It may seem impossible to move large rocks for landscaping or construction, but there are several methods you can use.If you want to manually move large rocks, you can use a plank and rollers, or a ratchet hoist.The most expensive option is a skid steer, which is the easiest one to use.Regardless of what method you choose, you will be able to move large rocks to a new location.
Step 1: Attach the end of the hoist to an object.
The come alongs can be found at your local home improvement store and online.The hoist could be secured to a tree trunk or a trailer hitch.To make sure the strap doesn't come off the object, secure it through the hook latch bolt on the end of the hoist.
Step 2: Attach the straps to the rock.
A ratchet hoist has nylon straps attached to it.Wrap the straps around the rock with a tight knot to make sure they don't come loose while you're moving it.
Step 3: The rock should be moved by cranking the ratchet.
Once both ends of the hoist are secured, crank the ratchet.Continue cranking until the rock moves to the desired location.Remove the straps from the rock at that point.
Step 4: If necessary, loosen the rock.
Balance the pry bar underneath the rock on a wooden block to gain leverage.Remove dirt and other debris from under the rock by Prying it loose and using a shovel.
Step 5: The rock can be moved onto a tire with a rope.
Tie a rope around an old tire and loop it through a hole in the middle.The tire should be covered with a large piece of fabric.The fabric will keep the rock out of the tire.If necessary, use a pry bar or hoist to lift the rock onto the tire.
Step 6: The tire has a rope attached to it.
Grab the rope that is tied to the tire with thick gloves.The tire and rock can be dragged with the rope.Roll or lift the rock off of the tire.If necessary, you can use a pry bar or hoist.
Step 7: Place iron pipes on the ground.
Place the iron pipes on the ground.Make sure they are parallel to each other.The length of the pipes depends on the plank and rock you want to move.
Step 8: Put a plank on top of the pipes, then put the rock on it.
An old sheet of plywood is good for a plank.Roll or lift the rock onto the plank if you center it on top of the pipes.If necessary, use a pry bar or hoist.If you can, center the rock on the plank.
Step 9: Roll the plank and rock to get the pipes moving.
The plank should roll across the pipes if the rock is pushed.If a pipe is visible behind the plank, move it in front of the other pipes so it can roll across it.Continue rolling the plank until you reach the desired location.If you have to, use a pry bar or a hoist to remove the rock from the plank and pipes.
Step 10: The skid steer and operator should come to the location.
You can find skid steer rental companies in a phone book or online.If you don't know how to use a skid steer yourself, make sure the company you choose provides an experienced operator.Make an appointment for the skid steer and operator to meet you where the rocks are located, and explain that you need to move large rocks.A skid steer is a vehicle that can be used to move heavy objects.It costs $175 to rent a skid steer for 4 hours, with a labor rate of $50 per hour for the operator.
Step 11: The skid steer has a load of rocks on it.
A skid steer with a bucket or forks can be used to move large rocks.The operator can load the rocks into the bucket or onto the forks if you point them out.The operator will place the forks under the rocks.
Step 12: Drop the skid steer off at the desired location.
The skid steer needs to move from one location to the next.Ask the operator to unload the rocks once you have the skid steer.The rocks will be deposited on the ground.