As of time of this thread, I have disassembled and shipped 2 TMTs. This is my process for taking one apart and packing it.
I used packing materials and boxes that I had laying around. I ship large items multiple times a week, but I also like to hoard boxes and random packing material……so it worked out.
Prepare and disassemble your TMT
You still need to have it fully assembled for admin to review. Make sure that it is approved prior to packing it!
If you are planning on shipping your TMT, I recommend having wheels and fenders assembled: those were the most challenging parts for me to assemble in every build. Box weighs ~40lbs.
Include a printed copy of assembly guide https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kj_tvoD7GtBz4XGvGdZvarhSqfXjdLn8/view?usp=sharing
- Remove foot rest (leave foot straps attached), straps, (I left ones top harness ones attached), both harness parts, and cushions. Put them into the individual ziplock bags and label what each is.
- Remove push handle, headrest, and headrest mount. Flip your TMT on upside down.
First thing to remove is the Seat Center–It locks all in place. I used a narrow strip of wood (2-3”) and a mallet to push it out ~2”. This will be enough to unlock Back Center.
- Flip your TMT back on its wheels.
Wedge the same piece of wood used to remove the Seat Center in the are shown, and lightly tap it with the mallet to push Back Center up and out.
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Support both halves! Separate TMT in half by pulling the seat center and Caster Mount out.
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Remove Push Handles and separate Wheel Mount and Storage parts.
Prepare your box
- I recommend using 30x20x20, but for this particular shipment I used 25x25x25. Put a 1-2” layer of packing peanuts or crumpled paper on the bottom. Cover it with a layer of cardboard.
- Pack the wheels as seen in pictures. Flat sides against each other. Use a sheet of cardboard between them (in these pictures I used scraps)
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Place the wheels in the box. Put packing material around them, and than put a sheet of cardboard on top (forgot to take pictures of that step).
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Pack the rest of the TMT on top using your best Tetris skills. I have included pictures of wrapping individual parts. There are many ways to do it, but the key element is contact area–avoid voids and and few contact points–put packing material between two parts, and than wrap them in bubble wrap or packing material–I didn’t take pictures of the latter.
Fenders
Storage
Push Handles and Seat Center
Cushions and Back Center
Once everything is in the box make sure that there is at least 1.5-2” clearance from the wall from every direction. Fill every visible void with packing material. Don not skimp on it—when you close the box you should be required to lightly squish the packing—-thats how you know you have enough. I also recommend putting a flat piece of cardboard on top of you packing material as the last layer before taping the box shut.
