No, the handles are not removable. That is 1/2", steel pipe, 36" tall and 18" width and they're bolted down to the platform. As for cost, I think I paid a little over $100 for the materials (although I re-used some casters I already had). I've already bought another set of larger casters and I'm really thinking to just get another platform and build a 2nd unit, this time with either 3/4" or 1" piping. If I put those LS801p subs side by side, towards the front of the van, the trucks would just wheel in and could hold everything needed, even for lighting jobs. Last night, this rig cut my load time down considerably, even with the little set-backs. The venue mgr made mention about how quick I was getting out the door as compared to normal.