Transport and LIFTING oxyacetylene tanks to the home shop

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I'm assuming most welders here own a pick-up truck.  As I'm aging, lifting cylinders in and out of the bed of a pick-up truck is a back breaker, especially full tanks.  So what's your method? I'm just trying to get maybe a new idea on things of how it's done elsewhere.  Trying to gently slide a larger cylinder from the bed of a truck has always worried me and I need a bigger tank now.  How ya'll man-handle the larger tanks, or do you stick with smaller ones for the home shop?  Are you just laying the acetylene tanks on their sides with the cap on and letting them stand upright for a day before use??? Thanks. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:Front end loader. Carefully using straps for security and keeping the safety caps on.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:If there's two us, board ramps and a hand truck.  The backup is a manually-cranked forklift type of thing I picked up for about $100.  It will lift 500 pounds 10 feet in the air (2-stage).  Of course it weighs a lot more than the tanks, so I still need a helper to move it. "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumIf there's two us, board ramps and a hand truck.  The backup is a manually-cranked forklift type of thing I picked up for about $100.  It will lift 500 pounds 10 feet in the air (2-stage).  Of course it weighs a lot more than the tanks, so I still need a helper to move it.
Reply:I have a hydraulic lift 2 wheel  dolly that I use to raise heavy stuff up to truck level, or to unload it either for that matter. Its rated for about 750 lbs and lifts to around 40 inches. I got it used for $25 when our company closed its local shop they sell for alot more though. Similar to Northern Tools 102350-1301, mine doesn't have the front casters so the table goes all the way to the floor for easy roll on roll off.
Reply:I use an overhead crane. I welded HD eye bolts to each style of cap, they've been in service 15+ years.http://www.facebook.com/LockhartMetalArthttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Grumpy...44306259043484
Reply:Get yourself a engine hoist and a couple of slings.
Reply:I lay mine on a four by four cradle in the bed of the pickup, so they wont roll around. When I unload I slide one back till its to the balance point and tip the bottom down until it hits the ground. If its acetylene I leave it in its rack on the welding cart until I need it which is usually days because I have two of each.  I'm 76 so if I can go anouther ten years with out a hoist, it will be nice. Mac
Reply:I stick with the 80-90 cu ft tanks.  Around here they are the largest tank that I can own outright, and just swap out.  Not too heavy to move around or carry.   But then I don't generally need to change out the tanks every week, unless I have something special going on. I usually put my tank on the floor of my car, behind the front seat.   Not a lot of lifting involved.   If I have a full tank of acetylene, I go straight home, I have seen photos of cars blowing up due to a gas leak in the trunk.   Behind the front seat, if it starts to leak, I will smell it.   But obviously it is a better practice to put the tank in the open air.   The obvious alternative is a trailer with a low bed and a ramp.   I think that I have seen people who built a tank holder that slides into the trailer hitch.   My truck bed is 3 feet high, so it is a big deal to move heavy things up and down from that level.   One could of course have 10 foot long ramps and use a winch and a pallet, but that is a pain, something I do very seldom.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:I have only tall tanks for Oxygen and Argon/mixes.  I roll the cylinders on edge while  upright to the tailgate then lean them over and pick up the bottom to slide it on in.  Never have to lift the entire weight of the cylinder.  I use propane for cutting so don't worry about that.  I feel it takes longer to mess with hoists, slings and carts.  I do have good concrete where needed.Dan
Reply:I still just load and unload by hand as well.  But I'm not against using my cherry picker or tractor when needed If I had more cylinders I would probably make a rack that held them for transport and unloading.Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by raferguson   I think that I have seen people who built a tank holder that slides into the trailer hitch.
Reply:Do it by hand most of the time. have also slid them into the bucket on the excavator(clam style) to get them on the deck of the scow as well. Inquired on making a top for the bottle to lift by but was told it was un safe as the threads are junk (lose) on most of them and not worth the risk. not that flingin them around with the excavator is safer lol Attached Images
Reply:So far I can still handle them by hand, although the oxy tank is feeling pretty heavy lately.
Reply:bottle are not designed to be lifted by the CAP you have been Very lucky you have not had a missile on your hands yetMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:I use the large OA tanks (260cf+).  At the LWS the loading dock lets us set them in the pickup easily, when I pick them up at Tractor Supply it is only a little more work to tip the tanks into the bed of the pickup. When I get back to my shop I slide them out of the truck bed onto a hand truck and just cart them into the shop.  Never really end up lifting the tank, no fancy gear to load/unload.  Loading empties back into truck is not hard, tip them against tail gate and slide back into the truck.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year