Looking through some pictures, I realized I have a few pretty illustrative ones from when I unloaded a very heavy machine a couple years ago.

 

The main thing when it comes to moving machines is to have a plan that involves restricting movement of the heavy object to very small increments.  Small is controlled.

 

I have at my disposal, a flatbed trailer - I used to borrow one from a friend and then bought my own - and a cheap engine hoist from Tractor Supply.  Harbor Freight would do just as well.  Also have lots of 2" ratchet straps from Home Depot, some load chain and hooks, a come along winch, some surplus lifting straps from work (I grab them when they're getting replaced due to being old and faded).  Pipes from pipe clamps, and the usual assortment of 2x12's and various 4x4 and 4x6 blocks.  Nothing really fancy.

 

This one is the 1800 lb Northfield jointer I moved a couple years ago.  I got the 2x6's under it's feet using the engine hoist, but the hoist wouldn't quite pick the whole machine so I did that one end at a time.  The 2x6's were held to the jointer with lag bolts, and once the skis were fixed, I put a 3/4" pipe under the front end before I let it down. 

 

Ramp was 2x12's that I use as scaffold planks.  The blocking under them is important, but also easy to do.

 

For control, I have a chain around the end and a come along tied to the trailer rail.

 

The chain is hooked to itself with a link hook so that when I ran out of winch cable, I could move the hook down a few feet to lengthen the chain.  What is not shown is a second chain that is used to hold the machine while the come along cable is re-set for slowly spooling out again.  Those pry bars in these pics are also useful for shifting things around or in a pinch getting a roller pipe started if one does't have a hoist.  The hoist is a lot easier!

 

 

Down she goes.  With the pipe being so small it is surprisingly easy to control.  A wedge in front is enough to keep it from rolling, though I still rig up the second chain when resetting the winch to spool out again.  I wouldn't trust a wedge for long.

 

Edited December 25, 2025Dec 25 by JWD

Thanks for the idea,  but pretty sure Mimi wouldn't let me use that to get through the living room on the way to the basement 😁

Love that kind of challenge! Had to move several large, heavy tools into our son's basement while we were building his log home. It helped that it was a walk-out basement, but we had to avoid damaging the lovely double patio doors, as well as lifting things up about 18" above ground level. But the biggest challenge was getting a 20+' Christmas tree through the front door (about 12' above ground level, with no steps yet in place) and set upright beside the staircase to the upper level.

1 hour ago, lew said:

Thanks for the idea,  but pretty sure Mimi wouldn't let me use that to get through the living room on the way to the basement 😁

Being single helps a lot!

Couldn't find the pics of the operation, but here's the end result.

 He had always wanted a big tree, and finally got it for his last Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

How to move  machines by yourself?

 

Call a friend with a trailer, engine hoist, come-a-long, numerous chains, ratchet and lifting straps, pipe for rollers, various size wood blocks and 2x12's. It helps greatly if he is much younger than you are, single, free on weekends and accepts donuts as payment.

 

Any move will then seem nearly effortless. It's also recommended to have a comfortable folding chair and an umbrella should no shade trees be in the move zone. It is advisable to carry your favorite beverages in a cooler filled with ice.

 

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Edited December 26, 2025Dec 26 by Grandpadave52

Great guide to moving. I found it great to have 4 or 5 friends to move the heavy stuff. Then a low flat trailer and son to help with the rest.