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2004Cases/Carts/Stands and Transport forum

Recommendations for steadicam transport carts and docking solutions

22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

What the thread found

  • A Magliner cart with modifications can serve as an effective steadicam transport platform, with options including upgraded wheels, extended handle packages, and a baby spud mount for docking hardware.
  • The Magliner Senior model offers full cargo capacity with a top shelf suitable for arm and focus equipment, though the handle-mounted docking spud may bend under heavy camera loads and may require reinforcement.
  • A Magliner Junior can be modified with a custom bracket mounted to the handle bar loop to allow docking a fully built sled between the hands while pushing, with pneumatic casters added for rough terrain travel.
  • The Murphy Cart works well for single-location multi-day jobs due to its small footprint, allowing operators to build packages on the cart and park it safely between shots.
  • A modified Magliner handles situations requiring travel to multiple locations in one day better than a dedicated docking cart.
  • The standard docking pin on Magliner handles has inherent play that can cause the rig to lean away from the cart, and upgrading to a reinforced steel nose piece may improve stability.
  • Larger diameter wheels reduce vibration and improve performance when traversing obstacles compared to standard Magliner wheels.
  • The Magliner braking system may fail after limited use and requires modification or replacement to function reliably.
  • Combining a rolling stand for dynamic balancing with a Magliner for transport allows operators to optimize different aspects of their workflow.

Depends on

  • Some modifications described were still in progress or untested at the time of posting.
  • Magliner stability with heavy rigs mounted on the nose is a concern, particularly regarding potential tipping when cases are removed from the cart.
  • The Magliner handle-mounted docking solution may not be suitable for all camera weights or configurations.
  • One user reported brake system failure within one week of use.
  • Single cart solutions may not accommodate all shooting scenarios equally well.
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