Roller Skids Buyer's Guide

A Brief History of the Multiroll® Brand

Multiton was founded in 1951 and began producing hand pallet trucks and machine-moving dollies in a small workshop in Port Washington, New York.

From the earliest days, the company focused on rugged, purpose-built equipment designed to solve real jobsite challenges. This foundation led to the development of the Mark Series of Machinery Moving Dollies (roller skids)-products that quickly became trusted tools for riggers and industrial contractors.

Built with heavy-duty castings and straightforward mechanical designs, Multiton products earned a reputation for durability, reliability, and American-made quality. For decades, the Multiton name was synonymous with professional rigging applications where failure was not an option.

In 1976, Multiton became part of the Jungheinrich Group of Germany-one of the largest forklift truck suppliers in the world. Following the acquisition, the Multiton brand, product line, and dealer organization operated as an internal sales division of Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., expanding its reach while maintaining the same proven designs and manufacturing standards.

Through the 1990s, the product line continued under Multiton Corporation in Richmond, Virginia, supporting industrial customers across North America.

In the early 2000s, the roller skid and machinery-moving product line was acquired by Cherry's Industrial Equipment and reintroduced under the Multiroll® brand.

Today's Multiroll products carry forward the same legacy-American quality, domestic castings and components, proven designs, and long-term parts and technical support. While ownership and branding have evolved over time, the core principles remain unchanged: equipment built to last, trusted by professionals, and supported for generations.

Expert Tips for Using Roller Skids

1. Match the Roller Skid to the Application

Roller skids are commonly used in machine rigging, house moving, safe and vault relocation, industrial equipment positioning, press installation, and during mezzanine and escalator installation in construction environments. Each application presents different load footprints, centers of gravity, and movement requirements. Selecting the correct capacity, wheel type, and top style is critical to maintaining control and minimizing risk.

2. Evaluate Floor Type, Load Weight, and Travel Path

Concrete condition, surface finish, joints, and slope directly influence roller skid selection. Smooth floors favor poly wheels for reduced friction and surface protection, while rough or debris-prone surfaces may require steel wheels or chain-top designs. Load weight, distribution, and intended travel distance should always be evaluated together-no single factor should drive the decision in isolation.

3. Prioritize Control and Directional Stability

Swivel and rotating-top skids allow precise positioning in confined spaces, but controlled movement is essential. Steering bars and alignment tools should be used whenever possible to maintain direction, especially with tall or narrow loads. Sudden changes in direction or uneven force application increase the risk of load shift.

4. Use Complete, Compatible Rigging Kits

Complete roller skid kits-matched sets with steering bars and accessories-simplify setup and improve predictability during moves. Toe jacks and ratchet jacks are commonly used to safely lift equipment and place roller skids underneath, allowing controlled elevation without forklifts or cranes. Using purpose-built lifting tools reduces the need for improvised methods and helps maintain load stability during initial placement. Compatibility matters: selecting skids and accessories designed to work together reduces risk and improves overall safety. Long-term availability of replacement parts ensures continued use of existing equipment sets without forced upgrades.

5. Choose Proven Domestic Brands Over Imports

Buying established domestic brands such as Hilman Rollers or Multiton provides measurable advantages over imported alternatives. These include consistent capacity ratings, higher-quality castings, U.S.-based engineering support, and long-term parts availability. Imported skids may offer a lower upfront cost, but often lack compatibility with legacy equipment and dependable support.

6. Plan for Long-Term Ownership and Serviceability

Roller skids are not consumables-they are long-term tools. Selecting models with readily available replacement wheels, chains, bearings, and steering components ensures continued service decades after purchase. Compatibility with older sets allows fleets to expand without obsoleting existing equipment.

7. When in Doubt, Ask Before You Move

If load characteristics, floor conditions, or movement requirements are unclear, consultation is strongly recommended. A short conversation before a move can prevent equipment damage, floor repairs, or serious injury. When unsure, call or inquire-proper selection is always less costly than correcting a mistake after the move has begun.