Category: General discussion
Later topic: Is there a better way?
Earlier topic: progress on the little press (& pics!)

Moving a Universal III cross country

Hi all, I am courting a beautiful Universal III up in Mendocino. I am based in Oakland right now. I am moving to Carolina mid-August. I’m wondering what the best and most economical way to move this press might be?

I am also moving all of my belongings, so if condensing Press and personal things into a Penske-type moving truck is doable, I’m open to that.

A couple questions:

Can the ribbon roller be taken off and reinstalled?

Does this press need to palletized or crated?

What is the best way to get it down 3 or 4 stairs, into the truck, and then off again at its destination? The press owners have many suggestions, a device called a come along to pull it onto the truck, a palate jack, and a system to roll it out of the studio over the stairs.

Suggestions for professional riggers who can send it cross county?

Thanks so much!
E. “Oscar” Maynard
Tender Heart Press

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The tower comes off quite easily. You only need to loosen two nuts and pull it upward and off. I would highly recommend a professional rigger to get it onto and off of your truck and to fit it correctly on a sturdy pallet. Be sure it is stable and secured in the vehicle so it isn’t a danger to you or itself.

DGM

Thanks DGM!

When I contact the rigger, would I be asking them to put in on skids, and to load it with a forklift into my moving truck?

A Uni III is too much weight for a rental truck lift gate so yes I would want a pro to get it on the truck and in a position where it can be secured. Similarly, you will need help on the other end of your move.

They will be able to do it with a forklift or with a rollback auto wrecking truck but be sure to choose your truck carefully based on the deck height- some rental truck deck heights are quite low.

Oscar

Welcome to the Carolina’s (when you get here). Exactly where? I am in Columbia, SC

LD

Hey LD, I’ll be in Fountain Inn, where my grandmother lives. Greenville County. Always glad to meet other letterpress folks.

Once you settle in, you will want to visit Asheville Bookworks, in Asheville - lots of letterpress and book arts going on in Asheville and its not too far from Fountain Inn (and not as hot as SC).

Hey neighbor! We’re looking at a Uni III right now and I came across your post. I’m just outside of Greenville in Taylors, SC. You’re welcome to come visit our studio in Taylors Mill anytime.