Can you transport a top-loading washing machine on its side?
When you move your washer, first replace the shipping bolts that were originally in the back of the washer. This keeps the drum from moving inside the washer and protects it from damage. Also, make sure your washer is placed in the moving van upright. Shipping your washer on its side, front, or back can damage it.
It's recommended you always keep a washing machine in an upright position. Laying a washer on its side can cause the inner and outer tubs to bump against each other, which can loosen support pads or damage the suspension. It can also cause the tubs to move out of alignment and alter the way your unit works.
Try to secure it as much as possible using any clips provided at the back of the machine. If it is possible for it to fall to the floor then use strong tape to secure it to the top of the lid so it doesn't flail about during transit. Secure the fill hoses too.
After all, you aren't worried about damaging it now. In this case, most hatchbacks, estate and SUV cars can accommodate a washing machine. Just make sure you drain the water from the hose and lay it down an old blanket. In any case, make sure you get some help moving your washing machine to your car or a van.
There is no fixed rule about which side goes up and which goes down, but given the issue of bearing surface pressure mentioned above, it's more effective to put the burred side facing down.
Preventing a washing machine's drum from excessive motion during your move will protect the suspension from breaking. You can do this by securing the drum with shipping bolts or transit bolts. These metal rods are inserted into special slots in the rear of the washer to secure the drum.
When you move your washer, first replace the shipping bolts that were originally in the back of the washer. This keeps the drum from moving inside the washer and protects it from damage. Also, make sure your washer is placed in the moving van upright. Shipping your washer on its side, front, or back can damage it.
There is no need to have the dryer crated. It is not recommended to lay the dryer on its side or back during transporting. Exception: Spacemaker Unitized washer/dryer models should only be transported / moved in an upright position.
The most important thing to remember when moving the machine is to keep it upright. This stops any residual water from getting into the machine's electrical wiring and damaging it. To keep it upright you can wrap the machine in a blanket or towel and tie it to a trolley, also known as a dolly.
Keep in mind whatever machine you go for, you'll need to leave room for pipes and the washing machine will need a 3mm clearance on the back and sides.
Can I move a washing machine without the transit bolts?
Moving a washing machine without transit bolts will run the serious risk of damaging your machine, so we strongly advise against it. Washing machine transit bolts are a vital piece of equipment required to move your washing machine securely.
You should always lift a washing machine with 2 people. First, decide who is will be holding the top and who will be holding the bottom of the washing machine.

Preparation for shipping washer:
After you disconnect washing machine from the power, remove hoses that connects to the water supply. Drain the water using emergency drain hose. Secure corners of washing machine with cardboard and cover the machine with fabric (blanket would be great) or bubble foil.
If there is only one washer used with a nut/bolt, it usually goes on the nut side. The nut in most circumstances is more movable, and is more commonly turned to tighten the assembly. The washer helps prevent damage to the surface of the object being fastened.
According to Vastu, the washing machine ought to be positioned in the house's east or north direction. These bearings are thought of as propitious and advance positive energy streams.
Place washer on side that will turn and drive into the surface. This is typically the nut side. Place washer on the bolt side. Place washer on side that will drive into surface during tightening.
If your washing machine is shaking violently, the culprit may be inside: check if the washer is overloaded or if a bulky item is causing it to become unbalanced. If all is well on the inside, it's also possible that the washer is unlevel or unbalanced due to improper installation or uneven floors.
If something has shifted, you can relevel a top-loading washer by tipping the washer forward, then placing it back on the floor. Front-loading washers level by turning a leg to raise or lower it. You may need to open the front access panel to loosen the lock nuts that control the legs.
Attach cords to the back of the machine with tape, and secure the lid with plastic stretch wrap. Protect the washer. Use moving blankets or paper padding to shield the washing machine from scratches and dings during transit.
Use an Appliance Cart to Move the Washer and Dryer
You can usually rent these tools from the moving truck rental company or you can purchase an appliance cart from a home renovation store. With at least two people, lift one side of the washer to get the appliance cart or furniture dolly under the machine.
Are there two sides to a washer?
Since flat washers are generally manufactured by pressing metal, one side has rounded corners and one side has burrs. There is no fixed rule about which side should be placed up or down but placing the burred side facing down is typically ideal, and especially if bearing surface pressure is a concern.
Maneuver the dryer out of the home
Remember to keep the dryer in an upright position when moving it. It's a risk to lay down the dryer on its side since its drum could get misaligned and that could lead to more serious damage later on.
Best Buy cautions not to not lay the unit on its side under any circumstances, so you need a large truck in which the unit can stand upright.
Though not preferable, you can move your refrigerator laying on its side. Remember, your fridge needs to stand still for hours after the move. If transported on its side, this wait time goes up to twice the time that the appliance has laid on its side.
When transporting your washing machine, we recommend applying blankets to the side of the appliance so you prevent any damage. If you are moving your appliance using an appliance trolley, ensure that it has been securely strapped before loading. Once loaded, keep the appliance in an upright position to prevent damage.
The easiest way to move a washing machine is to use a dolly! Tilt the washer to one side and slide the dolly underneath it. Carefully lift it back up, so it rests upright. Secure the appliance with rope or moving straps.
Most often, the washing machine is on the left with the dryer to the right for one simple reason — door hinges. The typical dryer is hinged on the right, so by positioning it on that side, the door opens out of your way as you transfer wet clothes from the washer.
Since flat washers are generally manufactured by pressing metal, one side has rounded corners and one side has burrs. There is no fixed rule about which side should be placed up or down but placing the burred side facing down is typically ideal, and especially if bearing surface pressure is a concern.
However, spring washers are placed on the nut side of the fastener only, unlike flat washers, which are placed on the bolt and nut sides.
References
- https://fastenerengineering.com/when-are-washers-used-with-fasteners-and-why/
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