The issue of proper transportation of household appliances often arises before owners when moving or purchasing new equipment. For brand refrigerators Atlant, as well as for any other compressor equipment, this point is critically important. Incorrect position of the housing in the truck body can lead to mechanical damage to internal components, which are not always noticeable during external inspection.
The main difficulty lies in the design of the compressor and the engine suspension system. When shaking and vibrating on uneven roads, a heavy motor can move if it is not secured with transport bolts, which are usually removed before sale. That is why vertical transportation is considered the safest, but not always possible option.
If the dimensions of the doorway or the height of the car interior do not allow you to transport equipment while standing, you have to look for compromise solutions. In this article, we will look in detail at which side it is permissible to transport the unit, how to prepare it for the road and what to do immediately after delivery in order not to lose the warranty and maintain the functionality of the device for many years.
Risks of horizontal transportation of equipment
The horizontal position creates extreme conditions for the operation of internal systems, which normally function only vertically. The main danger lies in the compressor, which is suspended on springs inside the casing. With strong shaking and side load, the engine may simply jump off its mounts, which will lead to broken pipes or an internal short circuit.
The second serious risk is associated with the refrigerant and oil. In normal condition, freon circulates through the system, and oil is in the compressor crankcase. When laid on its side, there is a possibility oil flow into the refrigerant circuit. If oil gets into the capillary tube or evaporator, it will create an oil plug, which is extremely difficult to remove without professional vacuum purging of the system.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to transport the refrigerator on the back wall or front panel (door down). In the first case, you will damage the condenser and heat exchanger, in the second, you will break the glass shelves and damage the door seals.
It is also worth considering the risk of deformation of the case. The bottom of the refrigerator Atlant is not designed to support the weight of the entire apparatus if it is standing on the floor and not on legs. Prolonged vibration can lead to the appearance of dents on the bottom, which will break the tightness or damage the insulation.
Analysis of the design of the Atlant compressor
The Belarusian manufacturer Atlant uses its own compressors in its models or licensed analogues. Their design feature lies in the location of the outlet pipes and the internal suspension. Unlike some European brands, where the motor can be rigidly fixed, a shock-sensitive shock absorption system is more often used here.
When transporting horizontally, it is important to understand the direction of the force vector. If you place the refrigerator on its side so that the compressor tubes point down, the risk of oil leaking out of the working chamber is maximum. If the tubes point upward, the oil remains in the crankcase under the influence of gravity, even if the unit itself is lying down.
You can determine the correct side by looking under the bottom or inspecting the rear wall. You need to find a compressor (black or gray “pot”) and evaluate the location of the copper tubes coming out of it.
- 🔧 The rule of tubes: The unit must be laid strictly on the side from which the compressor tubes look up.
- 🛡️ Case protection: Even with the correct orientation of the tubes, the side on which the equipment rests must be carefully protected from scratches and dents.
- 📏 Tilt angle: An inclination of more than 40 degrees is considered critical, so when loading into a passenger car, make sure that the equipment does not lean too much.
Many models Atlant have a compressor shifted to one of the sides. This simplifies the task: place the refrigerator on the opposite side. If the compressor is located in the center, focus solely on the outlet of the pipes.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
The preparation process begins long before the truck arrives. The first step should be complete defrosting. Even if your model Atlant has a No Frost system, moisture may remain inside. Leave the doors open for at least 24 hours after defrosting so that all condensation evaporates.
The next stage is dismantling the removable elements. Shelves, drawers, egg trays and bottle holders must be removed. Vibration can cause glass to crack and plastic parts to break. It is better to put all small accessories in a separate box and sign them.
The doors must be locked in the closed position. To do this, use masking tape or special belts. It is better not to use ordinary office tape, as it can leave traces of glue on the glossy surface or even damage the coating when peeled off.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for transportation
Be sure to pack the housing itself. A factory-made cardboard box with foam inserts is ideal. If you don't have a box, use bubble wrap, stretch wrap, or old blankets. Pay special attention to corners and handles.
Rules for packaging and securing in transport
Correct packaging is half the success. The cardboard box protects against scratches, but not against impacts. If you transport a refrigerator in the back of a gazelle or on the roof of a car, additional shock absorption is required. Place a soft blanket or a thick layer of foam under the bottom.
Fixation in the vehicle should prevent any movement. Even if you are transporting the unit on its side, it should not be able to roll or shift when braking. Use wooden blocks or bags of things to prop up the body.
Do not rely solely on the weight of the refrigerator. During a sharp turn or braking, inertia can displace a multi-ton load. The straps with which you tighten the equipment should not pinch the body, but should hold it “dead.”
| Packaging type | Protection effectiveness | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Factory box + polystyrene | High | Long-distance moves, delivery of new equipment |
| Stretch film + blankets | Medium | City moves, short distances |
| No packaging (only tape) | Low | Highly not recommended, high risk of damage |
| Bubble film | Medium/High | Protection from scratches and small chips |
Remember that glass shelves and plastic drawers are afraid not only of shocks, but also of temperature changes. If it's frosty outside, try to minimize the time the equipment is left unprotected.
Specifics of transportation of different models Atlant
The line of refrigerators Atlant is diverse: from compact single-chamber models to huge two-compressor giants. Dimensions directly affect the method of transportation. Tall models (above 180 cm) are more difficult to transport horizontally due to the risk of breaking the body in the middle.
Two-compressor models weigh more, which requires more reliable fixation. One compressor can compensate for the load of another, but the risk of tube damage remains. For such units, horizontal transport is only permissible over very short distances and with the utmost care.
Models with the system No Frost have a more complex system of air ducts located behind the rear wall of the chamber. Shock or strong vibration can damage the integrity of the plastic channels, which will lead to improper distribution of cold.
If you have a model with a glass back wall (weeping evaporator), the risk of damage to it during horizontal transport increases. In such cases, it is better to call loaders with an elevator several times than to risk the integrity of the evaporator.
Can it be transported in an elevator?
The Atlant refrigerator can be transported in an elevator if its dimensions allow it. However, the diagonal of the base is often greater than the width of the elevator doorway, so it is often necessary to place it on its side. In the elevator, be sure to place the unit on the floor, do not lean against the walls while the cabin is moving.
Adaptation after delivery: settling time
After the refrigerator has been delivered to its destination, you cannot immediately plug it into the network. This rule applies not only to horizontal, but also to vertical transportation, especially in winter. The oil in the compressor must drain back into the crankcase, and the refrigerant must be distributed throughout the system.
The time required for adaptation depends on the position in which the unit was transported and the ambient temperature. If you transported equipment in winter, it needs time not only to drain the oil, but also to warm up to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the electrical circuits.
Minimum settling time:
- ❄️ Winter transportation: at least 4-6 hours (it is better to leave overnight).
- 🚛 Horizontal transportation: minimum 8-10 hours.
- 📦 Vertical transportation: 2-3 hours.
Ignoring this stage may cause the compressor to start dry or with water hammer (an attempt to compress liquid instead of gas). This is fatal to the motor and often cannot be repaired.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to speed up the heating process using heaters or hair dryers. Sudden temperature changes can damage plastic parts and seals. Let the equipment warm up naturally.
Common mistakes when moving on your own
One of the most common mistakes is saving on packaging. The owners believe that the metal case will withstand everything, forgetting about the fragile internal filling. Scratches on the body are cosmetic, and a torn pipe is an expensive repair.
The second mistake is trying to drag the refrigerator. Models Atlant often have plastic legs that easily break when dragged on a concrete floor or asphalt. In addition, you can damage the bottom panel.
The third mistake is turning it on immediately after unpacking. Impatience may cost you your new compressor. Always take the pause indicated in the instructions.
Also, users often forget to check the installation level after moving. If the refrigerator is tilted, the doors may not close tightly, which will lead to ice freezing and increased load on the compressor.
Diagnostics after installation
After the settling time has passed and you turned on the refrigerator, do not load it with food immediately. Let it run idle for 1-2 hours. This will allow the system to return to operating mode and make sure there are no freon leaks or strange noises.
Listen to the operation of the compressor. It should hum evenly, without metallic knocking, gurgling or whistling. If you hear that the motor “jerks” and clicks, but does not start, immediately unplug the device.
Check the doors for tightness. A sheet of paper sandwiched between the door and the body must be pulled out with force along the entire perimeter. If the paper falls out freely, it is possible that the door outline was deformed during transportation or the seal was damaged.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after transportation?
If, after turning on and passing 2-3 hours of operation, the temperature in the chambers does not drop, there are several possible reasons: freon leakage due to damaged tubes, blockage of the system with oil (oil plug) or compressor failure. In the case of an oil plug, long-term (up to 24 hours) operation without load sometimes helps, but more often you need to call a technician to purge the system.
Is it possible to transport an Atlant refrigerator in a passenger car?
Technically, it is possible if you fold the rear seats and remove the shelves. However, this is extremely risky due to the large angle of inclination. If there is no other way out, only transport it on its side with the tubes up, carefully securing the body so that it does not roll around the cabin. In this case, the settling time should be increased to 12 hours.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
Doors need to be removed only if the refrigerator does not fit into the doorway of the apartment. In the transport itself, the doors do not need to be removed if they are securely secured with tape. Removing doors requires care so as not to damage the hinges and not drop the heavy door on your feet.
Is transportation in frost dangerous?
Frost itself is not dangerous for metal, but it is dangerous for plastic and rubber seals, which become brittle. Also, condensation formed when brought into a warm room can cause a short circuit. Therefore, the rule of 4-6 hours of standing in a warm place in winter is mandatory.
How to understand which side to lie on if the tubes are not visible?
If access to the compressor is closed, find the technical data sheet of your model Atlant on the Internet. There is often a diagram or side for transportation indicated. If there is no information, the safest option is to find a way to transport it vertically or call a specialized taxi with high sides.