Moving Printer 3 miles away. Best way to move it?

[InkHead]

So I need to move my equipment 3 miles away from its current location. I use a Mimaki UCJV300 60" printer and am wondering what is the best way to transport this thing. Would it be fine if I rolled this onto a Uhaul ramp and into the box truck? My concern is the ink flowing out from where or damaging the subtank somehow? Or would it be fine?

I could get a truck with a lift gate but I'm pretty sure this printer is wider the a lift gate so the wheels may not fit. Or do I need to put this thing on a custom pallet.

Another option is a utility trailer with ramp from uhaul which has a much lower deck so the incline wouldn't be as steep as their box truck.

Any suggestions?

 

[victor bogdanov]

I just sold a 64" roland, loaded it up on a low deck uhaul trailer, strapped down and moved an hr drive away. only thing we did was secure the printhead.

 

[InkHead]

I just sold a 64" roland, loaded it up on a low deck uhaul trailer, strapped down and moved an hr drive away. only thing we did was secure the printhead.

Yes I would definitely secure the head. So you just used the open air trailer? Did you use plywood or something on the ramp for ease of rolling?

 

[victor bogdanov]

Yes I would definitely secure the head. So you just used the open air trailer? Did you use plywood or something on the ramp for ease of rolling?

open trailer, the wheels fit right into the trailer grooves, we just lifted/tilted the printer to get onto the trailer, the trailer was only 12"off the ground I would guess.


I've also moved a printer in a Uhaul van, take off the base and slide the printer off the base into the van

 

[ChicagoGraphics]

No need to use the ramp on the open U-Haul trailer, get a couple of guys and lift one end on then the other end. You might have to put it on an angle if its longer then 8', I moved my Mimaki that way a few years back

 

[InkHead]

Thanks guys! Looks like the open trailer from uhaul without a ramp is the way to go. My concern was the grated ramp on those trailers but lifting one end up and placing it on the trailer sounds like a better idea

 

[Solventinkjet]

Put some 2x4s under the stand so that the wheels are lifted up. Those things can pop off easily in transport.

 

[InkHead]

Put some 2x4s under the stand so that the wheels are lifted up. Those things can pop off easily in transport.

Good idea! I'll be sure to do that. Thank you

 

[stxrmxn]

In Kilometres

 

[InkHead]

Finally moving the printer tomorrow. Is there a way to lock the print head on the UCJV300 from moving during transport?

 

[Dasdesignguy]

Yes, there are three bright yellow brackets that the installer removed and should have put back in the machine. Before you do that empty your subtanks and printheads. Then brackets. When you transport machine is top-heavy and wheels are dainty. Ratchet strap machine to wall of truck used cardboard on ratchet ponts. The 2x4 idea is a good one. When you get to your destination, unload it and do all the above in reverse. Good luck!

 

[InkHead]

Hey Dasdesignguy. When you say the installer removed and should have put back in the machine... Do you mean they mount somewhere once they are removed? I'm not seeing any yellow brackets in any of the boxes I have from install.

I see 3 yellow brackets under the machine. A long one and 2 that look the same. Are these the correct ones? If so, does anyone have pics on where they are supposed to go to hold the head in place

 

[InkHead]

Hey Dasdesignguy. When you say the installer removed and should have put back in the machine... Do you mean they mount somewhere once they are removed? I'm not seeing any yellow brackets in any of the boxes I have from install.

I see 3 yellow brackets under the machine. A long one and 2 that look the same. Are these the correct ones? If so, does anyone have pics on where they are supposed to go to hold the head in place

I think I answered my own question. Looks like this is the bracket I need.

Before Transport: Drain subtank -> Drain Printhead -> mount bracket
After Transport : Remove bracket -> Fill Printhead -> Fill Subtank (or should it be Fill Subtank than Fill Printhead)

 

[Solventinkjet]

I think I answered my own question. Looks like this is the bracket I need.

Before Transport: Drain subtank -> Drain Printhead -> mount bracket
After Transport : Remove bracket -> Fill Printhead -> Fill Subtank (or should it be Fill Subtank than Fill Printhead)

Don't even empty it. As long as you're not going to be tipping the machine at high angles, removing ink is not necessary especially if you're just moving down the road.

 

[CMYKENGINEERING]

A little secret: for short distance moves like this, you can use a flatbed tow truck...

 

[gabagoo]

I just moved my whole set up home in the basement. I have a Mimaki jv 150 and called in a tech to set it up for the move. In my case the printer needed to be taken down a flight of stairs at my office and then down and into the basement with a 90 degree tight turn down the stairway. The printer was virtually almost 90 degress in the air to make the turn. I explained everything to the tech guy before we moved and he drained all the ink lines and replaced it with cleaning fluid, then he anchored the head in place with 2 spring clamps which held the head in place. After the move I had to wait 2 days before the tech guy could come back and reset the machine up. I can tell you I was scared that with all the actions to get that printer home, it was going to be in trouble. He came and reloaded the inks and ran a few print tests and did a little adjusting, and I can say it prints better now than before...lol
I can tell you I wish I made this move 5 years ago... NO RENT!!! Of course I can't really do vehicles anymore but I do want to slow down and eventually retire within 2 or 3 years but having fun working from home.

 

[Ron at Forest Litho]

Thanks guys! Looks like the open trailer from uhaul without a ramp is the way to go. My concern was the grated ramp on those trailers but lifting one end up and placing it on the trailer sounds like a better idea

Check out the Ramp first Some ramps come to a nice sharp edge that you can roll up onto easily and some come to a squarish end that creates an annoying bump.

 

[Solventinkjet]

I just moved my whole set up home in the basement. I have a Mimaki jv 150 and called in a tech to set it up for the move. In my case the printer needed to be taken down a flight of stairs at my office and then down and into the basement with a 90 degree tight turn down the stairway. The printer was virtually almost 90 degress in the air to make the turn. I explained everything to the tech guy before we moved and he drained all the ink lines and replaced it with cleaning fluid, then he anchored the head in place with 2 spring clamps which held the head in place. After the move I had to wait 2 days before the tech guy could come back and reset the machine up. I can tell you I was scared that with all the actions to get that printer home, it was going to be in trouble. He came and reloaded the inks and ran a few print tests and did a little adjusting, and I can say it prints better now than before...lol
I can tell you I wish I made this move 5 years ago... NO RENT!!! Of course I can't really do vehicles anymore but I do want to slow down and eventually retire within 2 or 3 years but having fun working from home.

Can't help but notice you actually use the ventilation ducts on that machine. Smart. I've been in so many basements with customers getting high off the fumes!

 

[gabagoo]

Can't help but notice you actually use the ventilation ducts on that machine. Smart. I've been in so many basements with customers getting high off the fumes!

My computer is less than 6 feet from the printer and even with the exhaust fan going it can get pretty stinky in here.... it does clear out in a few minutes after the printer stops. I know it works as outside in the back yard you can see this area around the vent with no snow.

 

[netsol]

A little secret: for short distance moves like this, you can use a flatbed tow truck...

we have done things like this in the past
(flat bed, landscape trailer, U-ship

one point to consider is that strangers (flatbed operators) do not place the same (OR ANY) value on your machine
or any small parts that might shake vibrate and rattle until they fall off

just playing devil's advocate