
How to Move Large Rocks & Boulders: 5 Different Methods
- Hoisting Method. For this method of boulder moving, you will need a heavy-duty nylon cord or rope and a rachet crank.
- Dragging Method. For this second method, you will need a pry bar, a sturdy rope or nylon strap, and an old tire. ...
- Plank & Roller Method. ...
- Use a Sled. ...
- Use a Wheeled Trash Bin. ...
- Use a hoist. The hoist method allows you to move large boulders or rocks on your own. ...
- Drag the heavy rock. ...
- Use a plank to roll the rock. ...
- Make use of a wheelbarrow or wheelie bin.
How do you lift large boulders?
Place small or medium-sized boulders onto sliding rock lifting tools to move them. Reinforce the seat of an old sled with a piece of plywood to make it strong enough to bear the stone's weight, then pile the stone onto the sled.
How do you move a big rock?
If the rock is more medium sized than big, you may be able to simply place it in a sturdy, wheeled trash can or wheelbarrow and roll it to its new location. Here are five smart methods you can use when confronted with the task of moving a big rock. 1. Use a hoist The hoist method allows you to move large boulders or rocks on your own.
Can you move large boulders on your own?
If you have large rocks on your property or road, you may think that you need to call a professional or use heavy equipment to move them. In some cases, this is true; however, if you’re smart and methodical and have a few simple tools on hand and know how to apply leverage, you may be able to move large boulders on your own.
What tools do you need to move a boulders?
Tools that you will need for this method of moving a boulder or rock include several sturdy pipes (preferably at least four), and a strong plank to rest the boulder on. Start by placing the pipes at equally spaced distances from each other — close to where the boulder is that you’d like to move.

How do you move a 1 ton boulder?
2:258:55How to move a large rock by Yourself, Simple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then that's connected to the nylon toe strap and that's wrapped around the base of a substantialMoreAnd then that's connected to the nylon toe strap and that's wrapped around the base of a substantial tree. So let's give a couple cranks on the ratchet strap and see if we can shift this rock. Over.
How do you lift heavy stones by yourself?
Here's how to do it:Lift the front edge of the stone with a pry bar and slip two pipes underneath. Place one near the front and one about midway so the stone rests on the pipes.Position the third pipe a foot or two in front of the stone.Roll the stone forward onto the third pipe until the rear pipe comes free.
How do you lift heavy rocks by hand?
1. Pry it. With a scrap piece of 6x6 or a small, flat-sided rock as a fulcrum, a 4-foot pry bar can roll or push a big stone little by little over level terrain—as long as your arms and patience hold out. 2.
How do you move a boulder manually?
1:298:53How to safely move a boulder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the thing that makes it easier is if the longer it is the easier it is to do so luckily theseMoreNow the thing that makes it easier is if the longer it is the easier it is to do so luckily these trampoline pad can come too. Join it together so it's even easy for the girls to move.
How much does a 3 foot boulder weigh?
Average Boulder Weights by Size A one-foot boulder can weigh 80 to 100 pounds, a two-foot boulder could be 300 to 450, and a three-foot boulder can weigh anywhere from 1,200 all the way up to 1,800 depending on length, width, and height.
How do I get rid of large boulders in my yard?
0:284:00How to Remove a Boulder | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the two feathers. And then put the wedge in we're going to hit the wedge with a hammerMoreInsert the two feathers. And then put the wedge in we're going to hit the wedge with a hammer putting pressure on the feathers. And that should split the rock. Off.
How do you break up a large rock?
Prepping to Break Up Large RocksDig Around the Rock. ... Drill a Series of Holes Into the Rock. ... Put Feathers and Wedges Into the Holes. ... Drive the Wedges in Until Cracks Form. ... Use a Digging Bar to Pry Out the Broken Rock. ... Repeat as Necessary. ... Get Heavy Duty Tools for Larger Rocks. ... Dispose of the Rock.
What is a rock sled?
A stone boat—sometimes called a stone drag—is essentially a type of low sled used to move heavy loads such as boulders, piles of rocks and large tree stumps without having to lift them.
How do you move boulders with a winch?
0:132:56Using a Lewis Chainsaw Winch to move boulders for gold dredgingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you just you just use the trigger there and this will just pull rocks all on its own here we areMoreAnd you just you just use the trigger there and this will just pull rocks all on its own here we are it's not of a new season let's go get some gold.
How do you move a large boulder by yourself?
How to Move Landscape BouldersStart With a Pry Bar. ... Drag the Boulder. ... Use a Sled for Medium-Sized Boulders. ... Try Wheeled Rock Moving Tools. ... Transport Boulders With a Wheelbarrow. ... Set up a Plank and Roller System. ... Bury the Boulder.
How do you move large boulders?
0:512:44Moving Large Boulders - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe boulders for this project wait approximately 1100 pounds but were easily moved with a winchMoreThe boulders for this project wait approximately 1100 pounds but were easily moved with a winch attached to a nearby tree. By building a ramp and winching the boulders downhill.
How can a worker move the large rock easily?
You can move large rocks small distances with a ratchet hoist or to help you situate the rocks for moving them manually by dragging them or using a plank and rollers. You can also use a skid steer, and while it's the easiest option, it's also the most expensive.
What is the proper way to lift heavy objects?
Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift. Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level. Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.
How do you lift stones?
1:154:47How To: Lift an Atlas Stone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou may rock the stone back and forth. And then you squeeze the stone squat down squeeze squeezeMoreYou may rock the stone back and forth. And then you squeeze the stone squat down squeeze squeeze lift up bring your knees in slightly. That way the stone will be higher you want your chin.
How do simple tools lift heavy objects?
2:0610:277 Ways to Move Heavy Tools and Equipment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDrill press like this you can lower the table and the top to lower the center of gravity. But. IfMoreDrill press like this you can lower the table and the top to lower the center of gravity. But. If you can't you can just pull it back like this. And move it very easily. Around your shop.
Do you lift with your legs or back?
The proper lifting technique is when your stability comes from your legs and core, not your back. Take care to position yourself properly before you lift. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and drop your hips back.
How to loosen boulders from pipes?
Place the sturdy plank on top of the pipes and proceed to loosen the boulder from its current position using your hands or a pry bar . Roll, scoot, or lift the boulder on to the conveyor belt-like invention and proceed to carefully push the rollers and boulder to the new location.
What do you need to move a boulder?
For this method of boulder moving, you will need a heavy-duty nylon cord or rope and a rachet crank.
How to get boulders out of trash bin?
Simply lay your trash bin on its side, use a pry bar to loosen the boulder, and roll the large rock into your bin. Take care that you carefully turn your trash bin upright as you don’t want the boulder inside to suddenly shift positions and damage your bin.
How to make boulders in trash?
Roll your trash bin to the spot where you’d like to boulder to be and carefully turn your bin on its side again and empty the contents.
What do you need to remove large rocks?
For this method of large rock removal, you will need a sturdy sled and a pry bar.
How to turn boulders on top of tire?
Use your pry bar to turn your boulder on top of the tire so that the large rock is wedged comfortably in the center of the tire.
How to get a rock out of a tire?
Once the boulder is loose, prepare your old tire. You should feed your nylon cord or rope through the tire and make a secure k not so that you are able to drag the tire with the boulder inside.
How to lift heavy rock?
Begin your task by strapping a cable securely around the heavy rock. Use your prybar to lift the rock and then push bricks or blocks of wood to support it, making a space underneath where you can pass the strap or cord.
How to move a rock?
Here are five smart methods you can use when confronted with the task of moving a big rock. 1. Use a hoist. The hoist method allows you to move large boulders or rocks on your own. If you’re going to use a hoist, you’ll also need a prybar, a heavy duty rope or nylon cord, along with a sturdy ratchet crank.
How to wrestle a rock onto a tire?
Use the prybar to wrestle the rock onto the tire or plywood, wedging it securely in place. Keep your back straight and use good form to avoid injury as you drag the tire to the rock’s new location.
How to make a hoist with a ratchet?
A ratchet crank allows you to create a hoist by attaching a strong strap to your heavy object, securing it around a stable object such as a heavy vehicle or a sturdy tree trunk and then simply cranking the ratchet to move the heavy object bit-by-bit.
What to use to tie a rock to a conveyance?
Nylon straps and rope. Very strong, wide nylon straps will give you a secure grip on the rock. Sturdy nylon rope, such as a tow rope, can be used to tie the rock onto a conveyance to move it, to secure your prybar in place as you work, and any number of other tasks that may come up during the operation. 5.
Why should the pipes underneath the plank roll?
The pipes underneath should roll so that the plank and the stone move along easily. As the plank moves forward, you’ll see that the back pipe will appear.
What can be used to roll rock along easily?
Strong boards and pipes can be used in combination to create a conveyor belt to roll the rock along easily.
How to move large rocks?
You can move large rocks small distances with a ratchet hoist or to help you situate the rocks for moving them manually by dragging them or using a plank and rollers. You can also use a skid steer, and ...
How to move rocks on a hoist?
Crank the ratchet to move the rock. Once both ends of the hoist are secure, crank the ratchet by moving it back and forth. Continue cranking the ratchet until the rock has moved to the desired location. At that point, remove the straps from the immovable object and the rock.
How to get rock off a tire?
Pull the rope attached to the tire to drag the rock. Put on thick gloves and grab onto the rope that is tied to the tire. Use the rope, drag the tire and the rock to the desired location. Then, roll or lift the rock off of the tire into the spot you want it. You can use a pry bar or ratchet hoist if needed.
How to secure a ratchet hoist?
You could secure the hoist to a strong tree trunk or a trailer hitch. Loop 1 end of the hoist around the immovable object and secure the strap through the hook latch bolt to make sure it won’t come off the object.
How to unload a skid steer?
Drive the skid steer to the desired location and unload it. Make sure the path is clear for the skid steer to move from 1 location to the next. Once you’ve got the skid steer in the right location, ask the operator to unload the rocks. They will lower the forks or bucket and deposit the rocks on the ground. [12]
How to center a rock on a plank?
Do your best to center the rock on the plank. Roll the plank and rock, moving the pipes as necessary. Push the rock so that the plank rolls across the pipes. When the plank has moved enough that a pipe is visible behind it , move that pipe in front of the other pipes so the plank can roll across it.
How to keep rocks from getting wedged in a tire?
Move the rock onto a tire with a rope tied around it. Tie a rope around an old tire, looping the rope through the hole in the middle. Then , cover the tire with a large piece of fabric, like an old sheet. The fabric will prevent the rock from getting wedged in the tire.
How to move a boulder?
Reinforce the seat of an old sled with a piece of plywood to make it strong enough to bear the stone's weight, then pile the stone onto the sled. Pull the sled to move the boulder.
How to move boulders downhill?
If moving a boulder downhill, place it into a plastic storage bin and simply push it down the hill.
How to move a boulder to a new location?
Dig a hole for the stone in its new location. Check your rock moving tools and use the pry bar to roll the landscape boulder off the transport device and into the hole, then fill in the edges with dirt.
How to move boulders from one spot to another?
Tie a rope around the edge of an old tire, then place a large piece of fabric over the top of the tire to protect it. Carefully lift the stone into the center of the tire, on top of the fabric. Drag the tire over to the new boulder location.
How to transport boulders?
Transport large boulders using a planks and rollers system . Set up six landscaping poles or PVC pipes in front of a boulder, then lift the boulder onto the poles with a pry bar. Push the boulder over the poles while a friend takes the poles behind the boulder and moves them back to the front, creating a continuous path.
How to turn a stone upright?
Roll small, medium or large boulders into a wheelbarrow turned it on its side. Push the stone against the inside of the wheelbarrow while a friend pulls on the top edge of the wheelbarrow to turn it upright.
How to make a boulder out of a tire?
Tie a rope around the edge of an old tire, then place a large piece of fabric over the top of the tire to protect it. Carefully lift the stone into the center of the tire, on top of the fabric. Drag the tire over to the new boulder location.
How to move large boulders?
A common fence-building tool is a ratcheted hoist, which can also be employed to move large boulders. Attach one end to an immovable object like a tree or truck. The other should be fitted with nylon or canvas straps around the rock to be moved. By ratcheting the hoist, a single person can move the rock one small bit at a time using much less human force than if he were to walk up and simply try to drag the thing by hand.
How to move boulders with less force?
Use the Lever Principle. A lever can help you move heavy objects like large landscape boulders with less force with a properly placed fulcrum point. Almost anything sturdy can serve as the fulcrum, including another rock, a brick or chunk of wood. Place the fulcrum close to the rock that needs to be moved.
How to make a lever?
For a lever, find a sturdy length of wood or unbreakable metal rod, about 4 feet long. Lay the lever over the fulcrum and wedge the end of the lever under the rock. Then push the far end down, using the properly placed fulcrum to translate your muscle power into enough force to create movement. Advertisement.
How to move a rock in a pyramid?
A modern interpretation would involve placing several pieces of pipe horizontally in front of the rock in the direction you want to move it. Place a piece of plywood or several planks on top of the pipes. Lever the rock up onto the planks and then easily push it. The wood will roll along the pipes revolving beneath, carrying the load with it. As one pipe emerges out the back, stop for a moment and move it in front of the rock again.
What to do if you get injured when lifting rocks?
Even if they're not helping you lift the rocks, they can be there to call for help if you get injured. Have a phone nearby while you work to call for help. Whenever you're lifting anything, whether it's the rock itself or tools to move the rock, lift using your legs and arms rather than your back.
Can a large rock be moved by muscle?
With ingenuity, a large rock can be moved by muscle power alone. Image Credit: AntKus/iStock/GettyImages. One need look no further than ancient edifices constructed before the development of heavy machinery to see that it is possible to move large rocks with human muscle power. Archaeologists have long pondered the construction ...

Hoisting Method
Dragging Method
- For this second method, you will need a pry bar, a sturdy rope or nylon strap, and an old tire. Start by prying the rock loose using a metal bar or piece of wood (aka your pry bar). Once the boulder is loose, prepare your old tire. You should feed your nylon cord or rope through the tire and make a secure knot so that you are able to drag the tire with the boulder inside. Use your pry bar to tur…
Plank & Roller Method
- Tools that you will need for this method of moving a boulder or rock include several sturdy pipes (preferably at least four), and a strong plank to rest the boulder on. Start by placing the pipes at equally spaced distances from each other — close to where the boulder is that you’d like to move. Place the sturdy plank on top of the pipes and proceed to loosen the boulder from its current pos…
Use A Sled
- Winter sleds have more than one purpose in life. They can be used for fun during the winter and for yard maintenance during the summer. For this method of large rock removal, you will need a sturdy sled and a pry bar. Pry the boulder or rock loose and use your pry bar to hoist the boulder on to the sled (make sure that you cover the surface of your sled with a blanket first to avoid ma…
Use A Wheeled Trash Bin
- Another handy household item that can be used to move boulders or large rocks is a wheeled trash bin. Simply lay your trash bin on its side, use a pry bar to loosen the boulder, and roll the large rock into your bin. Take care that you carefully turn your trash bin upright as you don’t want the boulder inside to suddenly shift positions and damage ...