How To Move A Barber Chair
Understanding Why Barber Chairs Are Hard to Move
barber chairs are intentionally heavy because they use steel frames, hydraulic bases, and weighted platforms to keep clients stable during cutting, shaving, and reclining. This weight makes moving the chair safer during use—but more challenging when repositioning.
Manufacturers such as Huiyi Furniture design chairs with durable, balanced bases, but proper technique is still necessary to avoid damage or injury when moving them.
Important Safety Warnings Before Moving a barber chair
1. Never try to move the chair with a client sitting in it
The weight becomes dangerous and difficult to control.
2. Do not drag the chair sideways
This can bend the hydraulic pump shaft or damage the base.
3. Keep fingers away from the pump and base edges
These areas are extremely heavy and can pinch hands.
4. Lift using proper posture
Use your legs—not your back—to prevent injury.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Move a barber chair Safely
Step 1: Lower the Chair Completely
Put the chair in its lowest position.
Why:
Reduces center of gravity
Prevents tipping
Makes lifting easier
Hydraulic chairs lower by pressing the release pedal halfway.
Step 2: Remove the Headrest
Most headrests slide out easily.
Why:
Makes chair shorter and easier to maneuver
Prevents accidental bending of the headrest rod
Place the headrest aside in a safe location.
Step 3: Lift From the Base—Not the Seat
A barber chair must always be lifted from the metal base, not the seat or armrests.
Where to lift:
Under the circular or square metal base
Using both hands
With a second person if the chair is very heavy
Lifting the seat puts stress on the hydraulic pump.
Step 4: Tilt the Chair Slightly to Unweight the Base
Do not drag the entire flat surface of the base across the floor.
Correct method:
Tilt the chair at a slight angle
Allow one edge of the base to glide
Keep the pump shaft vertical and stable
This technique protects both the floor and the pump.
Step 5: Slide or Roll Using a Moving Board or Furniture Dolly
For longer distances:
Use:
A flat dolly
A thick moving blanket
A sliding pad
Steps:
Tilt the base slightly
Place dolly or blanket under the base edge
Gently lower the chair onto the platform
Roll or slide it to the new location
This reduces strain and prevents damage.
Step 6: Reposition Gently in the New Location
Once at the destination:
Lower the chair carefully
Ensure the base sits flat
Reinsert the headrest
Test rotation and height adjustment
A stable base is essential for safe operation.
How To Move a Barber Chair Up or Down Stairs
Always use two or more people
The chair’s weight can exceed 80–120 kg.
Recommended technique:
Strap the chair securely to a heavy-duty dolly
Use stair-climbing wheels when possible
Lift from the base, not the pump
Move slowly, one step at a time
Keep chair upright to avoid damaging mechanism
Never try to move a barber chair up steps alone.
Troubleshooting: If the Chair Won’t Move Easily
1. Hair trapped under base
Clean the base thoroughly.
2. Hydraulic pump stuck to the floor
Moisture or wax buildup can make the base adhere—break the seal gently using a tilt motion.
3. Chair wobbles after moving
Check that:
Base sits flat
Pump shaft is seated correctly
Bolts under the seat are tight
4. Base scratched the floor
Use sliders or moving blankets next time.
How Huiyi Furniture Makes Chairs Easier to Move
Chairs designed by Huiyi Furniture include:
Balanced hydraulic bases
Smooth chrome surfaces that glide easily on sliders
Reinforced pump shafts to reduce damage risk
Strong yet manageable weights
High-stability frames that resist tipping
These engineering choices help ensure safe repositioning without compromising durability.
Maintenance Tips for Easier Future Moves
Clean floors before moving
Reduces friction under the base.
Polish the base regularly
Helps it glide more smoothly.
Avoid storing chairs on sticky surfaces
Prevents suction effect on the base.
Maintain pump and recline mechanisms
A well-functioning chair is easier to control during movement.
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