Would it be possible to provide a photograph of the object in question? 
  I have done a number of heavy equipment moves as part of my focus in 
industrial archaeology, some of which reaching over 4 tons, with no 
damage.  I am sure there is a method which would work in this case.  My 
suggestion without having seen the item would be to lift it and place 
it on skids so that it can be pulled across the road.  A small skid 
sled can be easily constructed of 4x6 timbers with rounded edges on the 
ends.  If one could lift the item using hydralic bottle jacks acting on 
beams which could be slid underneath the item, that would probably be 
best.  Hydralic jacks are easy to control, operate smoothly, and can be 
lowered slowly.  By using a number of beams it increases the surface 
area and limits the amount of force being vectored to any one place.  
Lift it as little as possible, thus it has less distance to fall if 
something goes wrong.  This is why using skids is preferable as it 
provides a supporting framework that is only about 8 inches off the 
ground.  There is usually a desire to get the front end loader, chain 
the item to the bucket, and lift but I have found this method to be 
difficult to control unless the operator is highly skilled (I certainly 
am not!  Don't ask me how I know...).  The rule of thumb for all heavy 
moves is act slowly and with deliberation, and always keep a way out so 
it doesn't fall on you.  If you have any other questions by all means 
let me know.

Regards,

Stathi Pappas

______________________________________________________

Efstathios I. Pappas, MS
Doctoral Student
Department of Anthropology/096
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 323-5730

-----Original Message-----
From: Marcy Rockman <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 10:12:39 -0700
Subject: movement of large fragile mining equipment

   Writing to ask the collective wisdom for advice in moving a large, 
fragile piece of mining equipment. The piece appears to be a mixer of 
some sort, approximately 6 ft. tall, currently lying on its side. It 
was part of a 1930s oil field near Santa Maria, California. The area is 
currently being redeveloped as an oil field. The piece is lying next to 
a road that is being used by heavy drilling rigs, so is in danger of 
being damaged by traffic. There is no evidence of a foundation near the 
piece, so it does not appear to be in its original use location. One 
idea to keep the piece from further harm is to move it to the opposite 
side of the road and place it in the vicinity of some other remnant 
foundations from the 1930s development. A major concern with this idea 
is that the piece is quite rusted and appears to be rather fragile. 
There is a pipe running the length of the piece, which may help keep it 
together, but the outer shell may not fair so well.

  Has anyone out there done this sort of move before? We are considering 
some nylon slings for the actual lifting part, but would like to put 
something around the piece in advance to keep it together and project 
it from additional damage. Any suggestions as to materials, procedures, 
or other options would be most welcome.

 Thank you,
 Marcy Rockman


 ------------------------------
 Marcy Rockman, Ph.D.

 Principal Archaeologist
 PCR Services Corporation
 233 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 130
 Santa Monica, CA 90401
 (310) 451-4488
 [log in to unmask]