Yet Another EFM520 Install Thread!

Installation threads are helpful. Please keep us updated.

coalkirk wrote:I'm "ramped up" to move this EFM in the basement Saturday and pull the Harman out. Should be fun. I'll take some pics along the way. Sorry! damn sideways pics again.

Excitement!!!

We've used these when moving boilers across a concrete floor. Always push from the bottom, not at the top, of a heavy load.



The last time I saw ramps on a set of cellar steps, I was driving past a house and jumped out of the truck to go help. They never asked until afterwards what I needed or was up to. I said, "Nothing, but I've done this before and know lots of hands make it easier

We only use one thick plank in the middle of concrete steps. Haven't moved an EFM, so maybe it's different, but we found it was the right amount of friction and clearance.

The BOTTOM of the steps is the problem. It's really heavy and you can't get through the doorway to get the outside (rope guy) in to help- unless you have made arrangements to use an alternative entrance. We were able to tip it up a bit and get the edge on one of the dollies, but watch the height of your doorway to make sure you clear while on an angle.

I'm sure you have it all covered, but throwing in these tips, just in case. You never know what situation you're going to end up in, so it's good to have a full magazine on hand

I've helped move more than I've helped install. It's usually an all hands on deck kind of day. Saves the backs. Be careful

CoalisCoolxWarm wrote:
The last time I saw ramps on a set of cellar steps, I was driving past a house and jumped out of the truck to go help. They never asked until afterwards what I needed or was up to. I said, "Nothing, but I've done this before and know lots of hands make it easier

We only use one thick plank in the middle of concrete steps. Haven't moved an EFM, so maybe it's different, but we found it was the right amount of friction and clearance.

Mine got away from me Took out a few 8 foot florescent lights I had leaned against the wall.

cArNaGe wrote:Took out a few 8 foot florescent lights I had leaned against the wall.

Bet that made you hop! Like being an officer in the middle of a popcorn popper. Right, Kernel? LOL.

titleist1 wrote:Nice! Do you have some strong backs lined up to help or are you winching it down there?

I'm renting a chain fall. Not taking any chances. The boiler is strapped to a heavy duty furniture dolly. Doing the lifting with a portable shop crane. I do have two sons in their 30's who are coming to help but I promised them engineering, rigging and finesse. Should go smoothly. I'm draining the Harman right now.

Did you decide on threaded pipe vs copper?

I vote for copper.

Nope went with Ward black pipe from supplyhouse.com.

All stripped and ready for her trip to the driveway. I haven't seen her naked since 2004. I think we both blushed. I gotta work this morning but back at it after lunch!

coalkirk wrote: I promised them engineering, rigging and finesse.

I bet you didn't tell them that is a french word meaning "wear your hernia belts" !!??

coalkirk wrote:Should go smoothly.

I am never brave enough to say that because I know I would jinx myself. But I am sure you have it all planned out well enough to make it happen! Have Fun!!

Well I'm happy to say it all went well. Thanks in large part to Stokerdon who has moved a few boilers in his time. I had done prep work, built a ramp, rented a chain fall and asked my bride to make a big pot of chili. And I had a plan. We'll call it plan A. Don had another plan based on his past experience. That involved taking the legs off of my shop crane and strapping it into the bed of his pickup which he has modified for that purpose by adding stout eye hooks at strategic locations. The idea sounded sketchy to me but Don's confidence convinced me to do it. Basically he turned his truck into what looked like a tow truck with the boom and hook sticking out the back. So the boiler hung from the hook as we drove around the house to the basement entrance. Worked perfectly. Lowered the boiler onto the platform I had built at the top of the ramp, attached the chain fall and down she went slow, steady and safe. The Harman came up the same way as did my oil boiler that had been sitting in the basement for a year.

Another shout out to my sons Sean and Zach who assisted with the whole operation. I know I promised pictures but it turns out its hard to take pictures when you are in the middle of boiler combat. I did take a short video of the boiler starting its journey down the ramp. As soon as I can remember how to post a video on Youtube I'll post a link to it. In the mean time here's a picture of the hole where the Harman used to be (yeah, she pee'd on the floor alittle bit) and the EFM sitting in the bar outside of the boiler room. I must say it was bittersweet disconnecting and pulling out the Harman. It has served me very well and saved me lots of $$$ over the last 14 years. She's in good shape and could save someone else lots of $$$ too. (Shameless self promotion - it's for sale in the forum classified section)

Glad to see everything went well!!

coalkirk wrote:Basically he turned his truck into what looked like a tow truck with the boom and hook sticking out the back. So the boiler hung from the hook as we drove around the house to the basement entrance.

You painted a good visual image. Driving around the yard with a boiler on the back must've been quite a site. I picture something like this.



Mixed in with a couple of Yee-haw's

But seriously, glad to hear you got the swap done without incident. Kudos to Don for stepping up and lending the wisdom of experience.

"Boiler combat" - That's a good one!

I was glad to help. I actually enjoy doing this kind of stuff. The chili was good and the beer was good. I think this is the first time I got to do this without driving 2 or 3 hours each way! Thanks go to Sean and Zack for providing the youthful muscle, my back appreciates it today!

One of these makes moving heavy objects easy. I guess next is boiler room clean up. Followed by boiler/base install, then plumbing and wiring.

-Don

Nice setup Don. The guy that I bought my EFM from had a pretty official setup, he used it to pull out my wood boiler and lower the EFM down the stairs.

Nothin' beats movin' a joy stick...
And letting hydraulic multiplication do the work...