Did you d'load the patch with the upgrade to version 1.00.04? That helps keep the builders on task when they're doing the statue. You also need to keep the Chief directing the work (put him/her at the start of the ramp to get the Chief to direct). Also, be sure your using villagers who are at least "trainee builders", a villager with no building skill won't push the statue.

I had a hard time finding the timer, when the statue was up the ramp, until I did the patch.

Not sure about this, but it looks like you can have only a certain amount of builders at a time moving the statue, when it's close to the top of the ramp I think it's only 8 allowed, but I think there were more working when it was at the bottom.