If you want to move your Dinosaur, you need to consider how? Its size, distance, your terrain and your physical capabilities should all be considered when answering this question. Selecting the right permanent spot to begin with might help. But plans change and your weather conditions may warrant changing locations especially for those living in areas with extreme winter conditions. I live in an area where parts of my property are subject to flooding. When there are El Nino warnings for my area, I don’t wish for my dinosaurs to be in knee deep water or worse floating downstream!
I searched for a number of platform trucks online and in-store with Manufacturers & Home Improvement Warehouses. Prices ranged from $300.00 to $700.00 plus shipping. Some offered free shipping others were as high as $200.00 just for shipping. Gilbert Ramos, who created 5 of my current 8 metal dinosaurs, referred me to Uline http://www.uline.com. Since Gilbert had delivered the dinosaurs to my home, he was very familiar with my property and made some suggestions.
My Requirements:
• 30 inches wide X 60 inches long to allow transport of any one of my dinosaurs
• Rubber tires that would provide traction in the soil
I selected a Jumbo Wheel Platform Truck to meet these needs. It has a removal handle. This made it easier for me to load the Triceratops that are 9 ½ feet long. The disadvantage of this particular truck – for me – is its platform of 20 inches in height. Therefore, I created a ramp for the side of the truck using (6) 2 in. X 10 in. X 6 ft. boards. Uline has other trucks with rubber wheels that have an 8-inch-high platform, which I may use as well in the future with the larger Dinosaurs. However, I felt the larger wheels would work best with my terrain. Again, you must decide what will work best for your needs and capabilities.
I use 4 in. X 4 in. boards to keep the wheels from rolling when loading and unloading the truck. You may have wedge blocks that work better. I use towels to protect both dinosaur and truck from damage. Bunge cords help keep the dinosaur in place when moving. Make sure you purchase the correct length cords. Over stretching can cause breakage and you don’t want a cord flying off. It could cause serious damage to you and anything nearby. Read the package for proper use to confirm it will meet your needs. If you create a ramp, make sure it is secure before loading or unloading. If it can slide, it will! You don’t want any part of your ramp to slip off the truck. You can be seriously injured and damage your dinosaur too! Consider having someone help you. Better to wait and Be Safe than to try it yourself and suffer an injury. I can’t say this enough – “Protect Your Hands” – Use Work Gloves!
Platform Trucks can also be very useful when completing detailed work on your Dinosaur. A little height can make a great deal of difference in reaching some areas.
Metal Dinosaurs are pretty good about coming when you call. However, my Dinosaurs enjoy the ride on the platform truck and in the car.
Have Fun with your Dinosaurs wherever you go!
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, Thank you!