JMI Heavy-Duty "Shorty" Universal Wheeley Bar — Telescope Dolly

The JMI Heavy-Duty "Shorty" Universal Wheeley Bar is the most compact member of JMI's heavy-duty Universal family — purpose-built for imaging rigs and tight spaces. Roll your fully assembled telescope from storage to your observing spot without breaking down the setup, disconnecting cables, or disturbing polar alignment. Lock the wheels, level the base, and start imaging.

The Shorty's shorter leg design allows the most compact, lowest, most stable tripod configuration in the HD lineup — making it the easiest to fit through doorways while still carrying up to 300 lb. Built by JMI (part of the CXB Astro family) on heavy welded steel. Ships standard with 5″ polyurethane wheels. Made in California, USA.

Product Overview

300 lb-rated steel telescope dolly for tripod-mounted telescopes with a tip-to-tip distance of 26.25″ to 31.25″. Best for imaging rigs where low stance and maximum doorway clearance matter most. Ships with 5″ polyurethane wheels and heavy-duty 5/8″ leveling screws.

Who Is This Product Best For?

Astrophotographers and serious observers with heavy imaging rigs — loaded German equatorial mounts, large SCTs, or any setup where the fully loaded weight exceeds 50 lb. Also the best choice for anyone rolling their scope through a tight doorway.

Why Choose This Product?

• 300 lb capacity: Handles the most demanding fully loaded imaging rigs.
• Most compact HD model: Smallest footprint and easiest doorway clearance in the heavy-duty lineup.
• Preserve your alignment: Keep polar alignment, guidescope calibration, and cable routing session to session.
• 5″ polyurethane wheels standard: Smooth, stable ride on concrete, driveways, and pavement.
• USA-made steel construction: Welded steel frame, powder-coat finish, built to last decades.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

Fits tripods with a tip-to-tip distance of 26.25″ to 31.25″ (minimum 28.25″ with 10″ pneumatic tires). Tripod foot receptacle is 2-3/4″ I.D. Requires the Half Tie-Down Bracket Kit (sold separately). 10″ pneumatic all-terrain wheel upgrade also available.

Important Limitations

• Tip-to-tip range of 26.25″–31.25″ — verify your tripod fits before ordering
• Requires Half Tie-Down Bracket Kit (sold separately) for secure transport
• Standard 5″ wheels for hard surfaces; 10″ pneumatic upgrade needed for grass or gravel
• Always push or pull below the telescope's centre of gravity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Shorty and the HD Medium?
The Shorty has a shorter leg span (26.25″–31.25″ tip-to-tip) and the lowest, most compact stance. The HD Medium spans 34″–42.5″ and suits most popular tripods including Celestron HD and Losmandy.

Does the Shorty use the same Tie-Down kit as the other HD models?
No — the Shorty uses the Half Tie-Down Bracket Kit specifically. Do not order the full-size kit.

Can I use 10″ pneumatic wheels on the Shorty?
Yes — available as a separate upgrade. With 10″ tires, the minimum tip-to-tip increases to 28.25″.

Our Recommendation

If you are rolling a heavy imaging GEM through a garage door and need the most compact heavy-duty dolly, the HD Shorty is your model. Confirm your tripod's tip-to-tip distance is between 26.25″ and 31.25″. For wider tripod spreads, choose the HD Medium instead.