Tool for moving heavy plant pots.

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by Howard Stone, Jun 22, 2020.

  1. Howard Stone

    Howard Stone Gardener

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    I need to get some sort of sack truck for moving large and heavy pots - more than 50L, terracotta, JI, and some of them with quite large plants.

    Anyone had any good experiences, or bad experiences? Advice appreciated!
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I've got a sack Barrow, could do with a bigger one some times.
      Go for pneumatic tyres, they are worth any extra it might cost.
       
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      • Howard Stone

        Howard Stone Gardener

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        Thanks. Is a two wheel barrow better than a platform one with four wheels?
         
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Well, I'd say yes.
        A normal sack barrow you can get it under the pot without lifting it, then tip it back to move it, I even sometime use rope to attach the pot to the barrow.

        Surely with four wheels you are going to have to lift the pot onto it?
         
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        • noisette47

          noisette47 Total Gardener

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          Will you need to manoeuvre on steps or lawn? If not, a basic wooden/plywood platform on 4 castors is great. I move 100l terracotta pots around like that. There's a technique to getting them onto it, though. Place platform near pot and saucer, tip up pot, steady with one hand, insert edge of platform as far under pot as possible. Place foot on platform so it doesn't 'escape' or tip up, try not to fall over, pull pot fully onto platform.....:biggrin: and pull the lot around by the strong cord previously attached to a couple of screw-in hooks :phew: :roflol:
           
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          • Graham B

            Graham B Gardener

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            Second the two-wheel sack truck. I've moved all sorts of stuff with mine - the most impressive was an entire double-width wardrobe! I've also shifted a large pear tree (at least 100l pot, roughly 10ft mature tree) which was a show plant in a garden centre that was closing down.

            So long as the base of whatever you're moving is flat, sturdy, and less than 2-3" from the edge of what you're moving, you're good. Roof rack ratchet straps are definitely your friend to keep it all attached, but after that your only problem is leverage and steering.

            You must get pneumatic tyres, and you must get a solid steel one. Collapsible ones have their place for shifting large light boxes, but they aren't designed for carrying anything serious.
             
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              Last edited: Jun 22, 2020
            • Howard Stone

              Howard Stone Gardener

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              Thanks for all these comments. I've run into a problem -- this


              The top of the pot is about 60cm and the bottom less of course, but it's hard to measure -- maybe 45cm (24 inches x 18 inches.) All the ones I can see on ebay and amazon have a much smaller toe plate.

              If anyone knows of a suitable one, please say!
               
            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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              • Graham B

                Graham B Gardener

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                I think you'll probably be ok so long as the base and sides are strong enough. You'll just need those ratchet ties on the sides to pull the sack truck flush against the side. A small chock at the back of the sack truck plate might help the base sit better.
                 
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