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MD

I'd like to know how pumpkins are moved to weigh-off especially those that are over 1000lbs. I've seen those lifters with the straps but how do they get the straps underneath the pumpkin?

3/29/2002 6:58:15 AM

Western Pa.

Jon,

The "lifting rings" work well enough to load a big pumpkin by yourself. 10 or so nylon straps are hung from the ring, then 1 more is threaded through the bottom loops of the straps. When you snug this strap up, the others will all slide under the pumpkin, making a cicle smaller than the pumpkin itself. Then simply tie off the bottom strap.
I use an old "heavy duty" swingset, but you can easily fashion a tripod out of 14' 4x4's lashed with chain. This works well when the weights start getting "up there" and for some reason your lifters don't show up anymore, although I WOULD get help with that 1000#er! Don't forget to transport them on some kind of padding!

3/29/2002 9:19:13 AM

Sloughhouse, CA

My husband and I used the bucket on the tractor. 1ST we puhed the pumpkin on the trap. 2nd. Ran a rope through the handles of the tarp. 3rd. Put a chain with hook over the bucket. 4th. Hooked the rope on the hook. I then drove the tractor to the pickup and we put the pumpkin on the wood flat. My pumpkin was only 358.Hopefully the same procedure will work on the bigger pumpkins.

3/29/2002 5:24:29 PM

walton n.y.

that's almost the same way i get my pumpkins on the truck suzy but not everyone has access to a tractor or fork lift at oswego last year i helped put joe pukos's 1061 on the scales all of us were wondering who wasn't lifting their share but everyone who was lifting knew it was heavy

3/30/2002 7:54:18 PM

I personally use a (old seat belt)home built strap setup copied off Al Eaton's, very little cost & I loaded a 945 without trouble with the assistance of a tractor with front end loader, I borrowed. Work's great on all size pumpkins.No
damage to fruit whatsoever.

3/30/2002 9:53:53 PM