Electromagnetic lifting and transport device and methods of use thereof

A lifting and transport device comprising:

• a lower member including means for movement along a support surface;
• an upper member positioned above the lower member and including at least one electromagnet configured to magnetically engage a metallic load, wherein the lower member and the upper member are U-shaped;
• a lifting mechanism extending between the upper member and the lower member and configured to raise and lower the upper member;
• and
• a base, wherein the base is configured to be arranged in a stowed or a deployed position, and wherein the base is configured to support the metallic load in direct contact thereon when the base is in the deployed position.

A method of lifting and transporting a metal load, comprising:

• providing a load, wherein the load is at least partially metallic and magnetic;
• positioning a lifting and transport device such that an upper member of the device is adjacent the load;
• activating at least one electromagnet in the upper member to magnetically engage the load;
• raising the upper member relative to a lower member using a lifting mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism extends between the upper member and the lower member;
• extending a base underneath the load, wherein the base is supported by the lower member and is extended from a stowed position to a deployed position;
• and
• lowering the load directly onto the base while the base is in the deployed position.