System for moving large Skids w/ (1) forklift 1

[AlwaysConfused1]

Hey guys, I am brainstorming and trying to come up with an idea on how (at my work place) we can move large structural skids around the yard without having to use (2) forklifts (one on each end of the skid). Its only a matter of time before one is dropped. I am talking about large W12x53# skids that are up to 60 feet long and 14 feet at our largest. Normal size is probably 40 foot long and 10 feet wide. These have pipe and valves on top along with grating etc.

First thought was that you just take two heavy duty wheels and place them under one end of the skid and then have the fork lift lift/push from the opposite end and steer it around that way. Second thought was the same idea but with three wheels instead of two since some skids are fairly wide in order to decrease the length of the axle without any support in the center.

Are there any ideas that are already out there for this situation, or any that you guys have seen used before and can recommend?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[btrueblood]

Jack-down casters on one end works. Any reason you don't want to just drag it around?

 

[AlwaysConfused1]

Its not just a nice level area. Its fairly rough terrain and gravel in many places. Prefer not to drag it around in case of damage etc. Sometimes our skids are painted but typically galvanized. I was trying to come up with something that would not have wheels at the very end of the skid. Reason is, if the skid is 30,000lbs or more and 60 feet long I want to ensure there is no sagging or deflection across it while moving.

 

[KENAT]

So, castors or equivalent at other locations not 'on one end'.

http://mobilecontainersales.com/removeable_container_wheels/

looks like it may be limited to only mounting on an end, but you might be able to come up with something with the strut that picks up on the pocket switched 90° (Will require more space etc.). Maybe contact the above linked folks, or dig around on their website etc.

This assumes your skids have an appropriate mounting point - or one can be added.

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[LittleInch]

Look up moving containers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttguPucv1E

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abElD-ZOmd8

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[1gibson]

Google "dumpster rollers" and buy (or make) them as long as you want. Do the skid edges have holes for anchor bolts?

 

[KENAT]

Kudos on finding that second link LittleInch - I thought mine was close but that looks very much like something the IP might be able to use.

(On your first link, it's funny because my first thought was to tell the OP to look at how the Egyptians handled it.)

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[AlwaysConfused1]

All nice ideas. I am playing around with several of them right now sketching a few things out. Hopefully one of these will inspire me to make something cheap and effective. Appreciate all the input.

 

[dvd]

60 feet at a couple hundred pounds per foot is maybe in the 12,000 to 20,000 lb range? What kind of shape is the yard in - big potholes, gravel, sunken asphalt, etc? Can your present forklift handle the weight of the entire load?

Seems to me that the best way to do the work is with a carry-deck crane that is rated for a pick-and-carry operation with the load slung under the hook and snugged up close to the front of the crane. Something like a Broderson IC-200 or so. Maybe could make/buy a lifting jib to allow the load to be slung under an elevated forklift mast.