- Thread starter DJLC
- Start date
My "Cosco" branded convertible hand truck worked well for me. I mostly used it in the normal position for moving cabs. The larger wheels help with moving up and down stairs. The horizontal position came in handy moving crt monitors and boxes. I'm sure other carts would work well too. Here's an example of what I'm using:
https://www.costcobusinessdelivery....le-hand-truck,-silver.product.2001136508.html
https://www.costcobusinessdelivery....le-hand-truck,-silver.product.2001136508.html
I got my COSCO (Not costco) dolly at Harbor Freight. Used it for quite a few cabs and it's got a handy lean back feature.
https://www.harborfreight.com/home/...ucks/3-in-1-convertible-hand-truck-56409.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/home/...ucks/3-in-1-convertible-hand-truck-56409.html
Honestly after moving candy cabinets up and down many flights of stairs (I used to live on the 4th storey of an apartment complex with no lift for my sins!) you just cant beat a bit of manpower along with a dolly. Three in total is great.
We used a dolly like that costco one, strapped the cabinets into it and then one person would control the top with two people lifting from the bottom with each step.
We used a dolly like that costco one, strapped the cabinets into it and then one person would control the top with two people lifting from the bottom with each step.
Also, the carts with larger wheels help a bit if you need to use it "off road" across lawns, dirt, etc. It helps, but it's still a pain. Thinner wheels would more readily sink into the ground. Laying down plywood helps.
I watched someone effortlessly move pinball machines up and down flights of stairs using an Escalera Staircat motorized stair climber. I believe they sell extensions so it could work with any type of cabinet. I just need a cheap used one to pop up locally and I will pull the trigger.
I've used this the last 7 years to move all manner of pins/cabinets and have no complaints. Bottom plate is big, wheels are solid so no flats or bottoming out, and the stair climber attachments help in easing things up/down stairs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LUZUWRK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LUZUWRK
Mrhide
Enlightened
You guys are not answering the question (except everten) and are showing "normal dollys" ( I have the same 4 in 1 thing).
They are ok if you have help but you will need some muscles! sometimes 2 guys are not enough! (I know!) He probably wants to do it all alone.
I've seen a guy with an electric one pick up a jukebox and go down the stairs, all by himself...
is there a middle ground? anyone ever used something like this?
https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/descalier-Capacité-portable-réglable-élastique/dp/B0CMZNR6FQ
cabs are ~ 105Kg so that would work?
They are ok if you have help but you will need some muscles! sometimes 2 guys are not enough! (I know!) He probably wants to do it all alone.
I've seen a guy with an electric one pick up a jukebox and go down the stairs, all by himself...
is there a middle ground? anyone ever used something like this?
https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/descalier-Capacité-portable-réglable-élastique/dp/B0CMZNR6FQ
cabs are ~ 105Kg so that would work?
OP didn't exactly specify they're looking for motorized dollys for doing it alone, they just asked for dolly recommendations for going up and down stairs
And I'm guessing they want actual recommendations of equipment people have personally used, not just links to things they could find on google so you aren't really answering their question either, are you.
Mrhide
Enlightened
hehe I am not but I am interested in answers cause I've been at the bottom of stairs recently, with an Artic Thunder, and there was *no way*, even after removing the screen (not a simple affair), that 2 people could have moved that up the stairs ... the owner had to join and lift each stairs cause just pushing wouldn't work.
That's fair, I will bow out then since I have not personally used any motorized stair climbers. Back in the day, Escalera was what everyone talked about, but a quick google for "motorized stair climbing dolly" shows a lot of options now. Might be worth seeing if anyone has a youtube review of some of them.
Memory unlocked for me.
Years ago when I helped out with some retro gaming conventions, I used several dollies to haul cabs around, and while the COSCO is the most common, the best one to use was an old Magliner that my friend owned. The nose plate is pretty distinct and just reminded me of that. It made a very noticeable difference when hauling the big ass Midway cabs around. I'm not sure about it's ability to move stuff up stairs since I haven't tried myself, but I do like Magliner dollies after using one to move a ton of cabs in and out of convention centers.
Yeah honestly I love this thing. Magliner makes great dollys and this one is no different. Very sturdy and super lightweight because of the aluminum build; I can pick it up and carry it one handed with no trouble.
I got curious and was just looking at their motorized stair climbers and they look really nice, but I don't have $6k to drop on a dolly lol.
DelsArcade
Enthusiast
This U-line is hands down the best I've used that's non-motorized.
- Slightly wider than a normal hand truck
- Built in retractable straps to secure around the machine you're moving
- Tires won't bounce around on you when moving on bumpy terrain
- Handles won't get blocked on taller Midway cabs
- Built in treads on the back make it WAY easier to lift up and down stairs. (this is key)
- Back wheels flip down for easier transport. (If you've ever brought a game to a convention center this feature is amazing).
https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...7VNJ3Jk_odI0SV3t1eZXHI0oLIA0ndZhoC7nUQAvD_BwE
PS - I've also used an Escalera. Pretty cool, but it takes 2 people to get it up, despite what they show you in the ads. They also tend to overheat with longer starircases with heavier games. In the middle of the staircase too. Yeah...
Good Luck!
Del
- Slightly wider than a normal hand truck
- Built in retractable straps to secure around the machine you're moving
- Tires won't bounce around on you when moving on bumpy terrain
- Handles won't get blocked on taller Midway cabs
- Built in treads on the back make it WAY easier to lift up and down stairs. (this is key)
- Back wheels flip down for easier transport. (If you've ever brought a game to a convention center this feature is amazing).
https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...7VNJ3Jk_odI0SV3t1eZXHI0oLIA0ndZhoC7nUQAvD_BwE
PS - I've also used an Escalera. Pretty cool, but it takes 2 people to get it up, despite what they show you in the ads. They also tend to overheat with longer starircases with heavier games. In the middle of the staircase too. Yeah...
Good Luck!
Del
