How to remove a cylinder press from a pallet?
Hello -
I’ve read many posts about lifting cylinder presses on to a pallet, but I haven’t been able to find much information about removing a press from a pallet. Can you describe the process?
Also, is there a special power tool to remove lag bolts? There is roughly 6” of clearance between the press and pallet. Or just brute force and a socket wrench?
Any details, links or advice would be greatly appreciated!
What kind of a press are you dealing with?……db
Uploading a pic would be very helpful.
A socket wrench is usually appropriate, if a power driver cannot fit in the space.
Depending on the type of press, a hoist could be used or pipes, blocks and a hydraulic jack.
Two different presses, a Vandercook SP-20 and Reprex no. 2. Both are structurally similar. The Vandercook may have more clearance underneath than the Reprex.
It is tedious, but manageable with minimal tools…
Use a pair of jacks to lift the press & place blocks underneath it, clear of the pallet. Once it is higher than the pallet, slide the pallet out from under. Next, gradually raise the jacks and remove a block at a time from either end, then lower the press gradually. Repeat until you are back on terra firma.
Low clearance floor-jacks are handy for such.
Undoing the nut(s)??? If all else fails or is unavailable!!!Standard depth socket + breaker bar, at 1/2” inch square drive, as used by most D.I.Y Auto enthusiasts, usually at least 24” long with articulated head and cranked to 45 degrees!! with socket? around 3” to 3 1/2” max/min clearance gap and 20/24” depth/reach into the bowels of the pallet!!!
Lifting off?? (as 2 machines are implied/involved and other well stated options are not possible) Standard hired in Auto Engine crane, normally with very stable 3” inch *G* shaped box girder base, incorporating 3 or 4 heavy duty Nylon wheels, and usually rated at anything from 250 kilos lifting capacity, at longest arm extension, up to perhaps 750 kilos (or more even) lifting capacity, at shortest extension, the wide track of the hoist/crane either spans the pallet or the legs go through the pallet, normally by design!! strop the machine at 2 points, lift just clear of the pallet, and then (by design) track the crane and machine, to its final resting place, and because the gib normally has a swivel incorporated, the machine can be set down, orientated precisely, onto base board, drip tray or whatever.? Of course dependent on suitable surface from *A* to *B* . . N.B. When tracking, along etc if needed, the machine is lowered to within 2 to 3 inches of the ground, for safety, The Author HAS made the MISTAKE of otherwise??? Just possible options or Apologies.
Our cylinder press, a Heidelberg SBG, was moved by a professional rigging company. They didn’t put the press on pallets, they used skates to move the machine in place with the help of a forklift.
Once in position, press was raised with jacks and put it place. It was then leveled and lag bolted to the floor. When we asked about the lag bolts to the concrete floor, the rigger explained he has seen large cylinder presses “walk” across the floor from the horizontal movement of the bed.
Mike