A piano, unlike a grand piano, has three legs and a complex pedal mechanism (lyre), which makes it extremely unstable and prone to damage in transportation. Moving a piano always begins with the disassembly of these components.
The transport sled, known in the industry as Skid Board or simply Piano Board, is a specialized piece of equipment designed to transport the piano body in its safest position: on its side. This is a critical part of the process that protects the instrument from torsional forces and mechanical damage.
Sani design: Protective armor for delicate wood
The sled is a long, reinforced platform that serves as a temporary spine and shield for the piano body.
Key features of Skid Board
- Durable base: Usually made of hardwood (such as oak) or multi-layer plywood, designed to withstand an evenly distributed weight of 250 kg to over 500 kg.
- Protective lining: The surface on which the piano rests is thickly padded with felt, rubber or other cushioning material. This prevents scratching the valuable varnished wood and absorbs vibrations.
- Mounting system: The sled is equipped with sturdy handles and anchor points. The piano is strapped to them with professional transport straps, ensuring the stability of the instrument during every maneuver.
- Shape and profile: The design takes into account the curved shape of the piano body, ensuring maximum surface contact, thus minimizing the risk of shifting.
Sleds in Action: From Disassembly to Delivery
The process of using Sani is precise and requires experience:
- Preparation: The piano is carefully lifted and its legs and pedal lyre are dismantled.
- Arrangement: The body of the instrument is then gently laid on its side - on the simple The side of the housing - on the prepared Sanioch.
- Security: The body is solidly pinned to the Sani, which become its new, stable base. At this point, the instrument and Sani form a single, compact module.
Integration with other equipment
The Sanie + Piano module is fully compatible with the rest of the equipment:
- On the flat: The whole thing is placed on a transport cart (dog), which makes it possible to move the instrument on flat surfaces.
- On the steps: The sled protects the edges of the piano during drift/lift operations on the transport belts (suspenders).
A transport sled isn't just a board; it's a key investment in the structural integrity of the piano, ensuring that this complex and delicate instrument arrives at its destination unscathed.
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