im moving out of state and have access to a boxtruck with a lift gate. Unfortunately i might be able to get one other friend to assist with loading, what is the safest way? I ask cause i have 2 horror stories. when i purchased it delivery was curbside. i tried putting it on its side in bed of my pick up and bent my tailgate and then couldnt lift it. i had a neighbor with a tow truck hook it to his boom and set it into place in garage. 8yrs later i tried moving it with a hand truck to a different spot and dropped it over like a idiot. did damage, had to replace a few things. i bought a another home out of state and it will be going with me.
how to move a 80 gal compressor
- Thread starter montes57
- Start date
what about if you strip off the motor and pump?
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
X3 on above. I moved my 80 gallon with a handtruck and ratchet strap to the second floor of my garage by myself after splitting the tank and head unit. Way lighter separated.
ehh i was trying to avoid, 2 stage 7.5 horse eaton. if cant figure out a safe to move it as a complete unit,ill have no choice. i called eaton, they advised on not removing only cause they say motor is a bear to lift off at close to 250lbs
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Hire a moving company to load it on the truck and hire another to take it off. I just watched four movers take a giant fish tank from a garage to a basement so the possibility of a small job is there. No idea what the cost was but it will be less than a replacement and, if they break it, you might wind up with a brand new compressor for free at your new home.
nadogail
Well-known member
Very Carefully, do not be afraid to admit that moving an 80 Gallon compressor is more than a one person job. Jacks, levers, machinery skates, cribbing and ratchet straps are your friends.
Just bite the bullet and call in a Rigger.
Just bite the bullet and call in a Rigger.
quickfarms
Well-known member
finn
Well-known member
AA wise man knows his limitations.
Hire a professional. It’s part of the cost of moving.
Hire a professional. It’s part of the cost of moving.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
An appliance dolly with a kickstand would move the weight no problem, as long as you can secure it to the dolly properly. That's how I moved my 1200lb safe recently, in and out of a uhaul truck with no lift gate
This is the one I used
This is the one I used
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
A rigger? Hell why not go ahead and hire a 100 ton mobile crane also!
beemerphile
Well-known member
I have a 2-ton engine hoist that goes high enough to lift it. It moves around easily on flat floor. If the floor is not level, then the boom side of the hoist should be pointed uphill so that the weight doesn't swing outside the C.G. and cause it to topple. Carried low enough, the base nestles into the legs and doesn't swing around. I've winched it up trailer ramps boom first and then 4-way strapped it with ratchet straps. Unless you lay a runway, the small wheels can hang up on gaps and ledges. The hoist stays attached on the trailer, but the load is lowered to the trailer floor. Consistent with the "boom uphill" orientation, the jack end goes down the ramp first, restrained by a winch attached to the outriggers.
There is always an opportunity for a "Youtube moment" but it can be done. The "professional mover" strategy is easily the best if you have the funds. I always use not just pro movers, pro safe movers for safes, but so far have gotten away with the compressor moves. I have another 80 gallon compressor move coming up with my new shop build, so it may be time for my comeuppance. I have a couple of millwright buds who I believe could put anything anywhere, but they never seem to be available when I have need. Check that, they did help me move a Bridgeport mill and a Monarch lathe out once.
There is always an opportunity for a "Youtube moment" but it can be done. The "professional mover" strategy is easily the best if you have the funds. I always use not just pro movers, pro safe movers for safes, but so far have gotten away with the compressor moves. I have another 80 gallon compressor move coming up with my new shop build, so it may be time for my comeuppance. I have a couple of millwright buds who I believe could put anything anywhere, but they never seem to be available when I have need. Check that, they did help me move a Bridgeport mill and a Monarch lathe out once.
Walkers
Well-known member
Uhh, duh, because it is going in a box truck!
619DioFan
Well-known member
Coming from someone who works in the moving and storage industry my advise is to hire a crew of movers to load the truck for you and another crew to off load at your destination. no offence meant but you don't have the equipment nor experience to handle that compressor as shown by your post. I move those and bigger items all the time but I have over 30 years experience and the right equipment. If you hire a crew go through one of the major vanlines in your area , as long as they know what you have ( especially odd , bulky items ) they can bring the right equipment. good luck on your move.
Walkers
Well-known member
cut some 4“ or 5” channel iron pieces about 4’ long, drill and tap for casters (or just weld the casters on:, then jack up each end and bolt the feet to the channel iron. It will be easy to move and won’t tip.
Strip it or hire it done. Upright compressors are terribly top heavy.
Depending on what you have handy, or easy to rent you might rent a small forklift, light the compressor and bolt it to a pallet, prepared before hand, then load it all onto a trailer.
When I bought my used 80 gallon 5HP compressor I brought a handful of tools and a buddy. We stripped it and had it loaded in 15 minutes. A half hour at the shop and it was in one piece again.
Depending on what you have handy, or easy to rent you might rent a small forklift, light the compressor and bolt it to a pallet, prepared before hand, then load it all onto a trailer.
When I bought my used 80 gallon 5HP compressor I brought a handful of tools and a buddy. We stripped it and had it loaded in 15 minutes. A half hour at the shop and it was in one piece again.
seber
Well-known member
I often use a chain hoist to move things off their mounts and set them on a work cart. You could set it down on a moving dolly instead. If you can't do that, then I agree with hire someone.
i can weld however welder and engine hoist are already here. Ive been bring stuff here and there over the last year and left the rolling rack tool box, 8ft wooden work bench, welding table and compressor for last. everyone is right, to late in the game to be a cheapo. ill work a day of OT and just pay to have it delivered here. honestly dont know what i was thinking. Thank you for everyones input this is the safest play.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I just went through a move halfway down the east coast and can say, without a doubt, that hiring labor on both ends was the best money I spent in this whole thing.