moving a big tank... suggestions?

guserto4

guserto4

Member
I purchased a used acrylic tank from a LFS and in the next two weeks (likely this coming Saturday) need to orchistrate it's removal. I would like to accomplish this feat with help from only one buddy. What is the best way to move a tank using mechanical/technological advantage rather than (several people's) brut strength?

I'm thinking some sort of small forklift or portable material lift- something I can rent for the day for $50-100. Max lift of ~4' off the ground (if the tank remains horizontal) from the stand to the Uhaul and then to the garage.

Tank is 360G 9.5' x 4' x 16" T and is ~400 lbs.

Suggestions?

Thanks!
 
If you know someone with a boom truck (cherry picker/telephone truck) you could attach it to the bottom and lift it.

Some appliance dollies would work nice. or even brute trashcan rollie things work good too.
 
It may be easier to rent labor than equipment. Don't know where you are, but my local home depot tends to have day laborers at the ready.
 
I'm in the Chicago suburbs (though I moved from San Diego and if there I probably would have gone to Home Depot). I don't know anyone with a boom truck, so hence the equipment rental. I remember seeing a YouTube video once where the tank was just driven into the guys house on some motorized controllable cart... THAT would be cool but probably more $$ then it's worth. My friend thought of an engine lift. Any other suggestions?!
 
I should mention I'm building a wood moving frame for this thing so the edges don't get damaged and to help transit by creating the opportunity for point load lifting (eye hooks).
 
Hummm... Go by funeral home and get a casket dolly.

Explain what you are doing and they wil prob let you rent it for like 50-100... IDK about where you are but people are only dieing to get in to see the funeral home. so there is not much repeat business. Some around me are not really packing them in there, so some money is better than none.

ALSO.. a ambulance stretcher will work.

I am a FireFighter/EMT and I did not think about the stretcher until AFTER I had already moved mine in to the house and downstairs.
 
get more buddies!!!!

2012-02-18 17.06.32.jpg
 
That tank was a hell of a lot lighter than we thought- 400lbs max. 3 of us lifted it OUT of the uhaul no problem. It was fun at the LFS though! We started with 5 (+2 staff) and as we began to lift it up and OVER 3 rows of livestock tanks (and our heads) there was a swarm of additional help including the two owners... Got it out and to the garage no problem!
 
Tried to post via my iPhone yesterday but the pictures are upside down... Meant to post last night but forgot. Will post some pics and a video of it in its resting place in the garage tonight!
 
and now the dumb question: how the heck do I embed photos or videos directly into the thread? Jeez I've been trolling this site for practically a year and I don't know these things...
 
Sign up to an image hosting site. I use photobucket. It's free an simple. There u will have desperate codes to choose from after u upload it. Use the HTML code. Hope that helps :)
 
Ok, next level of dumb question- how do I place a youtube video inside of a post/thread rather than just a link? All this lurking on RC has not promoted my comprehension of contributing...
Thanks!
 
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