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Posted: 5/17/2015 1:07:54 PM EDT
So I have a few items worth storing securely and have looked at a few options. I came to the conclusion that I would wait for a deal on a TL rated safe. I picked this up a couple weeks ago for $800 and it was a fun experience.
It is a Diebold TL-15 safe, 72" H x 40" W x 26" D. No fire protection, 1" plate body. The base safe weight is 2500 lbs with no interior, but this model has two combination boxes and two keyed lock boxes inside. I expect the total weight is near 3000 lbs. 2000 character limit, more in next post. |
I borrowed a flatbed work truck to pick it up and dropped it off at work until I figured out how to move it. (forklift available at both sites). Talked with a couple safe movers who refused the job (supposed 2000 lb limit) and another which wanted three times what I paid for the safe. 
So I decided I will make the move myself. The entry to my house is 3 steps up with a small patio and then another step up for a threshold. I have double doors at the entry so plenty of space. - I built a small platform from 4x6 beams and 3/4" plywood. (Some wood on hand, and some borrowed) - I borrowed a flatbed truck, machines skates, and a pallet jack from work. Rented some vehicle ramps from HD. - Backed up the work truck to the front of the house. Vehicle ramps from truck to platform with jackstands underneath. - Used combination of machine skates, pallet jack, and 110V winch (Harbor Freight  ) to pull the safe from the flatbed truck to inside the house.
The move took a better part of a day for full setup, a slow crawl of a move, and teardown/cleanup. After everything the move only cost me the $20 vehicle ramp rental though. The paint is in okay condition, but I have decided to refinish the outside and will modify the interior for my use. I want to attempt to make the larger combination safe bulit inside the safe fire-resistant to some degree. I will post up pictures when the safe is all cleaned up. |
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The move took a better part of a day for full setup, a slow crawl of a move, and teardown/cleanup. + and another which wanted three times what I paid for the safe. = Why the cost of the safe is irrelevant when it comes to the cost of moving, servicing, and opening/repairing. You appear to be an exception to the rule, in that you had access to all sorts of equipment. Once you factor in the equipment owned by the third mover, and the time involved, you can get a better understanding of his price. Not to mention the liability involved. Moving those tall, heavy safes is not something I would suggest for somebody that doesn't move tall heavy things on a regular basis. It's a quick way to end up dead, and even kills and seriously injures a few professional each year. Especially when tall trucks, ramps, and harbor freight winches are involved. 
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Quoted:
Why the cost of the safe is irrelevant when it comes to the cost of moving, servicing, and opening/repairing. You appear to be an exception to the rule, in that you had access to all sorts of equipment. Once you factor in the equipment owned by the third mover, and the time involved, you can get a better understanding of his price. Not to mention the liability involved. Moving those tall, heavy safes is not something I would suggest for somebody that doesn't move tall heavy things on a regular basis. It's a quick way to end up dead, and even kills and seriously injures a few professional each year. Especially when tall trucks, ramps, and harbor freight winches are involved.
I understand the cost somewhat. Still if I can take care of it in a day, I expect nearly half the time from a professional crew. (2 people) Cost should have been a little lower, but still higher than I probably would have accepted. Note that this was only myself and my wife moving the safe. Rental costs on other equipment isn't too high: Pallet jack rated for 6000 lbs, $30 /day Machines skates, $50 / day Truck? I already owned the winch, but I think it was only $80 from HF. The winch came in handy. It was used to move the safe forwards, but once rolling off the ramp was also used on the top of the safe to keep it from leaning too far. There was definitely liability/risk involved, but taking a slow pace and thinking through every step it was relatively safe. (pun) I do not have rigging experience, but if it means anything I am an engineer so I at least think I can do things beyond my experience.
edit: I would agree that most people would not (or maybe should not) attempt a move like this. Most co-workers that saw the safe did not think this was going to work out. |
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You got a ridiculous price on that. Local safe dealer here had one similar except it was AMSEC. They wanted $5,000 plus delivery for it.
Honestly the price was so low, even if you paid $1,600 to move it, still a good deal compared to what $2,400 gets you in a gun safe. |
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