Moving heavy things

My question probably needn't involve power tools, but I don't think there's a more appropriate forum for this. I was inspired by some of the responses to my toolbox thread to look into getting a mechanic's-style rolling toolbox. I haven't bought one yet, but I think it's just a matter of time.

My problem is, how the heck to get it into my basement? My house is on a hillside, with roads both above and below it. It's a walkout basement, so a good-sized box can roll right in the door... if I can get the box to the doorway. The most likely approach is from below, which means hauling it up the hill below the house.

What kind of hardware would I need to pull a heavyish box (possibly hundreds of pounds) up a moderately steep hill? I have virtually no experience with winches, blocks and tackles, or come-alongs. Imagine a yard that has maybe 10' of steepish incline starting at the street, then a longer distance that's nearly level, and finally another 20' or so of incline. What would you suggest?

 

4 buddies and a case of beer. Problem solved.

 

Easier said than done. I haven't lived here long enough to have four local buddies who'd be up for that.

 

Friends and family willing to help out. Like lukem says, food and beer may help.
Could take short time with enough guys, might not with just yourself...
Merry Christmas early, sounds like your buying yourself a gift

 

Pics of hill?


Boxes have wheels -- maybe a few pieces of plywood to roll on top of?

Or just buy harbor freight boxes and leave them in the crate until you drag them to your basement. Individually the pieces aren't too heavy.

 

Or take all the drawers out. And your left with a lightweight sheetmetal box.

 

I have moved large sheds by rolling them on schedule 40 pvc pipe. Just cut some up the length you need and as you push the box keep placing the pipes under it. You may be able to slide the box on 2x4's laying on the ground.

 

The box will likely be on good-sized casters, and I have some plywood scraps that will serve as a moveable pathway. I'm mostly concerned about applying sufficient motive force. I don't plan to get an enormous box, but even the medium-sized ones in the 50" wide range seem to be pretty heavy, according to the specs. Removing the drawers is a good idea.

 

I think the plywood would work!

 

Last month I passed on a $15 block and tackle, with a bunch of rope, at an estate sale. I'm kicking myself for that.

I don't suppose this situation justifies the acquisition of a Lewis winch...

 

I'm a excellent rigger in more ways than one. Can we get a pic of the hills?

 

Sure, hang on...

 

How heavy is this? For something 150-200 lbs and under, I'd probably tip it on it's side with a sheet or 2 of corrugated long enough to cover the side as well as a few inches of the top. Use two 1" ratchet straps going the length of the corrugated to hold the box in place as well as the folded over part. This has basically made a sled out of the corrugated with the straps keeping things from sliding around, as well as creating an attachment point to thread a third strap to for pulling. Corrugated slides amazingly well on grass, so buy a cheap come-a-long and winch that thing up the hill with the come along attached to a tree (if you have one other person you may be able to just pull it without a come along). If there isn't a tree around, pound a t-post into the ground and winch from the bottom of the t-post. Once it's on flat ground you may be able to drag it yourself or with a buddy. If you can't, make 2 runners out of 2x4's on the ground, and buy about 5 one or two inch dowel rods to roll it Egyption style on. I moved a 800lb gun safe recently on dowel rods and 2x4 runners, I was able to roll it myself on the dowel rods.

 

Buy it at HD and have them deliver it with their crane truck. Them Husky tool boxes look pretty decent.

 

Kinda got my heart set on a used Snap On/Matco/Mac box. I'll probably leave it stock, though; I'm not into porting and caster mods.

 

I didn't know there were stairs!! If there's stairs along the entire incline, rent a stair climbing dolly. They work amazingly well, I helped a buddy move a 500 lb safe into a basement with one recently.

 

A good sized dolly and the local HS football team...

Snatch block and cable/ rope is how I'd do it if its too big for a dolly.

 

They aren't great stairs. They were built from patio / retaining wall block which tend to slip out of place under duress.

 

If the ground was dry ,,,and I was yur neighbor , my little Toro Dingo would scoot right up that hill with a few hundred pounds on the forks.
You could "hillbilly" it too. Long rope through the crotch of that tree,,,,, car hood,,,,,,rope to bumper of truck,,,,,,, wait till it snows a little or just giverell on the grass!