Hi Toby
I got hold of an MF4 last year. When I went to collect it the seller, a very nice guy indeed, helped out.
In case it is useful, this is how I did the move.
We took the motor off to reduce weight and prevent damage.
We took the pulley cover off to reduce weight and prevent damage. There is a clear plastic screen on the side of the pulley cover that is easily damaged.
There is a chuck key plate just below the head, that is also secured around the column. For safety, there is a sticker on the head, that states, 'Do not release this collar until the above head HAS BEEN LOCKED OR SUPPORTED'.
I stood on a Workmate bench next to the MF4.
The pinch bolt (cotter pin), as indicated in the photograph, was undone, and I lifted the head a little way up the column.
I moved the head up the column a little way, and then the other guy clamped the collar/plate under it to stop it falling down. I moved the head up the column a little more, and the plate was clamped under it again.
When the head was at the top of the column, still standing on the Workmate, I lifted the head off the column. The other guy then moved the base+column out of the way. I then lowered the head onto the Workmate.
We then removed the table from the column.
I transported the base+column, table, motor, pulley cover, and head, in a hatchback.
As Mike says, the column is substantial, and you have to be an animal to bend it.
At the other end I was on my own.
In the workshop, I laid the head on the floor on some blocks of wood.
I then laid the base and column horizontally on some blocks of wood, so that the column lined up with the hole in the head.
I then slipped the table, followed by the plate, onto the column.
I then slipped the head onto the column.
I moved all the pieces to the bottom of the column. I then lifted the whole assembly up so it was vertical. With all the bits at the bottom of the column, the center of gravity is on your side.
I then gradually moved the head up the column, by lifting it a bit, and clamping it, and clamping the chuck key plate, etc.
The guy I bought it off showed me a trick to move the head on the column … firmly lock the table below the head. Then bring the quill down so it touches the table, and keep winding, so the head is raised. Lock the head, move the table up, and repeat ad infinitum. I kind of think that this is not too good for the gears?
When the head is at the top of the column, it does get very top heavy, and awkward to move about.
The low speed gearing on it is an absolute god send when drilling large holes.
Good luck with the move.
Steve