Real JB project · Completed 9 October 2026
1.5-Tonne Stone Sculpture Relocation Over Steps
High-value carved stonework. A 2 m × 1.9 m piece. Stepped residential access. A three-person JB crew completed this Sydney relocation with specialist lifting equipment and a carefully prepared route.
Moving these sculptures required more than handling their weight. Intricate raised carvings, decorative bases and tiled surfaces made support, protection and controlled changes in level central to the job.
- Weight supplied by JB
- 1.5 tonnes
- Dimensions supplied by JB
- 2 m × 1.9 m
- Moving crew
- 3 movers
- Access challenge
- Over steps
The job
Relocating valuable stone sculptures through residential access
This project involved several substantial carved stone sculptures on decorative bases. The collection included a broad relief panel and a taller sculptural piece, each with projecting carved details and a different support footprint. JB’s brief for the move included a 1.5-tonne piece measuring 2 metres by 1.9 metres.
The three-person team moved the sculptures over steps as part of the relocation between nearby Sydney properties. The challenge combined a heavy load with fragile artwork and the practical limits of a residential route: doorways, tiled flooring, outdoor paving and changes in level.
The pieces were described as high-value. For this type of heavy item removal in Sydney, the handling plan must account for the artwork’s shape and base as well as its weight.
Access and preparation
Preparing the steps, thresholds and working surfaces
Ramps across changes in level
The exterior route involved stepped access. Portable ramps and boards were positioned at level changes, creating a supported path for equipment and load movement where appropriate.
Equipment also had to be brought into the working area. The entrance photographs show crew members carrying the gantry beam and timber boards beside the curved front staircase.
Protection around tiled floors and doorways
Protective floor boards covered the interior working area. At an exterior doorway, the crew placed a ramp with protective blankets around the transition.
The route needed room for the supported sculpture, the lifting equipment and the crew coordinating the movement. Preparing these areas was part of the relocation itself.
Ramp and protective blankets at the doorway and change in level.
Ramps and boards laid out for the stepped exterior access.
Timber boards brought into the property’s front access area.
The gantry beam being brought into position at the entrance.
How JB managed the move
Mechanical support, protection and coordinated movement
The three-person crew worked with lifting and moving equipment to manage the load through the property. The job photographs document the main handling stages.
Prepare access and protect the working area
Floor boards, blankets, ramps and timber were placed around the access route and lifting area. This created a working surface for the equipment and helped protect the property during the move.
Raise the decorative bases with hydraulic jacks
Hydraulic jacks and timber supports were used around the sculptures’ bases. The photographs show the crew preparing support beneath both the broad carved panel and the taller piece before repositioning them.
Support the sculpture and protect the carved surface
The broad sculpture and its base were placed on a supported pallet arrangement. Protective wrapping covered the carved panel, and straps connected the load to the support arrangement for movement.
Reposition the supported load with pallet jacks
Pallet jacks were used beneath the supported stonework. The crew coordinated the movement through the interior and onto the exterior paved route, with the sculpture remaining supported as it was repositioned.
Use a mobile gantry and hoist at the steps
A mobile gantry and chain hoist were positioned around the sculpture at the exterior steps. The supported lifting arrangement formed part of managing the change in level, combining specialist equipment with the three-person crew’s coordination.
Equipment on this project
The tools behind a three-person heavy sculpture move
Mobile gantry and chain hoist
Provided a lifting arrangement around the supported load at the stepped exterior access.
Hydraulic jacks and timber supports
Used around the shaped stone bases during preparation and repositioning.
Pallets and pallet jacks
Supported the sculptures and provided a way to move the load through the working route.
Ramps, boards, wrapping and straps
Used across level changes, beneath equipment and around the stonework during the move.
The crew and equipment shown belong to this project. JB assesses each sculpture and its complete access route before confirming the moving method.
Heavy and fragile
Why intricate stonework changes the handling plan
Carved projections and a broad panel
The broad sculpture contained raised figures, textured motifs and shaped edges. Its size created a substantial working footprint, while its decorative surface called for protection during handling.
A sculpture removal is therefore about more than moving a heavy object from one address to another. The support arrangement, clearances and protection must suit the piece.
Decorative bases and a second tall piece
The white bases had shaped legs and carved faces. The taller sculpture presented a different shape and support footprint, requiring a separate arrangement around its base.
Both the stonework and the surrounding property formed part of the job. That combination is what made this a specialist sculpture relocation.
The move in photographs
Real JB sculpture lifting and relocation work
Open any photograph to see the carved details, support arrangements and equipment used on the job.
Preparing, protecting and repositioning the sculptures
Hydraulic jacks and timber supports around the decorative base.
The broad carved panel and base, with protection across the floor.
Crew members supporting the sculpture as the base is prepared.
Wrapping, straps and pallet support for the next stage of movement.
The wrapped sculpture and base supported on the outdoor route.
Gantry, hoist and slings positioned around the supported sculpture.
Jacks positioned around the tall sculpture’s shaped base.
The tall sculpture required its own support and handling arrangement.
Completed Sydney relocation
Three movers, specialist equipment and a prepared route
JB completed the relocation on 9 October 2026 with three movers, including the move over steps. The job involved a 1.5-tonne piece measuring 2 m × 1.9 m, valuable carved stonework and decorative bases.
The project demonstrates how specialist equipment and coordinated handling can be combined for difficult residential access. The gantry, hoist, jacks, pallet jacks and ramps each served a part of the move.
Planning a similar move
Stone sculpture removal questions
Can JB relocate a 1.5-tonne sculpture?
This completed project included a 1.5-tonne piece. Send JB its dimensions, photographs and pickup and delivery access details so the team can assess the support, crew and equipment required.
Can valuable sculptures be moved over steps?
Steps require an assessment of the load and the complete route. This job used specialist equipment, including a gantry and hoist, alongside ramps and a three-person crew.
What information helps with a sculpture moving quote?
Provide the weight, height and width, photographs of the front, back and base, both addresses and access photographs. Include steps, slopes, doorway widths and any separate components.
Will every sculpture move use the same equipment?
No. The stonework’s shape, base, weight and access determine the handling method. JB can review a managed move or suitable stair climber services after assessing the item and route.
Specialist moving services
Heavy items, commercial artwork and difficult stair access
This residential sculpture relocation brought together three practical challenges: a substantial load, valuable carved detail and changes in level. Explore the JB service that suits your own item and access.
Heavy moves in Sydney
A 1.5-tonne sculpture needs a handling plan built around its weight, support points and route. This project shows hydraulic jacks, pallet support and gantry lifting working together for a heavy, fragile item.
Explore heavy moves in SydneyCommercial moves and valuable artwork
Businesses relocating sculptures, display pieces or other valuable items face similar questions about protection and access. This residential project provides an example of specialist handling to discuss when planning an office, showroom or hospitality move.
Plan a commercial move in SydneyStair climber services and stepped access
Steps change the equipment plan. JB used a gantry and chain hoist for this sculpture move. For other items, stair climber suitability depends on the load, dimensions and staircase assessment.
Discuss stair climber services in SydneyHeavy artwork. Difficult access.
Tell JB about your sculpture relocation
Send the item photographs, known weight and dimensions, and the access at both properties. Our team will review the job and confirm the equipment and crew needed.