A pottery wheel's motor sits low and centered, which keeps it fairly stable to carry, but wet clay residue and a full splash pan turn a clean move into a messy one fast. Cleaning and draining before you lift it saves your truck's interior and your back.
Pro tip: A thin coat of mineral oil on the wheel head's metal surface before a long move in a humid truck helps prevent surface rust from forming.
Watch out: Never move a pottery wheel with wet clay or slip still in the splash pan; it will slosh, leak, and stain blankets, boxes, or the inside of the truck.