5' on a 2200lb+ machine may as well be a mile. I don't even use rigger skates because they are 5' off the ground. I never hear about guys getting hurt when that is followed. My rule is to keep machines as close to the floor as possible at all times.

This method is not speedy, and its a bit laborious, but its affordable, effective, and above all, about the safest you can find. Once on the garage floor, get your round stock and position however you like. Be sure your knee is all the way down, your table back. If you don't have one, sink a redhead, screw in an eye hook, and reverse the process as loading. Now to unload, you use a secure anchor point like a post in the garage. 2' ratchet straps with a workload of 3300lbs and a break strength of 10,000 and that machine is going nowhere. (go from corner to opposing corner on other end of trailer). Center it, and strap down using the following method: 2 straps at bottom, pulling in opposite directions, 2 straps on top, crossed, pulling down. Use a come along and a heavy strap (around base or knee post) and simply winch it onto the trailer. Push it to the edge of your dropped deck. Simply keep putting the 3rd piece of round at the front of the machine. Now one person can push the machine easily. You're never more than about 1-1 1/2'' off the ground with a part of the machine. You simply pry up on the base of the mill, slide 2 pieces of round stock under (1 in front, one in middle), and let machine down onto it. Home depot sells one they call a digging bar or a slate bar. Get yourself some 3/4' round stock, about 30' long (3 pieces), and a pinch bar. Now that you have no need for lifting, you also do not need skids, dollies, etc. Sunbelt, Hertz, and a few others have them for moving scissor lifts, etc. IF you are going to move a machine yourself again, here is a way to do it affordably, and as safely as possible.

'Happened across the thread, and for what its worth, months later, I thought I would offer my advice, as someone who moves these mills, lathes, and other machine shop equipment on a daily basis. Here was his post and thankyou to the author!! Found on for rent local so I am going to use that instad of a car hauler. Read a thread where a guy used a drop deck trailer (rentable from sunbelt) to move his heavy tools.

Millport milling machines