Lifting Large Tanks
- Thread starter sbash
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makers marc
New member
Reviving an old thread here, has anyone used those Harbor Freight dual suction cups rated for 125 lbs? I am wondering if 4 sets of those for 4 guys, is enough to move my 500lb dry 180g glass tank?
Math wise it works and I've read here ppl using them, but most use them with a dolly. How about with no dolly and going 25 feet, 5 stairs up into a house?
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Math wise it works and I've read here ppl using them, but most use them with a dolly. How about with no dolly and going 25 feet, 5 stairs up into a house?
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karimwassef
Active member
No way Up stairs
I would consider no more than 50lbs per person (unless you've gotten pro lifters) going upstairs. You need 10 guys and I don't think there's enough room around stairs to pick up that tank with that many people.
It's not the suction cups, it's the people power (and maneuvering space) that you need more of. I think you need a "sled" and ropes or something more substantial ?
I would consider no more than 50lbs per person (unless you've gotten pro lifters) going upstairs. You need 10 guys and I don't think there's enough room around stairs to pick up that tank with that many people.
It's not the suction cups, it's the people power (and maneuvering space) that you need more of. I think you need a "sled" and ropes or something more substantial ?
makers marc
New member
I'm talking 5 total stairs at the outside of the front door. Space is not going to be an issue for the stairs.
Im more wondering about the strength of the suction cups and its ability to stay attached to the sides of the tank, for a total of 1 continuous minute.
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Im more wondering about the strength of the suction cups and its ability to stay attached to the sides of the tank, for a total of 1 continuous minute.
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I used 4 sets of this harbor freight to bring in my 36" cube/ 24" high w /3/4"glass (open top no bracing). Probably 3-400 lbs. make sure the glass and cups are clean (I use isopropyl alcohol).
That being said I moved a 180 RR with me and another guy without any suction cups but I'm pretty lucky that neither of us got crushed. Would never do that again.
makers marc
New member
Cool. We're the cups able to handle that weight continuously, for like 1 minute without putting it down ? Or did u use them just for initial and final lifting?
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Good question - we used a dolly most of the way and only used the cups to get through a doorway (up/over) and then onto the stand.
I did however use two of these cup handles to jack up one side of the empty tank while running cords inderneath. Literally used a car jack and rigged a few pieces of wood and it held for a few minutes. .
I did however use two of these cup handles to jack up one side of the empty tank while running cords inderneath. Literally used a car jack and rigged a few pieces of wood and it held for a few minutes. .
alanbetiger
New member
Are you opposed to the electric lift because of costs or can't get one?
I have a 8ft 350 gallon and it had to go up 3 steps around a corner to get in the house. It was sooooo much easier to have two electric lifts. One at the bottom of the stairs and one at the top so you could just slide it horizontally instead of lifting the tank at all.
I have a 8ft 350 gallon and it had to go up 3 steps around a corner to get in the house. It was sooooo much easier to have two electric lifts. One at the bottom of the stairs and one at the top so you could just slide it horizontally instead of lifting the tank at all.
tkeracer619
New member
You have to use suction cups that have a suction indicator. Cheap ones are a no no. They fail witghout warning. The kind you want use a little manual pump button that sucks out the air and if they are failing it shows a red line before it lets go. Gives you time to put the tank down.
makers marc
New member
Thx. May I ask what dolly you used? Did you attach 3/4" plywood to it before putting your tank on it, so the weight is evenly distributed?
I see the Harbor freight ones that are 30x18, but am unsure if I can just center the tank on there? Or do I need 2?
Sorry for all the questions. I've tried googling/you tube searches but cant find any videos of ppl actually picking up large tanks with suction cups.
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makers marc
New member
Hmm. Never seen those before. Isnt it hard to look at that indicator while you are carrying the tank? Do you think all 4 guys need them for a 500lb 72x24x24, 3/4" tank?
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lionfish300
New member
A friend and I brought my 96"x36"x24"H from my garage thru the front door, maneuver around stairway on furniture dollies. And with the help of a lift cart we got it on 34" stand
makers marc
New member
I just moved a 600 lb. acrylic tank and used four of those double cup lifters. They were very helpful, but only as a supplement to a pair of hydraulic lift carts (also from harbor freight) and three DiY dollys. If you are going to use suction cups as the primary lifting/moving aid I would definately use better ones.
karimwassef
Active member
That's the size of my tank. Please post the lift cart?
lionfish300
New member
https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-61405.html This is one of them. My will lift 1000lbs.
lionfish300
New member
karimwassef
Active member
That's what I was looking at too. 2 x 1000lbs for safety margin. I expect the tank is ~ 1000 lbs.
