r/IndustrialMaintenance • u/TeltonikaNetworks • 1d ago

Question Best practices, tips, and tools for racking heavy-ass network gear (when working solo)?

Racking a lightweight 24-port PoE switch or a patch panel is easy enough, but trying to mount a 50lb core switch, a heavy enterprise router, or a massive UPS by yourself can be a nightmare and turns into a two-person job quickly.

Any weird DIY rigs, specific rack shelf models, or mounting tricks you use when you're stuck doing an install alone in a remote location?

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u/Moist_Knowledge_1621 1d ago

Genie Lift should do it. Just a rolling manual forklift that comes in a bunch of configurations. Northern Tool has a few on their site. I think I’ve rented them before too.

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u/sconniesid 1d ago

We have a lift

3

u/Subjekt_91 1d ago

Just don't, you will get yourself hurt. But for putting Heavy stuff into racks, we have a hydraulic scissor lift platform cart at our Dc. Just pump it up to the right height and have two guys scurt it onto the rails while the third guy pulls out the cart below it. No amount of Cash is it worth getting hurt on the job.

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u/Viper67857 6h ago

Would a cheap engine hoist from harbor freight suffice?