moving a machine

[scalebowler]

Hey guys what is the best way to load a pop machine into and then out of the back of a pickup truck? I am really thinking about the loading dock idea to get it up into it but when I get it home I will have to figure out how to get it out without damaging it. If you have any ideas please let me know.

Thanks

Alex

[collecture]

As I get older, they are getting heavier.

I always dollied it up to the back of the truck. Put a moving pad down and laid the top half back then lifted the machine bottom and slid it up and in. Two people is always better, but can be done alone. Pulling out is just the reverse - just make sure you are on a level surface.

You can remove items out of it as well to lighten the load.

[Pat Pixley]

As I get older, they are getting heavier.

I always dollied it up to the back of the truck. Put a moving pad down and laid the top half back then lifted the machine bottom and slid it up and in. Two people is always better, but can be done alone. Pulling out is just the reverse - just make sure you are on a level surface.

You can remove items out of it as well to lighten the load.

totally  agree with the as I get older they get heavier,  one thing I like to use is a wooden dowel  when I lay it back I put a dowel on the tail gate and one just on the other side in the box so it rolls easy then pick up the end and have someone pull the dowel out.

[90grad]

I use truck ramps and a dolly.  I've also used the dowel idea Pat mentioned.  I just substituted some PVC pipe (that's what I had lying around) for the dowels.  Make sure you tie the machine off well or have some scrap wood or something in the truck so the machine doesn't move around during transport.  Nothing like go around a corner and banging the machine on one of the fenderwells of the truck.

[mznb1u]

I agree with everyone on the method.  I used to load them into the back of my Dodge Magnum and mini-van the same way.  Pad the bumper and/or tailgate well.  You don't want to put a crease down the side of your machine.  2" pvc works great for rollers and it gives you a little more room to get your hands under the machine.  Make sure that you safeguard the cord because you will be laying the maching on its back.  You don't want to end up with a machine "that worked the last time you used it but now the cord is cut!"

  Tim

[Kilroy]

The only thing I can add is an S10 or Ranger, or a truck with a lower bed is so much easier to load unloadthan trying to get it in a full size truck

[scalebowler]

So the dowel or pvc pipe acts as rollers to help push it into the truck?

[Creighton]

Yes. Cardboard carpet tubes work great and can be had free.
Creighton

[scalebowler]

What do you guys think about this? http://lincoln.craigslist.org/hsh/1697312046.html I am thinking of getting one or two of them. If I do get some which ones should I get? They have woven ones and non woven ones according to the ad.

[mznb1u]

They definitely come in handy and help to pad the machine against unfortunate scratches and creases.

Do you have a Costco nearby?

http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php/topic,10994.msg84251.html#msg84251

I am sure you can also get them at U-Haul stores as well!

  Tim