Pianotech

Expand all | Collapse all

Move Piano with Tractor

  • 1.  Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 11-24-2017 15:06
    It was inevitable I suppose. Last year I bought a tractor for gardening. Being from the city and moving out to the country, I frankly had no idea how useful a tractor is. Now a year later, I wonder- "How in the heck did I live without this thing?"

    Last week  a customer brings this old upright "Supposedly a free piano in good condition."
    NOT. 

    So 2+2= Use tractor to cart the piano to the salvage pile. Aha....

    Hooked up a rope around it to the yard box, nailed a couple blocks right above the pivot point, and walla a good 4 inches off the ground!
    Easy Peasy!

    Have a great Thanksgiving!!
    Hope y'all having a good time!
    -chris
    #caveman







    ------------------------------
    I have a piano in my Nuclear Fallout Shelter, and my competitors don't. How silly is that?

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-08-2017 10:07
    This worked so well, i'm now having a special 3 point carry- all made to make it even easier. No reason I can't move a 9' grand with this tractor. My Neighbor's a welder who's getting use to my weird contraptions . I'll post a pic when it's done. Might get it today if he has time.
    -chris
    #caveman

    ------------------------------
    The hunters drum steers the herd,
    His belly growls in hunger for what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    By alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-08-2017 12:17
    Years ago I would have called you crazy! But, living in the South for seven years, you see a lot done with tractors... why not use 'em to haul pianos? Saves a lot of money in the end.

    But, would the ride be too much for a piano that you don't intent to throw away?

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-08-2017 12:26
    I don't think so. The tractor has eight gears, half of them are slower than walking. Plus, I'm not hauling (with the tractor) very far, shop-trailor. For me, it helps greatly since i have gravel driveways. Plus, as I get older, Ive been getting creative finding ways to move pianos around without physically having to do it. 





  • 5.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-08-2017 12:33
    At Interlochen they move concert grands from stage to stage with a fork lift. They don't even take the legs off. Just pick it up and drive off. Scared the hell out of me but they have been doing it for decades. 

    Chris





  • 6.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-09-2017 00:41
    I've moved them both ways (flat and on their side) with a forklift. Uprights are even easier, just pad the back and scoop underneath. For 9' grands you need to extend the forks beyond the standard 42" but they get the job done!


    ------------------------------
    Philip Stewart
    609-774-7571
    www.njpianoservice.com
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Member
    Posted 12-09-2017 11:04
    I had a lady tell me that the Baldwin she had in her mountain home had to be delivered by helicopter. That must have been an expensive move.

    I have a feeling that the house will come with the piano when its sold.....

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-09-2017 17:27
    I had a client that moved a Yamaha grand and “race car” at the same time tied to a trailer side by side.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 9.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-09-2017 17:01
    Thanks for sharing that Pic Phillip! Love it.
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-10-2017 00:25
    Not sure why only one image posted the first time. This is the same piano being moved on it's side. Pulling it out of my storage trailer and bringing it into the shop. 



    ------------------------------
    Philip Stewart
    609-774-7571
    www.njpianoservice.com
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-10-2017 01:33
    Philip,
    I just can't shake  the feeling your system can be improved on slightly. There must be a way to not have to stand on the forklift to stop the swaying. 

    I checked in with my welder/neighbor today. He just got the steel in, so he said he'll be getting to my carry-all most likely tomorrow.
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-09-2017 11:06
    The only time I have seen a pianos moved with a tractor was to dispose of them. Over the years I've serviced many an old clunker in lots of farm houses. Often I gave grandmother's piano the last rites and helped the farmer or his sons move the piano outside where he could pick it up with his front loader tractor and dump it in the hole, he had already dug, behind the cornfield across from the barnyard. We then went to look for a better used smaller piano, but in most cases, just shook hands and said, "It's been nice knowing ya." 

    Bob

    ------------------------------
    Robert Highfield
    Lancaster PA
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-14-2017 23:56
    UPDATE**

    The NEW custom carry all is finished! Man was I excited about this thing. Couldn't wait to give it a whirl. 
    It works 100 times better than I thought it was going to. My neighbor didn't think I had enough tractor to carry a piano.
    Well, he was surprised!!   Plus, you never tell an Alpha male he don't have enough tractor, because even if he was right, i'd buy a bigger one TOMORROW.
    Enjoy!









    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Member
    Posted 12-15-2017 08:22
    Someone has way too much time on his hands. Back in the day there where trucks that had tilters on the bed. They called them piano lifts. Creative salesmen would haul pianos that way , lower them onto the ground and play them . There are pictures in some old piano publications. Now you need to design a way to get the tractor to climb the stairs of raised beach homes.

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 12-15-2017 10:38
    James,

    But if he did that, where would be the fun in moving pianos?

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 12-22-2017 15:20
    ****Exciting Tractor Moving Update*****

    So I just purchase an M&H A for dirt cheap. So I thought I would give my other idea with the tractor a try. This time i just roll the piano and dolly onto the carry all, strap it down and go. 
     
    It worked awesome!!

    Not bad for a little compact, to be able to move Mason and Hamlin around.

    BTW, for those who " DON'T GET IT" consider this:
    • I am by myself.
    • I'm a senior citizen now. At least according to McDonalds and getting free coffee.
    • The way my property is, i have to roll pianos across large areas of gravel. I do plan on a loading dock next year, but I have been saying that for at least 5 years now. Something more important seems to always come first.
    • To hire a local mover is at least $250 every time.
    • The major mover here refuses to move pianos over gravel. Period.
    • There are no neighbors close enough to call for assistance. Plus that would wear out a welcome as time went on.
    • There's probably a couple more reasons but i forgot. I'm a senior citizen remember.

    I want to thank all my new friends I have made on here. have a great NEW and HAPPY YEAR!!!

    I want to give a SPECIAL shoutout to BOB Highfield, Your emalis have been a great joy!! Thank You.
    -chrisLoaded up.

    At the shop door. 
    Made it!!

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 02-27-2018 12:18
    ***TRACTOR UPDATE***

    Unloading from Horse Trailor

    Look at all those cracks! A Stonepath A in for a new soundboard.  Love all those drywall screws. I wonder what Youtube Craig would do with this one?



    The poster shot!!!!



    Safely in the shop. All done easily by myself.



    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 02-27-2018 13:17
    I tried so hard to stay away from it but It's just hanging there taunting me.
     Mr. Chenobieff wrote "Safely in the shop. All done easily by myself."
                      Actually Mr. C. 

    If was was easy everyone would do it.

         Forgive me.

    ------------------------------
    Karl Roeder
    Pompano Beach FL
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 02-27-2018 13:32
    It was all done for your entertainment karl. Glad you enjoyed it.





  • 20.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Member
    Posted 02-27-2018 20:10
    Are you going to rebuild this bad boy ?

      The poster shot looks like a sheet rock guy used his screw gun on it quite accurately

     If the board was this bad what did the action look like ?

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 02-28-2018 06:43
    James,
    Yes it's getting a new board. The piano belongs to a technician in Nashville who gave me a lot of leeway on the rib scale, so i'm excited about that. He rebuilds a lot of pianos and wants this piano to have a big sound, I aim to please.

    As regards the action, he likes the WN&G carbon fiber actions so it will probably end up with one of those. 
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Member
    Posted 02-28-2018 08:14
    Sweet- take plenty of pictures I want to hear that bad boy. It will be Monster

    ------------------------------
    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 03-02-2018 23:15
    Darn starter died.
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-03-2018 08:05
    Good thing it wasn't raining.

    Chris,

    Under the circumstances I think you've got something there.

    Pwg

    ------------------------------
    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 03-13-2018 22:28
    Starter fixed. Apparently, they darn tractor place gave me one last year that had 9 teeth. Replaced it with one that is German made and has 11 teeth. Starts right up with no grinding.  
    New Soundboard going in the Steinway A soon, man, i really can't wait to hear  this thing. It has three things going for it to make it a special build. 
    1. It's a pre 1900 Steinway. 
    2. I re-engineered the rib scale to a tight 70% profile. I used nice AAA Quartersawn Eastern white Pine.
    3. The panel is made out of the nicest AAA Quartersawn Old growth Adirondack Spruce I have ever seen. I don't even know if this species is even available anymore. 
    Here's a pic, not sure it does it justice though.


    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-13-2018 22:44
    Pretty cool Chris! Now that you've been building this up for several months now, you gotta promise to take a video of it once it's all done.

    Course, it won't do it justice, as it has to be translated several times then come out my speakers.... however....

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 03-15-2018 22:10
    Hey everybody, I am not bringing my tractor to your place, you'll just have to get your own tractor.
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 05-13-2018 00:30
    **Sad Tractor Update**
    Taking this 1820ish Loud Brothers square to the dump. It's actually more like a clavichord with hammers than a square piano.  I tried to sell it, but no takers and now i am out of room. it will probably be a couple days before i go to the dump, so if anyone wants it for free, now's your chance.
    -chris






    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-14-2018 08:23
    Are you keeping the legs?

    ------------------------------
    Gary Bruce, RPT
    Bruce Piano Service
    Edmond, OK
    405-413-TUNE
    www.brucepiano.com
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 05-14-2018 21:49
    I'm on the fence on that one Gary. Here's a pic of them (there are 6). Theyr'e pretty fancy, i'd hate to burn em. 
    -chris


    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 05-15-2018 09:13
    I'd be interested in them.  I wonder what we could work out for cost and delivery.  I'll email you.

    ------------------------------
    Gary Bruce, RPT
    Bruce Piano Service
    Edmond, OK
    405-413-TUNE
    www.brucepiano.com
    ------------------------------



  • 32.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 05-16-2018 10:15
    Yes Bruce,
    Ill keep them around, for now, just let me know when you'll come and get them.
    -chris

    ------------------------------
    A hunter's drumbeat steers the stampeding herd,
    His belly growls in hunger to what he sees.
    The mammoth aware blows his mighty trumpet,
    But alas, the caveman tickles the ivories.

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 06-18-2018 23:03
    *****Tractor Update****
    Well, Mrs. C  fell down the steps and broke her leg in two places.

    We decided to get rid of any and all steps around our house.   I had kept my piano moving ramp ( after all they are not cheap) and thought hey, I can use that as a temporary ramp for Mrs C's wheelchair. 

    But there's a problem- It's heavy and awkward!!
    That's ok, i'll just rig up the tractor. 
    It looks odd, but it worked fine and dandy.
    Didn't even work up a sweat. Love that truckers knot.

    Well looks like i'll be working two jobs for a while. Pianos and  caretaker. But, thats okay, thats what i signed up for.

    #Nursechris








    ​​

    ------------------------------
    45 2020

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-18-2018 23:17
    Oh no! So sorry to hear about your wife's accident. We'll keep her in our prayers.

    Now you have to keep us informed on two fronts!

    ------------------------------
    Benjamin Sanchez
    Professional Piano Services
    (805)315-8050
    www.professional-piano-services.com
    BenPianoPro@comcast.net
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-19-2018 07:36

    Arrgh.  Sorry to hear about the Mrs.

     

    Hope all gets better soon. Broken legs are never fun.  Mine was back in 2003 when a piano came down on my leg.

     

    "PTG – Expand your Horizon – Share the Vision"

     

    George W.R. (Bill) Davis, RPT, SERVP

    2315 Rocky Mountain Rd NE

    Marietta GA 30066

    bill@pianoplace.net

    770.778.6881

     

     






  • 36.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-19-2018 16:10
    I dropped a Steinway A plate on my foot and snapped my big toe back in '96.  I was more concerned about breaking the plate but it survived just fine.

    6-8 weeks recovery. Will go by like a flash.

    Pwg

    ------------------------------
    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
    ------------------------------



  • 37.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-20-2018 14:04
    George,
    Is there a story here about a piano breaking your leg, or have you already told it many times?

    ------------------------------
    Blaine Hebert
    Duarte CA
    626-795-5170
    ------------------------------



  • 38.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 06-20-2018 17:48

    Oh yes, there is indeed a story.  It's called "wait for your help to arrive before moving a piano across a river rock threshold".  I used to move pianos all the time when I was back in Texas.  The Brazos Valley is really very accommodating, mostly flat and ranch style houses.  Easy.  I routinely moved spinets, consoles, and studio pianos by myself.  Old uprights occasionally (usually I'd get someone to help on those).  Small grands (anything under 6') were a piece of cake with one person helping.  Right equipment.  Right size trailer. Done.  20% of my business.

     

    Sometimes I'd get in a pinch and move small grands by myself. With the right equipment it's not a problem. Except when the "terrain" gets ugly.

     

    Foyer was uneven river rock tile.  4" drop to sunken living room.  I had help coming.  They were late.  I had two more moves scheduled.  Small grand.  I was impatient.  Piano pitched and tipped away from me.  Curve lined up perfectly with door jam so when the piano made contact the curve accelerated the piano towards me.  In trying to control the falling piano (it was coming down on its top) the combination of the curve and drop sliding down the jam resulted in my left leg catching the brunt of the piano's weight as it came down.  Drove my tibia through the top of my femur.  I ended up pinned under the piano.  Housekeeper went berserk.

     

    Eight emergency responders lifted the piano off me.  I was telling them how to move it.  I didn't do any work at all for 3 months. Limited for another 3. Thank goodness for PTG insurance. 

     

    I was South Central RVP at the time.  Slowed down my chapter visits.  Dale Probst was a little peeved with me. (grinning here – everyone was great).  I rode a scooter around for convention that year.  TSA still sees the plate in my leg.

     

    I laugh now – wasn't fun then.

     

     






  • 39.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 06-25-2018 21:23
    **NEW Tractor Video****
    I want to thank everyone for the kind words. Mrs. C got out of surgery and is on her way to recovery ( 6 screws, a 4" long stainless steel bar to span the break, and a pin in the other bone that fractured). I absolutely appreciate more than ever those that have broken a leg (or anything else for that matter).  Quite the ordeal.

    I had time to pick up a piano the other day. One of my personal favorite pianos (Charles M. Stieff Upright) was for free on Craigslist. I made a little video of moving the upright from my trailer with my handy tractor. Enjoy!!
    Thanks again everyone.
    -chris
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnsiE6J7BTk

    ------------------------------
    45 2020

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------



  • 40.  RE: Move Piano with Tractor

    Posted 08-15-2018 19:23
    ***Tractor Update****
    Looks like my tractor moving a piano around idea is catching on around the world. Found this video of a music festival pulling a piano to the concert hall with a tractor.
    https://www.facebook.com/festival.piano.roquedantheron/videos/10155428060881555/UzpfSTE3NDg2MTkwNjg3NDgyNTQ6MjEzMDI3MTkyMzkxNjI5OA/

    ------------------------------
    "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it".

    chernobieffpiano.com
    865-986-7720
    ------------------------------