Maco mule are they any good?

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 02, 2011 at 21:41
ThreadID: 83391 Views:17528 Replies:9 FollowUps:6
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I was looking for something for the van and came across a 'Maco Mule'.

At first blush this looks like just the thing to move our van, along our 60 mtr driveway. It is quite narrow and there is a bit of an up slope at the end of the driveway to get under the carport.

Has anyone got one of these 'movers and use it in a similar situation?

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Reply By: farouk - Sunday, Jan 02, 2011 at 21:59

Sunday, Jan 02, 2011 at 21:59
Hi Boo Boo,
They are a great tool BUT if your driveway is gravel and you are moving caravan uphill forget about it, you just do not get the purchase on the ground to keep van moving but if it is paved not a worry. Go for it.
Farouk
AnswerID: 440507

Reply By: Hollywood - Sunday, Jan 02, 2011 at 22:03

Sunday, Jan 02, 2011 at 22:03
For a small fee, I'll teach you to reverse it up there!
AnswerID: 440508

Follow Up By: Member - Boo Boo (NSW) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 11:34

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 11:34
hollywood

You obviously haven't had my better half helping you. LOL

Reversing is not a problem its the directions.

I can't use the caravan mirrors because they will hit the trees.

Like i said it's a tight driveway!
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Follow Up By: Hollywood - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 13:36

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 13:36
The other left, you know, the one on the right!!!
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Reply By: Member - Tricky Dicky (NSW) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 06:53

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 06:53
Hi Boo Boo

i have one of these and they are great on a hard level surface I used it with a 16ft single axel van it was a little hard to use single handed on a slope as it tended to roll back on me so really need extra person to use the brake or chock the wheel. I now have a tandem van and gravel drive so it sits in the garage.
Dick
AnswerID: 440530

Follow Up By: Member - Boo Boo (NSW) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 14:43

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 14:43
Dick

The driveway is two concrete strips with lawn in the middle for most of the way.

The gradient I have to get up at the end of the drive is all concrete.

The caravan wheels are on concrete all the way and the mule will be on the grass strip until I get to the end of the drive.

I am presuming it can handle the grass on the flat.



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Follow Up By: Member - Tricky Dicky (NSW) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 19:16

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 19:16
Hi Boo Boo

it should handle the ground ok depends on the weight on the mule, if the grass is wet it might slip or sink in. They are slow but if your driveway is that narrow you won't be in a rush anyway.

Dick
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 15:24

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 15:24
Hi BooBoo,

I have a dual wheeled Maco Mule and they are OK, but they have limited travel on the handle. I think a 60 metre driveway may take a bit of time to traverse.
I use mine on a sloping cement driveway over approximately 8 metres and it makes the job manageable, especially when using it solo.
I can recommend them but with the rider of distance limitations due to the handle operation.

For an alternative device to consider, have you heard of the Hitchdrive.
The video makes it look simple, but I have not actually seen one "in battle".

Hitchdrive


Bill.
Bill


I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

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AnswerID: 440570

Follow Up By: Roughasguts - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 17:53

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 17:53
Hmmm wonder if the Hitch drive can be hooked up to your 18 volt cordless drill.

Cheers.
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Reply By: - mazcan - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 16:26

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 16:26
hi booboo
have you considered a reversing camera this would illiminate the the better half

trying to get those power or hand cranking devices to grip on grass is a bit iffy
unless it has a very good lug tyre pattern

other option
get the better half to reverse while you give directions ?????
cheers
AnswerID: 440583

Follow Up By: - mazcan - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 16:28

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 16:28
hi
just a thought on the spurr of the moment
have you considered cutting gaps in the tree trunks so the mirrows dont hit
lol ??
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Reply By: Member - Bruce C (NSW) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 18:24

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 18:24
Hi Boo Boo,
A mate has a removable tow ball set up to the front of his cruiser and his access is also very tight as he has to make a right angle turn to get his van into his van port.

It would be impossible to reverse it into his van port but it is a breeze with his setup.

Probably worth considering given the money you might save.
Another good idea is a 2way radio for the driver and navigator if she is giving directions.
That way you can have a good barney without entertaining the neighbors. LOL

Cheers, Bruce.
At home and at ease on a track that I know not and
restless and lost on a track that I know. HL.

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AnswerID: 440594

Reply By: Member - Phil 'n Jill (WA) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 19:57

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 19:57
Hi Boo Boo

I used a Maco for a couple of years with a 1.5t single axle van specifically purchased to get the wind down unit into a carport with 50mm spare either side through the roller door opening - then a bit more room when past that thank heaves.

Hard work up a slight incline, totally on concrete, would happily use it now on the dual axle unit though - if the van would go under the eaves level carport, but with the full height van, gave up and put in a 2nd driveway for it.

The principle is fine - but if there is a decent incline I think you will struggle, unless it is particularly light on the ball.

Cheers - Phil
Phil 'n Jill (WA)

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AnswerID: 440604

Reply By: Member - Mark R (SA) - Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 22:55

Monday, Jan 03, 2011 at 22:55
G'day Boo Boo

Can definitely say from experience that Maco Mules (in my case, the dual wheel version) do NOT like wet grass or more than minor slopes. ('nuff said!)

Cheers
Mark R
AnswerID: 440624

Reply By: Member - Boo Boo (NSW) - Saturday, Jan 08, 2011 at 18:40

Saturday, Jan 08, 2011 at 18:40
Thanks fellas

To answer a few of the comments I like the idea of putting a tow ball on the front of the vehicle.

The width of the drive way has been opened up a bit with a severe pruning, ie down to the ground in some parts and large limbs in another, but still a bit tight.

I think the 60 mtr drive way may also be a problem based on some of your comments.

The reversing camera is a bit deceptive when for backing.

We are going to try hand held UHF's, but I don't think we want the shouting to be in the public arena. LOL





AnswerID: 441146

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