Moving tanks with forklift?

[sdgbrew]

We need to rearrange some tanks in the near future and I was wondering if it is safe to move jacketed dish bottom tanks with a forklift just by putting the forks inside the legs?

Any recommendations?

Thanks

[MatthewS]

I would never move a tank that way.

Use the welded eye holes/hooks on the top and use heavy duty strapping. Place the forks over the tanks and secure the the tanks and forks using the strapping. Always lift a tank from above, otherwise you risk destroying the tanks bottom.

Another option is using a heavy duty floor jack. get some wood and place the wood under the tank. Before everything is perfectly level and only lift the tank up enough to move it. Be careful though... tanks are tippy!

Good luck
Matthew

[Beer_Nut]

Another option is using a heavy duty floor jack. get some wood and place the wood under the tank. Before everything is perfectly level and only lift the tank up enough to move it. Be careful though... tanks are tippy!

+1 to the floor jack. That is typically how we move tanks around our brewery, the largest was 25 bbl, and it works for us.

[SRB]

3rd floor jack.

[sdgbrew]

You guys talking about a jack like used for a car? If you are using wood between the lift and the tank could you not do the same with a forklift? just trying to picture it.

Thanks

[gerrydog]

Pallet Jack

[liammckenna]

Depends on the size (weight, diameter) and the jacket, insulation, skin (gauge of steel) on the bottom dish. If you are confident you will not damage the tank, I have moved tanks up to 60 bbl with the following method many many times.

Either a pallet jack (sometimes two, depending on diameter of tank) or a forklift with long forks. Use a couple of long 4x4's with some old carpet between them and the tank. Pallet jack on the floor -> 4x4's on top of that-> old carpet -> tank

Strap the tank securely after a level lift just off the floor if using a fork lift.

Move the tank. If using two pallet jack method, you may have to stop a few times to reposition jacks.

For final positioning, a hardwood 2x4 or a length of pipe should allow a single man to lever an empty tank (up to about 15 bbl) one footpad at a time by a few inches each lift.

Have also used movers 'skates' a few times, but you need a pretty smooth floor and it never really felt safe to me. Tippy, like.

Good luck,

Pax.

Liam

[SRB]

Sorry...I meant Pallet Jack.

[fa50driver]

I have used the "lever method" with 2X4's as well. Two people can lever a 15 bbl tank several feet fairly quickly.