The difference between a safe piano move and a damaged piano usually comes down to equipment. Specialist piano movers carry gear that general removalists rarely have, and every piece has a job. Here is what we use and why.
Piano trolley
A piano trolley, sometimes called a piano dolly, is a low, heavy duty platform with padded tops and solid wheels, built to carry an upright piano’s weight evenly. The piano sits on it and is strapped down, so it cannot tip or slide. Soft tyres protect timber floors, and good trolleys roll smoothly over thresholds.
A piano trolley is not the same as a furniture dolly or the small casters on the piano itself. Those are not built for 200kg to 300kg of top heavy weight.
Skid board
A skid board, or piano board, is a long padded board used for grand and baby grand pianos. Once the lid is secured and the lyre removed, the grand is tipped onto its straight side on the board and the legs come off. Strapped to the board, the piano becomes one solid unit that can be carried, rolled on a trolley or taken up stairs.
Ratchet straps
Strong ratchet straps lock the piano to the trolley or board, and later to the wall of the truck. A properly tightened strap stops the piano shifting on stairs or under braking, which is one of the most common causes of damage in transit.
Padded moving blankets
Thick blankets wrap the whole piano. They protect polished finishes from scuffs, corners from knocks and pedals from bending. They also protect your door frames and walls.
Ramps
Ramps bridge front steps, kerbs and the truck deck so the piano rolls rather than being lifted. Many truck moves also use a tail lift.
Floor and wall protection
Floor runners and corner guards protect timber, stone and carpet along the route. On stairs, padding protects treads and balustrades.
Why this matters when you choose a mover
If a moving company plans to carry your piano by hand, or roll it on its own casters, that is a warning sign. Ask what equipment they use, how many people they send and how the piano is secured in the truck. Our guide to signs of a professional piano removal company has more questions to ask.
Every Victorian Piano Transport move includes all of the equipment above at no extra charge.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a piano trolley and move it myself?
You can hire trolleys, but the trolley is only part of it. Stairs, strapping, grands and loading a truck safely take experience and enough people.
What is a piano skid board?
A padded board a grand piano is strapped to on its side, after the legs are removed, so it can be moved as one secure unit.
Do you charge extra for equipment?
No. Trolleys, skid boards, straps, blankets and ramps are included in every quote.
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