A pinball machine is not just heavy, it is also full of fragile parts that were never designed to survive a bumpy ride in a moving truck. Between the glass backglass, the wiring harnesses tucked beneath the playfield, and a cabinet that can weigh 150 to 300 pounds, learning how to move a pinball machine the right way is the difference between a smooth relocation and a very expensive repair bill.
Whether you are moving it across town or across the state, this guide walks through the process step by step so your machine arrives ready to play.
Why Pinball Machines Are Tricky to Move
Pinball machines are top-heavy, off-balance, and packed with parts that shift easily. The backglass sits in a thin metal frame at the top of the cabinet and can crack under pressure or vibration. Underneath the playfield glass, the pinballs themselves can roll around and damage components if they are not locked down first. Add in exposed wiring harnesses and delicate scoring displays, and it becomes clear why moving a pinball machine takes more care than moving a standard piece of furniture.
How to Move a Pinball Machine Step by Step
1. Unplug and Prepare the Machine
Turn off and unplug the machine, then let it sit for a few minutes before you start disassembly. This gives any stored electrical charge time to dissipate and keeps you safe while you work near the internal wiring.
2. Remove and Protect the Backglass
Carefully lift the backglass out of its frame and wrap it separately in moving blankets or bubble wrap. Never leave it installed during transport. A single hard bump can crack the glass or chip the artwork, and replacement backglasses for older machines are often difficult to find.
3. Secure or Remove the Legs
Most pinball machines have removable legs held on with bolts. Taking them off makes the cabinet easier to maneuver through doorways and safer to load, since a machine balanced on its legs can tip during transport.
4. Lock Down the Playfield and Pinballs
Open the coin door and remove any loose pinballs so they cannot roll around and damage components during the move. If your machine has a playfield glass lock or lockdown bar, make sure it is fully secured before the cabinet is lifted.
5. Wrap and Load the Cabinet
Wrap the entire cabinet in moving blankets, paying extra attention to the corners and any exposed edges. Load the machine upright whenever possible. Laying a pinball machine on its side or back can shift internal components and stress the cabinet joints.
6. Transport and Unload Carefully
Strap the machine securely inside the truck so it cannot shift during transit, and unload it the same way it was loaded, upright and with a dolly rated for heavy equipment. Reinstall the legs, backglass, and any removed hardware once the machine is in its final position.
Common Mistakes When Transporting a Pinball Machine
- Leaving the backglass installed instead of removing and wrapping it separately
- Laying the cabinet flat instead of keeping it upright
- Forgetting to remove loose pinballs before the move
- Using standard moving equipment instead of a dolly built for heavy, top-weighted items
- Skipping the wiring check before reconnecting the machine at the new location
DIY vs. Hiring Pinball Machine Movers
If you are comfortable with basic disassembly and have help lifting, moving a pinball machine yourself is possible with the right equipment and a careful plan. For the heavy lifting portion, labor-only moving can provide the extra hands without the cost of a full-service crew.
If you would rather not risk the backglass or electronics, professional pinball machine movers bring the same equipment and care used for other heavy, top-weighted specialty items. Our team’s experience with safe moving translates directly to arcade equipment, since both require careful weight distribution, proper dollies, and a plan for tight doorways or stairs.
Tips for a Smooth Move
- Take photos of the wiring and connections before disassembly so reassembly is easier
- Keep screws and small hardware in a labeled bag taped to the inside of the cabinet
- Measure doorways and stairwells ahead of time to plan the safest path out
- Have at least two people available for lifting, since pinball machines are too heavy and awkward for one person alone
