Summer is here, which means barbeques, beach days, and homes being made comfortable by air conditioning. At this time of year, there will be many people doing switch outs on both commercial and residential HVAC systems, water heaters, and more. Whether for commercial or residential needs, the right tools are available for the job.

AC Units                               

One of the best products to use for air conditioning units is the LE-1, which moves loads up to 700 lbs (also ideal for water heaters and smaller package boilers). Its unique design includes a moving toe plate and zero weight on the hand grips, for minimal effort. It comes with hand-operated wheel brakes and a dual drive screw design, allowing for loads to be raised and placed onto surfaces.  The design of this model also allows for installation of wall or pedestal mounted AC units. Finally, it has an option of a rough terrain cart, which allows for easy installation over longer, more taxing distances.

Water Heaters

The biggest challenge when switching out water heaters is not getting the new one in, but actually taking the old one out. For residential systems, our L-1 model, which a rated capacity up to 650 lbs, is the ideal choice. For commercial systems, the M-2B steel, heavy duty stair climber has a rated capacity up to 1,500 lbs and features eight inches of extra height, accommodating taller loads. This makes it perfect not only for water heaters, but also for boilers, generators, compressors, motors, and more.

If you’re regularly moving large loads, our line of value-added accessories can make a big difference, and attachments can easily be placed on the equipment and customized for your load. Rough terrain carts and big wheel attachments—easily added to the stair climber—effortlessly traverse uneven ground, sand, gravel, and rain. They also come off as easily as they go on, allowing for the user to remove them before entering a home, keeping floors clean and making for happy homeowners.

Are you about to embark on a move or looking to install a new HVAC system for the summer and deciding on the best moving method? Of course, there are numerous systems and products available to help with relocation, including a variety of hand trucks. These hand trucks can range from your conventional dollies to powered stair climbing hand trucks, like ours. As experts in moving loads promptly, safely, and efficiently, here are some reasons to consider powered stair climbers versus the conventional hand truck:

• Powered stair climbers not only can move loads up and down the stairs, on and off most service vehicles, but they can also negotiate curbs and thresholds, as well as act as a dock leveler.

• Various models of the powered stair climbers act as powered tailgate lifts and vertical lifts; the one of a kind PowerMate model LE-1 even has stacking capabilities and no attachments.

• How do you maneuver tight spaces, crazy corners, and rough terrain with a conventional hand truck? You can safely bring the load and machine to rest on flat surfaces, even on stairs. Deliver to old homes? With a Power Stair Climber, you can skip missing, broken, or suspect steps! Challenged with moving on landings? Raise the wheel to create a smaller footprint.

• Looking for safety and protection for you and your workers? Powered stair climbers reduce the operator’s ergonomic effort by 87%, making moving more efficient, safe, and productive. Additionally, risks, injuries, and vehicle-related accidents become lowered. Complete more jobs efficiently and reduce your labor costs by 50% or more.

• Why do all of the work with a conventional hand truck? With powered stair climbers, all you need to do is raise the wheels 10-18 in. and change the fulcrum, making the breaking of the load an easier and safer task.

• One of the biggest concerns when moving is ensuring the load remains intact and unharmed. Cotton-coated nylon straps and safety ratcheting systems, as well as multiple and adjustable felt-protected strap bars, are added to the stair climber in order to protect the customers’ product.

• Is another worry that of harming the floors on which the move is taking place? With some hand trucks, the wheels can rough up and scratch certain floors. Powered hand trucks, however, have non-marking wheels and rubber guards, so that it remains safe for all floor types.

• Durable, long-lasting, top of the line stair climbers typically deliver a 10:1 return on investment (ROI) in the first year alone, and with routine maintenance, can last for years and years.

Keeping these points in mind, you should be able to determine that the higher ROI lies in powered hand trucks over conventional ones. As technology is beginning to invade the workplace, it’s time to ask yourself: “What’s my ROI on the conventional hand truck I am using today?”

The biggest season for moving companies or facilities managers is coming up, so now is the time to make sure your moving company has all the proper equipment on hand for safe moves or renovations.

Later this spring, college students will be moving out of student houses and back home, or to their own apartments. For building and facilities managers, the warmer weather also makes this time of year optimal for any move or making household alterations.

Appliances can get heavy and if you don’t handle them with the proper equipment, you risking causing damage to the appliance or physical harm to yourself and others. If you’re removing or installing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units, or just moving pails of paint or cleaning supplies, BBQ's, building supplies, floor polishers, floor sanders or garbage receptacles, using a handtruck or liftgate will make it simple.

What are some specific moving products you should have on your checklist? For those in rough terrains, the proper moving vehicles equipped for this type of environment are required. For those working in building locations and need to move pieces of equipment, a hand truck or load truck (if the equipment is large) is appropriate. For those attempting to move items out of a vehicle or full-sized van, an interior lift gate system will prove to be useful. For tight spaces and staircases, it’s important to have pivot accessories to help you move around.

More important than where you get these products is that you use them to your advantage. Lugging large appliances around won’t get the job done faster, and it could put workers at risk. With the help of products like these, you and team can be kept safe while staying efficient. Make sure to take measure to make your moves and renovations as productive and hazard free as possible.