Lift cart

[gwaddle]

Does anyone use lift carts to load machines by yourselves. We need one that one person can use, including loading the machine on it with one person. Any suggestions?

[MR Bill]

Not sure. ?? But how heavy of a machine you trying to move. Just have 2 guys move it. That's my suggestion. Strong people that mess there backs up are not strong anymore. Sorry , I'm not much help.

[teebee1234]

Unless you are an independent, no company in their right mind would ask 1 person to move a 200-600 lb machine. Their liability if a load fell and seriously injured/kill someone could put them out of business. Also, while OSHA doesn't have set standards for weight limits they do have recommendations. Most companies have a limit between 35-65 lbs. for one person.
From OSHA faq......
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Does OSHA have specific weight limits for jobs that require lifting?

We have employees who are telling us that OSHA has weight limits for males and females as far as lifting requirements are concerned. I can't find anything and neither can anyone else in my department. Is this true?

OSHA has no specific regulations regarding lifting or any other ergonomic issue. That said, OSHA does has—and enforces—the "general duty" obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace.

The OSHA expectation is that you evaluate safe lift limits and assure measures are taken not to cause injuries. If you are seeing repeated injuries on a specific task related to heavy lifting, OSHA could be expected to cite and fine under general duty if the company did not take corrective action.




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That being said, here is one site that may have what you're looking for...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_material-handling+lift-tables+hydraulic-lift-tables-carts

[slimslob]

Try the following link:
http://www.salesmakercarts.com/equipment_gurney_collapsible_cart_easy_loader.asp
They operate in the same way as an ambulance gurney.

[gwaddle]

Try the following link:
http://www.salesmakercarts.com/equipment_gurney_collapsible_cart_easy_loader.asp
They operate in the same way as an ambulance gurney.

Thanks. We've been in touch with them and the only one that makes sense is the one they are looking for a manufacturer to make for them. Might have one next fall. There just doesn't seem to be anything else out there.

Our problem is, we are a small company and just don't always have more than one person to deliver machines. I know that having 2 to 4 people to do it is ideal, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

Thanks again for the replies.

[brewster67]

We currently use a ramp and a stair climber to deliver machines. When I was looking for an easier method this demolift looked good, but I have never tried it.

http://demolift.com/ (http://demolift.com/)

[gwaddle]

We currently use a ramp and a stair climber to deliver machines. When I was looking for an easier method this demolift looked good, but I have never tried it.

http://demolift.com/ (http://demolift.com/)

That's the one we're looking at that isn't available till next fall.

[MR Bill]

My buddy bought a handicap van . Has a lift that folds up into the back of the van. All done with the push of a button. Easy to load equipment. Flat platform lowers to ground level , push machine on and then raise back up and push into back of van. But you still have the stair issue.

[SalesServiceGuy]

Consider a new/used open or enclosed trailer with a back gate that doubles as a ramp. You could put advertising on the sides.

http://www.miskatrailers.com/enclosed_details2.asp?cid=28&sid=1&tid=72&sizeid=1&show=options#specs

On the enclosed trailer you have to be careful as the wind resistance at highway speed can blow out the transmission on a regular vehicle.

A new open trailer can be purchased for under $1k.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/open-rail-sides-trailer-4-x-6-ft-0408092p.html#.UsAxWLTlfLQ

In either case you need a ramp which is longer to provide a more gradual incline to roll the copier up on.

On an open trailer, you would have to securely strap and tarp the copier while moving it so it is more work than an enclosed trailer where you strap the copier to a sidewall.

If you are moving even one copier per month, the open trailer will quickly pay for itself.

Be aware that from an insurance point of view, if you have a vehicle accident and wreck the copier, the costs will be borne entirely by your company.

Dodge Caravans with a low rear deck are great for moving copiers but you need two people to get it into/ out of the van.

The safe alternative is to partner with a local moving company to do your deliveries and just build that cost into your quote. Often there are conflicts over the promised and actual delivery date with this approach. I get one way intercity deliveries done for approx $200.00.

The repetitive risk is great for a small business if one of the few employees injure them self trying to lift heavy objects.