Ajs349
Grumbler in Training
I’m picking up a used Morso chopper tomorrow, is it ok to lay it on its back during transport or should it be kept upright?
Chopper transit
- Thread starter Ajs349
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I guess it would depend on how well you can secure it if standing up, and what kind of vehicle you are using.
They are very top-heavy, but are shipped standing up secured to a pallet.
I would remove the blades before moving it, and lock the foot pedal in the full down position, which also lowers the center of gravity a bit.
I have no idea about laying it down, but with moving parts, I would be very cautious.
They are very top-heavy, but are shipped standing up secured to a pallet.
I would remove the blades before moving it, and lock the foot pedal in the full down position, which also lowers the center of gravity a bit.
I have no idea about laying it down, but with moving parts, I would be very cautious.
Ajs349
Grumbler in Training
I have a full size truck and lots of straps.
I have used a number of Morso choppers over more than 30 years, and also a Hansen (very similar to a Morso) and even a Jyden.
I'm very familiar with them. I've been framing for 55 years and I'm still doing it.
I have moved a few of the Morso choppers and always just with a van and on their backs laying down.
Unbolt the measuring arm, it's very easy, and carry that apart from the chopper.
If it has a left feed arm remove that also.
We would roll the chopper over to the van on a small low 4 wheel cart or even a two wheeler.
I would drape a padded moving blanket inside the van and draped over the back bumper and tailgate.
Then I would face the chopper with the back against the back bumper.
Tip and lean the back of the chopper against the back bumper and then pick up the front of the chopper and use the back bumper like a fulcrum to lever it and slide it in on the blanket.
You never have to actually lift the whole thing, just roll it, tip it and slide it in and out.
As long as it's just a standard Morso and not electric or pneumatic.
Didn't even have to strap it.
I've done this a number of times and never had an issue.
The advice about removing the blades and locking down the foot peddle is right on.
Also be careful of the plexi blade guards if it still has them.
They are easily removable.
You don't want to grab it by the blade guards and snap them off. I've seen other Morsos that are missing the guards.
There is a method to removing and replacing the blades that should be followed for safety.
Good luck with your chopper.
I'm very familiar with them. I've been framing for 55 years and I'm still doing it.
I have moved a few of the Morso choppers and always just with a van and on their backs laying down.
Unbolt the measuring arm, it's very easy, and carry that apart from the chopper.
If it has a left feed arm remove that also.
We would roll the chopper over to the van on a small low 4 wheel cart or even a two wheeler.
I would drape a padded moving blanket inside the van and draped over the back bumper and tailgate.
Then I would face the chopper with the back against the back bumper.
Tip and lean the back of the chopper against the back bumper and then pick up the front of the chopper and use the back bumper like a fulcrum to lever it and slide it in on the blanket.
You never have to actually lift the whole thing, just roll it, tip it and slide it in and out.
As long as it's just a standard Morso and not electric or pneumatic.
Didn't even have to strap it.
I've done this a number of times and never had an issue.
The advice about removing the blades and locking down the foot peddle is right on.
Also be careful of the plexi blade guards if it still has them.
They are easily removable.
You don't want to grab it by the blade guards and snap them off. I've seen other Morsos that are missing the guards.
There is a method to removing and replacing the blades that should be followed for safety.
Good luck with your chopper.
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No problem laying it down. I brought one once on a 600 mile or so journey in the back of my station wagon. Picked it up in NE PA on my way to central PA and then brought it back to VT. Still have that one as a backup to our EH - it was like new.
Ajs349
Grumbler in Training
Thank you all very much. Pickup and trasnit was a success. So much less of a headache just having it lay in the truck bed.