How to move a Mitter 3 feet

[wood]

We are about to remodel our wash some. We have a Macneil 520 side to side mitter. We were told it ways 1200lb's assembled. It seems high, but assuming that is true what is your suggestion on how to move our friction curtain?

Obviously a fork lift will do the trick. However, we are doing the remodel ourselves and are looking for something a bit simpler. In addition, it is only one piece of equipment that weighs so much that needs such assistance. What alternative method(s) do you guys suggest?

Thanks,
Wood

 

[DiamondWash]

Go to your local bar and tell everybody in the bar "Free Beer" if we all can grab a leg of this mitter pick it up and move it 3 ft.

 

[Washmee]

Go get 4 big caster wheels at Harbor Freight or a place like it. Get the threaded ones and make sure the stud will fit through the holes on the bottom of the mitters feet. Use a floor jack and a length of 4x4 to jack up each corner and install the caster wheels. Move the mitter and then remove the casters. You could also use the flat top casters, just bolt them on to the flanges at the bottom of the mitter feet.

 

[pitzerwm]

Or make yourself "wheeled carts" with those castors that you could use to move anything heavy.

 

[wood]

Thanks guys for the response. Diamond, you were a close 2nd with your idea, but the caster route makes more sense.

wood

 

[mac]

You probably don't even need to do that. I've moved many pieces like this. Simply cut the anchors free and get the legs over the remaining studs with a pry bar, and simply connect two come-a-longs to it and drag the thing. Very simple, easy, and safe.

 

[briteauto]

If it is a front to rear mitter, just cut the anchors and turn it on!

Just adding a little humor to the post - sorry I don't have any good suggestions - I think you already got some anyway.

 

[RykoPro]

I agree with mac, the only other thing I would add is to support it with a chain to keep it from falling over if it seems unbalanced or top heavy. Instead of "come a longs" (use them to keep it from falling over) I use a 6' pry bar that will move anything. I wouldn't waste the time with dolly's to only move it a few feet. Casters or dolly's would just make it more dangerous and unstable. I have installed hundreds of car washes with very few incidents because safety is always the first consideration.