During transport/moving, the gutter machine will experience vibrations/shock normally associated with vehicular or trailer transport. Without the correct preparation, this vibration and shock can severely damage the gutter roll forming machine with a steel rolled drive train.

When the gutter roll formers touch or vibrate against one another, the hard chrome plating wears off and the surfaces may fracture.

Damaged roll former surfaces will scratch/mark painted coil stock, and may cause some rippling in the gutter machine profile.  

The occurrence of vibration and shock may loosen fasteners. If allowed to vibrate, the gutter roll formers will not maintain their profile controlling adjustments, which are critical to forming quality gutter machine profiles. 

Gutter Machine Precautions for Steel Rolled Drive Train Gutter Machines

You should keep coil stock threaded throughout the gutter machine during transport. Material between the gutter roll formers prevents the rollers from touching one another, reduces possible vibration, and helps maintain critical adjustments.  

DAMAGE TO GUTTER ROLL FORMERS WITH STEEL ROLLED DRIVE TRAINS CAUSED BY A FAILURE TO THREAD THE GUTTER MACHINE PRIOR TO TRANSPORT/MOVING IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY.

A gutter machine transported without material threaded through it will probably not maintain its critical adjustments. Expect a substandard gutter machine profile if this is the case. 

Gutter Machine Transportation Procedures

Thread the entire gutter machine with metal, taking care not to leave excess material protruding from either end of the gutter machine.

Ensure that all equipment is secure. Do not leave any loose tools in or around the gutter machine. Inspect all the mounts located in the gutter machine. Verify the gutter machine is securely fastened to the vehicle or trailer bed prior to any traveling.

Disconnect the gutter machine’s power source prior to transport.

If spools or coiled spools will be transported/moved in the uprights on top of the gutter machine or in a cradle, the coil should be secured prior to transport. The spool stops in the spool mounts or the center bars on the cradles should be used to lock the spool/coil during transportation. This will prevent unwinding during transport.

WHAT TO EXPECT/INSPECT WITH A GUTTER MACHINE

After transporting/moving the gutter machine, review and go over all inspection steps for a gutter machine that has been recently shipped or moved.

Author: Mike Milliman

Mike is managing partner at Gutter Supply Inc. and has over 20 years of experience in the industry. His expertise and vast knowledge of the industry, along with his priority on customer service, has contributed to the continued success of Gutter Supply, it’s contractor customers and homeowner DIY’s. View all posts by Mike Milliman