Re: machine handling
Renting a forklift might be a good option. If it really only weighs 2500 lbs. then good pallet jack could be used to move it around, also available for rent. At 2500 lbs, I would want a minimum of a 5000 lb forklift. Using a drop deck trailer is my prefered method for hauling. My local rental shop has a 10,000 lb drop deck trailer for about $55/day. You'll need ratchet pullers, straps, chains & binders for moving and securing the load. Above all, get some help, and think through what you are going to do before you do it.
Hiring a machinery mover might be a very good option if you don't have experience moving machines.
You could build a frame and put it on wheels. Here is a picture of one machine in my shop that is on wheels. I didn't do this, and it doesn't look very substantial, but it seems to work fine. About a 5000 lb machine.
These are about 5 inch castors and the angle iron is 3/8 thick, just bolted to the cast iron base. We just rolled it out of the trailer, while controlling it with ratchet pullers.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA