mppuzzled Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 So I just bought my first set of vending machines. The guy I bought them lifted them onto my uhaul with no problem. But I am wondering how in the world do you guys move these machines? I thought it would be easy but these machines are heavy! I purchased a pallet jack and that helped out a lot but was still a difficult task. Also had a large dolly to help bring it down. Is there a easier way without buying a forklift? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks! Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuikVend Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 I just started full line a few months ago. I had the same dilemma. Pallet jack will help. Also, a mini pallet jack might be necessary, specifically for snack machines with the legs underneath. If you're going to rent a truck, I'd suggest finding one with a lift gate. I used one the other day to pick up 3 snack machines. The lift with a pallet jack made it a 15 minute job. I got the truck for $45 for the day and .20/mile. I just searched for a lift gate rental and found a company nearby. Then I looked for a discount code and got 25% off when I went to book online. Until I get large enough to justify buying a truck or I can find a steal of a deal, I think this is the way I'll do it for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southeast Treats Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 There may be other vendors in your area that will do moves for/with you at a reasonable price. There are a few of us here that help each other out with labor and equipment on moves (and we trust each other not to steal accounts!). I use a pallet jack in the warehouse to make moving machines easier, and use it on some moves as well. DON'T use a pallet jack on any incline unless you want to drop the machine! Have some 4X4 lumber cut to about 3 ft lengths and place it under machines with no legs in your warehouse, then the pallet jack will fit right under, makes moving machines around to work on much easier. For moving, we generally use an open trailer with a long ramp, but have to watch the weather and are limited to 2 or 3 machines at a time. There are other types of dollies available that can make the work easier (I think that discussion had it's own post not long ago) but you don't need a forklift unless you are storing 100's of machines.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lbfrozen Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 Solid advice so far, mp. There are many good past threads on this subject, but the best tips and tricks are hard to find, since they are all over the place, nested in between other comments filled with nuances and follow-up questions. A few important things that you will find there: -There is no one-size-fits-all piece of equipment or method. Have backup plans, equipment, time, friends, et cetera. -Steps (and even inclines over 5 degrees!) change the entire scenario. -Bigger wheels are better in most cases, and pneumatic tires are seldom a good idea. Hard wheels, my friend. -Names like Anderson Dolly, Dutro - big blue, Stevens (with the big wheels) - big red, and many others are good search terms here and online. -Electric-powered hand trucks are useful, but they can damage steps and tip machines easily. They are also expensive, and, when the battery dies, that machine is done for the day. -A lift gate with a platform as large as your machine's footprint is not big enough. The larger the platform, the greater your chance of living through a move. I write in light and comical terms, but this one is deadly serious. Which leads to... -That machine does not care. If you are moving a machine yourself or with friends, always keep in your mind to be prepared to lose the machine. When it starts to jump off of a lift gate platform, fall off a hand truck, or roll back down an incline and hit the ground, have your decision point in mind where you will stop trying to keep control of the machine and let it go. Hope that there is no audience or security camera, and have a plan for standing that machine back up and going home for the day. -Tilting trailers are good, but have on hand two friends or a winch. Tuck-under liftgates make for a clean look on a truck, but they are seldom level when they come off the ground. It cost less to rent a truck or hire someone for occasional moves than to buy, insure, garage, and maintain a liftgate on a truck. (We have a liftgate truck for sale right now, actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smartvendnw Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 Semi related question- how do you get the machine off the pallet it ships on? Trying to figured out a safe way to do this. I'm trying to picture this process in my head. I've finally set up my business to receive machines and have 3 on order. They will be arriving on shipping pallets. Up until now the distributor I purchased from would deliver directly to the location. I have moved a couple machines now on my own. I added a hitch to my van, purchased a 1200 lb furniture dolly, a 1200 lb appliance dolly with kick out wheels, and rent an open trailer with ramp from Uhaul for $39 for the day. I'm pretty comfortable with the process. Of course I have a tool bag on hand for taking off doors, ratchet straps, moving blankets, and allow myself plenty of time. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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