Methods for moving steel blocks

[railroadman]

I need to move a block of steel 1.5 inches vertically, and another piece horizontally 3 inches. I was thinking magnetics. Are hydraulics viable? What else could work?

 

[Bob S]

I have used 5-ton steel plates that have been moved using large magnets. The plates become permanents magnetized, require a crane, and is relatively unsafe. I have seen 70-ton steel flywheels removed from a building by professional riggers. They used 12" by 12" wooden beams, hydraulic jacks, and ~6" diameter wooden (hardwood?) dowels (like the Egyptians building the Pyramids). I would choose the latter for both lifting and moving..
Bob S