In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Follow up review of DR Power Wagon

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by Reloader, Jan 3, 2020.

  1. Reloader

    Reloader

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    As stated earlier, I found this Power Wagon for $450 so took a chance.
    Originally the Tecumseh motor was running rough and the electric starter wasn’t working. A new spark plug got the motor running smooth and a little oil and new battery got the starter working.

    Today I got a chance to load it up with some heavy wet wood to move to the woodshed. Still work, but the transport is easier and will mean less trips than with the wheel barrow.
    This was level, solid ground so can’t vouch for how it will do on a muddy hill. It does have a place on the undercarriage to put three cement blocks for more traction, but this one came without them and so far I haven’t found a need for them.

    Pros:

    4 speeds and a reverse available. For my long legs, 3rd gear is just right. The slower gears are good for maneuvering in tight quarters.
    Reverse could be a little faster but for safety reasons I can understand why they made it slow.

    Recoil and electric start come in handy. Starts on second pull cold and usually first pull when warm. Found this out when my DR motor battery died a ways from home and I didn’t have a recoil.

    Stability is great so no tipping.

    Hauls a lot more than a wheel barrow. Handled a full load of wet heavy wood without any issue. Has an 800 pound load limit so could probably handle more.

    Can easily tip the box to unload. They do make an electric tip model but for my use isn’t needed.

    Enough ground clearance to clear the slab on the woodshed so is easy to load.

    Maneuvers easy in tight quarters and is small enough to get everywhere I need to go.

    Oil change was quick and easy. Plug access from the bottom so no pump or tipping needed.

    Parking brake for parking on hills. [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

    Cons:

    Electric start battery is small and requires frequent charging. Starter could be beefier. Might need new brushes, but as is, it is at its limit to get things started.

    Price new is pretty high so don’t think I could justify a new one. I got lucky to find this one for $450, but see most used ones going for around $1,000.

    This one came with tractor lug drive wheels so does do some turf damage on wet ground. Turf tires are available.

    Not a fan of the Tecumseh motor with a pump primer and no choke, but after changing the spark plug it admittedly is running well. New ones might be using a different motor.

    180 degree turns take several steps to swing it around but I see no way around it and still keeping it easy to maneuver.

    Handles are one size fits all. Would be better if they were adjustable for shorter or taller people.




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    Last edited: Jan 3, 2020
  2. Ron T

    Ron T

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    Needs a sulky.
     
  3. Eckie

    Eckie

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    That thing looks nice! Beats toting that much wood or pushing a wheel barrow with that amount! The top pic with the stack of wet wood....how many of those barrow fulls is in that stack? I can tell its decent size and holds a fair amount, but hard for me to tell how much. Is that 18" wood?
    Nice review!
     
  4. Well Seasoned

    Well Seasoned Administrator

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    That'll make life easier the way it sounds in your thorough review. Seems like it has endless uses. Heck, be nice to unload the car with a trunk full of groceries and bring it right up to the door instead of making 10 trips!
     
  5. Screwloose

    Screwloose

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    That looks pretty awesome, and the price is even more awesome !!
     
  6. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Ive seen those on TV and saw one for sale on CL. Have often wondered how well they work. Looks ideal for me if i harvested a lot of wood in my woods, which i dont. Use the wheelbarrow but still a PITA that way.
    Thanks for the review and best of luck with it Reloader
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2020
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  7. Reloader

    Reloader

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    Just missed getting a sulky for it last week. Not so good for getting exercise though.


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  8. Reloader

    Reloader

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    The pic was after three loads.
    I was getting close to 1/3 cord with 10-12 wheel barrow loads and figure this is probably 2 wheelbarrow loads per trip.
    Wood is 16-18” and holds two rows.
    The nice thing about this older model is the sides are easily removable to make a flat bed out of it.



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  9. Eckie

    Eckie

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    That would be a great piece of equipment to have. I checked local craigslist...there was one...$1200! Thats as far as i got...
     
  10. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    That is a good review. Thank you.
     
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  11. Chaz

    Chaz

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    Nice review Reloader

    At $450 and a bit of labor, seems like a decent bargain.
    :yes:

    You stated..

    Did it not come with recoil start?
    How expensive to add?
     
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  12. Easy Livin' 3000

    Easy Livin' 3000

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    I like it, a sulky would definitely make it more fun.
     
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  13. Reloader

    Reloader

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    Did it not come with recoil start?
    How expensive to add?[/QUOTE]

    I think they come with the recoil start.



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