It's all downhill from here

[Steve Kang]

Hi All,

I'm in the throes of shop planning and one of the bigger challenges I'm facing is how to move machines into my basement workshop. Luckily my basement is a walkout, however the lot is sloped which adds an additional layer of complexity. I guess I should count myself fortunate, as it's better to deal with a grade than a staircase.

Here's a picture of the rear of my house. The machine(s) would be travelling from the right hand side (which is paved), over to the left where the basement entrance is located.

Any suggestions on how to go about tackling this?

IMG_2389.jpg

[Darcy Warner]

Go the other way.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

What are the machines? Little stuff is easy, 1000# plus is a little more complicated.

[Steve Kang]

What are the machines? Little stuff is easy, 1000# plus is a little more complicated.

Well, that'll be partially dictated by the difficulty of getting them into the shop. On the heavy weight end of things is a Hammer A3-41, which I believe is about 850lbs, if I go with a lighter option I'll probably end up with a 16" 4 post planer and a 8" wedge jointer.

My best idea so far is to get the machines onto aftermarket mobile bases. From there, roll them down the slope on overlapping sheets of plywood, with their descent being controlled by long tow straps and an ATV.

[Doug Dawson]

Well, that'll be partially dictated by the difficulty of getting them into the shop. On the heavy weight end of things is a Hammer A3-41, which I believe is about 850lbs, if I go with a lighter option I'll probably end up with a 16" 4 post planer and a 8" wedge jointer.

My best idea so far is to get the machines onto aftermarket mobile bases. From there, roll them down the slope on overlapping sheets of plywood, with their descent being controlled by long tow straps and an ATV.

Be sure to post a video of that. With any luck, you could definitely get on one of the tv shows. :^)

[Steve Kang]

Be sure to post a video of that. With any luck, you could definitely get on one of the tv shows. :^)

If you have a better idea I'd love to hear it.

[Doug Dawson]

If you have a better idea I'd love to hear it.

A truck with a winch or a tow hook with safety chains? It's the ATV that got me.

Or you could hire a guy with a Bobcat. Trees might be an issue with the truck. It looks like you're out in the woods. You're gonna mess with the lawn in either case (but Vancouver is really wet so it shouldn't matter too much.)

[Steve Kang]

A truck with a winch or a tow hook with safety chains? It's the ATV that got me.

Or you could hire a guy with a Bobcat. Trees might be an issue with the truck. It looks like you're out in the woods. You're gonna mess with the lawn in either case (but Vancouver is really wet so it shouldn't matter too much.)

Yep, the bobcat with forks is a good idea. I may just downscale my machine choices to make everything a little more manageable. Thanks for your feedback.

[Jebediah Eckert]

I don’t have that bad a slope but close. I also have a longer way to travel and down 4 steps in the shop. My biggest machine weighs 800#ish. I take the bucket off my tractor and put the forks on. They all went on a pallet and I would back down a hill like that and keep the load low. Obviously you need a tractor with forks, or a skid steer to do this. That’s no help but maybe somebody in the neighborhood has one that can come over for a couple of hours? I always strap the machines down good once on the forks.

It looks like you have a little lip to get in the door? You should be able to raise the machine up and slide it right in.

I never thought of hiring a rigger, and I’m sure that’s way easier.

Now getting them down the steps into my basement is another issue...........but you don’t have that problem.

I’m sure people will disagree with specifics, but I think most tractors with a front end loader can lift 850#. There are some tiny homeowner grades that only do maybe 700# or so but counterweight becomes and issue. If somebody does own a tractor in the neighborhood they will know what their machine can lift.

[Bill Dufour]

Pour a flat slab outside of the entrance doors that extends well past then house. Install a wide cast concrete staircase up to the driveway with a landing on top. Pour a concrete rail on each side that is a few inches taller then the steps. Make a cart, with flanged wheels, to ride on these rails and use a rope to hoist it up and down.
Actually all you need now is the sat sides of the steps. the steps could be added latter. The handrail will have to be well outside the rails but it can lean inward.
Bill D.
sorry for the poor photograph but you get the idea. I believe the handrail was added latter. nothing wrong with 1939 technology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_...oint_Reyes.jpg

[Peter Christensen]

If you are getting all the machines at one time or can store them in the garage until ready to move them around back then hiring a crane to come and lift them over the house and putting them outside the shop door is the way to go especially come the rainy season (end of August to start of July most years). If during the dry month(s) then a skid steer or tractor as suggested earlier. The crane can easily lift the heavier machines and you won't have to fix the lawn when the machines sink into the sod and tear it up.

[Steve Kang]

Lots of tractors in the area and not many riggers, it's a good idea to ask around.

I don’t have that bad a slope but close. I also have a longer way to travel and down 4 steps in the shop. My biggest machine weighs 800#ish. I take the bucket off my tractor and put the forks on. They all went on a pallet and I would back down a hill like that and keep the load low. Obviously you need a tractor with forks, or a skid steer to do this. That’s no help but maybe somebody in the neighborhood has one that can come over for a couple of hours? I always strap the machines down good once on the forks.

It looks like you have a little lip to get in the door? You should be able to raise the machine up and slide it right in.

I never thought of hiring a rigger, and I’m sure that’s way easier.

Now getting them down the steps into my basement is another issue...........but you don’t have that problem.

I’m sure people will disagree with specifics, but I think most tractors with a front end loader can lift 850#. There are some tiny homeowner grades that only do maybe 700# or so but counterweight becomes and issue. If somebody does own a tractor in the neighborhood they will know what their machine can lift.

[Jim Andrew]

Check out Darcy's post.

[Mike King]

A come along might be a better choice. And a pallet jack.

Mike

[michael langman]

A small tilting trailer on the back of a lawn and garden tractor is what I do.