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From your recent posts it may be that you are already thinking along these lines but let me suggest an approach to the horn positioning anyway.

I don’t think it is either necessary or desirable to vertically lift the full weight of each horn and then move the horn and lifting apparatus horizontally to place the horn in the attic.

Further, I doubt if the horn is structurally strong enough to be unsupported during this lifting/positioning process without risking joint damage so some sort of heavy-duty support on which the entire horn rests would be in order. This support can act as a ramp/slide base.

I would use a three-step process:

1- The Easy Lift
First lift the lighter throat end of the horn/ramp system to the attic – or preferably to a strong temporary structure built from the main floor to the attic floor and right against the wall (something like your harness illustrated in post #250 but capable of supporting serious weight). The end of the ramp should be attached so it can pivot. Of course the horn is secured from moving on the ramp during this phase. The bulk of the weight remains on the floor.

2- The Heavy Lift
Then use your lifting device to lift the heavy mouth-end of the horn/ramp possibly high enough so that the horn/ramp is horizontal. You may need some tilt for positioning purposes. The pivoted end will bear more of the weight as the heavy end is lifted making for a far more stable and easier lift.

3- The Slide
Finally winch the horn into position. The horn assembly should be on skids or casters with the restraining structure that was used during lifting removed.

If the lifting mechanism becomes unstable before the full horizontal position is reached the horn might still be winched partially into position as any tilt from the ramp gives some mechanical advantage of an inclined plane to the vertical movement. As more of the horn enters the attic lifting the heavy end should become easier.

As Paul has previously advised, caution suggests additional shoring perhaps with screw jacks or scaffolding or heavy-duty lumber during the intermediate phases and of course during the final sliding and positioning.

I would also use some screw jacks to support the attic during this installation as the weight will be unevenly borne during the various phases.

All of this assumes that the hiring of insured professionals, such as piano movers, is not feasible.

Good luck,
Robert

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