Moving New X-ray Machines Into the Spokane Airport

Specialized Movers and Moving Equipment Required

The Department of Homeland Security asked Action Moving to deliver their new x-ray machines to the security checkpoints at the Spokane International Airport.  These items weighed over 4,000 lbs each and the building setup required that they be lifted over a ten foot wall and swung into a doorway on the side of the terminal.  Moving items like this can be challenging, but Action has experience in this area.  The move went off without a hitch and we wanted to share the story and some pictures with our online readers.  This story and the majority of these pictures recount the first day when the first portion of the move was completed and the machines were delivered to the main security checkpoint.

Security Detail

Post 9/11 security has not only boosted security in the terminal, but it has heightened monitoring on the tarmac as well.  For every five civilians on the tarmac, one security authorized homeland security escort is required.  These were our chaperones who gave me permission to publish this photo.

Blocking the TUG Underpass

We had to complete the move during off-peak hours since safety precautions required that very little passenger foot traffic take place in the terminal.  The closest point of entry was on the east end of the vendor area (the hallway to the A gates).  If you have ever departed or arrived at an A gate, you may have noticed that there is a sky bridge that spans over an underpass for the TUGs (those trucks that tote your luggage from place to place).  We had to block this area with our boom truck to move the piece into the building.  Once we got our cones set and the outriggers down, we were ready to start moving heavy equipment.

Protecting the Floors

The Spokane Airport has recently undergone an extensive renovation.  Part of that renovation included a limited-series imported marble flooring treatment.  The airport does not have any replacement tiles for this floor and they are told that attempting to match the existing tiles with a replacement order would be next to impossible.  They were obviously worried about rolling a 4,000 lb+ machine over these floors on four wheels.  We answered this concern by using two layers of plywood overlapped on top of one another.  The plywood was boomed into the building just like the machine would be and then laid over the fragile floor.

Moving the Machine

The machine was hoisted over the wall just like the plywood.  Two anchor ropes were used to control the spin of the piece.  The airport and TSA employees were checking out the action and taking pictures with their cell phones.  It was fun to watch their reaction.  John, Gunnar, Jordan, Tony, Mike, and Malachi did a great job keeping the piece under control and gradually swinging it into the door.  The spires that jut from the main terminals structure were avoided while moving the boom into position.  Once the boom arm was in position we were able to swing the machine into the doorway and lower the cable to set it on the plywood that had been previously laid. 

The aerial portion of the move had been completed and then we needed to move the piece across the delicate marble floors using the plywood sheets as a barrier of protection.  The wheels on the machine made 1/8" indentations where they rolled over the plywood.  This machine was heavy.  It took all six individuals assigned to the job to move the machine across the pre-laid path.  The move organizer was relieved when we removed the floor protection to reveal that there were no tiles damaged and that the floor was in the same condition that it was before the move took place.

Moving the Machines Into Their New Home

The new machines were three times as big as the ones that they replaced.  If you are a frequent flyer, you may notice the difference between the old machines and these new ones that are designed for advanced threat detection.

This was a very rewarding move to take part in.  Our crew took pride in delivering the machines safely and efficiently.  The results were a happy customer and a high-fivin' crew.  The head installer has asked Action Moving to complete the installation in the remaining airport terminals in the Inland Northwest.