Some years ago, when I first started moving pianos, ( that was my first mistake ) my brother-in-law offered me the use of his dollie of this type. It seemed a wonderful contraption, wot wif its built in caster wheels, fold down handles, quick-release ratchet straps, and small metal edge to slide under the offending piano !!! I think I used it for two moves, and then went back to the skid / strap / 4caster square dolly system. Why you may wonder, did I give up this wonderful contraption?? First, the 3 inch lip was too small to hold the piano securely, especially if taking it down stairs, and as the strap stretched, the dolly slid UP the side of the piano, leaving a delightful chip. Second, Wally had used it to lug around his B3, being an itinerant musician. The weight distribution on a B3 is pretty even. The weight of a piano, on the other hand is 2/3 in the back, so the hand closest to the back is carrying most of the weight. Third, ant perhaps most significant, the handles were too close together, and I couldnt get my hips between them; thus making me either stand sideways, or lean forward. Neither position was very safe or comfortable........ I always use a skid under my pianos, and put them on a rubber covered dolly. Just another point of view! Jim Kinnear The PianoGuy, jkinnear@pianoguy.com http://www.pianoguy.com
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