Machines have a condition called resonance where a natural frequency can be struck, and trouble ensue. "If rotating machinery is operated at or near the natural frequency for free vibrations of the system, abnormally large vibrations may result." (Dynamics by J.L. Meriam). That's why lathes, for example, have designated speed steps or you could run them at speeds where they will thrash about, unbolt themselves from the floor, and start dancing. You can put a device off from the machine to serve as an outlet for some of that energy, but better to avoid the condition if at all possible. My mother's four-door Ford sedan had a solid metal cylinder in free space welded to the end of a piece of steel bar stock welded to the chassis. That was there to vibrate instead of the car when it hit specific speeds. Sounds like maybe some of your handrails played that role as well.
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