Ideas on physically getting air compressor into basement?

[Dave88LX]

I have a Quincy QT-54 coming tomorrow and want it in my basement (all that is a different post for later). Looks like it comes on a fairly large pallet, with a pretty massive cage around it.

My basement window is ground level on the outside, dimensions provided below. I have plenty of moving blankets, and should be able to get a couple strong guys to help.

Just wondering what tricks you've used to save some headache, backache, and the window sill. I do have plenty of moving blankets.

Thanks.

 

[The Cobbler]

cut wood to lay in the tracks of the window frame to protect it.
remove the motor & compressor from the tank to lighten the load
eat your spinach, or is that Wheaties? LOL

 

[Dave88LX]

Wood in the tracks -- that's brilliant and not sure why I didn't think of that.

How difficult is the motor and compressor to remove, then re-install/seal/line up?

This is my first "real" compressor, stepping up from a little Craftsman 33 gallon.

 

[The Cobbler]

should be straightforward. the compressor probably bolts into 4 holes, the motor probably into slots to adjust the belt tension. line up the motor to the compressor ( so they are parallel on reassembly using a straight edge along the pulleys.

 

[SGKent]

So I am guessing you will be passing it thru the window? Remember that if you have say 400 lbs, and 4 people, and there are two guys on the inside and two on the outside, when you start each guy on the outside will be handling 200 lbs. It will drop to 100 lbs each during the pass thru, but if if there are only two guys on the inside it goes back to 200 lbs per person until the guys on the outside come inside and you have 4 guys again. So if you want say 50 lbs per person maximum in my 400 lb example you need 8 people on the inside and 8 people on the outside. Everyone be careful, wear gloves and be careful where they grab.

Shipping weight is listed at Northern Tool as 475 lbs. A little late maybe to consider adding a wide, and secure steel door to that basement. Probably 6 people inside and 6 outside would work well. That is 80 lbs apiece. Think of a big 80 lb bag of concrete each for what that represents.

 

[Marctrees]

First seperate all from top of tank and move independantly.

I would spend a bit more time, and a bit more material to protect the jamb more than said above.

Also make a temp but sturdy table the hight of bottom of window, 2' x 8' 3/4 ply half way out of window. half way in on table.

A whole diff idea is build a little enclosure shed outside the window and run your line to bsmnt.

Keeps noise outside, and other benefits.

MAKE A VIDEO !!!!!!!

Marc

 

[gunguy]

I'm with Marc on this one. I would construct the table in a manner that would keep any pressure off the window track then slide the sub-assemblies in.

Jim

 

[matt_i]

That size of air compressor is very top heavy. Might have 75% of the weight on top of the tank.

I have moved similar with a refrigerator dolly but one has to be extremely careful about getting that weight past the balance point. And you don't have that luxury.

I moved mine some years ago as part of a general house move and the wife's girlfriend brought her boyfriend to help out, a person with a big mouth, minimal sense, and was extremely lightweight.....who was spouting something like this should take less than 30 minutes to unload this truck, proceeded to grab the looped handles of the ref truck with the air compressor already strapped to it, tipped it back in the moving truck, had a huge kinesthetic over reaction to the big weight about to crush his head, and luckily used his legs to slam it back upright BAM! With a big boom that resonated thru the truck box and its suspension. I asked him thru gritted teeth to please move cardboard boxes into the house and my Dad and I would move the machinery.

Stories aside, I would make plans to build a stout ramp (not a 2-track mind you but 3/4" plywood supported by 2x framing.) at a shallow angle. Going to guess 16ft long with 2 sheets of ply. So you can use 2 movers' dollies (4 wheel dollies) to roll it down on its side after strapping the tank to the dollies. Use a pickup truck's hitch as your point of rigging and use a come-along (lever chain hoist would be best) to actually spot the load down.

Tipping it down and then back up is the worst part. There's this flimsy wire cage that everyone wants to grab, plus the v-belts and sheaves are in the way. You probably need 3 strong people on that end to get it horizontal which is going to violate social distancing, so bring masks. If you had an engine hoist that would go high enough, you could lift it straight up via the motor bracket on the tank, then have your people grab the light, foot-end of the tank, and lower it down sideways. Going back up you could reverse the technique, or use ceiling joists spanned by something like a 2x10, use GRK-RSS screws into the floor joists for a fixed rigging point. Note i'd only do that with solid wood floor joists. Not with I-joists nor flat-trusses. If you were faced with those, wedge a 2x6 triple header to the underside of the joists with 4x4 columns. Block the header so it can't slip out, std deck-style screws. Then use that temp header as your rigging point.

 

[CraigStu]

SGKent has done the math but I think it's worse than that. You can't get more than 2 people on each end that would have sufficient grab ability to be doing any good. Also the top end weighs probably 70% of that 475. So lay it down on the ground and one end is easy while the top end is dang difficult to pick up. So I agree w/ Marc take it apart and reassemble once inside. The couple of tanks I googled weigh 170-190# so now you have a fairly easy load for 4 guys. Also you have floor joists above the window so I be looking at an eye bolt, ratchet straps, come-a-long, etc to take a lot of that weight.

 

[Loose Nut Buster]

I agree on the sturdy ramp and all components removed to lighten the load or use a winch outside and take control of your destiny.
I personally would put it in the garage and plumb tht air to the basement or like said, build an attractive enclosure/shed outdoors and plumb the air inside.
When this baby starts up in the middle of the night you'll think a tornado is coming and as time passes the noise will remain. In the end I'm sure you'll be happier.
When I need air inside for projects I use a portable air tank linked to a portable pancake type compressor or just the tank itself that is 135# rated most of the time.
My nickels for what their worth. Good luck whatever U decide.

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[Justind97]

What about going down the steps? Do you have the space/ability to get it in that way?

If so, 2 2x10s as skis that lay on the steps, then strap the compressor to a piece of plywood. Block and tackle of some sort with rope/chain/straps and let it go down slowly.

I've taken a chest freezer out of a basement this way and had it tied to van and slowly pulled it out.

 

[exranger06]

I have the same compressor. When I bought it, the seller (I bought it used) used a forklift to load it into my truck. When I got it home, I had to figure out how to unload it. I ended up removing the motor and the pump while it was still on the truck. Then I had my brother in law come over and help me get the tank down. The tank by itself is very light and very easy for 2 people to handle. I would remove the motor and pump, and remove the pallet. Lay a moving blanket on the ground just outside the window. Lay the tank on its side. Have a helper inside the basement and slide the tank through. Slide it through until the just the top of the tank is on the ground/windowsill. The person inside can easily hold the bottom part while the outside person comes inside and grabs the top. Bring the tank to its home and reinstall the motor and pump.

By the way, I also installed mine in the basement, and ran piping into the garage.

 

[Dave88LX]

Wow. A lot to think about here. As always I appreciate all the input. I woke up this morning laughing -- answers range from 2 people up to 16 people .

I'm glad I asked! I have a pretty good plan for having it in the basement which will also keep it quiet. Garage is a no -- just no space (but it will probably be in there temporarily, with an extension cord off the dryer outlet since that room is adjacent to the garage).

I like the idea of having it hanging off the back of the garage in its own room, but not the idea of building that room...haha (at least not in the short term, too many other projects).

I actually have a sheet of 3/4" ply that I've planned on building a slot car track with. A table is easy enough to throw together quickly...but I can't cut it down.

I have stairs access to the basement from inside the house but that feel sketchy.

I feel that removing the pump/compressor will make it pretty manageable. I mean, one neighbor does CROSSFIT and the other was a MARINE!

 

[didit]

That compressor should fit through a man door. Most are mounted to 2x6 skid runners allowing it to be brought down stairs easily. 4 guys, each with their own loop/sling rope fastened to the legs will allow for easy positioning while lifting. This way you only need to lift it a minimal amount. I've done this several times with larger machines without any disassembly.
However you choose to do it...good luck!

 

[matt_i]

The danger in relying on people is that its completely reliant on equally sharing the load. Which mostly works. But get into a non ergonomic position, or if one person loses a grip, even for a second, it can get away, and BAM you smashed up a $1300 machine. All it takes is to tweak the crankshaft via the large diameter fan-pulley and its over.

My free advice is to take people out of it as much as possible and rely on mechanical systems. Then you take the risk out of it. It does take longer to plan and prep.

 

[510ebl]

Two people who communicate well can move a LOT of weight with moving straps. I use mine for refrigerators, freezers...even mattresses are easier because they are hard to "grab" otherwise.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00022749Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The top heavy nature of the compressor will be problematic, but taking down the steps in two trips should be manageable.

 

[59 wagon man]

rubbermaid sheds has a put together shed which mine has been in for 10 yrs now . a few hours to assemble and roll the compressor right in. bolted it to the garage and ran 1/2" copper from the compressor into the garage

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, slide the beast down a stout ramp.
That being said; have a strong line attached to the beast and a way to keep the load from gettin away from you.
Do you know any riggers or machinary movers?

 

[bradpac]

If you can back a truck up to the window, tilt it into the truck, slide it out through the window and tilt it back up inside the room. If not, disassemble. 8 bolts, a couple of air lines and a bit of wiring is pretty easy to fix compared to a broken foot.

 

[Jagmandave]

I'm in the same position with mine, I have a short flight of stairs to get into the basement, but a lift in the way of the door!

Mine is loud enough that I'm thinking putting it outside is the better option instead of in the basement, and I already have a shed big enough for it - all I'll need to do is run the plumbing and wiring......ALL!

 

[Marctrees]

Note - OP said - "My basement window is ground level on the outside, "

So that makes it alot easier.

I'll say it one more time - Extra effort spent in intelligently totally protecting the window sill will result in no crying later.

My 2x8x3/4" ply idea rests on heavily padded windowsill.

Once the tank is slid through the window and on the inside of the 2x8 table, a couple guys (ideally 3) using calm thought through brains and muscles can figure out how to upright it onto the floor.

Follow that up w the pump and motor slid through on table, already at 42"+ height, two guys can lift them back on the comp, one at a time obviously, then reassemble.

But it will be a tornado in the house in more ways than one when the Missus gets woken up at 6 am sat morn.


Marc

 

[59 wagon man]

after you hassle getting it into the basement your next thread will be How do I quiet down my compressor before my wife kills me

 

[Marctrees]

Another thing - Cut two 2x4x 42" , pass one through between tank and equipment base and sturdily NON chinese C clamp to steel, take the second 2x4 and bolt through the two legs... now you have a total of 4 positive handholds to grab that extend a bit from the tank to easily grab.

Did that before, worked great on a 60 gal.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

after you hassle getting it into the basement your next thread will be How do I quiet down my compressor before my wife kills me

Yup.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Use a Sharpie and mark around both pump and motor base so you don't have to screw w re alignment issues.

Marc

 

[Jagmandave]

My new 60 gallon is in the garage right next to the living room/den - the room where the TV is and we spend all our time. I fired it up today and we went from room to room and I was surprised - in the bedroom directly above the compressor/garage it was just a low hum, easily masked by the white noise fan she runs as she sleeps in the day time and works nights.

In the den it was quite a bit more noticeable but still not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. In the garage it's LOUD, so I may be moving it down into the basement after all.

I am going to look into a quieter intake arrangement, but I'm not convinced it will make that much difference. I did buy some pads for the feet - that helped some.

Unless you have a leak or you're using it a lot like for sandblasting, I don't think it will run that often or that long. Mine is under 4 min from zero to shut off at 135 psi. Less than a minute from cut in to shut off when the tank is already at pressure. I may bump that pressure up some so I don't get short cycling.

 

[like2wheel]

Yeah, my old compressor is directly under my bed in the basement. Not fun when I forget to turn it off & it fires up at 4:something am.

 

[exranger06]

I have mine in the basement and the noise isn't bad at all. It's directly under the living room and it's not much louder than the dishwasher in the kitchen. It doesn't run that often anyway, and when it does, it's not for very long. I always turn it off when I'm done using it, and my system is pretty leak-free, so it never turns on randomly in the middle of the night either.

 

[Dave88LX]

Someone made a good catch that was brought up, and want to clear up -- the exterior level of the window is ground ground level -- literally stick your hand out and touch the ground.

My master bedroom is directly over the garage. Being in the basement will actually be better for everyone. It's another level down, and good bit further away. My location will share an adjacent wall to the garage, so it will be an easy run. It will be along the same wall as my HVAC and sump pump, so I'm just going to wall the whole thing off as a closet.

I will be sound-deadening an enclosure for the compressor, both toward the HVAC unit so it does not resonate through the house, the rest of the basement, and the floor above. That's all fun for a different thread though.

 

[CraigStu]

I don't know the answer to this but, when you wall it off, be sure it can stay cool.

 

[cosmopedro]

I'm with Marc on this one. I would construct the table in a manner that would keep any pressure off the window track then slide the sub-assemblies in.

Jim

I agree with both Mark and Jim on support table. One false move - or whoopsie - and you’re replacing that window frame!

I also agree with, well, EVERYONE regarding removal of pump/motor... once you tilt compressor past the balance point the top end is frikkin HEAVY w/everything bolted down.

I’d add one more suggestion: remove all pressure gauges and tubing - AFTER taking photos to ensure you know where to put it all back - because if you do happen to drop it you never know what’s gonna snap off flush with the tank...

My .02 - YMMV!


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[cosmopedro]

What about going down the steps? Do you have the space/ability to get it in that way?

If so, 2 2x10s as skis that lay on the steps, then strap the compressor to a piece of plywood. Block and tackle of some sort with rope/chain/straps and let it go down slowly.

I've taken a chest freezer out of a basement this way and had it tied to van and slowly pulled it out.

Keep in mind the stairs will be holding 475# of compressor and at least 2 - 180-280# people (no clue how big you and/or friends are!) so you might be loading the stairs w/nearly half a ton of weight... if I built’em I’d say go for it, but YMMV!


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[cosmopedro]

Yup.



Marc

Or: “For Sale, cheap: brand new compressor - in my basement... buyer must remove. Need gone NOW!”

[emoji6]


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[Robert Haas]

That window will not disassemble. Yes you can lift out the vent but the fixed side and the vertical muntin bar are not removable. Looks like the stairs are your only path.



Owner operator for the last 30 years of a glass and window company

 

[WhoWhatNow]

I had my Quincy 325 horizontal compressor moved into my basement. Mine weighs about 850 lbs. I removed the pump and motor and striped the fittings off of the tank. The pump and motor was no trouble to move down on a regular handcart. The movers laid an appliance dolly flat on the ground, placed the tank on top of it and strapped it down. One guy moved it down the stairs. My basement stairs have a landing which turns the stairs 90° to the right and are closed in on both sides.
With a shipping weight of 475 you could easily remove the pump and motor and put the tank on a heavy duty hand truck and move it down yourself.

 

[cosmopedro]

Wow. A lot to think about here. As always I appreciate all the input. I woke up this morning laughing -- answers range from 2 people up to 16 people .



I'm glad I asked! I have a pretty good plan for having it in the basement which will also keep it quiet. Garage is a no -- just no space (but it will probably be in there temporarily, with an extension cord off the dryer outlet since that room is adjacent to the garage).



I like the idea of having it hanging off the back of the garage in its own room, but not the idea of building that room...haha (at least not in the short term, too many other projects).



I actually have a sheet of 3/4" ply that I've planned on building a slot car track with. A table is easy enough to throw together quickly...but I can't cut it down.



I have stairs access to the basement from inside the house but that feel sketchy.



I feel that removing the pump/compressor will make it pretty manageable. I mean, one neighbor does CROSSFIT and the other was a MARINE!

Don’t let the Marine take over... there’s a REASON they’re called jarheads... OOOH-RAH!
But DO get those guys to assist - the Marine is trained to work cooperatively and the CrossFit guy should be strong enough!

(Don’t hate me - I work with Marines and CrossFit guys and Air Force reservists - all meant in good-hearted fun!)


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[Robert Haas]

There are folks that put Bridgports in their basements. It can be done.

 

[Mattlt]

Consider adding some temporary handles to the compressor so your helpers have a decent place to grip.

Coming from an EMS background, I've had the opportunity to lift all sorts of (heavy) people out of some very unforgiving places, usually wedged between a tub and a toilet. The worst part is not having a decent place to grab onto, and you certainly can't get your arms completely around them.

Look into something like the Binder Lift for ideas about adding some lift handles. Couple of ratchet straps with a few rope handles should help a lot.

https://www.binderlift.com/

 

[JRC3]

Maybe just stack up some moving boxes and push it through.

lol​

 

[cosmopedro]

... My location will share an adjacent wall to the garage, so it will be an easy run. It will be along the same wall as my HVAC and sump pump, so I'm just going to wall the whole thing off as a closet.

Potentially REALLY stupid question: if your location is as above, is there a doorway in that adjacent wall you could dolly it through from the garage?