Monster island

[BUCKEYE]

Alright guys.... have a monster island (118x65) to install this week. I have no pro cart or anything but slab belts and clamps. We have always been able to muscle through the big pieces but this one I’m not sure is a good idea with belts. What is all your recommendations for a cart and ideas setting it. I do a lot of installs but never one this big. I need to buy a piece of equipment that can be used for this and potentially every install that have pieces we shouldn’t be carrying in for install. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Dave.Scott]

Omni 3 Lift cart.

[BUCKEYE]

Is that the one that’s just shy of 5k? I was looking at the AT1/2 carts and didn’t know if that would work or not.

[tim farr]

The problem with the pro cart on a piece that tall is it might not fit through the door. We have the pro dollies that we use on huge islands. That being said, I highly recommend having the procart as well. Some of the best money you can spend on install equipment imo.

[Dan R.]

I would recommend the Pro Dollies. More versatile that the Pro Cart. The Pro Dollies will handle anything the Pro Cart can, plus has some added features:
1. Lower height to access taller pieces through doorways.
2. load not as top heavy, as with Pro Cart
3. Wheels can be spread out out further apart for more versatile support (avoiding a sink or hob cut out)
4. The Pro Dollies can eliminate any lifting from the truck with a ramp (we use a laminated wood beam) and the WEHA Roller ($50).

The lifter cart scares me with the high center of gravity.

My .02

[BUCKEYE]

What’s the he difference in the two different pro Dolly’s?

[j.d.seiler]

Pro dolly x3. We use the smaller model in pairs for big pieces. The at2 has swivel casters for easier maneuvering but will be too tall for a standard door opening. They are like a cell phone, once you have it you won't want to operate without it.

[Darryl Miller]

Pro dollies all the way. They are worth their weight in gold. We also have a No Lift cart that helps a lot.

[Dan Dauchess]

I would recommend the Pro Dollies. More versatile that the Pro Cart. The Pro Dollies will handle anything the Pro Cart can, plus has some added features:
1. Lower height to access taller pieces through doorways.
2. load not as top heavy, as with Pro Cart
3. Wheels can be spread out out further apart for more versatile support (avoiding a sink or hob cut out)
4. The Pro Dollies can eliminate any lifting from the truck with a ramp (we use a laminated wood beam) and the WEHA Roller ($50).

The lifter cart scares me with the high center of gravity.

My .02
[

x2

[BellaTerra]

We use both the pro dolly and At2. Can't really imagine installing without them. The At2 is more versatile in my opinion because of the ground clearance hence it being called an All Terrain cart. The swivel castors make for easy turning even in tight spots.
That being said you can make a great argument for two ProDollies which will be cheaper and grant you more height clearance though sacrificing rough terrain capabilities which may or may not be a factor for you.

For us we use and need both options. We've even used both on the same piece at the same time before.

[BellaTerra]

This was a fun one!

[Omni Cubed Larry]

What’s the he difference in the two different pro Dolly’s?

The HD2 opens much wider than our other carts which is important if you do a lot of tall miters. It also is a little higher off the ground and slightly longer than the smaller HD1 which minimizes the chances of dinging the bottom corners of your tops if they are really long. The HD2 can transport 1000 lbs.

If you use the dollies in pairs they will be less maneuverable especially if they are out toward the ends of the stone, but more stable on long pieces.

The Pro-Carts AT1 and AT2 are more for all terrain and stairs. If you are doing stairs often they will definitely help. Like others have said, having both is good for dealing with different install challenges.

[Omni Cubed Larry]

Pro dolly x3. We use the smaller model in pairs for big pieces. The at2 has swivel casters for easier maneuvering but will be too tall for a standard door opening. They are like a cell phone, once you have it you won't want to operate without it.

I love the cell phone comment!

Here is some useful info concerning cart height.

Pro-Cart AT1 is 14.5" from floor to bottom of stone.
Pro-Cart AT2 is 17.5" from floor to bottom of stone.

So if a standard door is 80" (give or take), your island can be 63" and still barely fit using the AT2. On the AT1 you could do a 65" piece max. As a rule of thumb we usually say 5' tall stone should fit fine. When it gets taller, you should measure twice.

If you have an L shaped piece that is taller than that, you can lift one end and tilt the cart (pop a wheelie) to get through no problem.

[Omni Cubed Larry]

Lastly, in handling monster pieces, wheels are only part of the solution. The Aqua-Jaw Carry Vise gives you handles attached to the stone so you have more control of it. Aqua-Jaws can safely handle much more weight than other scissor style carry clamps and it makes a big difference being attached to the piece.

I hope this helps!
Please know that we do care about you AND our industry... No matter what you decide to do on these monster jobs, be smart, be safe, and get home in one piece!

Thanks everyone for your support and great comments!

P.S. I was just reminded that all carry clamps are 10% off through August 31st.