Move
Extract from the facility
Use skates, forklifts, gantries, cranes, cribbing or other engineered methods appropriate to the weight, center of gravity and route.
Load
Place and secure for transport
Select suitable trailer, dunnage, tie-downs, tarping, over-dimensional permits and weather protection.
Document
Protect the buyer and site
Carry required insurance, follow sign-in and safety rules, document pre-existing conditions and obtain release confirmation.
Clean
Finish the work area
Remove packaging, blocking, spills and debris; follow rules for anchors, pits, utility caps and floor protection.
Information to send a rigger
- Auction name, lot number, machine description and exact pickup address.
- Manufacturer/model, estimated weight, dimensions and center-of-gravity or lifting information if available.
- Photos of all sides, floor position, aisles, doors, docks, stairs, pits and exterior truck access.
- Included tanks, conveyors, transformers, tooling, cabinets and loose accessories.
- Utility status and who is authorized to disconnect each service.
- Approved-rigger rule, certificate-of-insurance wording and site safety requirements.
- Available onsite forklift or crane, operator requirements and any stated loading fee.
- Removal dates, hours, appointment contact and final deadline.
Buyer removal timeline
- Before bidding: obtain at least a budgetary quote for large, complex or distant machines.
- Immediately after winning: send the invoice/lot list to your mover and request an appointment.
- Before arrival: pay in full, confirm cleared release, submit insurance and finalize truck or crane permits.
- At the site: sign in, follow PPE and safety rules, inspect for visible shipping concerns and remove only paid lots.
- Before departure: match loose components to the invoice, secure the load and leave the work area compliant.
- After pickup: track freight, prepare unloading and preserve shipping documentation.
Do not assume “loading available” means free rigging
A seller may have a forklift onsite, but that does not mean it is available, large enough, insured for outside loads or included at no cost. “Free loading,” when expressly offered, may be limited to specific lots, dates, methods and carrier types.
The buyer remains responsible for confirming the actual service in the sale-specific terms and with the removal contact. A 4,000-pound forklift and a 20,000-pound machine are not a negotiation—they are a physics lesson.
Related auction resources
Use these pages to continue without starting over.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the machine myself?
Only if the auction and site allow it and you have qualified personnel, proper equipment, insurance and a safe plan. Some facilities require approved riggers.
Can I leave the machine past the deadline?
Do not assume so. Late removal may trigger storage, abandonment, resale, damages or other remedies in the terms. Arrange pickup immediately after winning.
Who disconnects electrical power?
The sale-specific rules may assign disconnect work to the buyer, seller or an approved contractor. Only qualified and authorized personnel should perform it.
Does Sterling guarantee a recommended rigger?
No. A referral is not a warranty. Buyers should independently evaluate licensing, insurance, experience, equipment, pricing and contract terms.
What proof is needed before pickup?
Typically cleared payment, a paid invoice or release, appointment confirmation and any required certificate of insurance. Requirements vary by sale.
Ready to bid with better information?
Review the current auction catalog, confirm the sale-specific terms, inspect whenever possible and contact Sterling before bidding if anything is unclear.
