You will need someone with a pallet truck, at least one crowbar and wooden packing blocks, lots of ratchet straps, and preferably a van with a tail lift.

Based on what i saw, some years ago, would not recommend parcel couriers, no knowledge of such unwieldy objects, and multiple transfers between transport.

Might be better to get a friend or two to help, hire a van, and do it yourself.

Others on here can give you more detailed advice.

Howard

Hi Mike

When I moved from Folkestone on the Kent coast to Newark this summer I used a chap called Ian, based in Bradford, He moved my Myford VHM for me, and lifted my 254 into and out of a Luton van using his HIAB crane. Previously he collected a lathe from me on behalf of the buyer and I was impressed with the care he took. One local company let me down shortly before moving day so I rang him on the off chance and he kindly stepped in, despite the distance from his base his quote was extremely competitive, less in fact than the other quotes I got.

I did find it difficult to get a reasonable quote, some companies never got back to me, others the quotes were astronomical, almost what the mill was worth, moving machinery is not a cheap hobby!

His company is Mawson Motors and his phone No is 07711 178588. No connection other than a very satisfied customer.

Dave

In another thread in a similar vein, one contributor mentioned <b>1tonne.com</b>. They are based in Halifax, but operate UK-wide.  Neither that contributor nor I have any experience with this company, although they have had good reviews, apparently.  Might be worth a phone call. They can only say no, or might be able to put you on to another company.

John

I was a bit hesitant to quote prices in my earlier post, but so you know what to expect, One Tonne quoted £1250 for the move, Ian charged me £740. Other quotations were from £1800 to £3250 from larger companies, although they would move all of my machines in one load. The limitation on both One Tonne and Ian’s transport is a weight limit of 600kg, My VMF is 560kg which went on the truck, I hired a luton transit and Ian lifted my 254 in and out of that, fortunately I had to hire a van to move some of the workshop anyway. If purchasing a machine transport does add significantly to the cost, not long and I won’t be able to hire a van either, but I’m never moving house again! I hope this helps.

Dave

Correction One Tonne can move 800kg, Ian’s limit 600kg.

Ian’s pricing at the time (August) was £200 for the lifting plus £1 per mile for the total mileage from his base in Bradford and back. Done via Google maps, so if you google Bradford to Romsey via the collection address in Staffordshire it will give you an rough idea, it may be more direct and hence slightly cheaper on the return journey.