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Lifting Harps

  • 1.  Lifting Harps

    Posted 04-17-2018 10:20
      |   view attached
    Good morning ladies and gentlemen,

    I have been restoring pianos for nearly 30 years. I have always used the same gantry crane for removing and reinstalling harps. Here at UNCG we have somewhat limited space in our piano shop. Has anyone ever used an engine crane such as the one in the picture?
    We do not really have room for a gantry here. 

    Thanks for your input!

    Stephen R. Duncan
    Piano Technician
    UNC-Greensboro
    336-847-6310


  • 2.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-17-2018 10:48
    I know folks who have.

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    J
    oin us in Lancaster, PA July 11 - 14, 2018 for the 61st Annual PTG Convention & Technical Institute.

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    Marietta GA 30066-2113
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    www.pianoplace.net








  • 3.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-17-2018 11:28
    Hi, all,

    Over thirty years ago, we were in the habit of renting an engine hoist to lift plates, each time we were near that point in the project. That usually worked, but on one occasion, the hoist we rented had a spectacular failure. Just as the plate was hovering over the wooden dolly we planned to set it on, the hoist failed and dropped the plate. But by sheer good luck, it only fell about 4 inches.

    Yes, they work, and be careful about not overbalancing them depending on weight and size of the plate. But be absolutely sure that the hydraulics have been well-maintained. It was the failure of a “dry” hydraulic that made ours fail, I think. We’ve never forgotten the heart-stopping moment, and are still grateful no hands were under the plate when it dropped.

    Kathy




  • 4.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-19-2018 09:29
    Thanks for sharing this Kathy. I'm really interested to know how it failed, if you remember. I.e. Did the whole thing tip forward, did a bolt snap, etc..

    I use an engine lifter myself so it would be great to know if there's something I should be looking out for in particular.

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    Nathan Monteleone
    Fort Worth TX
    817-675-9494
    nbmont@gmail.com
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  • 5.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-19-2018 09:37
    Hi,

    I recall that the suspended plate just dropped straight down, hard, luckily a short distance onto the wooden dolly. When our hearts returned to normal, we tried the hoist and the hydraulic cylinder wouldn’t produce any lift. Since we rented it, we hadn’t seen any leaks. It didn’t tip or break.

    We are at the WestPac conference right now, but if I get a chance when we return, I’ll try to post a picture of what David has been using in our shop for about 20 years.

    Kathy

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 6.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-17-2018 11:30
    I have long used an engine hoist for removal and replacement of string frames. Mine is collapsible, so when we are not using it, it's footprint is greatly reduced. These certainly work for the task, but bear in mind that the string frame is not being lifted straight up, but at a arc.

    Alan

    ------------------------------
    Alan Eder, RPT
    Herb Alpert School of Music
    California Institute of the Arts
    Valencia, CA
    661.904.6483
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  • 7.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-18-2018 08:33
    I've used many methods the latest being a hoist like the one in the picture you attached.  Works well enough.  Mine doesn't have an automatic hydraulic so it's a bit of a hassle to release and lift manuallly.  A chain hoist (electric or manual) attached to the ceiling is my preferred method.  Takes less room during the process and takes no floor space for storage.
    Gary Bruce
    Registered Piano Technician
    CLICK HERE to schedule your next piano tuning.

    405-285-8324 (store)
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    BruceMusicStore.com

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  • 8.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-18-2018 09:02
    I also use a hoist properly attached to the ceiling and a Bolduc plate lifter.  I remove it the from ceiling when not in use.  It has a very small foot print when not in use.

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    Tim Coates
    Sioux Falls SD
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  • 9.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-18-2018 09:39
    Like Gary, I use a chain hoist, 1 ton capacity. It does require a beam to attach to, but that is easily arranged by spanning the ceiling with a beam (perhaps a 2x8, or two joined together if you like overkill) with vertical supports at each end attached to the wall. The hoist fits in a small cardboard box when not in use.

    A chain hoist takes no strength to speak of to use, and due to the gear reduction, the plate stays wherever it is when you let go - no need for a brake. I pull on the chain with one hand, guide the plate with the other. Costs maybe $50 (I bought mine from Grainger 35 years ago, but it looks like you can get one for $39.99 from Harbor Freight). I added a rope hoist for the tail when I did a concert grand once. All solo work, never a moment that seemed the least bit dangerous. I never understood the desire to have hydraulics or a motor. Unnecessary, expensive, and not always reliable.
    Regards,
    Fred Sturm
    "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Einstein












  • 10.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Posted 04-19-2018 05:47
    Thank you all for your help and advice. I'm probably going to need to go with the collapsible  engine hoist. 

    Stephen R. Duncan
    Piano Technician
    UNC-Greensboro
    336-847-6310





  • 11.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-18-2018 22:31
    Engine hoists have worked well for me. As Alan mentions, collapsible ones are best. The advantage of such a hoist is that you can leave the piano where it is and roll the plate somewhere else. You can't do that with a system affixed to a ceiling beam. OTOH, even when it's collapsed an engine hoist does occupy some floor space. Never leave the plate (or anything else like heating light bulbs) hanging on a hoist and expect to find it the same distance from the floor hours or days later. A good hoist will hold but don't count on it. And if you see any leaks on the jack, replace immediately.

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    Mario Igrec, RPT
    http://www.pianosinsideout.com
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  • 12.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Posted 04-19-2018 06:31
    I'm lazy. I use an electric hoist on a beam. One finger operation. Lift the string frame, move the piano out, lower the frame onto an upright tilter. Pulleys (block & tackle) make for smooth slow operation. The motor is mounted on a rail so it will slide out of the way when not in use.

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    Regards,

    Jon Page
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  • 13.  RE: Lifting Harps

    Posted 05-07-2018 10:46
    Yes! I have, and I know Alan Eder at CalArts has also. Engine hoist works well for lifting plates

    Sean McLaughlin
    Head piano technician
    UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music
    Los Angeles, CA.

    Sent from my iPhone