Review on HTC Adjustable Mobile Base HTC2000 for Power Tools in Black by Ray Reeltalk

During the basement renovation, one of the upcoming projects was repainting the concrete floor in the laundry room under the washer and dryer. This meant (of course) moving both instruments first. It's not that difficult, but it made it clear why the previous paint on the floor was so scratched... The metal feet of the washer and dryer were literally scraping the paint off. The reader is probably at a loss: should they be postponed? Not often to be honest...at least once a year so the city water board can take the actual meter reading (which is right behind the washing machine - see photo) to confirm the remote reading. - Only once a year? Yes, but still...why bother prepping and repainting everything just to scrape it off? So the search for a way to prevent this began. The obvious solution was some sort of semi-permanent wheeled cart or platform. Although Revain and other companies offer such instrument stands, they were either too small to hold the device or (in my opinion) not suitable for supporting a water-filled machine and/or wet clothing spinning at high speed . , what to do? Obviously... a bigger and more solid base was needed. My search finally led me to the adjustable mobile base station HTC2000. Although sold as a base for power tools, it's absolutely fine in terms of both footprint and durability, which is why I ordered it for the washing machine. Prior to delivery, the floor was prepared and repainted. It was very nice to know that it was made in the USA. So you expect a clearly written, understandable manual. Unfortunately this was NOT the case. The booklet was nothing more than a parts list with tiny assembly plans. Although this may seem enough. It wasn't enough because there were so many fasteners (see photo) of the same size and parts that were also similar that it was confusing trying to figure out what went where compared to the tiny diagrams. That being said, my criticism of this product ends here. This base is very well made and beautifully designed. I'll fast forward a moment to say I was so pleased; I ordered a second one for the dryer so the units fit side by side and the tops are level. Getting back to assembly... I strongly recommend that you connect (check carefully) all of the same fasteners with their washers and nuts and for all parts determine their final position when assembled: left, right, front, back, top or bottom. I promise it will be confusing. Just be patient and don't force anything. If it doesn't fit, you probably placed it in the wrong place. You'll also need metric tools for some brackets and inch tools for others. I recommend using socket wrenches and socket wrenches. There are some very small/narrow places where these tools are useful for tightening connections. Carefully and accurately measure the instrument from below, NOT above. I learned the hard way that my sizes were different. Leave a little more space when assembling the base. I added 1/4" to 3/8" in each direction depending on the adjustment available on the rails. Once the base is fully assembled, triple check your measurements to make sure it's square. Check all fasteners to ensure they are tight. Many of them are not accessible when the device is in the base. Most washers and dryers have adjustable leveling feet. My own leveling feet. Another reason I screwed mine in was so they also came in the way in the next step. You have to decide that yourself. Lifting the washing machine together is the way to go. In my situation, only my wife and I were available. While I could lift half, she couldn't lift the other half, the machine should be high enough to then gradually loosen the soil underneath. It was like moving, only on a smaller scale. It took longer than anything. The base has two fixed castors (in my application) at the back and large lifting wheels at the front. I mention this because side-to-side movement is difficult. It's not dissimilar to a shopping cart, so plan ahead so you have plenty of room to maneuver in a confined space. Depressing the big red pedals raises and engages the front wheels. After turning it on, I returned the washing machine to its final position and then slowly lifted the red pedals. This can be accomplished by hooking your toes underneath and then lifting it up. Don't be alarmed if it falls with a loud "bang". Make sure there is nothing under the base that shouldn't be there. The final step is to align the fixed legs to the front of the base. Even when fully extended, they do not touch the ground when engaging the front wheels. Nice feature. May I recommend this product? Yes, but only for those who have the right tools, are willing to put in the time, and have the skills required to interpret tiny assembly diagrams. What I want to do; what I intend to do. Like I said I was so pleased I bought another one for the dryer. I have a feeling that the manufacturer is missing out on a very large market (home appliances) for this product. However, if they ever decide to do that, they'll need much better, clearer step-by-step instructions and maybe a different color scheme.