Thread: Moving a Thicknesser/Planer

Your trick can be used to add additional leverage to manoeuvre the machine off the pallet, i wouldn't use it to actually lift the machine.

Id also recommended shifting it directly onto a mobile base even if you never require it to be mobile. A mobile base will allow you to manouvre it into position easily.

Do you have access to an engine hoist? neighbour? if not you can consider buying one... you will need it again in future.

I can second Albert's suggestion of an engine crane.
I used one to get my planer/thicky (hammer A3 300kg+) safely setup with it's wheel kit and off the double pallet that it arrived on by myself.
There were several warnings in the manual not to lift by the table.
I've since used it to other heavy things around, just recently to put the very heavy head on a full size drill press column.
The one I have is just a super cheap generic that was on special.
If on a single pallet you can also use rolling jacks (did that with my panel saw) or a pallet jack and makeshift ramp.

I like the idea of an engine hoist, but have nowhere to store it. I am sure I could hire one though, and that might be the way to go. Machinery House have a mobile base for the larger 12" machine, but it doesn't fit the one I have ordered. Rather than cut and shut and end up I intend making my own. There are three sets of tapped mounting holes in the case that I hope to use. Ideally I'd use jacking casters if I could find them in an appropriate size. Workbench casters would do at a pinch, (they are rated at 660lb) but the front caster might stick out too far. I guess I could make a bracket to mount the front caster (or all three) at 90°, or I could do it properly and make an angle iron frame. In fact I would have to do that if using workbench casters as I'd need to use all four to be inside the load spec. That would also get all four casters at the ends out of the way.

Mounting Holes.jpg

300Kg is getting seriously heavy and I wouldn't even think about moving a machine that heavy without proper lifting equipment. I am thinking that my plan now is to assess it when it arrives, and have a trailer ready to hire an engine crane. Hey, I wonder if any of my Menz Shed buddies have a mobile crane. I just looked and you can by a 2000Kg folding crane for NZ$333. It so often happens that discussing a problem throws up ideas, and have some things to think about now, so thanks lads.

The main tool I learned to use for shifting machinery was one of these.

Cyclone Fencing Bar Hexagonal 1650 x 25mm | Mitre 10

I did heat the end and put a bend in my ones though, just like the guy who showed me had in his . A straight one would work but the bent end is better for working in tighter spaces. And the bend gives it a heel to pivot on which is how you can shift things very easily. I have two bars with three bent ends of differing angles and one straight bar which is for fencing but also gets used shifting machines. The straight bar will work with the leverage it gives but it will have to rest on a block and be just about parallel with the floor

With one bar, shifting 1 ton machines is no problem. The other day I took a 1 ton machine off a pallet by walking it or levering it across onto two square lengths of timber that matched the pallet height . I then altered the first pallet to be lower which was the reason I was doing this. Making a lower pallet that the machine lives on that gets moved with my pallet jack. After the pallet was adjusted I shifted the machine back on .

The same can be done shifting it off onto two lengths of wood and then lowering it down to the ground in steps. A pair of wedges come in handy as well . Steel log splitting wedges are good or just timber wedges will do.

Using bars and one or two men helping I shifted 30 machines when I moved workshop. All out and onto a trailer and off at the other end using the bars winches block and tackle and only rarely lifting them off the ground with a gantry and block and tackle. I mainly do that when taking something off the back of the ute or the trailer . More often for the trailer I use pallet jack and ramps if I can .

I did start using an engine hoist when I first started buying larger heavier machinery and it works good sometimes but plenty of taller machines means it cant be used safely. The feet on them get in the way as well.

Most of these combo machines have designated lift points I wouldn't lift them from the tables.
As for mobile bases and some unloading tips, check out this video. The Woodpecker Ep 239 - Installation and first impressions on my new Minimax FS30 - YouTube

The wheels he uses are Zambus carrymaster AC300.