So, after doing lots of research, my partner and I have settled on a new M&R 6/6 sidewinder, now the next challenge is figuring out how to get this thing off of a truck in front of my house and into my garage.
I was told a lift-gate isn't an option, as this crate is roughly 5 ft by 5 ft in side, and roughly 1050 lbs. (we got side clamps and airlocks) and I guess most lift gates are only about 2.5 feet wide, salesman said most likely too big for a lift gate transfer.
The salesman on the phone made it sound like 4-5 guys would do to get it off the truck w/out a lift gate needed and in my head i said uuuuh bullshit. I am not risking injuring 4-5 people to unload a 1000lb crate, I'd like to know what you guys have done in the past.
I live in a residential area, which is also a hill. The street is narrow so I don't see a tractor trailer being able to do any maneuvering to be able to back its gate into my driveway. Since my house sits on an incline of a hill, I am also wondering if even using a forklift is possible, or even a good idea.
My second thought, was to rent or pay a flatbed tow truck driver for their time, and have the flatbed tow truck backup back to back against the lift gate of the tractor trailer w/ the crate. The tow truck could wrap a chain or strap to the crate, and wench or pull the crate from the tractor container, onto the flatbed tow truck, and then once the transfer has been succesfully and safely made onto the flatbed, then the flatbed would have the ability to maneuver itself and back into my driveway. At that point, I was thinking the tow truck could wench down the crate right into my garage, and we could have a pallet jack, or just some extra muscle or dudes help us get it the rest of the way into the garage for uncrating.
The press is going into my basement, but my biggest concern is getting the crate off the truck, and what to plan ahead for as to not incur any timely fees for making the delivery service wait for anything.
Any tips or suggestions? I will post a pic of my street or setup if it helps anyone get a better picture.