How do I move this FAST? Lost land lease to developers

piaffepony · Jul 3, 2021

I used to have 5 of these 10x20 single sided loafing sheds that my ex husband built 10 years ago. 3 of them were taken out by a tornado in 2019 (which is when I found out that he didn’t add them to our insurance either).

The 35 acres I leased directly behind my property for the last 11 years was bought by developers. (Yes... I’m devastated.) I’m short on funds but I need to move this ASAP in order to keep it.

The 4 posts are set in concrete so it doesn’t have skids to just pull with a tractor. I need to move it 1000’. What’s the best way to do this? Cut off just above the concrete? Hire a welder to weld on skids? Can I bolt on some temporary wood skids or something and brace with cables? I have lots of scrap metal and wood...

bcp · Jul 3, 2021

I think I would...

Put 2 or 3 crossbeams under the rafters.

Build a frame that would fit on a tractor loader in front and implement in the rear.

Make it big enough so it clears the roof by about 8 inches.

Raise it until it touches the crossbeams.

Cut the posts off.

Lift and drive away with the shed.

Similar to these moves:

Bruce

sea2summit · Jul 3, 2021

I would cut the roof off, cut the back wall down, then the front two supports, reassemble at you're new spot. Easiest way with the least risk in my mind.

Diggin It · Jul 3, 2021

Disassemble.

Relocate.

Reassemble.

Panels are 3 feet wide, so 7 for the back and 7 for the roof. Less than 100 screws in each panel. Assuming it isn't 1,000 degrees in the Sun, a couple of hours work to remove all of the panels.

Hay Dude · Jul 3, 2021

Cut steel posts off as low as possible, put dollies with larger tires under them and pull with pickup or tractor to new location.
A wrecker company with rollbacks or tow trucks may actually be able to help you.

plowhog · Jul 3, 2021

piaffepony said:
I need to move this ASAP in order to keep it.

What is the definition of ASAP?

If the land is to be developed, there are usually time lags for planning, permitting, etc. Is a short term lease extension, prior to development, possible or desirable?

The two individual support legs look at risk for damage if you pick up the entire structure and move it. I'd support those with a temporary rectangular frame for the bottom if you intend to move the entire structure in place.

Removing the panels would remove weight, but it appears the panels provide shear panel strength to keep the frame from twisting. If you have the equipment to lift and move it, I'd first try to move it intact without removal of those panels.

TractorGuy · Jul 3, 2021

I would take it apart. Label connection points for assembly at a later time.

If you can get the concreted posts free standing you can probably pull them out of the ground with the 3pt lift.

4570Man · Jul 3, 2021

Taking it apart is the only hope of not destroying it.

dlctcg · Jul 3, 2021

It is hard to tell from the pic but it looks like the frame is welded together... if that is the case & it a relatively flat ground surface you to could probably cut the post as low as you can, then lift / jack the structure just high enough to build a wood skid under it. You could even put a couple cross supports to stiffen it up if you wanted... or get really fancy & put large wheels on it as @Hay Dude mentioned. But if the frame is welded it should be a pretty rigid building to begin with.... It will be very backside heavy do to the wood & metal on the rear wall... so getting it supported on a long skid should make it pretty easy to move...