Moving a 20' shipping container 20 feet by hand

Jul 04, 2007 43 Replies

Not very hard to move something this size and weight... Ive moved bigger heavier things by hand. The only question is; what sort of surface do you have? If you have a good, smooth concrete surface then life is easy. Floor skates are available for rent or hire that will move up to 1000 tonnes. Beyond that, a simple jack system, then pipe slipped under to roll it on works just fine. If you are on the dirt though.... then you are out of luck! Look into hiring about a 5 tonne fork for the day (if the container is empty!) or a franna crane at about $100/hour.

Shaun

that Bob Vila one was posted on here about 2-3 months ago under a title heading of "machine tools and a wood floor"

I worked for a guy who bought a damaged 45 footer. He just lifted one end with the bobcat and rolled under a house trailer axle so he could roll it in and out of the shop to work on it. I DO recall the tires looking real flat...... the thing was heavy. So rather than pipes and rollers that will get you mired in the asphalt, why not drop an axle under it for the move ? House trailer axles are not to hard to find.......

Grummy

PS: As I recall, the steel on that thing was tempered and a real bugger to smack back into shape.

Just a mention again that laying-down some 1x4 or

1x6 wood (harder and smoother the better) on the asphalt for your rollers to roll on, will make the move go easy enough your pre-teen son or daughter can move it for you.

dennis in nca

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