Hi TB;
Sorry it took me so long to reply. The pvc rollers I referred to are for use between the beam and a solid surface like a well supported plank or subflooring. I have moved cut granite foundation stones with 4" pvc rollers, but solid wood rollers would be stronger. The long beams we moved were uphill from the foundation so we pivoted the beam onto the axle, secured the beams to the axle with ratchet straps, tied a rope to the axle, not the timber, and walked the timber downhill. The rope in this case was tied to a small pickup truck uphill of the timber to restrain the beam from freewheeling. The rope tied to the axlle allowed me to steer the beam around the corners and onto the deck. Having the axle almost centered allowed me to "carry" one end without much effort and allowed us a turning radius of zero. We could temporarily raise one end of the beam up over obsticles on the jobsite. If the beams were on the downhill side of the foundation, I am sure a 4x4 pickup could have easily towed them around.
Maybe you have seen a utility company truck towing utility poles down the road on a special cart. In this case they bolt a trailer hitch to the pole to attach the pole to the truck. This was the same idea.
Good luck; Jim
