Installing commercial laundry equipment is usually straightforward, but a small number of issues appear repeatedly in the field. One of the most common is transport protection that was never removed during installation.
Common Installation Mistakes: Transport Brackets
Commercial washers and dryers are shipped with a range of protective components designed to stabilise internal parts during transport. These components must be removed before the machine is put into operation. If they remain in place, the machine may still run, but performance and reliability can be affected.
This article is a reminder for installers and contractors working with commercial laundry equipment. It highlights the types of transport protection that may be present and why checking for them during installation is important. Always refer to the specific installation instructions for the model being installed.
WARNING:
This content is intended for qualified laundry technicians. Incorrect removal of transport bolts could affect the performance, safety and warranty of your machine.
Please ensure you have the appropriate PPE equipment - gloves, googles etc. Also make sure you have tools appropriate for the task - these vary depending on the type of maching you are performing this on. And always turn off power to any machine you are working on.
Why Transport Protection Exists
Commercial washers contain internal suspension systems designed to move during operation, particularly during high-speed extraction. These suspension systems allow the drum assembly to absorb imbalance forces and prevent those forces from being transmitted directly into the machine cabinet.
During transport, however, that same suspension movement can cause damage. To prevent this, manufacturers install transport protection that locks or stabilises internal components while the machine is being shipped.
The exact form of transport protection varies depending on the type of equipment. Examples include:
- Front-load washer extractors – transport bolts or brackets that lock the suspension in place
- Top-load washers – internal packing blocks or stabilising materials
- Stack washer-dryer units – transport bolts on the washer section and packing in the dryer section
- Commercial dryers – internal drum packing or shipping restraints. Belts may not be fitted
These components are essential during transport, but they must be removed before the machine is operated.
The Most Common Installation Mistake
In some installations, transport protection is only partially removed or missed entirely. This can happen when installers assume the machine is ready to run straight from the pallet or when internal packing materials are not checked.
A machine with transport bolts still installed may appear to operate normally while testing with no load, or during the wash portion of a cycle. Problems typically become noticeable once the machine enters its extraction phase.
Symptoms may include:
- excessive vibration during spin
- unusual noise from the cabinet
- machine movement across the floor
- premature suspension wear
- long-term stress on the cabinet frame or bearings
- lifting or loosening floor bolts on washer extractors
These issues are avoidable when transport protection is removed as part of the installation process.
Components That Must Be Removed After Transport
Washer Transport Bolts and Suspension Brackets
Front-load commercial washer extractors commonly include transport bolts or shipping brackets that lock the drum suspension during transport.
These bolts are located behind the front and rear panel of the machine and are clearly identified in the installation guide. During installation they must be removed.
If the bolts remain in place, the suspension cannot move freely. During high-speed extraction this prevents the machine from absorbing imbalance forces properly, transferring those forces into the cabinet instead.
Back of the machine:
Front of the machine:
Top loader washers:
Internal Packing Materials
Some machines include internal packing materials used to stabilise moving components during shipping.
Examples may include:
- foam packing blocks
- drum restraints
- shipping ties or braces
These materials may be located inside the drum or around internal components. Installers should always inspect the drum and follow the installation guide to ensure that all packing materials are removed before commissioning the machine.
Dryer Shipping Components
Commercial dryers generally do not use suspension bolts like washers. However, they may include internal packing materials or shipping restraints designed to stabilise the drum during transport.
Depending on the model, this may include:
- drum packing materials
- temporary brackets
- internal stabilising blocks
If these components remain in place, the drum may not rotate freely. This can result in abnormal noise, restricted drum movement, or unnecessary strain on drive components.
SAxxx model tumblers also have the air flow switch secures with a wire tie to prevent it moving during transit. Which can be removed after removing the back panel.
Larger tumblers (75lb+) will not have the belt fitted and it will be cable tied to the motor bracket behind the rear panel
Handling Machines During Installation
Transport protection is only part of the installation process. Careful handling during delivery and positioning also helps prevent avoidable damage.
A few simple practices help reduce risk during installation:
- Keep machines upright during transport and handling whenever possible
- Avoid resting machines on the control panel side
- Move machines on the pallet until they are close to their final position
- Remove the pallet before leveling and commissioning the equipment
These steps help protect cabinet alignment and internal components while the machine is being positioned.
Quick Installer Checklist
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Before commissioning any machine, confirm that:
- all transport bolts or shipping brackets have been removed
- all internal packing materials have been removed
- any dryer drum restraints or packing have been removed
- transport bolt holes are fitted with the supplied caps or plugs
- the machine is levelled according to the installation instructions
- Air flow switch ties have been removed and drive belt fitted on tumblers
This checklist is intended as a reminder only. Installers should always follow the specific installation instructions for the model being installed.
Final Reminder
Transport brackets, bolts, and internal packing play an important role during shipping, but they are not intended to remain in the machine during operation.
Taking a few minutes during installation to check for and remove transport protection can prevent unnecessary vibration, service calls, and avoidable mechanical stress.
As always, the most reliable guide during installation is the manufacturer’s installation manual for the equipment being installed.
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