How to unload a 500+ lb box?!

How to unload a 500+ lb box?! · 11-10-2009, 11:35 PM

I recently posted my 2 contractor style table saws for sale in preparation for buying a cabinet saw. Well the deed is done (in 3 days! I must have priced too low

).

Now for the problem. How do I get the box in my garage? I am considering a G0691 from Grizzly. I know they offer "lift gate service" but I honestly don't know what that means. I will call tomorrow and talk to the their sales but I was wondering if anyone had first hand experience.

Otherwise what am I looking at? Renting an engine hoist?

Thanks!
Salem

scsmith42 · 11-10-2009, 11:38 PM

Salem, a pallet jack and a floor jack (with an assortment of wood blocks) should be all that you need. You might not even need the floor jack, as a couple of guys can easily wrestle several hundred pounds worth of equipment off of a pallet.

The floor jack is a good option (in addition to the pallet jack) if you are working by yourself. You'll need the lift gate service for unloading the crate from the delivery truck. Additionally, usually the drivers have a pallet jack on board and will assist you with getting it into your shop (presuming that you can roll it in). It's always a good idea to give them a tip for assisting.

Scott

mkepke · 11-10-2009, 11:41 PM

Best to ask the vendor, but "liftgate service" usually means the delivery-person will unload the boxes onto your driveway (normally it's your responsibility to unload a freight shipment).

The driver may or may not be willing to move the boxes any further than the ground next to the truck. Some people have had luck sweet talking drivers into putting the boxes into their shop.

Best to be prepared with something to move the boxes. A hand-truck should work nicely.

-Mark

PeteQuad · 11-10-2009, 11:48 PM

I have never had a problem with getting the delivery person to move the items into my garage when paying for liftgate service. it seems to me that they almost expect to do it.

Having a hand truck and someone to help you is your best bet. With one helper you will find that the load is not as bad as you thought - it's not like you have to clean and jerk the saw

.

Bas · 11-10-2009, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by eyekode

I know they offer "lift gate service" but I honestly don't know what that means. I will call tomorrow and talk to the their sales but I was wondering if anyone had first hand experience.

I purchased a 6" jointer and a 14" band saw from Grizzly a couple of years ago. Freight delivery, not lift gate service. That means the driver pulls up in a big truck, opens the back door, and tosses out the boxes. Well, I was there to help guide them down, but otherwise that's what would have happened. From there, I simply used my hand truck.

Lift gate means there is a lift at the back of the truck. The driver rolls the machine onto the lift with a pallet jack, presses a button, and everything lowers to the ground. Usually, the driver will put it in the garage for you, since the pallet jack isn't that hard to operate. If not, a $20 bill will usually offer sufficient incentive.

Definitely get the lift gate service for a machine this size.

Bas · 11-10-2009, 11:52 PM

If you're having trouble getting the saw off the pallet, an engine hoist will work, but a posting here on North Carolina Woodworker promising cold carbonated drinks does wonders on getting volunteers. Offer pizza and you may even get help cleaning off the cosmoline

gdoebs · 11-10-2009, 11:55 PM

When I ordered my jointer, drill press and bandsaw from Grizzly the shipping company (Overnight) called me to arrange delivery. I took my truck to there DC and they used their forklift and loaded the pallets for me. I was then able to slide the boxes off my lift gate and onto my workbench. Of course, this only works if you have access to a pickup and or trailer.

Jeff Mills · 11-10-2009, 11:59 PM

I got creative with lengths of plastic PVC pipe when I installed my gas pack. You'll would be amazed how easily a large heavy object can be made to roll on PVC pipes. But I agree with others best to use something made for lifting as Scott suggested and tip the driver to help you get it into your garage. Remember: My Blue Heaven "Vincent 'Vinnie' Antonelli - It's not tipping I believe in. It's overtipping" the delivery guy is trying to make a honest living.

steviegwood · 11-11-2009, 07:37 AM

The driver that brought my bandsaw used his pallet jack and put it right in my shop. I was able to get it wrestled off of the pallet and used my appliance dolly to put it where it is now. Steve

ScottM · 11-11-2009, 07:44 AM

I work from home most days. Depending on my schedule I might be able to run over to assist.

Robert Arrowood · 11-11-2009, 08:04 AM

One thing to think about is when you contact the shipper ask for a straight truck.That way he can back into your drive "that is IF they CAN drive"

.Mabe that way the saw will be closer to the shop

.And if the weather is cold the day of delivery have a pot of hot coffee ready to offer the driver a cup

.Truck driver's love hot coffee

.

CarvedTones · 11-11-2009, 08:30 AM

I have a 4x8 utility trailer that tilts. If I get something heavy, I load it where it is forward so it is easy to take out the pin and start sliding it back slowly until it is near the balance point. Using body weight I then tilt it to the ground/floor and silde the item back until it is off. I am nearby and might be able to lend a hand also.

eyekode · 11-11-2009, 08:53 AM

Thanks for all the tips and offers for help. Seems ncwoodworkers are used to large deliveries

.

As long as the Griz doesn't charge an arm and a leg for lift gate service it sounds like all I need is luck or a handtruck + friends

. And I will be sure to ask for the straight truck, otherwise it will be 80 feet uphill from the culdesac!

steviegwood · 11-11-2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by eyekode

Thanks for all the tips and offers for help. Seems ncwoodworkers are used to large deliveries .

As long as the Griz doesn't charge an arm and a leg for lift gate service it sounds like all I need is luck or a handtruck + friends . And I will be sure to ask for the straight truck, otherwise it will be 80 feet uphill from the culdesac!

Mine came UPS and the extra charge was I think $35 for the lift gate and they brought it by 18 wheeler even when I requested a straight truck. The driver was good and put the back of the truck at my shop door. He used every inch of space to turn that rig or he would have been over the hill with it. Steve

timf67 · 11-11-2009, 10:33 AM

When I got my cabinet saw, I didn't even bother trying to move it in the box. The combination of impatience and lack of lifting assistance led me to open the box right where it "landed" and I moved the saw into its new home in pieces as I assembled it. Just pray for good weather on the day of delivery and you can do the same.