A shoulder dolly, also known as moving straps, lifting straps, furniture moving straps, and similar names, is a lifting

strap A strap, sometimes also called strop, is an elongated wikt:flap, flap or ribbon, usually of leather or other flexible materials. Thin straps are used as part of clothing or baggage, or bedding such as a sleeping bag. See for example spaghetti s ...

and harness used in

transport Transport (in British English), or transportation (in American English), is the intentional movement of humans, animals, and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, land (rail and road), water, cable, pipeline, an ...

and

logistics Logistics is generally the detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation. In a general business sense, logistics manages the flow of goods between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requirements of ...

which allows moving personnel to distribute the load more evenly on the shoulders and hips so that heavy lifts can be performed with less risk of back injury.How to Use Shoulder Dolly to Move Heavy Objects - Fastruck Moving Company
/ref> They are often used in pairs by two people carrying an object between them, and are sometimes used by moving companies. In 2019, a shoulder dolly made by a British manufacturer was named as a finalist in ''Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Awards 2019'', which is part of a digital magazine for the British health and safety industry.Shoulder Dolly becomes a finalist in magazine Health & Safety awards - Packer
/ref> A forearm forklift strap is a somewhat similar device, but places the weight on the forearm instead of shoulder and hips.

Mechanism

Shoulder dollies can promote proper lifting techniques by encouraging the use of legs for lifting, thereby reducing the risk of injury and back strain. They also help utilizing the body's stronger muscle groups and gives better leverage. According to one source, the leg muscles are less prone to getting tweaked and injured compared to the back due to the additional weight during a lift.Moving Straps: The Best Insurance for Your Move
/ref>

Compared to wheeled moving

Compared to a trolley, a lifting strap can make it easier to move objects past uneven surfaces such as steps and

stairs Stairs are a structure designed to bridge a large vertical distance between lower and higher levels by dividing it into smaller vertical distances. This is achieved as a diagonal series of horizontal platforms called steps which enable passage ...

. Shoulder dollies are sometimes also used together with a wheeled trolley to pass varied terrain where it is possible to take advantage of benefits from both transportation methods when suited.

Safety

Shoulder dollies can be a safety hazard if used incorrectly.Shoulder Dolly: Lifting System or Suicide Pact? , Toolmonger
/ref> They should not be used by persons with physical limitations or injuries.Shoulder Dolly Moving Straps , Know How to Use Shoulder Dolly - ShoulderDolly
/ref>

Safety boot A steel-toe boot (also known as a safety boot, steel-capped boot, steel toecaps or safety shoe) is a durable boot or shoe that has a protective reinforcement in the toe which protects the foot from falling objects or compression. Safety shoes a ...

s may be recommended. Shoulder dollies are often made of straps with padding at the points of contact with the body, and should preferably be sewn together in the back so that the straps do not easily slip to the side and off the shoulders during lifting. The sling is often attached to the object being carried via a lifting hook.{{citation needed, date=July 2022

References

External links

Video demonstration of moving a washing machine through stairs with a shoulder dolly - YouTube
Tools Moving and relocation

Mechanism

Compared to wheeled moving

Safety

See also

References

External links