Thread: Moving a Hercus 260 - help please

I'll help you mate, as long as you're moving it to my place!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

AH,

A box trailer won't handle the load, my truck will.
The overall weight is 20 tonnes.
It is impossible to remove the headstock without dynamite.
Major pitfall is wrong delivery address, needs to go to Heidelberg.

Congratulations on your acquisition, pass me another tissue.

Ken

The box trailer is fine.

Weight is around 200/250kg.

If the Lathe is above the stairs I would suggest that you slide the Lathe down the stairs.

2 people at the front should be sufficent to keep the Lathe under control.

If it is a concern you could either use a chain block around the cabinet or a rope around it to control the Lathe.

If the steps are a concern you could place a sheet of ply or similar to allow the Lathe to move down them more easily.

Once you have the Lathe at the bottom of the steps place either a soft sling or ropes between the gussets in the bed of the Lathe,I think from memory from the one nearest the headstock to the third one along,then use your engine hoist to raise the Lathe,use the carriage to transfer the weight to try and get an even as possable lift,remember to lock the carriage in position before doing the final lift.

Also removed the Tailstock and any other parts that may vibrate loose or dislodge them selves during transport.

Once you have the Lathe at least 1/2 way onto your trailer it will be very easy to move on the trailer floor.

You may even find if you have all those people to help you,once you get the Lathe to the bottom of the steps you will be able to man handle it into the trailer without having to use the hoist.

Thanks for the tips. So is there much benefit in removing the headstock, motor etc or is this just creating more work?

Am I right in thinking that because the headstock sits on vee ways, it is self-aligning?

If you have the assistance to move the machine there is no benifit in dissmantling it for transport.

Bob the answer was in relation to the question asked by the original poster.

Well I've had a bit of a look at the machine this morning. It seems like a very simple version of the 260, no quick change box and just a single lead screw behind the apron. I unbolted the bed from the cabinet and disconnected the wiring, to let me lift the lathe off. I think I'll go and buy an engine crane rather than hire one, since I'll probably need to move this around once it's home. I really hope I can move the lathe in one piece, since at first glance it doesn't look like a breeze to remove the headstock.

The place I'm getting this from has a heap of machinery, with accessories and parts all stored in a disorganised mess. What should I be looking for in terms of accessories and tooling? Change gears, chucks, tool holders are the obvious things, but what else is likely to be around?

if you can i would try get steadies

First question would be, do you know what the items that fit the 260 look like?

If you are interested, I could scan a copy of the Hercus 260 attachments brochure and post it here. It may prove useful in your hunt. But..if you are not interested, I won't. Let me know.

I'm familiar with some of the bits and pieces, having spent a fair bit of time around these machines in high schools. Steadies are an obvious one that I hadn't thought of, thanks.
Knowing what the bits look like might be a challenge, though I'm hoping that the Hercus green will help.

Bob, that would be most helpful. I'd very much appreciate seeing that brochure.

Bob,
I'd like the brochure too please, as I'm in the market for a 260.

Aero, Jack and others,

Happy hunting!

Thanks Bob