An apparatus to facilitate the lifting of vending machines comprising a rigid bar, a handle attached to the rigid bar by a first metal plate, a second metal plate attached to the rigid bar with both a vertical and an oblique portion, and a wheel assembly. The oblique portion of the second metal plate comprises a flat section, a beveled edge, and a lip that engages the underside of the vending machine. The angle between the vertical and oblique portions of the second metal plate, the angle of the beveled edge, and the angle between the lip and the beveled edge are within specified ranges. The handle is coated with a rubberized material, the rigid bar is made from a material that provides the necessary strength and durability, and the wheels are made of polyurethane. A method of lifting a vending machine using the apparatus described herein.