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The loading of the MMT primary mirror cell onto the special transport trailer was a complex operation that involved three separate lifts:

First, the cell was lifted from its resting place on jackstands in the FLWO Basecamp's parking lot. The cell was in a zenith-pointing attitude. It was lifted straight up, the transport trailer was backed under it and the cell was lowered onto the trunion stands. The stands were equipped with spacer boxes that provided enough clearance for the elevation brake arcs.

Second, the crane was re-rigged and the cell was tilted to vertical (horizon-pointing). This is the attitude in which the cell will move up the mountain but the spacers raised its center of gravity perilously high.

Third, the cell was lifted off the trunion stands and the spacer boxes were removed. Large support brackets were bolted to the bottom of the cell and it was lowered back onto the trailer with the load being shared between the trunion stands and the bed of the trailer.

• Morning...the troops assemble.
• The 85 ton crane arrives.
• Setting up the crane.
• The special trailer is pulled up from the lower yard.
• The cast of characters -- the cell, the trailer and the crane.
• The cell is lifted...
• ...and swung clear of its jacks.
• The cell, in mid-air.
• The trailer is backed under the cell.
• Alignment.
• The view from the opposite side.
• The view under the cell.
• Rigging the cell for the tilt to vertical.
• Halfway to vertical.
• Another view.
• The bottom of the nearly vertical cell.
• The bolts are removed...
• ...and the cell is lifted again.
• The spacers have to be removed with the cell vertical.
• Removing the other spacer with the fork lift.
• Additional support brackets are bolted to the bottom of the cell.
• The long view. The hill in the background was called "The Devil's Throne" by early miners in the area. Thankfully, the Devil wasn't around today...
• The mirror cell is set down.
• The tension is removed from the crane cables.
• Success...