Moving a TUDA TudorMax 23x118 lathe

[kustomkrazykat]

Hello All!
I have a TUDA TudorMax 23x118 gap bed lathe that I need to move, I inherited the machine and I need to take it to my new shop, I have never moved a machine this size before and I am looking for advice. I am reasonably certain it tips the scales at just under 9,000 lbs.

Thank You

 

[Milland]

Lathes are tricky beasts to move, especially bigger ones. If you've got no experience in such stuff, I'd strongly suggest getting a rigger to move it for you. A lathe can do huge damage to itself and you if it flips in transit. Or others...

 

[kustomkrazykat]

I truly wish I was in a position to hire riggers to move it... unfortunately timing and dollars dictate this endeavor is DIY. I have a 15k forklift ready to go as well as a few talented individuals to help, but some folks here have far more experience and I would love some advice...

 

[Robert R]

There is a 2" diameter lifting hole in the bed directly below the chuck and another lifting hole at the tail stock end of the bed. Lifting involves placing a 2" diameter bar about 24" inches long in each hole and then lifting with a pair of polyester straps with eye ends or a pair of chains with hook ends latched onto the projecting bar. The straps can be lifted with a fork lift with padding to protect the straps or with a crane. If a forklift is used, the forks need to be placed at the far left and right positions so that the straps are vertical. The lifting holes should have been placed to insure that each strap carries a equal load. The lifting needs to be done very slowly to verify that the load is balanced. If it is not there is a risk of the fork lift tipping over. The lead screw needs to be protected from bending with a wood block placed between the straps and the bed.

The lathe can be tied down onto the the truck bed with chains running through the 2" diameter holes.

Use a fork lift rated for 15,000 lbs. You will need the extra capacity if the lathe starts swinging while traveling to the truck. The straps need to be placed about 3ft from the mast. Once the lathe is on the truck bed the fork lift can be used to push the lathe to the center of the bed. Wood blocks are placed between the fork ends and the lathe base casting to prevent damage.

 

[kustomkrazykat]

There is a 2" diameter lifting hole in the bed directly below the chuck and another lifting hole at the tail stock end of the bed. Lifting involves placing a 2" diameter bar about 24" inches long in each hole and then lifting with a pair of polyester straps with eye ends or a pair of chains with hook ends latched onto the projecting bar. The straps can be lifted with a fork lift with padding to protect the straps or with a crane. If a forklift is used, the forks need to be placed at the far left and right positions so that the straps are vertical. The lifting holes should have been placed to insure that each strap carries a equal load. The lifting needs to be done very slowly to verify that the load is balanced. If it is not there is a risk of the fork lift tipping over. The lead screw needs to be protected from bending with a wood block placed between the straps and the bed.

The lathe can be tied down onto the the truck bed with chains running through the 2" diameter holes.

Use a fork lift rated for 15,000 lbs. You will need the extra capacity if the lathe starts swinging while traveling to the truck. The straps need to be placed about 3ft from the mast. Once the lathe is on the truck bed the fork lift can be used to push the lathe to the center of the bed. Wood blocks are placed between the fork ends and the lathe base casting to prevent damage.

Thank You soo much. I have the 15,000 lb forklift ready to go, the lathe has a foot brake on it and it appears to have some sheet metal skirting around the frame, I would imagine that needs to be removed to get to those lifting holes??? I haven't figured out how to upload photos, but I will see if I can get one posted so it can be viewed...

 

[kustomkrazykat]

Here is a photo of the beast that needs to be relocated... The SHIZUOKA mill is going with me as well.

 

[Robert R]

The Tuda 23x118 lathe shown on the internet has the lifting holes on the bed placed between the lead screw and feed rod. They should be visible on your lathe without removing a cover. It may be that Tuda changed the casting design at some point and eliminated the holes.

 

[kustomkrazykat]

The Tuda 23x118 lathe shown on the internet has the lifting holes on the bed placed between the lead screw and feed rod. They should be visible on your lathe without removing a cover. It may be that Tuda changed the casting design at some point and eliminated the holes.

I think it is visible in the photo, it is just peeking out behind the coolant switch... The angle of the photo kind of obscures the view, it appears to be just below where the bed has the fill in piece over the gap...