Not a bad idea but the first thing I would want would be some bigger wheels and tires. If using off cement or hard surface, then it is much better and easier to move something like that with higher wheels. In addition, the width of the tire needs to be good so it doesn't sink in soft ground, like sand or even if you are working in some swampy ground. In addition, the handle is really low which means harder work.
An electric powered version of a unit this size is doable too with today's available batteries and motors used on other types of gear. Don't know if they offer it yet.
For about 1/3rd the cost, you can get a 2 wheel dolly/hand truck from Harbor Freight with a fold down extension which will do basically the same thing.
Could start with this... http://www.menards.com/main/outdoor...r-assist-wheelbarrow-frame-only/p-1964168.htm
I've piled about 3 the size in the picture in my wheelbarrow and toted them out of the woods to the truck.
The biggest advantage I see is you can roll a huge round on to the cart , then tip it back. (as Oliver said hand truck style) But as Savage said bigger wheels sure would be better. 26" bike tires would work for me as I am in more a mountainous area, no soft ground but rough terrain. But still, two wheels don't maneuver through the woods to well, so personally I kept working the perfect firewood hauler until I reinvented the big wheel wheelbarrow. It was a proud day, but humbling day.
I respectfully disagree. First, who cuts in sand; I suppose somebody does. Second, I don't think bigger wheels are going to help much in "swampy" ground either. The wheels are already 16" tall. Third, bigger wheels mean the axle is going to be higher, meaning you have to use a lot more muscle to get a large round onto the mule, actually reducing the size log you can transport with this tool. Fourth, the handle is already 51.25" tall; it is hitting those guys about nipple height. Any higher and it is in your neck, chin, or teeth. Anyhow, when you lower it to move around, it is still going to be at the bottom of your reach no matter how tall it is. I have one. I am pretty sure I have come close to maxing out the weight limit. I have used it in soft ground (not swampy), after some of the rains we have had without issue. The tires are bigger than a standard dolly and maneuver extremely well IMO. They work well for what they are. They are aluminum and light (only 39 lbs), which is nice. The very first time I used mine I tripped going up my trailer ramp, with probably a 200 lb noodled half round. When I fell, the log mule fell backwards, I slightly bent the 2 pieces of angle coming from the axle to the handle. My point is this, if they made one with a little heavier aluminum, I would be much happier with my purchase.
I have one of those also ($70 at Orcheln's). Moved lots of wood with it. Mine is rated at 800 lbs as opposed to 400 lbs for the Log Mule. But there is no way in Hades I could move an 800# round with my dolly; in fact, I don't think I could move a 400# round with my dolly. The Log Mule advantages are: 1) Most important, the round, half-round, or quarter-round does not fall off the log mule. I couldn't tell you how many times I have had to reload my dolly because the round fell off, 2) The round does not rub the wheels like it can/does on a dolly, 3) the tires and base are wider for more stability and better maneuverability, 4) the handle is wider and easier to use with one or both hands, 5) the tires are bigger for better maneuverability, 6) the tires are flat free My .02 I hate to say it, but the Log Mule price has raised $100 since I bought mine in April.
Looks like a good idea ,16”tires are pretty good size and flat free is a plus ,bigger tires and much wider than my hand truck. With the price tag I see why you would want to make your own . I will probably just keep using my 25 year old dolly
I'm with HDRock, I use a hand truck; heck, I don't even bother with the strap, just stick my foot through the bars to hold the top of the log and tip it back until balanced. Strap is a good idea if you are going any distance or your work area is uneven.
That video shows the LM to be quite useful, but I'm all out of ducats to by one!! Would be neat to construct something similar....
I've moved quite a few big rounds with a regular old hand truck. If you don't already have a nice one, they come in mighty handy for moving all sorts of heavy things. Here's one for 1/3 the price, with stair climber tracks, and an extendable bed: http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/m...-hand-truck-curved-handle-with-stair-climbers
