I unloaded the mill from my friends pickup truck using a standard engine hoist.  The mill was attached to the lift by two nylon (1400# rated) ratchet straps, one on either side of the column and under the headstock tube.  The hooks on these were latched into links of a chain in the hook of the hoist.  One note,  MAKE SURE THE LEGS OF THE HOIST EXTEND PAST THE CENTER OF GRAVITY OF THE BOOM WHEN IT IS IN THE DOWN POSITION.  Don't ask!  The mill survived the last foot of rather rapid decent.  I wish I had a picture of this setup, but we got back to my house well after dark.

    The mill was loaded into the pickup after the base cabinet was detached.  Once everything was in the shop the hoist was again called into service to lift the mill back onto the cabinet.  As I will be selling my house soon and moving, I bought the hoist, as I'll need it again.  At $40.00 a day at a pop to rent one, I do not think it will take long to pay for itself.  I must have purchased several hoists worth over the last 20 years.

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