At Gerlock Towing & Heavy Haul, no two jobs are ever the same. This week, our team was tasked with a specialized lift-and-relocate project: moving large above-ground fuel tanks safely and efficiently. These tanks aren’t just heavy—they require careful handling due to their size, shape, and the safety requirements that come with transporting combustible storage.
The Challenge
Fuel tanks can weigh many thousands of pounds, and because of their bulk, simply lifting and moving them requires precise rigging, strong equipment, and experienced operators. On top of that, placement onto new concrete pads demands accuracy down to the inch. That’s where Gerlock’s specialized fleet and certified crew come in.
The Equipment
For this project, we brought out one of our NRC rotators—powerful recovery machines designed to handle the most demanding lifts. With extendable outriggers for stability and a strong boom reach, the rotator gave us the control needed to raise the tanks smoothly, swing them into position, and lower them gently onto their new foundations.
We also utilized our flatbed equipment to secure and transport additional tanks onsite. Every step required a combination of mechanical muscle and human precision.
The Process
- Rigging & Safety First: Our operators strapped and secured the tanks with heavy-duty rigging, ensuring safe lifting without damage.
- Controlled Lifting: Using the NRC rotator, we raised each tank steadily off the ground.
- Exact Placement: Tanks were lowered onto pre-poured concrete pads, aligning perfectly for stability and long-term use.
- Transport: Smaller units were loaded onto our flatbed for relocation, showing the versatility of Gerlock’s equipment lineup.
Why It Matters
Jobs like this highlight why Gerlock has been trusted since 1946 for heavy towing and specialty transport in the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s a roadside recovery, machinery relocation, or fuel tank move, our focus is always the same: safety, precision, and professionalism.
