[pianotech] Piano Cover/Truck

[David Ilvedson]

I remove all the case parts I can + the action.   Then I tip it up on its side but a folded blanket propping it up some for easier bringing back to the floor.   I install the dollies, then pull it back over onto the wheels.   Sometimes a helper to help get it moving is necessary...



David Ilvedson, RPT

Pacifica, CA 94044







Original message

From: "Claude Harding" 

To: , 

Received: 11/19/2008 10:07:56 PM

Subject: Re: [pianotech] Piano Cover/Truck





Matthew, 

  No advice from me about the piano cover, but I would agree with Isaac S. in recommending using the twin piano dollies rather than a truck.  They attach securely to the bottom of the piano with bolts and to the bottom  beam of the back with lag screws.  If the piano needs to be lifted, the dollies come off the floor with the piano.  I'm not sure how Isaac does it, but I put the piano on its back with my one-man tilter.  When installing the bolts & screws, you have to be sure you avoid casters and pedal lever springs or mounting brackets.

  

You can use the twin dollies with the 2-1/2" wheels for smaller uprights and the ones with 5" wheels for larger pianos.  The piano will go through most doors with the dollies attached even though they stick out on the back by up to 7" (the 5" wheel model), but you need to check out any doors the piano might need to be moved through to avoid problems. Also, the twin dollies (like most piano trucks) will raise the piano (and the pedals) a bit, usually not more than an inch, but noticeable.

  

Also, when you put the piano back upright from the tilter with the newly attached twin dollies, you must be careful to control the piano (Strap it to the tilter if you have to.) until the center of gravity shifts and the piano is upright on the wheels of the dollies. You don't want the back wheels of the dollies to skate away from the tilter and have the piano land on its back.  Not a pleasant experience, for you or the piano.

  

Call me if you have questions; I'm in the directory.

  

Good luck,

Claude Harding 









From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Matthew Todd

Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:11 PM

To: pianotech at ptg.org

Subject: [pianotech] Piano Cover/Truck







I will be tuning at a church this weekend.  They are interested in a piano cover and a truck for one of their uprights.



Do I need to measure anything at the appointment to order the right cover and truck, or will any standard size from Schaff be fine?



I know there was a thread a while back about installing a grand piano truck.  May we start one on installation in a vertical?



Many thanks,





TODD PIANO WORKS 

Matthew Todd, Piano Technician 

(979) 248-9578

http://www.toddpianoworks.com
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