Transporting and Unpacking the HAPP90

Transport

Note: all pictures link to larger originals which will open in a new window.

The HAPP90 columns are arranged head-to-tail sardine-style and bolted to sturdy end frames of steel angle. The remaining hoist components are packed inside the columns, with the hydraulic motor, pump and trolley strapped on top.

The hoist package can be transported in a domestic 1800 X 1200 trailer but:

  • You will need a cooperative courier depot and a couple of forklifts to juggle it into the trailer
  • All the weight is concentrated on the end frames, if you can't fold down your front or rear tailgates you will need to block up the centre of the package
  • At 450 kg you might want to put some more air in your tyres
  • You will certainly want to avoid sudden braking

Unpacking

The motor, pump and fluid reservoir are all assembled and just need bolting to the trolley. The hydraulic fluid tank is metal, not the plastic shown in the manual or illustrations.

After cutting the strapping and moving apart the columns the remainder of the components are accessible. You will need good gloves - some of these items are very heavy and if you pinch your fingers you will remember it.

Unloading

The columns can now be individually unloaded. They are heavy and you will probably want to prop up your rafters before lifting from them.

I found it easiest to "walk" the columns across the floor to their final positions on some old carpet or the cardboard packaging.

Like the MaxJax the HAPP90 is designed to be wheeled away and stored when not in use, although if you have the room you probably won't bother.

It is supplied with sturdy polyurethane wheels and bearings but the mounting forks are rather wide and they could do with some spacers to keep the dust covers in contact with the wheels - a stack of washers will do the trick but you will need quite a few.

I haven't bothered because there is no way I will be leaning these columns towards me at 45 degrees as shown in the illustrations.

Most of the hydraulic components are packed in plastic or have screw-on dust covers, but surprisingly the cylinder fittings in the base of the columns were open on delivery.

You will probably want to cover them with some of the plentiful cling wrap before spraying concrete dust about during drilling.

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