Shifting A Washing Machine

[launderess]

Well here's me enjoying a nice quiet Sunday when a friend rings me up. After a bit of this and that, she comes out with it: since one knows so much about appliances (I do?), could I possibly help her shift a small washer she found on CL.

Being as manual labour of the strenous kind is not high on my my list offered her some advice instead. Get a pick-up truck or large van,and an appliance dolly, bundle the thing up in blankets, place on dolly, place dolly on truck, etc...

Apparently that wasn't good enough as a debate broke out as to the proper way to shift washing machines, small or otherwise. She'd been reading things on the Internet and came away with one could lay a washing machine on it's side, which suits her to the ground as the appliance in question would just fit in her Toyota Matrix.

Need reinforcements please. Is it or is it not proper to keep washing machines upright during shipping? One would think all sorts of things can leak and such by tipping a unit on it's side.

TIA

L.

 

[brisnat81]

I dont tip FL machines on their side, always transport them right way up, but TL machines only fit in my car when tilted over 90degs.

Have been doing that way for almost 10 years and am yet to lose a patient.

 

[toggleswitch2]

I've moved a few- most on their side. One simply drives slowly, carefully and gingerly.

Not all machines have trannies that will leak.

 

[cleanteamofny]

I say?
What make is the machine.
If it is a portable WhirlMore, it can be laid on its back for a short distance.
Any other brand, keep right side up because of the different suspension.

 

[laundromat]

All front loading as well as top loading horizontal axis clothes washers have a suspended chasis.They hang from 4 springs onto 4 shock absorbers.When they are new,being shipped or delivered,there are three or four(depending on the brand)rods that are screwed into the different openings in the rear.That secures the suspension and keeps it from shifting and going off of its alignment.Once it is being installed,the first thing you need to do is carefully remove the rods and let the tub's suspension move freely.In their instalation booklets,these manufacturers stress that the owner/user save these rods so that,if and when these machines need to be transported to another location,the rods can be reused and the machine will have no imediate issues from any damage that may occur if they are not carefully handled.When I got my first Laundromat I moved it on its side and the entire chasis shifted off the springs.I had to remove the entire tub to realign them and had to replace the rubber stubbers because they broke.Fortunately,there ,at that time,were enough stubbers to go around. If I remember corectly,either John L.Or Tom S. had them and gave them to me.I think John L. has those Laundromat twins.
So,if you have the rods for shipping,you may lay those type of washers anyway you can fit them in.If you do not have the rods,don't even attempt to lay it sideways or on its back and NEVER UPSIDE DOWN!!

 

[cleanteamofny]

It's time for a update.....
How did it go Launderess?

 

[launderess]

As One Stated

Shifting large heavy objects is NOT one of my greatest things on earth! *LOL*

Begged off, but passed the information on to let her do what she would want or will.

May have news of my own to report, so will keep you posted.

Main problem we found is finding just the right type of thing to rent for the job. As stated in another post, obtaining a U-Haul or such truck on weekends in near impossible in NYC, and even when one makes the reservation the amount of information and identification required rather made one feel like Mrs. Osama Bin Laden.

Renting something from a car rental place is doable, and while SUVs and Minivans will fit the bill for shifting appliances, most sit rather high off the ground. This means the thing would have to be lifted both in and out, perhaps dolly and all. That is something my poor back just wouldn't stand.

Finally rather have a problem with "friends" wanting one to shift things or some such, but when one needs the favour returned they cannot be bothered. Anyway think U-ship is a much better option anyway.

Aren't you glad you asked?

*LOL*

L

 

[cleanteamofny]

Yep!

LOL all the way!

 

[sudsmaster]

Perhaps one should peruse the Services section of the local newspaper (daily or weekly) or even Craigslist and hire someone who offers to haul oddities like small washers.

I've always transported washers, TL or FL, right side up in my pickup truck. They do get horizontal during the loading procedure but that's only for a few minutes. Some water will probably leak out of the pump/drain hose if TL is transported on back and the hose is not carefully duct taped in an elevated position, as well as the fill hoses. Not a problem for pickup trucks but might be an issue in a carpeted SUV.

 

[launderess]

Think U-Ship and

Are lifesavers for so many who collect/use vintage appliances and other large items such as pinball machines.

Since signing up with U-Ship and noseying around the site, it is apparent that some are making a living at "shipping", and why not? With good jobs hard to come by, a bright person either alone or with a crew can build him or her self a good living. Especially if they already own a semi or other large truck and can work around jobs.