Rolling History: How the British Museum Moves Iconic Artefacts with Ross Handling Machine Skates

Moving priceless artefacts requires precision, safety, and expertise. At Ross Handling, we provide industrial machine skates trusted by institutions like the British Museum to transport some of the world’s most iconic exhibits safely and efficiently.

This project highlights not only the capability of our equipment but also our decades of technical expertise in heavy load movement.

Expertise in Heavy Load Transport

Transporting large and delicate items is far more complex than moving standard machinery. Our team ensures each project uses the right configuration of steerable skates, taking into account:

• Load footprint and weight
• Floor type and surface protection
• Manoeuvrability in tight spaces
• Operator safety and efficiency

By carefully selecting load-moving skates, we ensure even the most challenging museum relocations are executed flawlessly. 

Choosing the Right Machine Skates 

Selecting the correct skates is critical for protecting both the load and the surrounding environment. Key factors include:

• Load Capacity: Skates are rated in tonnes. Delicate artefacts may require multiple skates linked with steering handles for ultimate control.
• Floor Type: Polyurethane wheels prevent scratching polished museum floors while ensuring smooth rolling.
• Stability & Footprint: Skate configurations maintain balance and reduce risk of tipping.
• Manoeuvrability: 360° rotating skates allow precise navigation around corners and through narrow corridors.
• Operator Efficiency: Let the skates do the work, not the operators

Types of Skates We Use

Ross Handling offers a range of industrial skates suitable for different load and application requirements:

• Machine Moving Skates – Carry loads from 2 tonne to 4 tonne per skate
• Gondola Skates –for retail and moving gondolas up to 1 tonne per skate
• Corner Skates - for lighter equipment up to 600kg
• Platform Skates - often referred to as dollies for movement of lighter equipment

Each type is carefully selected to balance load capacity, safety, and manoeuvrability.

Machine Moving Skates

Gondola Skates

Corner Skates

Platform Skates

Why Institutions Trust Ross Handling

Our clients, including museums, factories, warehouses and engineering firms across the UK, rely on us for:

• Evaluating load requirements and floor compatibility
• Using our 50 years of industry expertise to get the right skates for your application
• Providing bespoke solutions for delicate or high-value loads

This combination of equipment quality and technical expertise ensures every project is executed with precision and confidence.

FAQ: Machine Skates for Museums & Industrial Applications

Q: What is a machine skate?

A: Machine skates are wheeled platforms designed to move heavy loads safely. They can be positioned under machinery or equipment and are steerable to give you ultimate control. There are available with either a 3 wheel or 5-wheel option. 

Q: Can Ross Handling skates be used on polished floors?

A: Yes, we supply polyurethane wheels that protect delicate surfaces while offering smooth rolling. Platform dollies for lighter operations are supplied with rubber wheels for a smoother movement. 

Q: How do I choose the right skate for my load?

A: Consider the weight, footprint, floor type, and required manoeuvrability. Our technical team can recommend the best configuration. But start with the weight of the object or machine you need to move and relocate.

Q: What accessories are available?

A: We provide steering handles, easily attachable for complete directional control. 

Q: What sort of items have you helped relocate? 

A: From Kings to Dinosaurs, Ross Handling has been involved with the reinternment of King Richard III into Leicester Cathedral to moving the huge Diplodocus dinosaur fossils! We really are the experts!