What Is a Shoulder Dolly?

Have you ever wondered, is it possible to move to a new place, or simply allocate your interior, without stress and pain? Out of the question, the most difficult and demanding part of relocation or redecorating is moving all the heavy furniture or appliances. Common unwanted companions like sore muscles, a stiff neck, and damaged or scratched furniture seem like an inevitable part of moving. But are they unavoidable? Can moving actually be a pleasant experience? Well, look no further, because the Shoulder Dolly is exactly what you need! Let’s take a closer look at it.

What is a Shoulder Dolly?

The Shoulder Dolly is a two-person lifting and moving system that makes moving almost effortless. Transporting heavy furniture and home appliances has never been easier, safer, and more efficient. Two straps and one long lifting belt included in the kit are specially designed for transporting items around with minimum effort and maximum security. The unique design allows for moving large objects with proper lifting techniques. You will use only your strongest muscles on the shoulders and legs. At the same time, you will your lower back, biceps, forearms, or hands safe from harm.

By using shoulders and legs, the Shoulder Dolly significantly diminishes the risk of injury. If you wonder how to protect floors when moving, the answer is shoulder dolly. A shoulder dolly will also allow you to lift boxes correctly when moving house. It allows you freely maneuver, open the door, or balance. If used properly, the risk of injuries is reduced to zero. Also, the instructions and usage are simple and easy. It makes the Shoulder Dolly suitable not only for professionals but for amateurs as well. Unlike hand trucks or wheeled systems, the Shoulder Dolly is perfectly safe for your walls, floors, or furniture. No more scratches and unintentional bumps. All you need to do is to read and follow the instructions carefully and use the Shoulder Dolly as it’s recommended.

How long it has been around?

The Shoulder Dolly was introduced in 2004. The inventor, Thomas Dent, got an idea several years before the announcement. He was a student while delivering appliances during the summer holidays. He was using an old cut-up jacket with some straps sewed on it, in order to protect his back. After graduation, he continued to work on a design, and that’s how the harness-like Shoulder Dolly was born. In the first 10 months of business, more than 1000 pieces were sold.

How does the shoulder dolly look?

The Shoulder Dolly kit includes three pieces. Two one-size-fit-all straps with a metal clip, and one adjustable 12’ long and 5’’ wide lifting belt. Each kit weighs 4 lbs. The stitched straps and belt are high-quality, heavy-duty polypropylene and can hold 800 lbs. The wide shoulder straps effectively spread the load, and the X-shaped back part contributes to the proper body posture, preventing body injuries. The metal clip mechanism on the straps has a locking rod that prevents accidental slips or malfunctions.

How does the shoulder dolly work?

Two movers should wear the straps with the metal clip in front, and the “X” section of the strap in the back. The label must face outwards, and the adjusting rod on the clip should face the front of the movers. Movers should place the long lifting belt in the middle of the object, for the proper weight distribution of it. Both of the movers should crouch and pass the ends of the lifting strap through the metal clip. The ends of the strap go through the outer side of the clip, for later adjustment. The horizontal position of the clip allows strap adjustment. The vertical position means that the strap is locked and ready for lifting. When standing up, the movers should push the object with both hands, with their backs straight, and lift the item at the same time using their leg muscles.

Features of the shoulder dolly:

Adjustability

Regardless of your height, you can adapt the straps to all sizes through the metal clip on the front side. Wide torso straps sit comfortably on the shoulders, while a 5-inch-wide lifting belt allows maximum control during carrying.

Versatility

Due to strap adaptation, users can lift and move any objects with ease. You can lift items of 800 lbs. maximum weight and 10’ maximum length. This includes bulky household items, furniture, or home appliances like cabinets, mattresses, bedsprings, sofas, stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, china cabinets, big-screen televisions, pianos, etc.

Efficiency

Using the Shoulder Dolly is a proven way to lift and move big heavy objects more efficiently than using traditional moving dollies or wheeled moving platforms. Your walls, floors, doors, or other furniture are safe from damage and accidental scratches, while your hands are free and available for balancing the lifted item or opening the door, moving other objects, all that without interrupting the lifting process. It efficiently saves time while remaining reliable and safe to use.

Safety

By using big and usually the strongest shoulder and leg muscles, the Shoulder Dolly significantly reduces the pressure and strain that other muscles suffer during the extreme effort. Natural leverage and proper weight distribution keep your neck, arms, hands, and lower back protected. Many orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and chiropractors have confirmed that the Shoulder Dolly significantly reduces the risk of muscle stretching and injuries.

Who can use it?

Furniture and electronic retailers, moving and storage companies, homeowners, and professional movers in the U.S. and Canada have been using the Shoulder Dolly for many years. It’s also ideal for local Brooklyn movers,  art movers Brooklyn, art crating NYC movers, or antique furniture movers NYC. There are two variants available for purchase, a commercial model, and a light-duty model intended for occasional lifting. It will impress you with ease of use and comfort while moving bulky items.

People with physical injuries or limitations should be very careful and keep in mind that the Shoulder Dolly doesn’t give additional strength, it only uses existing capability and muscularity in the best possible way. Also, the straps can handle a maximum weight of 800 lbs. which doesn’t mean that the lifter or lifters can. It is a matter of the lifter’s ability.